New initiative to promote re-use of steel in construction

New guidelines to help promote the re-use of steel in construction have been launched by the Steel Construction Institute. The 46-page guide aims to help the construction sector to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from structural steel, while also saving money. It provides guidance on the procedures and processes for reclaiming steel used in existing structures, and for utilising surplus steel, such as from cancelled projects. The protocol recommends data collection, inspection and testing to ensure that surplus steel or reclaimed structural steelwork can be reused with confidence. It is limited to steel erected after 1970; in applications where the steel was not subjected to fatigue, such as bridges; and also excludes steel damaged by corrosion, fire or high impact.