The added value of stainless steel structural steel

In the Netherlands 'we' are not quite used to reinforcing with stainless steel construction steel yet, in Belgium and Germany all the more so. Richard Wigmans, agent of Outokumpu RVS- en INOX-concrete steel for the Benelux and Germany, is speaking. He talks about the added value of reinforcing with stainless steel reinforcing bars at crucial positions in a structure and the savings associated with this.

Richard Wigmans Consulting & Sales is an independent consulting and sales agency with decades of experience in the structural steel business. "After a career of many years in standard construction steel, I was at one point approached by Outokumpu to run the agency for the Benelux and Germany," he begins. "After all, as a 'water country,' the Netherlands is ideally suited to apply stainless steel construction steel. In contrast to our southern and eastern neighbors, Dutch thrift still wins out over 'common sense' in many cases. Nevertheless, 'we' have been shaken up in recent years as a result of balconies and facades 'spontaneously' collapsing."

Sustainable choice

As a result of building sections collapsing or tunnels crumbling (the latter occurring mainly in Belgium), the use of stainless steel for construction is gaining popularity, Wigmans notes. "Sometimes people still opt for galvanized steel, but even that ultimately turns out not to be a sustainable choice. Using a galvanized mat for indoor floor heating is one thing, but in a viaduct, bridge, lock or concrete outer shell it is asking for trouble. Temperature changes cause materials to shrink. The galvanized material adheres to the concrete and cracks away from the iron, with all its consequences. We therefore recommend using stainless steel reinforcing bars at crucial positions in a structure. With this, huge savings can be realized, when it comes to renovation costs. After all, you have much less renovation costs. In places where renovation is very expensive, stainless steel reinforcing bars can be of great added value. It does not rust. This eliminates the possibility of a balcony or facade failing as a result of concrete rot."

Stainless steel construction allows the structure to be kept slim.

Slimmer construction

Where should you apply stainless steel construction steel? "At least where a concrete cover of 3.5 centimeters cannot be guaranteed," Wigmans explains. "But also in the insulation between inner and outer leaf and at an expansion joint. In these cases, we recommend light magnetic stainless steel construction steel 1.4362 or INOXripp. It also ensures that the construction can be kept slim. There is no chance of rusting, which allows the reinforcing steel to be placed with a smaller concrete cover. That was the main reason to use INOX in the precast parts as well as in the in-situ concrete for the bicycle bridge over the R4 and the Ringvaart near Ghent. If magnetism does play a role, we recommend using 1.4311 hot rolled or 1.4571 cold rolled stainless steel. This material is non-magnetic and perfectly applicable in the medical world and laboratories. The mentioned grades are mechanically comparable and even better than carbon steel B500B. For the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek hospital we supplied these grades under the MRI installation."

Stainless steel construction steel and standard construction steel go together just fine. "That's precisely what makes it so interesting. Apply stainless steel structural steel at crucial locations and reinforce the rest of a structure with standard structural steel," advises Wigmans. "RVS structural steel is perfectly weldable, can be cut to size and bent. Weld seams we recommend pickling and for braiding, stainless steel braid wire is a requirement. A galvanized or black braid wire is not an option."

More information about stainless steel construction steel? Wigmans is happy to advise and assist you.