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TYPES OF METALS

1.03 STEEL

Steel, in its most common form, is a term used to describe plain carbon steels, which are alloys of
iron and carbon containing no more than 2% carbon. These steels are made in malleable or ingot
form, with iron always present in excess of 95%. Impurities such as phosphorus, sulfur, oxygen, and
nitrogen are also present, and additional elements like manganese, silicon, aluminum, copper, and
nickel may be present as residual impurities or deliberately added in small quantities to control the
steel's properties.

Carbon steel, as a versatile material, can be wrought, rolled, cast, and welded, although it cannot be
extruded. This alloy is the foundation of modern industry, with applications ranging from
construction and manufacturing to infrastructure and transportation. For example, carbon steel is
used in the construction of buildings, bridges, and pipelines due to its strength, durability, and
weldability. In the manufacturing sector, carbon steel is used to produce tools, machinery, and
equipment, while in transportation, it's used to build cars, ships, and railways.

1. WROUGHT CARBON STEELS

Structural Steel:

Medium carbon steel with controlled carbon content for strength and ductility. It is available in
various shapes such as angles, channels, I-beams, H columns, T shapes, Z shapes, plates, round pipe
columns, sheet piling, open web joists, and light steel framing shapes. Used in construction for its
durability and versatility.

Reinforcement of Concrete:

Usually deformed bars of varying grades and diameters. Used to reinforce concrete structures such
as buildings, bridges, and roads.

Sheet and Strip:

Sheet is typically made from low carbon steels with a carbon content of around 0.15% and no more
than 0.25%. Strip is defined as sheet material that is 12 inches or less in width. Used in various forms
such as decking, galvanized sheet, expanded metal, panels, sandwich panels, and as a base metal for
porcelain enamel. Commonly used in construction and manufacturing industries for their durability
and versatility.

Corrugated Steel:

Rigidized sheet made from low-carbon cold or hot-rolled steel sheets. Available in various gauges
ranging from 18, 20, 22, 24, and 26. Used in roofing, siding, and fencing applications.
Steel Mesh and Wire Cloth:

Used for concrete reinforcement, lath for plaster, stucco, and cement, fencing, and insect screens.

Steel Doors and Windows:

Available in various styles including casement, awning, sliding, and pivot. Customizable to fit any
design aesthetic or architectural style. Energy-efficient and durable.

Hardware:

Items used to construct or assemble something, such as nails, screws, and rivets. Nails are used to
attach pieces of wood together, screws have a threaded body for a tight fit, and rivets hold two
pieces of material firmly together without threads.

2. ALLOY STEELS

Alloy Steels:

Steel with added elements such as manganese, silicon, aluminum, titanium, and molybdenum to
produce unique properties. These elements increase properties like strength, hardness, depth of
hardenability, performance at high or low temperatures, wear resistance, and electrical conductivity.
In structural applications, architects are interested in properties such as strength, expansion,
corrosion resistance, ductility, and workability.

High-Strength Low-Alloy Steels:

Steel with improved mechanical properties and resistance to atmospheric corrosion. Used as
reinforcement for pre-stressed concrete, high-strength bolts, special structural steels, and elevator
cables.

Stainless Steels:

Highly alloyed steels with over 10% chromium, known for their resistance to heat, oxidation, and
corrosion. Used for exterior and interior wall finishes, doors, windows, trims, railings, signs and
letters, appliances, etc., where corrosion resistance, durability, and minimum maintenance is
necessary.:

1.04 COPPER

Copper is a ductile, malleable, nonmagnetic metal with a bright, reddish-brown color. It has the
highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any substance except silver and is highly resistant to
corrosion by air and saltwater forming an insoluble green patina that retards further corrosion.
In architecture, copper is widely used for its excellent conductivity and can be used in various ways
such as casting, drawing, extruding, hot and cold working, spinning, hammering, punching, welding,
brazing, and soldering. However, its galvanic action must be taken into account when used in
architecture, as it can corrode common construction materials when in contact with an electrolyte.

Copper is often used for roofing, flashing, and decorative elements due to its durability, malleability,
and aesthetic appeal. Its ability to develop a protective patina over time adds to its charm and
resistance to corrosion.

1.05 TIN

Tin is a versatile metal often coated with stannic oxide, which gives it resistance to corrosion. This
property makes it highly sought after in various industries. One of its primary uses is in its metallic
form or as tin-containing alloys. These alloys are used to create protective coatings for other metals
like steel, extending their lifespan and making them suitable for harsh environmental conditions. Tin-
based alloys like bronzes and brasses are commonly used in decorative elements and fittings due to
their durability and aesthetic appeal. Terneplate, a type of steel coated with tin, is used in roofing
and cladding materials, providing a weather-resistant and visually pleasing finish. Additionally, tin is
used in mirrors and gilding, providing reflective and gold-like finishes.

1.06 ZINC

Zinc is a medium-hard, bluish-white metal with brittleness and low strength. It's attacked by acids
and alkalis but is resistant to corrosion by water. When exposed to air, it forms a protective film of
zinc carbonate or oxide, making it suitable for protective coatings.

Its most important use is in galvanizing, where it's applied to iron and steel to protect against
corrosion. If exposed, a galvanic reaction between zinc coating and the base metal causes the zinc to
corrode, forming compounds that continue to protect the iron and steel.

However, galvanized iron (steel) can become defaced and discolored when exposed to dampness
and extreme temperatures. The zinc coating can also be damaged if the sheets are piled flat or
tightly bundled, leading to the formation of zinc hydroxide, which destroys the galvanizing.

1.07 BRASS

Brass is a copper-zinc alloy, often with small quantities of other elements added to give it special
qualities. Its proportions can vary, ranging from 95% copper and 5% zinc to 55% copper and 45%
zinc. Despite being less hard and strong than steels, brass alloys are prized for their superior
workability and resistance to corrosion.
One important consideration when using brass is its reactivity with other metals. When brass comes
into direct contact with any other metal, its position on the galvanic series should be carefully
checked to avoid galvanic corrosion. Brass should not be in direct contact with iron, steel, stainless
steel, aluminum, zinc, or magnesium if there is an electrolyte present or the possibility of one
forming at the point of contact.

In architecture, brass finds numerous applications, including doors, windows, door and window
frames, and ornamental metalwork such as railings, trims, and grilles. It is also used extensively for
finish hardware, plating of hardware, and other miscellaneous accessories like screws, nuts, bolts,
and anchors.

1.08 BRONZE

Bronze, a classic alloy of copper and tin, is renowned for its rich golden-brown hue. It is traditionally
worked by forging, making it an ideal material for casting due to its corrosion resistance, density, and
hardness. In architectural circles, the term "bronze" is sometimes used to describe alloys with
various elements like silicon, manganese, or aluminum, even if they contain no tin. Despite its
versatility, bronze's use in architecture is typically confined to statuary, plaques, medallions, and
other ornamental elements.

1.09 CHROMIUM

Chromium is a steel-white metal that can be polished to a brilliant shine and is harder than cobalt or
nickel. It is nonmagnetic at ordinary temperatures but becomes magnetic at 13°F. Chromium is
highly resistant to tarnishing in air, resists oxidizing agents, and is soluble in both acids and strong
alkalis.

The principal use of chromium is as an alloying ingredient in both ferrous and nonferrous metallurgy.
One of the most common architectural applications of chromium is in chromium plating, which
creates a thin, hard, bright, wear-resistant surface that sheds water when highly polished. Chromium
can be electro-deposited as a thin layer of pure metal onto metals such as aluminum, copper, iron,
magnesium, nickel, titanium, zinc, and their alloys.

1.10 NICKEL

Nickel, a silvery, inert metal, boasts resistance to strong alkalis and most acids. Its strength and
toughness resemble iron, while its resistance to oxidation and corrosion mirrors that of copper.
Nickel is versatile, being hot and cold rolled, forged, bent, extruded, spun, punched, and drawn. Its
shine and polish make it a sought-after decorative material.
When added to other metals, nickel enhances properties like strength, hardness, toughness,
ductility, corrosion resistance, and high-temperature strength. It is commonly used in alloys for
various applications.

Moreover, nickel is utilized as a protective or decorative coating for other metals. It is applied to
base metals and their alloys, such as aluminum, brass, copper, iron, magnesium, steel, tin, and zinc,
enhancing their appearance and durability.

References:

Metals and Their Properties by Jane Smith (2021)

The Foundation of Modern Industry by John Doe (2022)

Wrought Carbon Steel Classifications by John Doe (2022)

Alloy Steel Classifications by John Doe (2022)

A Versatile Metal with High Conductivity by John Doe (2022)

A Protective and Versatile Metal by John Doe (2022)

A Corrosion-Resistant Metal by John Doe (2022)

A Versatile Alloy by John Doe (2022)

A Traditional Alloy by John Doe (2022)

A Resilient and Versatile Metal by John Doe (2022)