Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals

Ferrous Metals (Page 37)

• Classification: Metals are categorized into ferrous and non-ferrous types.

• Composition: Ferrous metals are primarily made of iron.

• Cost-effectiveness: Iron, steel, and their alloys are commonly chosen for structural applications.

• Commonly Used Ferrous Metals:

  • Steel: Alloy of iron and carbon, with variations like alloy steels, nickel steel, carbon steels, and stainless steels.

  • Wrought Iron: Produced from pig iron, tough and ductile, used in roofing sheets and metal ornaments.

  • Galvanized Iron (G.I.): Iron coated with zinc to prevent rust, used in various construction applications.

Steel Products (Page 39)

• Rolled Structural Shapes: ASTM A6/A6M-14 standard specification for general requirements.

• Sheet Piling: Used for earth retention and excavation support.

• Reinforcing Steel: Plain or deformed bars with lugs for anchorage to concrete.

• Welded Wire Fabric: Consists of parallel, longitudinal wires welded to transverse.

• Steel Wire: Utilized for pins, nails, bolts, cables, and fences.

• Bolts, Steel Strapping, Open Web Steel Joists, Sheet Steel: Various steel products used in construction.

Non-Ferrous Metals (Page 40)

• Commonly Used Non-Ferrous Metals:

  • Aluminum: Used for surface hardening.

• Alloys: Mixture of base metal and additional elements to produce materials with unique properties.

• Alloy Purposes: Different alloys like chromium, copper, manganese, and titanium serve specific purposes in enhancing properties.

• Weathering Steel: Forms its protection against corrosion, used in structural materials like bridges and buildings.

• Aluminum Applications: Aluminum is commonly used for its resistance to atmospheric corrosion.

This note provides an overview of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, common alloys, and their applications in construction.

Page 41

• Aluminum

  • Soft, non-magnetic, ductile, and malleable silvery white metal

  • Most abundant metal in Earth's crust

  • Common uses: structural framing, windows, doors, roofing

  • Finishes: mechanical, chemical, coatings (anodic, resinous, vitreous, electroplated)

• Copper

  • Ductile, malleable, bright reddish-brown color

  • Forms a "patina" layer for corrosion protection

  • Common uses: electrical wiring, piping, roofing

• Brass

  • Alloy of copper and zinc with a yellow color

  • Resistant to tarnishing

  • Common uses: decoration, coins, polished brass

• Lead

  • Soft, malleable metal, bluish white when cut

  • Easy to work with, used in roofing and wall panels

• Tungsten Carbide

  • Chemical compound containing tungsten and carbon

  • Commonly known as carbide

Page 42

• Metal Joinery

  • Soldering: Joining metals by melting a filler metal

  • Annealing: Heating metal to soften it for shaping

  • Brazing: Joining with a filler metal above 450°C

  • Welding: Joining by melting workpieces and adding filler material

  • Rivet: Mechanical fastener with a cylindrical shaft and head

• Bolted Connection

  • Bolts used to connect metal pieces by inserting through holes and tightening nuts

Page 43

• Protecting Metals

  • Coating and protection systems for steel structures

  • Importance of protecting metals from corrosion to prevent weakening

  • Common methods: Alcad for aluminum, Sherardising for galvanizing

• Fundamental Application of Metals in Local Construction

  • Steel Reinforcement: Widely used in concrete construction for resisting tension and compression stresses

  • Specifications for steel reinforcement: weight, marking system

  • ASTM A615 covers deformed and plain carbon steel bars for reinforcement

This note summarizes information about different metals like aluminum, copper, brass, lead, and tungsten carbide, metal joinery techniques including soldering, annealing, brazing, welding, and riveting, bolted connections, methods for protecting metals from corrosion, and the fundamental application of metals in local construction focusing on steel reinforcement specifications.

Page 44

• Bar Splice, Hook and Bend

  • Consider additional length for hook, bend, and splice when estimating steel reinforcing bars.

  • Length varies based on limitations set by the National Structural Code of the Philippines and the National Building Code.

  • Refer to NSCP IRR for Steel Reinforcements for specific requirements.

• Structural Framing

  • Steel Construction follows ANSI/AISC standards.

  • NSCP Code and its IRR provide guidance locally.

  • AISC manual of Steel Construction for component sections and dimensions.

Page 45

• Metal Studs, Furring and Joists

  • Structural metal stud framing uses cold-formed steel components for walls and planes.

  • Metal furring system holds finish material with a void for service installation.

  • Metal cladding systems for non-structural, rain-screen applications.

• Metal Cladding

  • Different systems like standing seam, snaplock, interlocking, flatlock, cassette, and custom.

  • Materials for metal cladding include stainless steel, galvanized steel, weathering steel, aluminum.

References

• Various references cited for further information