Iron+&+Steel

__IRON __




 * What kind of abilities has the iron in the construction?**

Iron has the ability to bear loads and to be produced in an endless variety of forms, in addition to its resistance to fire and corrosion, quickly encouraged architectural adaptations, first as columns and arches and afterward in skeletal structures.


 * Advantages of this material**[[image:1038_05_24---Ironbridge--Shropshire_web.jpg width="489" height="328" align="right"]]

Well, the iron can holds to any shape and is strong in compression. That´s why early arch bridges were made of cast iron.


 * Disvantages of this material**

The iron is weaker than steel in tension and can breaks without warning.


 * Example of iron construction**

An Iron bridge called Shropshire in England is a good example of iron construction.

__STEEL __
 * Characteristics of steel**

The steel is uniformly strong, elastic, and workable. Also its high resistence in all stresses (tension, compression, and bending) can be closely calculated.


 * What are the advantages of this material**

Steel is one of the strongest materials used in construction and is strong in compression than any other material. That’s why engineers choose steel beams and columns to support most skyscrapers.


 * Disvantages of this material**

Steel must to be protected against corrosion by surface covering. Also, steel lose strength in extremely high temperatures.


 * Example of steel construction**

A good example of steel construction is the Sears Tower located in Chicago, Illinois.