Steel has been the foundation of economic progress over the past hundred years and will remain fundamental to meeting the challenges of the next century. Energy, construction, automotive and transport, infrastructure and mechanical engineering cannot exist without metal structures.
Moreover, the housing construction sector is the largest consumer of steel today, using about 50% of the steel produced. Next in terms of consumption is the construction of roads and bridges, energy and oil and gas facilities, for the construction of which metal structures of varying complexity are used, for more details see http://www .kvant-energy.ru .
The steel industry is the second largest industry in the world in terms of global capital turnover after oil and gas, with an estimated annual volume of $ 900 billion. By 2050, steel consumption is projected to increase 1.5 times its current level to meet the needs of a growing population for housing, fuel and electricity. The global average per capita steel consumption will grow steadily from 150 kg in 2001 to 208 kg in 2015, making the world more prosperous.
The construction of skyscrapers was made possible by steel. For the construction of roads and railways, bridges and quays, ports and marine terminals, power lines and communications in the oil and gas industry, steel offers the most economical and most durable building material in relation to the weight. For example, steel bridges are four to eight times lighter than those built of concrete.
Steel is the number one material due to its availability, strength, flexibility, ductility and recyclability. Steel is forever because it is 100% recyclable and is the most recyclable material in the world. In recent years, steel has strengthened its position through its use in renewable energy: solar, tidal and wind power generation.
