
Structural steel is a classification of steel used to make building materials, such as beams, rails, and bars. The specific properties of structural steel may be targeted to influence a structure’s longevity and improve the safety of those within it.
At Base Construction, Inc., we provide our customers with the highest quality structural steel products on the market.
Our Steel Structural Support Capabilities
Base Construction has worked on a wide range of structural steel fabrication projects. We have designed and built:
-
- Catwalks
- Handrails
- Ladders
- Machine guarding
- Pipe bridges/racks
- Permanent/portable platforms
- Plate and structural steel fabrication
- Process piping structural steel supports
- Slope tanks bottom supports
- Tank anchoring support systems
- Structural steel embedment for foundations
- Support structure for all types of equipment
- Structural steel repair and restoration
Base Construction, Inc. is a diversified contractor focused on creating effective solutions to difficult problems. In addition to our fabrication and installation services, we provide short- and long-term maintenance programs. Through the use of our construction management and consulting services, we can help your company get your structural steel fabrication and installation projects off the ground.
Reach out to us today if you’re interested in learning more about our structural steel capabilities and related offerings


Structural Steel Industrial Applications
At Base Construction, we’ve completed a broad range of structural steel constructions for clients in a variety of industries. Some of the most common structural steel projects we handle include:
Pipe Bridges
Pipe bridges—also known as pipe supports or pipe racks—are used to provide mechanical support to long stretches of piping running internally or externally throughout a plant. These pipes may run between process equipment or be part of the utility system. Pipe supports/bridges must be carefully designed to ensure ideal room for equipment and personnel to pass underneath. Other considerations must be taken into account based on the specific application and its various mechanical stresses, resistance requirements, and temperature ranges:
- Material selection
- Expansion
- Extraction
- Stress and strain
- Seismic requirements
Platforms
Platforms are often required to provide access to process equipment. Base Construction has provided custom-made platforms for the top of boilers, tanks, scrubbers, heat exchangers, furnaces, and industrial fans. While some platforms require structural steel for its strength and stability, platforms may sometimes be made from other materials such as aluminum, carbon steel, stainless steel, fiberglass, or various plastics. Many platforms are permanent, while others may need to be moved between equipment.
When designing custom-fabricated platforms, we consider the following factors in regards to your application:
- Portability
- Removability
- Design code requirements
- Rigging design
- Storage and transportation
Handrails
Handrails are a critical safety feature in many industrial settings. Walkways, catwalks, platforms, stairs, and other pedestrian structures require handrails with varying design features. Before designing handrails for your application, Base Construction will consider application-specific factors such as:
- Removability
- Weight
- Corrosion-resistance
Repair and Restoration
Structural steel may become damaged from impacts or wear and require repairs. The team at Base Construction can evaluate the condition of your structural steel and provide options to facilitate compliance with safety codes and requirements.


Structural Steel—An Overview
Structural steel has its own set of unique properties and advantages in comparison with other types of steel.
Structural Steel Properties
Structural steel is a specific variety of steel utilized in the production of numerous construction materials due to its high tensile and compressive strengths, corrosion resistance, and mold resistance.
It can be formed into a variety of shapes, but most often appears as elongated beams. Other less common forms for structural steel may include:
- Bars
- Rods
- Plates
- Z-shaped
- Hollow structural sections (HSS)
Common forms of structural steel may include high-strength/low-alloy steel; corrosion-resistant high-strength, low-alloy steel, and carbon steel. All forms of structural steel are strictly regulated by the ASTM and other international building codes.
Structural Steel Advantages
Structural steel poses a number of advantages, such as:
- Structural steel lends a great deal of strength to structures but is relatively lightweight compared to the other building materials in a structure.
- Structural steel is easy to source.
- As a relatively flexible material, structural steel can be molded into any required shape without a significant negative impact on its core properties.
- Structural steel is very affordable compared to other commonly used building materials.
- Structural steel is chosen for its ability to provide reliable structural support to buildings. This includes an ability to survive natural disasters such as storms and earthquakes.
Structural Steel Services from Base Construction
Base Construction has provided high-quality products and services for more than 20 years. We have a strong team of highly skilled craftsmen that can work in virtually any industry. If you’re interested in learning more about our structural steel capabilities and related offerings, fill out this form to request more information or contact us directly today to speak with a representative.





