The use of metallic materials has the advantage of a large data base on the

processing fabrication effects on structural integrity. There is still the need to

approach the overall design problem using a synergistic method to account for the
interaction of the environment with thermal mechanical processing and weld
fabrication aspects. Although not discussed, the need for detailed maintenance and
nondestructive evaluation inspection programs cannot be under emphasized in
order to insure structural integrity.
Structural metallic materials are dirvided into ferrous (eg. steels) or non-
ferrous (eg. aluminum and titanium) metals and alloys. Since most structures and
systems are produced from steels, this project will discuss the importance of
metallurgical factors such as, microstructure, thermo-mechanical treatment, and
fabrication procedures (e.g., welding) of steels. Because of relatively low costs and
rapid construction most structures are fabricated by welding, and many of the
critical structural integrity constraints are associated with welding. But it must be
taken into account that the extensive use of welding has led to many welding
related catastrophic failures which are a source of economic and human loss.
Quality assurance is important in the engineering and construction industry
because of the risk involved in any project. The risk involved in not completing the
project on time is high, because many external factors will affect the performance
of the project. It is vital that a built-in quality assurance system is developed to
avoid any inefficiency that could result in poor quality of products and service
being delivered to the customer.
Material management can be defined as a process that coordinates planning,
assessing the requirement, sourcing, purchasing, transporting, storing and
controlling of materials, minimizing the wastage and optimizing the profitability
by reducing cost of material. Scientists, architects, construction engineers and
others associated with construction technology in the 20th century recognize that
data on the service life of building materials and components are essential to
achieving longevity through the effective selection, use and maintenance of the
materials of construction. Service life data are also needed to assess performance
as a function of cost and thereby permit selection of the most economically
attractive option. It is also important to bear in mind that many failures are caused
by incorrect design, by poor construction work or by faulty maintenance. Failure
studies and the collection of failure data generate important information on the
quality of design, construction and management of buildings but do not necessarily
give the required feedback of information on materials performance. Reliable data
on the service life of materials can be generated from field performance only if the
data stem from well-planned, systematic inspections of the state of thoroughly
characterized existing buildings in thoroughly characterized environments
 In the building industry, the use of advanced finite element tools has not
only allowed the introduction of
innovative and efficient building products, but also the development of accurate
design methods. the use of finite element tools has not only allowed the
introduction of innovative and efficient building products, but also the
development of accurate design methods for use by engineers, manufacturers and
designers in the building