From its modest beginnings in the 19th century to becoming a cornerstone of modern construction, steel structures have reshaped the way we build. With outstanding strength, flexibility, and continuous technological advancements, steel structures now power factories, skyscrapers, and sustainable developments worldwide.
History of Steel Structures
19th Century:
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- Steel structures played a minor role, primarily as secondary components in construction.
- The use of steel in factory construction was relatively nascent.
20th Century:
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- Steel structures established a significant position in the construction industry.
- The application of steel structures in factory construction became increasingly common, attributed to steel’s flexibility and high load-bearing capacity.
- Steel structural systems during this period were typically designed using steel frames, steel columns, and steel beams.
- During this time, in Vietnam, steel structures were introduced by the French, in the construction of train factories, ship building factories, and similar projects.
- From 1950 to 1960, Vietnam, with the assistance of other socialist countries, built industrial projects, such as Hanoi mechanical factory, and Thai Nguyen Iron and steel factory.
Development of Steel Structures:
21st Century:
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- Steel structures entered a golden age, characterized by continued and substantial growth.
- The technology related to the production, fabrication, and processing of steel structures has advanced significantly.
- The utilization of information technology and 3D simulation enhances the precision and efficiency of steel structure design and construction.
- The rising trend of green and sustainable construction encourages the use of recycled and fire-resistant steel structures.
- From 1975, after the reunification of Vietnam, steel structures have been used to rebuild and restore projects destroyed by war.
- Today, steel structured projects are improving dramatically, including much higher aesthetic values.
How structural steel is made
1. Ironmaking
Ironmaking is the first step in steel production, where iron ore is smelted in a blast furnace. The furnace is charged with:
- Iron ore (typically hematite)
- Coke (a carbon-rich material derived from coal)
- Limestone (used to remove impurities by forming slag).
Hot air is blasted into the furnace, causing chemical reactions that produce molten iron (pig iron). The limestone binds with impurities like silica, forming slag, which floats on top of the molten iron and is removed periodically
2. Steelmaking
The pig iron undergoes further refinement to remove excess carbon and impurities such as sulfur, phosphorus, and silicon. This process typically uses one of two methods:
- Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF): Molten pig iron is combined with scrap steel, and oxygen is blown into the mixture to reduce carbon content.
- Electric Arc Furnace (EAF): Scrap steel or direct reduced iron is melted using electric arcs, allowing precise control over the composition.
Alloying elements like manganese, nickel, chromium, or vanadium may be added to impart specific properties such as strength or corrosion resistance
3. Casting
The refined steel is cast into semi-finished forms like slabs, billets, or blooms. These forms are then cooled and prepared for further processing
4. Rolling and Shaping
The semi-finished steel undergoes rolling mills to shape it into structural products such as beams, plates, or rods. Additional finishing operations like coating or galvanizing may be applied to enhance durability
Fabricators cut, weld, drill, and assemble structural steel components based on design specifications. These components are then transported to construction sites for erection
DaiDung Group Industrial Steel Structure: Engineered for Excellence
DDC industrial steel structures not only meet but exceed the stringent requirements of any project thanks to their outstanding advantages:
1. Superior Load-Bearing Capacity and Durability:
Fabricated DDC industrial steel structures are engineered to deliver exceptional mechanics, high bearing capacity, strong deformation resistance, and streamlined processing and assembly.
2. Intelligent Design Rooted in Comprehensive Technical Analysis:
Prior to construction, every DDC steel structure undergoes thorough drawing development and in-depth technical analysis during the estimation phase. This meticulous process accurately calculates and identifies the precise requirements for load, bearing capacity, and safety, strictly adhering to relevant standards and regulations.
3. Diverse Designs Tailored to Aesthetic and Functional Needs:
DDC understands the unique characteristics of each project. Consequently, the design and dimensions of DDC industrial steel buildings are flexibly adapted to suit the specific nature and demands of every undertaking. Notably, DDC prioritizes aesthetics, transforming steel structures into visually impressive assets that enhance value through their design and surface coatings. The DDC Production Division, with its team of skilled technicians and professional welders, is committed to meeting both standard and expert craftsmanship manufacturing criteria. (Illustrative Example: Daidung is the general contractor for the Hoa Phat – Quang Ngai Iron & Steel Complex construction).
4. Standardized Manufacturing Procedures with International Recognition:
DDC steel structures are constructed in strict accordance with project specifications and adhere to high-quality standards certified by leading international organizations. Precise manufacturing and rigorous quality control procedures ensure the accuracy and reliability of every steel product.
5. Optimized Assembly and Connection Solutions:
Steel components in DDC industrial constructions are expertly assembled and connected using advanced techniques, including: welded joints, high-strength bolted connections, and anchored bolts secured with base plates. This results in the formation of robust and secure structural systems.
6. Cutting-Edge Technological Integration:
DDC remains at the forefront by integrating advanced technologies such as 3D design software, simulation, and sophisticated engineering analysis into the industrial steel construction process. These technologies significantly enhance precision, performance, and overall project management efficiency.
DDC Steel Structure has established significant milestones, positioning itself as a leading sustainable development material for the future. As a pioneer in mechanical engineering solutions, DDC proudly offers comprehensive services in the design, processing, manufacturing, and erection of high-quality steel structures in Vietnam and across the globe, meeting the demanding needs of a wide range of industrial and construction applications.
This article references information from the following sources:
Read more: Advantages of steel structures in factory and workshop construction