PEB structures: how steel grades and coatings make a difference

Pre-engineered buildings (PEBs) have become increasingly popular for industrial and commercial applications due to their cost-effectiveness, rapid construction times, and design flexibility. A crucial aspect of PEBs is the selection of appropriate steel grades and coatings, which significantly influence the structure's quality, durability, and overall performance. This blog explores the impact of steel grades and coatings on PEB structures, focusing on the steel grades E250A, and E250BR and their relevance to critical quality aspects such as table-top flatness, durability, and formability.

Understanding steel grades: E250A, and E250BR

Steel grades provide essential information about a material's properties, helping engineers select the most suitable type for specific applications. Here's an overview of the steel grades commonly used in PEB structures:

E250A: this hot-rolled steel grade with a minimum yield strength of 250 MPa. It is known for its good formability and weldability, making it suitable for general structural applications. The lower carbon content in E250A enhances its ductility, allowing it to be easily bent or shaped without cracking.

E350A: with a minimum yield strength of 350 MPa, E350A offers higher strength compared to E250A. This makes it ideal for structural applications requiring greater load-bearing capacity. However, the increased strength reduces its formability, making it less suitable for complex shapes. E350A is commonly used in building columns, beams, and critical load-bearing components.

E350BR: this grade shares the same minimum yield strength as E350A (and UTS of 490) but includes additional alloying elements to improve resistance to atmospheric corrosion. E350BR is particularly useful in coastal and industrial environments where structures are exposed to harsh weather conditions.

The role of steel coatings

Steel coatings enhance the material's resistance to corrosion and wear, thus extending the lifespan of PEB structures. The choice of coating depends on the environmental conditions and specific requirements of the project.

Hot rolled coil (HRC) and hot rolled steel sections: these products are typically used for the main structural elements of PEBs. Hot rolling involves heating the steel above its recrystallisation temperature, which allows for large deformations and results in a uniform microstructure. This process helps achieve the required table-top flatness, which is crucial for the precision alignment of structural components.

Coated steel: coatings such as galvanisation protect steel from corrosion. For example, colour-coated galvanised sheets are steel with a zinc layer and a colour finish. These sheets provide both aesthetic appeal and protection against rust, making them ideal for exterior applications. The coating thickness and type can be tailored to meet specific durability requirements, ensuring long-lasting performance.

Critical to quality: table-top flatness, durability, and formability

Table-top flatness: ensuring flat surfaces is vital for properly assembling PEB components. Hot-rolled steel, particularly E250A, offers good flatness due to its controlled rolling process. This quality is critical for achieving a stable and level structure.

Durability: the durability of PEB structures depends on the material's resistance to environmental factors. E250BR's superior atmospheric corrosion resistance to many acids like nitric sulfide at high temperatures makes it a preferred choice for structures exposed to harsh conditions. This plate also resists crevices, pitting corrosion, and chloride stress cracking. Adding alloying elements such as chromium and nickel enhances its durability, ensuring a longer service life.

Formability: the ability to shape steel into various forms is essential for the versatility of PEB designs. Cold-rolled steel sheets provide excellent formability, allowing for intricate designs and smooth finishes. However, higher-strength grades like E250A may require specialised forming techniques to avoid cracking.

Why choose JSW One MSME?

JSW One MSME's online platform offers a comprehensive range of steel products, including hot-rolled coil, hot-rolled steel sections, and colour-coated galvanised sheets. These products are known for their high quality and consistency, making them suitable for a wide range of PEB applications. You can conveniently check the online price for competitive rates from verified sellers and ensure you choose the best materials for your project.

Conclusion

The selection of appropriate steel grades and coatings is crucial in ensuring the quality and longevity of PEB structures. By understanding the properties of steel grades like E250A, E250A, and E250BR, as well as the benefits of various coatings, builders can make informed decisions that enhance the performance and durability of their buildings.