Everyone wants a sturdy and enduring building. Choosing suitable materials then, like stone and steel, during construction is critical. It is significantly pivotal to strengthen and make a structure valuable for years. But is steel better than stone in construction?
Many use steel and stone in construction because both are known as durable elements. However, they also have advantages and disadvantages. And weighing these factors can tell which one is better for your project.
When stone is better for construction
Generally, stones are tough and excellent materials because they are resistant to physical wear and tear. So they can last for many years with little or no maintenance. Moreover, stones can add visual appeal to a construction project. These are very versatile and useful in various construction styles and designs.
However, there are also some disadvantages to using stone in construction. One problem is challenging to transport and handle due to its weight and size. Add the fact that stone is subject to variations in color, texture, and veining. Some stones are also too hard to shape or cut. Moreover, they are most likely porous materials that can damage buildings.
Various types of stone are suitable for construction.
- Basalt is a dark, dense igneous rock that is heavy and hard. It is often for paving stones or cobblestones.
- Granite is a hard, durable, igneous rock ideal for creating countertops, flooring, and other building materials.
- Limestone is a sedimentary rock that is soft and easy to carve. It is typically for building facades and sculptures.
- Sandstone is a sedimentary rock made up of sand-sized particles. Sandstone is suitable for building materials such as bricks and pavers.
- Marble is a type of sedimentary rock composed of calcite. It is beneficial for flooring, countertops, and other decorative features.
Other stones for construction are slate, laterite, gneiss, quartzite, and travertine.
When steel is better for construction
Steel is one of the essential materials in construction and engineering. It is an alloy of iron and carbon, so steel is strong, durable, and easy to work. It can be cut, bent, and welded into almost any shape. Plus, joining steel together using bolts or welding is easy too. Most steel materials are also recyclable and insect-resistant.
On the other hand, Different types of steel depend on the amount of carbon in the alloy.
- Mild steel, with low carbon content, is the most common and used in construction.
- High-carbon steel is very strong but can be brittle;
- Stainless steel: known for its corrosion resistance.
Like other elements, steel also has limitations. It is conductive and susceptible to corrosion. So, it needs treatment like galvanizing to withstand damaging elements through treatment. Moreover, some types of steel are also heavy and difficult to work with.
Which is better, steel and stone?
Steel and stone have unique qualities that make them suitable for construction. What is important to remember when using any of these two materials is that each one has benefits and drawbacks.
The answer to which is better for construction depends on the specific project. For example, steel is often used for taller buildings because of its strength, while stone is a popular choice for walls and foundations since it is so durable. However, if versatility matters, steel is ideal. It is for various types of construction projects. Often, steel materials are necessary to assemble the framework of buildings, bridges, and other structures.
