For years, you’ve relied on the expertise and quality of Infra-Metals, Delta Steel, and Sugar Steel – trusted names in the structural steel industry. Today, we’re excited to announce a unifying brand that brings these powerhouses together under one umbrella: THE INFRA GROUP.
Think of The Infra Group as the name that signifies the collective strength and reach of these established companies. It’s the mark of a powerful network, connecting Infra-Metals, Delta Steel, and Sugar Steel to offer an unparalleled level of service, inventory, and expertise, making The Infra Group your single-source solution for all your structural steel needs. Each company continues to operate with its own specialized knowledge and customer relationships, now enhanced by the resources and reach of the entire group.
What does this mean for you?
Simply put, it means more access, more resources, and more solutions. As The Infra Group, we offer:
Unmatched Inventory: With over 200,000 tons of steel readily available across our 14 locations spanning New England, the Mid-West, Mid-Atlantic, Southeastern, and Southwestern United States, we can fulfill your orders quickly and efficiently, minimizing downtime and keeping your projects on track.
Best-in-Class Processing: Our state-of-the-art, first-stage processing capabilities ensure that your steel is prepared to your exact specifications, saving you time and money.
Comprehensive Services: From Blast & Prime, Cambering, Drilling, Forming, Milling, Plate Burning, Robotic Coping, Saw Cutting and T-Splitting, The Infra Group offers a complete range of services to handle every aspect of your project.
Cutting-Edge Technology: We invest and leverage the latest technologies to optimize our processes, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and the highest quality results.
Next-Day Delivery: In many areas, our extensive network enables us to offer next-day delivery, getting the materials you need when you need them.
Unparalleled Expertise: Our combined team of industry veterans brings decades of experience to the table, providing expert guidance and support throughout your project.
Our Reach, Your Advantage:
Our strategically located facilities across the country mean we can serve you better than ever before. Whether your project is local or national, The Infra Group has the reach and resources to meet your demands.
Looking Ahead:
The formation of The Infra Group represents a significant investment in our future and, more importantly, in your success. We are committed to providing the highest quality products, exceptional service, and innovative solutions that you’ve come to expect, now all under one powerful brand.
We’re excited about this new chapter and look forward to continuing to serve you as The Infra Group – your partner in structural steel solutions.
Join us in seizing an incredible opportunity to advance your career at the MEGA career fair, taking place at the iconic Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. This grand event is set to unfold on February 18th, providing a comprehensive platform for all job seekers from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM. The fair will not only cover various segments and sectors but will also spread across the entire stadium field, offering a unique and expansive setting for networking and recruitment. It’s the perfect chance to connect with potential employers from a wide array of industries, showcase your skills, and possibly land your dream job. Don’t miss out on this event that could be the stepping stone to your future career success.
Returns this year to Louisville, KY April 2-4 at the Kentucky International Convention Center. The Steel Conference is the premier event for steel industry professionals seeking actionable insights and game-changing innovations.
It’s a unique opportunity to connect with peers and explore the latest advancements impacting the design and construction landscape. This dynamic event offers a comprehensive experience, including:
Extensive Technical Sessions: With over 270 sessions, attendees gain valuable knowledge and practical skills. In-person participants can earn up to 16 Professional Development Hours (PDHs), with the potential to earn an additional 4 PDHs by attending a specialized short course on Tuesday.
The Exhibition Hall: Discover cutting-edge products and services from over 300 exhibitors. This vibrant showcase provides a firsthand look at technologies and solutions empowering better steel design and construction practices.
Unparalleled Networking Opportunities: Connect with more than 6,000 industry leaders, including top designers, leading fabricators, and renowned researchers at the forefront of steel innovation. This is a prime opportunity to build valuable relationships and foster collaboration.
This year’s conference also features several co-located events, further enriching the experience:
World Steel Bridge Symposium
QualityCon
NISD Detailing Conference
SafetyCon
Architecture in Steel
SSRC’s Annual Stability Conference
This integrated approach provides attendees with unparalleled access to a diverse range of expertise and perspectives within the steel industry.
Be Our Guest
Download a complimentary VIP exhibit hall pass! Connect with us at Booth #801. The pass allows free entrance to the exhibit hall on Thursday, April 3, and Friday, April 4.
North America’s premier event for metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing will convene at the Orange County Convention Center from October 15-17, 2024. FABTECH offers a comprehensive platform to connect with global industry leaders, explore cutting-edge technologies, and discover innovative solutions to optimize productivity, enhance profitability, and address your metalworking challenges.
With over 800,000 square feet dedicated to the latest manufacturing equipment, this event is your one-stop destination to discover groundbreaking innovations tailored to your specific applications and industries.
Join Infra-Metals for several days filled with innovation and most importantly, Steel!
Infra-Metals Buchanan: Pioneering Industrial Growth in the Southeast
As the industrial landscape of the Southeast continues to flourish, Infra-Metals is poised to become a pivotal player with its latest venture, Infra-Metals Buchanan. Slated to open in the spring of 2025, this greenfield warehouse location is a testament to the company’s commitment to growth and service excellence.
Strategic Location for Enhanced Service
Nestled just 60 miles west of downtown Atlanta, GA, the new 100-acre site is strategically positioned to better serve customers in the Southeastern region of the United States. With 270,000 square feet of indoor storage under hook and an additional 88,000 square feet of outdoor space, Infra-Metals Buchanan is designed to expand alongside the burgeoning industrial demand in the area.
Accessibility and Convenience
The city of Buchanan offers more than just space; it provides convenient access to major highways and railroads, ensuring that customers in Alabama and west of Atlanta are serviced promptly and efficiently, a cornerstone of the Infra-Metals operational philosophy.
A Diverse Inventory Meets Cutting-Edge Processing
Infra-Metals is renowned for its extensive variety of carbon structural materials, and the Buchanan location will be no exception. From beams and tubes to plates and assorted mechant bar products, the inventory is as diverse as the industries it serves. Coupled with a comprehensive suite of first-stage processing services, including cnc plasma and oxy fuel cutting, drilling, blasting, painting and saw cutting, Infra-Metals Buchanan is set to be a one-stop shop for all your structural carbon steel needs.
Investing in the Community
With an estimated 100 employees to be housed at the facility, Infra-Metals Buchanan is not just investing in steel but in people as well. The grand opening in 2025 is eagerly anticipated, marking a new chapter for both the company and the community it will serve.
As we look towards the grand opening, it’s clear that Infra-Metals Buchanan is more than just a warehouse; it’s a beacon of industrial growth and a partner to the thriving Southeast economy. Stay tuned for more updates as we journey towards the launch of this exciting new facility.
Oceantic Network, formerly the Business Network for Offshore Wind, is pleased to announce that registration is open for the 2024 International Partnering Forum (IPF) taking place April 22-25, 2024, in New Orleans. Industry experts from around the world will converge to share best business practices, the most advanced technical and scientific findings, and policy updates impacting offshore wind. IPF connects global leaders and businesses in the supply chain, offers unparalleled networking opportunities, and delivers the most timely and relevant updates on the industry, from technology and policy to safety and siting.
As the largest offshore wind energy conference in the Americas, IPF offers a full week of tours, workshops, trainings, networking opportunities, and new programming (including the new FloatON Summit dedicated to floating offshore wind). Meet and connect with industry colleagues, global leaders, and offshore wind trailblazers.
Located in the heart of America’s offshore energy industry, New Orleans will host 2024 IPF just as the Gulf of Mexico begins developing its offshore wind market. Gulf companies are already hard at work building America’s next energy industry and moving to integrate new technologies like green hydrogen into offshore wind. Embracing its offshore energy past and embracing the future of offshore wind, New Orleans and the state of Louisiana are emerging as a center of experience, expertise, innovation, and heart of this new industry.
With an anticipated 4,000+ attendees, 300+ exhibitors, and 250+ speakers, IPF attendance helps secure your place as a leader in the industry.
You’ll find Infra-Metals exhibiting at Booth #1206. Stop by to talk to our team and see how Infra-Metals can assist you in your next project delivery by utilizing our extensive inventory and processing capabilities.
Learn more about how we address the project life cycle and how we can help reduce the overall costs of your project. Additionally we work with many of the fabrication software applications serving the structural steel industry for project management. Stop by and ask one of our team members for more information.
We’re not just another supplier. Consider us an extension of your shop. Click here for more information regarding Internation Partnering Forum 2024
NASCC: The Steel Conference is back this year to San Antonio, TX. March 20-22.
NASCC is the premier educational and networking event for the structural steel industry bringing together structural engineers, structural steel fabricators, erectors, detailers, and architects. With over 300+ exhibitors showcasing products ranging from structural design software to machinery for processing structural steel, the show has some to offer everyone including many networking opportunities. There are over 230+ educational sessions that cover topics such as the latest design concepts, construction techniques, and cutting-edge research.
You’ll find Infra-Metals exhibiting at Booth #1015, near the front entrance of the tradeshow floor. Stop by to talk to our team and see how Infra-Metals can assist you in your next project delivery by utilizing our extensive inventory and processing capabilities.
Learn more about how we address the project life cycle and how we can help reduce the overall costs of your project. Additionally we work with many of the fabrication software applications serving the structural steel industry for project management. Stop by and ask one of our team members for more information.
We’re not just another supplier. Consider us an extension of your shop. Click here for more information regarding NASCC: The Steel Conference
Due to its strength and durability, structural steel is one of the most important materials used in construction. It is vital in building applications ranging from framing to roofing to support structures and more. Because of its widespread availability and reusability, structural steel will continue to be a key resource in current and future building projects. Without structural steel, many construction projects would not be possible. However, manufacturing new steel can have major environmental effects, as these processes often require a substantial amount of energy.
Recycling structural steel is an effective method for reducing the building industry’s environmental impact. Steel is a highly recyclable material that can be reused without deteriorating quality or durability. Moreover, recycling requires less energy than creating new products, reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
This article will explore structural steel recycling and how this can contribute to a more sustainable future.
How Is Steel Recycled?
As consumers become more aware of the environmental impact of the construction industry, they are looking for more sustainable options for their building projects. Recycling structural steel can be a key component of these practices.
First, scrap yards collect and purchase various types of discarded steel from homeowners, companies, and other metal users. The scrap yard then sorts the steel by type, quality, color, and weight before processing and shredding them into smaller pieces. Rail cars transport the sorted, shredded steel to regional steel mills for recycling.
Structural steel recycling consists of gathering steel scrap from diverse origins and meticulously classifying it according to its type and quality. The sorted scrap is subsequently subjected to melting in furnaces, utilizing either Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) or Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) methods. The steel attains the desired composition through refinement, subsequently taking the form of beams, columns, or plates.
In the BOF method, molten iron is combined with scrap steel, and oxygen is blown into the furnace. This results in a chemical reaction that removes impurities and adjusts the carbon content to create high-quality steel. On the other hand, the EAF method uses electricity to generate intense heat, melting scrap steel in an electric arc furnace.
Remarkably, the recycled content of structural steel produced in the United States averages 93%, and steel is 100% recyclable. In contrast, other construction materials like reinforced concrete can only be downcycled. At the end of a building’s lifespan, 98% of all structural steel is recycled into new products—such as new buildings, automobiles, and home appliances—without losing physical properties. This makes structural steel a cradle-to-cradle material that can be recycled repeatedly, contributing to sustainable construction practices and resource conservation.
The Importance of Environmental Product Declarations
Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) are valuable tools in emphasizing the significance of recycling structural steel and meeting the requirements for sustainable, environmentally friendly construction materials. EPDs serve as comprehensive documents that provide transparent and credible information about the environmental impact of products.
Various rating systems exist to assess and certify the environmental performance of construction materials. These systems, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and other regional rating systems, establish criteria for evaluating the sustainability aspects of building materials. The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) actively collaborates with steel mills to develop industry-wide EPDs that comply with these rating systems.
The manufacturing process of structural steel involves certain environmental impacts, which are evaluated and disclosed in EPDs. These impacts include global warming potential, ozone depletion, acidification, eutrophication, and ozone creation. EPDs also provide an overview of the life cycle of structural steel, from raw material extraction to manufacturing and transportation. This allows stakeholders to assess its overall environmental performance.
Benefits of Structural Steel Sustainability
Structural steel sustainability offers numerous benefits for a more environmentally friendly and economically viable construction industry. Being a highly recyclable material, steel is easily recoverable and recyclable at the end of a building’s life cycle. This recycling capability reduces the carbon footprint associated with steel production.
Steel’s strength and durability contribute to the longevity of structures. Steel buildings can have a longer lifespan compared to other construction materials, reducing the need for frequent replacements and renovations. This extended lifespan results in fewer materials consumed over time and lower environmental impacts.
Steel’s durability and low maintenance requirements lead to long-term cost savings for building owners. Furthermore, steel structures’ design flexibility and efficiency can result in reduced construction time and labor costs.
Choose Infra-Metals for Premium Structural Steel Supply and Services
Since 1990, Infra-Metals has been a leader in servicing the structural steel market! Our strategy is to focus on providing quality steel products and precision processing, enabling us to offer an array of services. These include plate burning, drilling, saw cutting, and forming. We also prioritize professional and ethical business practices with our customers, suppliers, and employees.
Steel is a versatile material that has been used to build bridges for over a century. They are ideal for several applications due to their durability, sturdiness, and reliability and are commonly used for road and railway projects. Moreover, they offer many benefits, including high strength-to-weight ratios, long spans, and various design options.
This post will review some of the most significant factors to consider while constructing a steel bridge.
Factors To Consider When Designing Steel Bridges
The following are the things to keep in mind when designing structural steel bridges:
Loads and Load Combinations
Loads are the forces that act on a bridge. Live loads are vehicles and other moving loads, while dead loads are the bridge structure. On the other hand, wind, seismic, and temperature loads are environmental loads. These combinations must be considered during the design process to ensure the bridge can safely handle them.
Structural Analysis
Structural analysis determines the behavior and performance of a bridge under various loads and load combinations. It considers different factors, including the structural system, material properties, geometric dimensions, and boundary conditions.
Redundancy
Redundancy involves providing additional structural members or elements to maintain the bridge’s integrity, even if one or more parts fail. Thus, a redundant design ensures the bridge’s safety, even in unforeseen events.
Limit State
Limit states are the conditions beyond which a structure can no longer perform its intended function. The limit-state design approach aims to prevent these conditions by ensuring the structure remains within safe limits under all loading conditions.
Design for Constructability
A well-designed bridge should consider constructability, reducing the complexity of the construction process and ensuring that it can be completed within budget and on time.
Design for Fatigue
Structural steel bridge designers must consider fatigue, especially for high-traffic bridges. Fatigue occurs when a material weakens and fails after repeated loading and unloading cycles.
Substructure Design
Substructure design refers to the bridge’s supporting components, such as piers, abutments, and foundations. It must maintain these components and maintain the bridge’s weight and load.
Splice Design
Splices are critical components of steel bridges, joining individual steel members together to create the overall bridge structure. It will ensure the connection is strong enough to resist various loads and combinations.
Bearing Design
Bearing design is essential in steel bridges, as it supports the bridge’s superstructure and transfers loads to the substructure. It must consider the loads the bridge will carry, the type of bridge, and its location. The most common types of bearings used in steel bridges are as follows:
Elastomeric bearings: commonly used in short and medium-span bridges
Pot bearings: preferred for long-span bridges
Spherical bearings: mostly used in curved bridges
The bearing design must also consider the bridge’s movement due to expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes.
Bridge Deck Design
A bridge deck is critical in structural steel bridge design because it carries traffic loads and provides a stable surface for vehicles. In addition, it must consider factors such as the type of deck material used to ensure safety and longevity.
Load Rating
The bridge’s strength and safety depend on its ability to carry loads and withstand forces, and a bridge’s load rating determines its maximum load-carrying capacity. Thus, it calculates the safe weight limit for vehicles and other loads crossing the bridge.
Corrosion Protection
Moisture, salt, and chemicals can corrode steel bridges over time. Therefore, steel bridges must be designed and built with corrosion protection in mind to ensure their long-term durability, safety, and sustainability.
Build Durable Bridges With High-Quality Steel From Infra-Metals!
As one of the biggest steel service centers in the US, Infra-Metals offers an extensive selection of products and services to meet your needs. Our centers are designed to cater to each region’s unique demands. We are committed to delivering high-quality services that are both efficient and cost-effective!
As more individuals seek alternative energy sources, the demand for solar electricity is expanding. One of the critical components of a solar energy system is the mounting structure. Solar panel mounting systems give solar panels the support they need to catch sunlight and convert it into usable energy.
This post will discuss crucial factors when selecting the most suitable solar steel panel mounting structure for your business.
Types of Solar Steel Panel Mounting Structures
Different types of mounting structures offer various characteristics, so selecting one that fits your needs is important. Here are the most common types:
Ground-Mounted: These solar panels are typically placed on the ground, in a field, or large open spaces. They are supported by a frame or mounting mechanism that ensures they remain firmly in place even in inclement weather.
Rooftop: Rooftop solar panels are an excellent solution for buildings with limited ground space. These are positioned on the building’s roof using a specialized mounting technique.
Pole-Mounted: Pole-mounted solar panels can be a great option in areas where rooftop and ground space are both limited. These systems may be deployed in several places around the facility and are mounted on one or more poles.
Floating: Solar panels built on bodies of water — such as reservoirs, ponds, or lakes — provide a unique chance to create renewable energy. The floating platform on which these panels are installed has many advantages, including lowering water evaporation and improving water quality.
Materials Used in Solar Steel Panel Mounting Structures
There are several materials used in mounting structures for solar products, including the following:
Cold-Formed Steel (CFS): This material has high strength, a long lifespan, and affordability. It is frequently used for solar panel systems that are roof-mounted and ground-mounted.
Aluminum: Aluminum is a lightweight, corrosion-resistant material easily molded to meet specific designs.
Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is a long-lasting, corrosion-resistant material that can survive seawater exposure. Thus, it is frequently utilized for solar steel panel mounting structures in coastal locations.
Galvanized Steel: This material has been zinc-coated to prevent rust and corrosion, making it ideal for places with tough weather conditions.
Structures for mounting solar panels are best made of CFS. This is a popular choice because of its strength and low cost. Further, it can assist in cutting installation costs while assuring the system’s long-term endurance and dependability. Still, selecting the material that best meets your project’s unique requirements is most important.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Solar Steel Panel Mounting Structures
Choosing the right panel mounting structure requires careful consideration of various factors, such as:
Location and Geography
The location and geography of a solar project can considerably influence the mounting structure chosen. For example, if the site is on a steep slope, a pole-mounted structure may be preferable over a ground-mounted system.
Another key factor to consider is soil type, as some soils may only be able to handle the weight of a ground-mounted system with additional foundation work. Shade from trees or other objects near the location can further restrict the amount of energy produced by the panels.
Wind and Snow Loads
The construction must be built to handle the area’s projected wind and snow loads. Failure to do so may cause damage to the panels or the building itself, potentially resulting in costly repairs or replacements.
Solar Panel Size and Orientation
The appropriate angle and orientation of the panels must be set to optimize energy production while meeting size and orientation specifications. For example, if the location has a southern exposure, the panels should be positioned to face south. Hence, the angle of the panels should be adjusted to capture as much sunlight as possible.
Budget and Cost-Effectiveness
It is important to weigh the advantages of the mounting structure against its cost. For instance, consider the long-term savings obtained by selecting a high-quality, long-lasting mounting framework.
Sustainability and Environmental Factors
Select a structure that has a minimal environmental impact and is built of environmentally friendly materials. Furthermore, it should be constructed to be easily dismantled and recycled at the end of its life.
Infra-Metals: Your Go-To Source for Steel Solar Panel Mounts!
At Infra-Metals, we are your one-stop shop for all your structural carbon steel needs! We have streamlined materials and processing capabilities, allowing us to provide you with the best materials and components for your application. Moreover, our extensive inventory enables us to offer multiple types of products on short notice.
Contact us to learn more about our services and how we can help you. You may also request a quote today to work with us on your next custom solar panel mounting project!
