European steel sections VS American steel sections

[hanilouis]

Dear Colleagues,

Which type of steel sections is more economical to be used for design of steel structures; American sections or European sections?

Thanks for your feedback in advance.

 

[CBEngi]

Is the project in America or somewhere in Europe? I think that would basically answer the question. In no way would it be more cost effective to ship American sections to Europe for construction, when other similar sections would be available locally.

 

[SlideRuleEra]

hanilouis - I had the opportunity to investigate a similar choice 15 years ago. From a technical viewpoint, it does not make any difference when a range of sizes is needed for a project. Both systems have intelligently determined size ranges. An efficient member can be selected for just about any loading condition. As CBEngi pointed out, delivered material cost and availability will be the determining economic factor.

On my project, 15 years ago, we did have an additional consideration - future modifications and additions to the structural steel of an industrial plant. Even with this factor included, the decision was still based on initial material cost and availability.

http://www.SlideRuleEra.net

http://www.VacuumTubeEra.net

 

[BUGGAR]

We find TradeArbed from Europe to be more economical for some sections in marine work.