Steel pipe has been used in construction for several years and is considered a stronger and more flexible alternative to iron. It has several advantages over other metals that might be used in piping and provides the longest lasting presence when used in water mains, fire sprinkler systems, and piping networks that carry flammable gases. Steel pipes and tubes have many industrial and residential applications and are becoming more and more popular in 2011.
What are the main advantages of using steel tubes?
One of the main advantages of steel is its durability. It is especially strong and has the potential to withstand high heat pressure and speed. In addition to this, it is highly resistant to corrosion and has a longevity that other materials such as iron cannot compete with. Consider how quickly iron rusts or corrodes when exposed to certain natural elements. Steel can withstand exposure to water and gas without issue, and in pipes it can last for generations.
This strength and durability offers other advantages. It can withstand heavy shock and vibration, such as from traffic or heavy footfall. This is the reason why steel pipes and tubes are widely used for underground construction and maintenance work. If you see outages in your local area caused by workers digging up a section of road, then you can bet your bottom dollar that they are laying utility water or gas lines.
How steel can save money for local government
Perhaps the best benefit of steel is its potential to save public and private money. As a material, it is easy to install, maintain and connect, which means that any pipe that is installed can last for decades without needing to be replaced. Not only this, but any maintenance work that needs to be done can be done quickly and efficiently. When you consider the cost of material and labor for tasks like this, local government agencies can save thousands of dollars a year in taxpayer money.
This is where steel tubes and pipes provide flexibility for public agencies and commercial outlets. Its unique flexibility as solid metal makes it the perfect component for extension work and means that a pipe network can be easily extended or reduced when required. Think of all the expansion and renovation works that are carried out each year in pumping stations, reservoirs and riverbanks, and you will have an idea of how important a flexible material is in your construction.
The bottom line
Steel is likely to remain the material of choice for builders when it comes to pipes for years to come. Its range of benefits cannot be matched by any other type of metal, especially in terms of the durability and flexibility it brings to new construction and expansion projects. Above all, steel is also affordable and easily accessible, so private companies and government agencies don’t need to spend thousands of dollars in the course of their construction projects.