How to Determine Steel Plate Thickness for Construction

Steel plate is one of the main materials in construction, both for building structures, bridges, and industrial projects. The thickness of the steel plate used must be adjusted to the needs so that the structure remains strong and safe. Here is a guide to determining the right thickness of steel plate for your construction project.

1. Determine the Function and Load to be Beared
The thickness of the steel plate is highly dependent on the type of use. Here are some examples of the use of steel plates based on their function:

• Building Structure: Steel plates are used as floor plates, beams, or structural support elements.
• Industrial Machine and Equipment Frames: Steel plates must be thick enough to withstand vibrations and dynamic loads.
• Bridges and Infrastructure: Requires high-thickness steel plates to withstand heavy loads and external pressure.

Each function has a different thickness calculation according to the applicable technical standards.

2. Check SNI and International Standards
In Indonesia, the thickness of steel plates usually refers to the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) and international standards such as ASTM, JIS, or ISO. Here are some examples of standard steel plate thicknesses:

• Thin Steel Plate (0.8 mm – 3 mm) → Suitable for light applications such as vehicle bodies and household appliances.
• Medium Steel Plate (4 mm – 12 mm) → Used in light steel frame construction, storage tanks, and steel floors.
• Thick Steel Plate (above 12 mm) → Used in bridge construction, ship plates, and high-rise buildings.

3. Use the Technical Calculation Formula
To determine the thickness of the steel plate technically, the calculation that is often used is:

Information:

• t = steel plate thickness (mm)
• W = load received (kg/m²)
• F = safety factor (usually 1.5 – 2)
• S = allowable stress of steel material (kg/mm²)

If you are not sure about the manual calculation, consult a structural engineer to get more accurate results.

4. Consider Environmental Factors
In addition to the load, the environment also affects the thickness of the steel plate used.

• Areas with Extreme Weather: Use thicker steel plates and have additional protection such as galvanization or anti-rust coating.
• Industrial Environment: If the steel plate is exposed to chemicals or high humidity, choose a steel plate that has special protection so that it does not corrode quickly.

5. Consult with a Trusted Steel Supplier
To avoid making the wrong choice, make sure you buy steel plates from a trusted supplier such as PT Intisumber Bajasakti, which provides quality steel plates according to industry standards.

Conclusion
Determining the thickness of steel plates requires an understanding of the function, standards, technical calculations, and environmental factors. By choosing the right thickness, your construction project will be stronger, safer, and more durable.

Looking for quality steel plates? Contact PT Intisumber Bajasakti!
www.intisumberbajasakti.com

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