Steel is a highly durable material used in various industries, including construction. It is made of iron, carbon, tin, chromium oxide, and sometimes coated with hot zinc to make the metal highly resistant against corrosion and heat.
Besides, steel is the most popular material found in fabrication companies and shops. The metal is robust, reliable, and recyclable, making it an environmentally-friendly material. Here are a few interesting facts and figures about steel. Read on!
- North American countries, including the U.S and Canada, recycle over 80 million tonnes of steel every year.
- The recycling capabilities of steel are more than other materials, such as glass, plastic, paper, and aluminium.
- Steel is 1,000 times durable than iron, and recycling companies can process it without affecting its strength
- It is the primary material used in producing renewable energy, such as hydro, solar, and wind power.
- The industrial sectors in advanced countries, including the U.K., US, Canada, and Australia, have reduced their energy use by 60%, thanks to the recycling of steel that has considerably reduced the carbon footprint.
- Steel companies in developing countries fulfil their corporate social responsibility by providing aids to health institutions, schools, colleges, and universities.
- It is the second-largest industry globally after oil and gas, with a turnover of $900 billion.
- Steel has a wide range of applications in numerous industries, including construction, energy, infrastructure, machinery, automotive, and transportation.
- China and Japan are the leading manufacturers of steel
- The steel industry has more than two million employees worldwide, and the increasing demand for steel products will provide more employment opportunities.
- Unlike traditional roofs with a lifespan of no more than 20 years, steel roofs, especially custom steel roof frames, last between 50 and 70 years.
- A computer system has more than 25% of steel
- Chicago’s Home Insurance Building was the first construction project that used steel in 1884.
- It was also used in the world-famous buildings, including the Empire State Building and the U.S Steel Tower
- The Eiffel Tower in France is six inches taller during the summer than winter due to the expansion of steel and iron.
- The first automobile that used steel was manufactured in 1918.
- Steel-made seatbelts are highly durable and withstand impacts during crashes.
- Bridges made of steel are 4-8 times lighter than concrete-made bridges.
- The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco used over 83,000 tonnes of steel.
- About 75% of companies use steel to make canned goods’ packaging.
- Over 600 steel cans undergo recycling every second in the U.S
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