Articles on how steel framing is sized, named, priced and ordered. Every figure comes from the AISC Shapes Database v16.0, a published standard or a manufacturer specification sheet, and each article says when the numbers were checked.
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What Is a Header in Construction? Door and Window Headers Explained
Read the article: What Is a Header in Construction? Door and Window Headers ExplainedA header is the beam over a door or window opening. Learn the parts of a framed opening, how to read a header span table, and when a wall needs…
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What Is Steel Made Of? Iron, Carbon and the Alloys That Change It
Read the article: What Is Steel Made Of? Iron, Carbon and the Alloys That Change ItWhat is steel made of? Iron, under 2% carbon and about 1% manganese, plus alloys like chromium and nickel. How it is made in the US and what each element…
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What Temperature Does Steel Melt? (And Why Fire Weakens It Long Before)
Read the article: What Temperature Does Steel Melt? (And Why Fire Weakens It Long Before)Steel melts at about 2,800°F (1,500°C), but fire weakens it far sooner. Melting point vs fire temperatures, why the WTC steel did not melt, and fire protection.
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What Is Mild Steel? Properties, Grades and Uses Explained
Read the article: What Is Mild Steel? Properties, Grades and Uses ExplainedMild steel is low-carbon steel with about 0.05 to 0.25% carbon. See its properties, the real grades behind the name, common uses, and when to specify A36.
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Is Titanium Stronger Than Steel? The Answer Depends on the Grade
Read the article: Is Titanium Stronger Than Steel? The Answer Depends on the GradeIs titanium stronger than steel? Compare real ASTM grades: yield strength, strength-to-weight, stiffness, cost and corrosion, and why buildings still use steel.
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Steel vs Wood Framing: Pros, Cons and Which to Choose
Read the article: Steel vs Wood Framing: Pros, Cons and Which to ChooseSteel vs wood framing compared: straightness, rot, termites, fire, thermal bridging, cost and labor. Learn where steel studs make sense and where wood wins.
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MIG vs TIG Welding: Differences, Pros and Which One to Use
Read the article: MIG vs TIG Welding: Differences, Pros and Which One to UseMIG vs TIG welding compared: how each process works, shielding gas, speed, thickness, cost and skill, and which fits steel fabrication, stainless or aluminum.
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A36 Steel: Strength, Properties and How It Compares to A992
Read the article: A36 Steel: Strength, Properties and How It Compares to A992A36 steel explained: 36 ksi minimum yield, 58-80 ksi tensile, what it is used for, how it compares to A992 and A572 Grade 50, and what to ask for when…
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Welding Stainless Steel: Filler Metals, Heat Control and Common Mistakes
Read the article: Welding Stainless Steel: Filler Metals, Heat Control and Common MistakesHow to weld stainless steel: which filler to use (308L, 316L, 309L), why it warps, avoiding sensitization and contamination, and fume safety for TIG and MIG.
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Structural Steel Detailing: What Detailers Do and What Shop Drawings Show
Read the article: Structural Steel Detailing: What Detailers Do and What Shop Drawings ShowWhat structural steel detailing is, what shop and erection drawings show, how connections and OSHA erection rules shape the details, and how detailers work.
Reference information only, not engineering advice. Disclaimer.