The Untold Life Cycle of a Steel Joist

The attributes of open web steel joists are well known to the structural engineering and construction community. Their efficiency, high strength-to-weight ratio, versatility, ease of erection, high durability, and cost-effectiveness make steel joists and joist girders a common consideration for today’s roofing and flooring systems. However, the manufacturing of open web steel joists and joist girders is often left out of the discussion, leaving engineers and decision-makers wondering what kind of processes occur behind the curtains of the manufacturing plant. This article aims to shed light on the typical life-cycle stages of steel joists, from steel production to building decommissioning, leading the readers into the realm of open web steel joist and joist girder manufacturing and sustainability.