Sustainability of SteelCEE 3100 – Structural Mechanics

What is steel?

Steel Production

1. Basic Oxygen FurnaceInput: Coal, Iron Ore, 25% steel scrap (approx.)a) Heat up coal to remove impurities → Cokeb) Iron oxide (e.g., FE2O3) in a blast furnace with

coke → Pig Iron (≈ 4% carbon)c) Oxygen blown through molten pig Iron to

reduce carbon content (0.2% - 2.1%)2. Electric Arc Furnace

Input: 95% recycled steel scrapSteel melted and purified using electricity

Steel: Other Sustainability Issues

1. Material Efficiency: High Grade Steel

2. Thermal conductivity

3. Corrosion Protection

4. Regional Materials

Project siteSteel mill X%

Fabricator

Per USGBC, the steel fabricator is the final point of assembly and is therefore the manufacturer in terms of LEED Local/Regional Materials credits (unless steel is

delivered directly from the mill to the site).

Percentage (based on cost) of the total materials package that is recovered and manufactured within 500 miles of the project site. 10% = 1 credit; 20% = 2 credits.

4. Regional Materials

Steel Production

Steel Production