Based on the computer analysis of millions of words from construction books and publications, here are the Top 20 noun-noun collocations that describe different steel materials.
Metal channel
Metal decking
Metal framing
Steel framing
Metal panel
Metal rod
Steel rod
Metal roofing
Metal stud
Metal tubing
Metal grating
Steel angle
Steel beam
Steel column
Steel joist
Steel plate
Steel reinforcement
Steel reinforcing
Steel member
Steel sections
Collocations help make your communication clear and simple.
Read a mini lesson about collocations here.
PRO TIP
Native English speakers often use the words ‘Metal’ and ‘Steel’ to describe the same thing.
Just to be careful, here are some general rules to follow.
Metal
Is a general term. Depending on the context, it could be structural or non-structural.
Try to use the term ‘Metal’ when:
- you want to describe the general properties of something (a metal chair)
- you are referring to something that’s NOT part of the PRIMARY STRUCTURE. (metal panel, metal roofing, metal framing, etc)
Steel
Is a specific term.
Try to use the term ‘Steel’ when:
- you want to describe the general properties of something (a steel fastener)
- you want to make sure it’s understood that the material is STEEL.
- you are referring to something that IS part of the PRIMARY STRUCTURE. The primary structure consists of beams, columns, bracing, connections, and all other parts of the structure that support the design.
A CLOSER LOOK
Metal channel
Metal channels are light gauge and cold formed.
Light gauge means thin.
Cold formed means that they are made by bending thin steel without heating.
Steel channel
Steel channels are structural.
Steel channels are hot rolled (made by heating metal at a high temperature and rolling through a machine)
Metal decking (also steel decking)
Metal decking is structural. It is most often covered with concrete to form floor or roof slabs.
Sometimes it isn’t covered with concrete and just spans between secondary roof framing members and supports the roof insulation and roofing materials.
Metal framing
Metal framing usually refers to cold-formed, light gauge studs, channels and other shapes.
Metal framing can be structural if it is engineered.
Steel framing
Steel framing is a general term. It could be structural or non-structural shapes.
Metal rod
Also called
Steel rod
Steel reinforcement
Steel reinforcing
Reinforcement is the general action or function of something.
Reinforcing describes the actual system or object.
Metal panel
Metal panel is a general term describing any flat, thin sheet of metal. It can be any type of metal (stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, etc)
Metal roofing
Metal stud (also steel stud)
Studs are metal framing.
Metal tubing (also steel tubing)
Tubing is any shape that’s hollow. (open in the middle)
Metal grating (also steel grating)
Grating can be structural or non-structural.
Steel angle
Steel angles are hot rolled, and are most often structural.
Steel beam
Steel beams are hot rolled, horizontal steel structural framing members.
Steel column
Steel columns are hot rolled, vertical steel structural framing members.
Steel joist
Also called open web joists.
Steel plate
Steel plate is often structural.
Steel member
Member is a general term. Steel members are any part of a primary structural system. Beams, columns, girts, joists, etc.
Steel sections
Steel section describes the profile or shape of a structural steel member. Engineers use the section properties for their calculations.
