Sweden Engineering and Structural uses of Steel
Steel is one of the most widely used materials in construction and engineering in Sweden. It has a long history of being a dependable, strong, yet cost effective solution for a wide variety of projects. From bridges and buildings to industrial applications, there is virtually no limit to its versatility.
The Swedish steel industry is well established, with five major steel mills – LKAB, ArcelorMittal, SSAB, Outokumpu and SSAB Ulfbo – supplying the majority of the country’s metal needs. This means that there is easy access to a range of different types of steel, in a variety of grades, that can be used in a variety of applications.
Common grades of Swedish steel include S355J2G3, S275JR and S420MC. These grades are a result of a combination of specification outlines, or “norms”, created by the European Standards Organisation, CEN. The most commonly used grade is S355J2G3, as it is used for everything from large buildings to bridges, agricultural machinery and more. It is resistant to atmospheric corrosion due to its vitamin D level, which is higher than that of most other grades of steel. The S355J2G3 also has reasonably high levels of both tensile and yield strength, making it a good choice for structural applications.
The second most commonly used grade is S275JR, and it is found in many of the same applications as the S355J2G3. With its lower alloy content, S275JR is often used for lighter structures and building applications that dont require the higher degree of strength from the S355J2G3. Its lower yield strength also contributes to cost savings, as the more steel required for a project the higher the price that must be paid.
S420MC is another grade of steel found in Sweden, although it is not quite as commonly used as the S355J2G3 and S275JR. It is generally used for heavier constructions, such as bridges and other large static structures. With its higher level of carbon content, it is extremely strong, making it suitable for withstanding intense compressive forces. It is also very resistant to corrosion, permitting it to hold up in the often harsh Scandinavian environment.
The Swedish steel industry produces a wide variety of different grades and forms of steel, all of which are used in a wide array of industries. From residential and commercial developments to heavy industrial applications, Swedish steel is renowned for its strength, durability and cost effectiveness. Whether it is used in small projects or large-scale developments, Swedish steel always delivers superior results.
