The Role of Steel Nails in Modern Sustainable Construction

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

The Importance of Sustainable Construction

In an era where environmental concerns are at the forefront of global discourse, the construction industry is under increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices. By integrating sustainable materials and methods, the industry can contribute significantly to environmental preservation and resource efficiency.

Steel nails have been a staple in construction for decades due to their ability to withstand shear pressure forces and their versatility. From framing houses to constructing high-rise buildings, steel nails play a crucial role in various construction applications. But what about steel nails in sustainable construction? Is this component still a viable option to be considered sustainable? These are the questions we will try to answer in this blog post.

Overview of Steel Production: Eco-friendliness

As the industry shifts towards sustainability, understanding the methods of steel production in this transformation is essential.

Okay, but… I heard that mass steel production has a huge negative impact on the environment. How can steel products be considered environmentally friendly in the first place?

While it is true that steel production has a significant environmental impact due to its high energy consumption and emissions, there are solutions that steel mills around the world are developing right now to mitigate these effects.

It is a well-known fact that steel is the most recyclable material in the world. About 80–90% of all steel in the world is recycled, which helps to lower the carbon footprint tremendously.

To understand steel production better, we have to explore its methods. There are mainly two ways of producing steel:

1. Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF)

2. Electric Arc Furnace (EAF)

The BOF method is used to create new, or in other words, “virgin” steel. The EAF method mainly uses scrap metal for recycled steel production. Those methods are often referred to as primary and secondary steel production paths. The primary production path utilizes only 13.8% steel scrap, relying mostly on other materials like raw iron ore, limestone, and coal, which are extracted from the earth. In contrast, the secondary production path uses 105% scrap steel (the percentage exceeds 100 because some scrap steel is lost during the process). EAF method carbon emissions are 6 times lower compared to the BOF method. This knowledge, combined with the fact that virtually all steel can be easily recycled, begs the question.

Why don’t we just produce all steel using electric arc furnaces? This would save a lot of emissions, right?

Not so fast, partner. There are two main reasons why this can’t be done. The amount of scrap steel is simply not high enough to fulfill the current steel demand in the world. At some point in time, when we reach equilibrium in steel demand and supply, we will be able to fully manufacture steel using only scrap steel, but currently it is not an option. And the second reason is that the EAF steel production method is significantly more expensive compared to the BOF path.

This topic about steel production is too deep to delve into right now. And we don’t want it to be any longer than it should be, as we value your precious time. So back to nails and sustainability.

2. Advantages of Steel Nails

Steel nails offer several advantages in sustainable construction, contributing to both environmental sustainability and the overall efficiency of building processes.

The benefits include:

• Longevity: Steel nails are highly resistant to rust and corrosion when coated or galvanized, ensuring long-lasting performance in various environmental conditions.
• Durability: Their strength and durability provide reliable fastening
• Recyclability: Using recycled steel in the production of nails reduces the environmental impact associated with mining and processing new steel.
• Versatility: Steel nails are suitable for a wide range of construction applications, making them a versatile choice for sustainable building projects.
• Performance: They provide excellent holding power and structural integrity, which is crucial for the safety and stability of sustainable buildings.
• Cost-effectiveness: The long lifespan and reliability of steel nails mean fewer replacements and repairs, leading to cost savings over the life of a building. Also, they’re a popular option for fastening because they’re quick to install and save upfront on price tags.

3. Case Studies: Sustainable Construction Projects Using Steel Nails

Currently, there are quite a few mass timber projects being developed and built across the USA and Canada where nail laminated timber (NLT) is used as the main or supplementary construction element. NLT is a type of mass timber construction where layers of dimensional lumber are stacked and fastened together using steel nails to create a solid, structural panel. This method provides a strong, durable, and cost-effective solution for floors, walls, and roofs in both residential and commercial buildings. NLT panels are praised for their sustainability, as they utilize renewable wood resources and incorporate recycled materials such as nails, making them an eco-friendly choice in modern construction.

Here are a few examples out of many other mass timber projects where NLT panels are and were used for their construction.

• Ādisōke, Ottawa Public Library, Canada. With the help of Federal funding, the facility will achieve significant sustainability targets, including net-zero carbon and LEED Gold certification. The building features sustainable design elements like enhanced daylighting, a green roof with solar panels, and the use of wood as a structural as well as decorative element.

• 80 Atlantic, Canada. Integrating natural and high-performance materials, it sets a new standard of development, offering high-design work environments and collaborative spaces. 80 Atlantic incorporates exposed mass timber glulam posts and beams with exposed cross-laminated timber ceilings and nail-laminated timber (NLT) panels for floors and walls.

• Madonna University Franciscan Center, USA. Sustainable construction materials used in the building include mass timber joists, wood decking, cork, bamboo, recycled content carpeting, Type-N brick mortar, and low-volatile organic compound (VOC) paint

4. Best Practices for Using Steel Nails in Sustainable Construction

Using steel nails in a sustainable construction project involves more than just selecting the right product; it requires a holistic approach that includes careful planning, proper installation, and ongoing maintenance. We’ve listed some best practices to ensure that steel nails contribute effectively to the sustainability goals of your construction project:

• Evaluate the specific needs of your construction project to determine the appropriate types and sizes of steel nails. Different applications, such as framing, roofing, flooring, or finishing, require different types of nails.
• Look for steel nails made from high-grade materials to ensure longevity and durability. High-quality nails are less likely to fail, reducing the need for repairs and replacements. Trust us, it’s worth it in the long run.
• For projects exposed to the elements, such as exterior structures or marine environments, use appropriate coating or stainless steel nails. These nails are treated to resist rust and corrosion, enhancing their lifespan and performance.
• When possible, select nails made from recycled steel. This reduces the demand for virgin materials and supports the recycling industry, contributing to overall sustainability.
• Lastly, establish rigorous quality control protocols to monitor the installation process and the performance of steel nails in the structure. This helps in identifying any issues early and ensures that the construction meets the desired standards.

5. Conclusion

Steel nails are indispensable in modern sustainable construction due to their durability, cost-effectiveness, and recyclability. These qualities make them an ideal choice for builders looking to minimize their environmental impact while maintaining high construction standards.

As the construction industry evolves, the emphasis on sustainability will definitely continue to grow. With their proven reliability and potential for further innovation, steel nails will remain a fundamental component of sustainable building practices now and in the future.

But another promising alternative for fastener usage is rapidly gaining more and more popularity. Wood nails are incredibly sustainable, as they are made from renewable resources and have a significantly lower environmental impact during production, transportation, and disposal. However, more research and testing are necessary to fully understand and enhance their performance in various construction applications.

Wood nails are great for light construction and wood crafting projects, but compared with steel nails used in larger, more complex, and more demanding construction projects, we believe that they are just not there. Yet…