Steel wastewater treatment plants are not only more cost-efficient than concrete plants, but offer other advantages too
In the evolving landscape of wastewater treatment infrastructure, the choice of materials plays a pivotal role in determining the efficiency, durability, and overall cost-effectiveness of treatment plants. Traditionally, concrete has been the go-to material for constructing these facilities. However, recent advancements and practical experiences have highlighted the numerous advantages of using steel over concrete.
Steel, with its remarkable properties and versatile applications, is rapidly emerging as the preferred material for wastewater treatment infrastructure. This shift is not just about following a trend; it’s driven by compelling reasons that resonate with the operational and financial goals of municipalities, developers, and engineers alike.
What are its advantages?
More Durable
Wastewater often contains highly corrosive acids, chemicals, and gases that can degrade infrastructure. However, steel coupled with appropriate corrosion-protection measures, is highly resistant to those corrosive elements, thereby reducing the need for costly maintenance and repairs. With proper care, steel structures can last for decades.
Stronger
Steel has a much higher strength-to-weight ratio than concrete, enabling steel structures to be much lighter without compromising strength or stability. Wastewater treatment systems made of steel are less likely to suffer structural failures, and you can make them more resistant to seismic activity and other ground movement by adding base isolators and flexible tank connections that act as shock absorbers.
Faster and More Flexible
Steel components can be prefabricated off-site, then shipped and assembled on-site — a much faster process than using concrete, which must be cast in place. When you use prefabricated modular components, it’s easier to expand, modify, or upgrade a plant while keeping disruptions of normal operations to a minimum. This flexibility makes steel ideal for decentralized applications. Steel can also be easily customized to accommodate specific design requirements and innovative treatment technology.
More Cost-Effective
Building steel plants is generally more cost-effective than constructing concrete plants, as they require less time, labor, and materials on-site. Depending on the plant’s size, the upfront costs for steel plants will be lower.
Recyclable
When steel structures reach the end of their lifespan, the steel itself is 100% recyclable. Moreover, the precision of steel fabrication makes it less wasteful than concrete, which is more prone to over-pouring and reworking.
Steel offers unmatched durability, strength, flexibility, and cost-efficiency for wastewater treatment infrastructure. At AUC Group, our package steel wastewater treatment plants are engineered to withstand the toughest conditions while providing long-lasting performance. With our high-quality epoxy coatings and hot-dipped galvanized components, you can count on over 20 years of reliable service.
Our flexible modular designs allow for easy expansion, ensuring your plant can grow with your community’s needs. Plus, our Build-Own-Operate (BOO) agreements and Lease Plant Program provide the financial flexibility to get started without significant upfront costs.
Transform your wastewater treatment infrastructure with the superior benefits of steel. Contact AUC Group today to learn more about our time-tested solutions and tailored financing options.
Lead Sr. Project Manager
David Rolen joined AUC Group in 2016 as a Project Manager. He provides leadership on many projects with responsibilities including overseeing budgets, communicating with clients and organizing design schedules. He also selects and coordinates fabricators and works with general contractors during the installation of plants.
