Benefits of Aluminum versus Steel

However, what are the disadvantages of using aluminium in structures, and why is its primary competitor, steel, sometimes preferred? We weigh up the pros and cons!

The Beginnings of Aluminium in Structures

Aluminium was first utilised in the 1920s when it was mainly used for decorative detailing and became a popular choice of material for construction during this decade.

Its breakthrough came when it was used to help build iconic structures such as the Empire State Building, which used the material in both its interior and part of its famous spire.

However, this material has definitely come far, as it is now recognised as one of the most sustainable and efficient construction materials to date.

Advantages

Recyclable

As mentioned briefly above, aluminium is considered to be a sustainable material. A key feature is that it can be recycled while still retaining its initial properties. This is a huge advantage and is not only cost-effective but also beneficial for the environment.

Corrosion Resistant

Aluminium develops a thin layer of aluminium oxide on its surface when exposed to air. This layer protects the aluminium from corrosion when exposed.

Versatile and Flexible

Due to the characteristics of aluminium being durable, strong, and light, it is an ideal material for the construction industry.

Aluminium’s flexibility means that it can be processed in various ways- which is why it can be used in many forms. Aluminium can be:

• Melted

• Machined

• Formed

• Extruded

• Cast.

It can be curved, extruded, and cut into incredible shapes. It does not matter where this material is cut, as it is resistant to corrosion and trimmed edges do not need to be protected.

It is largely used in cladding systems to improve the exteriors of structures both visually and practically and is the go-to material for retrofit applications.

Furthermore, the versatility of aluminium means that various functions can be integrated into one profile.

You can often find it in:

• External facades

• Roofs

• Staircases

• Railings

• Walls

• Shelves

• Windows

• Doors

Its versatility doesn’t end there, and it can be found in numerous other applications too!

Reflective Properties

As aluminium reflects sunlight, this allows buildings to stay much cooler during the warmer months, which can help reduce electricity costs once the building is complete.

By utilising this material and large glass windows, you can often save on heating and lighting costs. With so many environmental and financial benefits, aluminium is quickly becoming one of the most preferred materials for structures around the world.

Lightweight But Strong

Another benefit of using aluminium in structures is its strength and durability. This material can stand up to a significant amount of weight without causing the building to be too heavy.

Buildings constructed with aluminium can support heavy glass panes that promote natural sunlight throughout the building, again, adding to its contribution to sustainable building designs.

Disadvantages

The Expense of Aluminium Compared to Steel

If you are working on a large building project, you will want to save money where possible. Unfortunately, aluminium is more expensive when compared to some alternative materials, such as steel.

Additionally, because it can’t take the same stress as steel, more of it is required to ensure the structure’s strength is viable, meaning utilising it in some designs may cost more overall.

A Costly and Lengthy Welding Process

When working with aluminium in construction, it is welded differently from steel. Aluminium requires unique processes to be welded, which can be costly and take a little longer than other methods, not to mention messier!

Overall Strength Compared to Steel

While being praised for its malleable qualities, this particular property of aluminium can also act as a disadvantage. It can be more easily dented and scratched in comparison to steel. Steel is strong and less likely to warp, deform or bend under any weight, force, or heat.

Nevertheless, the strength of steel’s trade-off is that steel is much heavier and denser than aluminium.

Conclusion

Despite its cons, there is no denying that aluminium will become even more widely used throughout the construction industry as pressure grows for buildings that are flexible, easy to maintain, and offer low cost-in-use.

Project Dependent

Choosing the right material completely depends on your given project, and in some instances, aluminium will be the clear winner. With a number of advantages and disadvantages, there are many different materials to choose from when weighing up what will be the most effective choice.

All Materials Have Pros and Cons

It is important to remember that no construction material is perfect. For example, timber can be greatly affected by moisture, has limited structural capabilities, requires maintenance, and cannot be machined into complex shapes.

Steel is one of the most popular materials but has a relatively poor strength to weight ratio, cannot be thermally broken, rusts in an untreated state, and can sometimes be prone to brittle fractures.

How aluminum is more effective and efficient than steel

Aluminum is a versatile, lightweight, durable, and ductile metal. It is often chosen over other metals for various applications because it performs effectively and efficiently in a wide array of environments. The benefits of aluminum versus steel are many.

Compared to other metals, including steel, aluminum weighs less by volume. Aluminum is one-third the weight of other metals, including steel, brass, and copper. According to the Aluminum Association, aluminum automotive structures are more cost-effective than steel automotive structures: using aluminum has a weight savings of up to 55 percent compared to steel structures. In the marine transportation industry, aluminum structures are also more cost-effective compared to steel.

Aluminum hulls have a weight savings of 35 to 45 percent. If aluminum is used instead of steel to construct marine superstructures, there is a weight savings of 55 to 65 percent. Fuel and battery consumption is more cost-effective in aluminum than steel structures because lightweight vehicles use less energy. According to Drive Aluminum, electrical cars that have advanced aluminum body structures use fewer batteries than those with steel body structures, which results in a weight savings of up to 3,000 (US) dollars per unit. Compared to steel hybrid cars, aluminum hybrid cars experience fuel savings of 5 to 7 percent.

Unlike steel, aluminum is naturally non-corrosive. According to Futura Industries, aluminum forms an oxide film that naturally protects the metal from corrosion. How Stuff Works explains that this natural corrosion protection occurs when aluminum reacts with oxygen. The resulting barrier protects the metal from various compounds, including water and further contact with oxygen. This natural barrier is one reason that aluminum is more beneficial in some environments than carbon steel and some stainless steel. The British Stainless Steel Association explains that stainless steel can corrode in “aggressive conditions.” Steel must undergo painting or other treatments to protect it from corrosion.

Aluminum surpasses steel in heat conductivity. Ask any chef and they will tell you that aluminum-based cookware is more efficient for cooking food than steel-based cookware. Aluminum kettles boil water more quickly than stainless kettles because aluminum conducts heat more quickly than steel. When it comes to thermal conductivity, aluminum has a fourfold increase compared to steel.

According to Secat, a research laboratory that studies aluminum products and processes, aluminum’s thermal conductivity reduces cooling cycles more efficiently than steel in molding operations. Aluminum also has a higher electrical conductivity rate than steel. This high electrical conductivity, combined with aluminum’s low melting point compared to that of steel, means that aluminum has the ability to increase electrical discharge machining rates fivefold compared to steel.

Steel is not very malleable, which is why many manufacturers choose to use aluminum. Steel is restricted to certain shapes and formations, whereas aluminum’s elasticity means that engineers and designers have more freedom to create complex structures.

At PSSA specialise in the Fabrication of Stainless Steel Balustrades & Staircases and other Stainless Steel Products as well as the manufacturing and installation of Aluminium doors and windows. Our fabrications are attractive, long-lasting and affordable. Our products meet all building regulations in terms of glazing and deflection as well as the high manufacturing requirements laid down by AAAMSA. We ensure that industry standards are upheld to deliver professional and quality products both in the Commercial and Residential spheres. Contact Us – +27 71 678 9706 or Visit Our Website