By Rajamani Krishnamurti
In recent times, the construction industry, particularly working on infrastructure projects, is evolved to consider not just the initial cost but also the long-term financial and environmental impacts of structural materials. This paradigm shift highlights materials like stainless steel, which is corrosion-resistant, sustainable, and 100% recyclable. With its blend of durability, minimal maintenance, and high residual value, the material emerges as a promising solution that harmoniously balances initial costs with long-term sustainability and economic benefits.
Here are some of the reasons why stainless steel serves as an ideal choice of material for the construction industry.
Life Cycle Costing: Tool For Future-Proofing Construction Projects
Originating in 1977, life cycle costing serves as a crucial tool for evaluating the long-term financial implications of using different materials in construction. It involves converting future expenses into present values, incorporating risk predictions, and taking into account the environmental impact costs. The concept of LCC has evolved to include factors such as the flexibility of a structure to adapt to new uses and its adaptability to more extensive structural changes, both of which are vital in assessing a building’s long-term utility and viability.
Comparison With Carbon Steel And Aluminium Alloy
A landmark study, titled "Life cycle costing of metallic structures" by Gardner et al. (2007), sets a precedent in this area. It compares the lifecycle costs of stainless steel with aluminium alloy and carbon steel across various structural applications, including buildings and bridges. A notable example that elucidates this comparison is the iconic Chrysler Building in the USA, constructed using stainless steel, versus the Eiffel Tower in Paris, made of carbon steel. The findings show that although carbon steel initially appears more cost-effective, the long-term analysis positions stainless steel as a more competitive solution, particularly for bridges and exposed structural areas, when factoring in maintenance and residual value.
Comprehensive Advantages Of Stainless Steel In Diverse Industries
Stainless steel is renowned for its corrosion resistance, durability, enhanced strength, and ductility. These properties have made it a preferred choice in industries like cutlery manufacture, storage tank construction, and chemical reaction vessels. Its low maintenance requirements contribute to a longer performance life, making it a financially and environmentally viable option over time. Despite these advantages, the construction sector has been hesitant to fully embrace stainless steel, often deterred by its higher initial costs.
Sustainability: Three-Pronged Approach In Modern Construction
Today, sustainability in construction is understood as a balance of environmental conservation, social responsibility, and economic growth. Financial markets are increasingly recognising the link between sustainable practices and economic development. While LCC does not directly address environmental impacts—a role typically reserved for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), BRE Environmental Assessment Methods (BREEAM), and Civil Engineering Environmental Quality and Assessment Scheme (CEEQUAL) —it initiates crucial discussions on the sustainability of construction materials and practices.
Rethinking Structural Material Selection For Future-Ready Construction
Historically, the preference for materials like carbon steel was largely dictated by lower initial costs. Current material selection should, however, extend beyond this to encompass considerations like strength, stiffness, ductility, corrosion resistance, and fire resistance, alongside maintenance costs, end-of-life scenarios, and residual value. In this context, stainless steel, with its 100% recyclability, stands out.
Stainless Steel As Sustainable And Economically Sound Choice
While life cycle costing prompts the industry to contemplate long-term impacts, it is essential to recognise that minimising maintenance needs does not automatically translate to the most sustainable design. Nevertheless, stainless steel’s durability and minimal maintenance requirements significantly reduce its environmental footprint over time, despite its higher initial embodied energy compared to carbon steel and aluminium alloy.
The author is the president of Indian Stainless Steel Development Association (ISSDA).
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