What properties of steel are important to the civil engineer?

Answer 1

Youngs modulus (modulus of elasticity) E

Poissons ratio v

Yield strength

Ultimate tensile strength

Density

Cost

Stiffness

Heat expansion co-efficient

Sources: Mechanical engineering masters degree

Answer 2

Mostly carbon steel. In mechanical engineering weight is important so they use high-strength steel that can be made thinner and still do the work. Civil engineers are more concerned with cost, so if a $1000 piece of inch-thick steel will support the same load as a $2500 piece of half-inch steel they'll get an overweight permit, tell the contractor to bring the big crane, and knock the savings off their bid.

Civil engineers also use a little bit of stainless in visible spots like handrails. Because stainless is rust resistant, the state won't have to buy paint every year and the person they would have sent out there to repaint the rails can fix potholes instead.