Tips & Advice Posts

Eiffel 101: 5 Tips for Selling Steel Plates

When listing your steel plates for sale, there are certain steps you can take to make your listings more attractive to potential buyers. These include taking quality photos of the plates, showing photos of the plates after they’ve been uninstalled, setting the plates at a fair market price, being upfront about defects, and remembering to include the plates’ certification, when available.

1. Take Quality Photos in Good Light

When you take high quality photos of your steel plates, you’ll enable potential buyers to get a sense of what you’re offering, which can make them more likely to act. Luckily, you don’t need expensive camera equipment to get the best shot; good-quality daylight and a clean phone lens should be enough. Aim to take multiple photos from different angles to ensure you’re showcasing your plates in their entirety.

2. Take Photos of Plates After Uninstalling

Buyers want to know what they’re purchasing, and they might hesitate to complete a sale if they can’t view the entire steel plate. To help make your steel plates more marketable, take photos of the plates after uninstalling.

3. Set Plates at a Fair Market Price

If your steel plates aren’t selling, it might be because you’re failing to gauge steel’s current market price. Do some research on steel prices and the going rate for similar plates to ensure your setting a fair price. Keep in mind that steel is priced differently depending on location, meaning that your region will affect your price. For example, steel tends to sell for less in rural areas and might be further marked down in order to account for buyer accessibility.

4. Be Upfront About Defects

Never attempt to trick buyers into overlooking a plate’s defects. Instead, be upfront about rust or abnormalities in your steel plates, and price your plates accordingly.

5. Remember to List Certifications

Steel plates that include a certification are more desirable than plates without certification. If your steel plates are certified, be sure to include that information in the listing.

Buy and Sell at Eiffel Trading

Eiffel Trading exists as an online marketplace to allow heavy civil contractors to purchase and sell used and surplus material and equipment. Our material inventory includes both new steel plates and used steel plates, used steel sheet pile, brand new h-pile beams, and much more. Furthermore, our equipment inventory ranges from used sectional barges, to used concrete formwork, and everything in between.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.
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What Is Pipe Pile?

Pipe piles are steel pipes that are either welded, spiral-welded, or seamless. They are used for deep foundations and for transferring loads from buildings and other structures to deep, underground soil layers. They help resist load pressure by allowing for point bearing and skin friction. Pipe piles are driven into place with plates or points and may be close-ended or open-ended. Some pipe piles are filled with concrete to maximize strength and load bearing capabilities. Sometimes pipe piles that are larger and thicker are a more cost-effective option than filling smaller, thinner piles with concrete.

Advantages of Pipe Piles

As opposed to other options for deep foundations, pipe piles offer several advantages. They lower costs because they are capable of being tailored to meet specific load bearing requirements. They are simple to drive and install, and they’re easy to inspect and test before use. They are sturdy and unlikely to crack or otherwise get damaged while they are being driven into the ground. Additionally, pipe piles can be added to bolster foundation support after construction and during various phases of construction.

Common Sizes

Pipe piles come in a variety of sizes that can support loads between 50 and 500 kips. They may be several inches in diameter to several feet in diameter. Common sizes range from 8” in diameter to over 50” in diameter. If you’re looking to buy used pipe pile, you should have no problem finding plenty of options in this range, with the highest number of options in the diameter range of 18” to 28”. Pipe piles can be joined together to create pile structures that are hundreds of feet long.

Applications

Pipe piles can be used for the creation of the following:• Building foundations• Bridge foundationsHighway foundationsMarine structure foundations• Dock foundations• Offshore construction foundations• Railway foundations• Oilfield construction foundations• Communication tower foundations• Column foundationsThese are just some of the examples of possible applications for pipe piles. They are useful whenever a structure or building is large and heavy. They are also excellent to employ in areas where soil quality is poor or only allows for shallow depths unless piles are driven deep into the ground. For marine applications, pipe piles are a great choice to provide extra foundation support in the ocean floor or canal floor.

Perks of Buying Used

Steel is built to last and maintain its quality, so you don’t have to worry about used pipe pile getting the job done. Most used pipe pile on the market was surplus from a previous foundation project or has been reclaimed from use in pipelines. Buying used steel pipe piles can save you a decent amount of money. The used pipe pile on our website generally ranges in price from between around $0.25 to $0.40 per lb. This is significantly cheaper than new pipe pile and can help you cut your overall project costs dramatically. When buying used, make sure pipe piles have been properly inspected for curvature and damage.

Final Thoughts

Pipe piles are a valuable addition to deep foundations and are suitable to numerous applications and construction projects that require deep foundations. Pipe piles can be purchased new or used, and the wide array of buying options helps ensure you can find the right pipe piles for your project at the right price.

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Did you know that Eiffel Trading is a one-stop-shop for all of your heavy civil material and equipment needs? With material inventory ranging from used pipe pile, to new h-pile, to used and surplus hdpe pipe… we have it all! Furthermore, our equipment offerings include trench boxes, pile breakers, sectional barges, and so much more.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.
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Eiffel 101: Concrete Considerations for Formwork Use

It’s imperative to choose the right concrete for use with your formwork and to use that concrete correctly according to its type. Using concrete with improper characteristics can affect the overall quality of your concrete construction or lead to costly issues and formwork fails. Paying attention to concrete characteristics is an integral part of the forming process, and it’s one that shouldn’t be overlooked. Below are some concrete characteristic considerations for you to keep in mind to ensure that your concrete construction goes smoothly:

Type of Concrete:

The type of concrete you should use depends on the required strength for the project as well as factors including surface finish. Additionally, you should take into consideration weather conditions and make sure to invest in concrete that will cure properly in the conditions of the project. When choosing a type of concrete, be sure to be aware of local codes that may apply. Additionally, don’t just choose a specific type of concrete because of its low cost. You want to get the best deal on concrete, but you don’t want the type of concrete you buy to compromise the quality of your concrete construction.

Weight:

You need to be sure the forms you’re using can support the weight of both wet and dry concrete. Make sure you’re aware of concrete weight. The weight of fresh concrete is calculated considering cement content, water content, density, and air content.

Temperature:

In addition to considering overall weather conditions, you should be aware of the temperature of a project site. Temperature can dramatically affect the properties of concrete, both wet and as it dries. Be aware of minimum and maximum temperature limits for the specific kind of concrete you’re using. If it’s too hot or too cold for a particular kind of concrete, it’s likely that hydration rate, slump loss, overall strength, setting, and finishing times will all be impacted.

Slump:

Slump is the consistency of fresh concrete, and it determines its capability to flow. Make sure you’re using concrete with the right slump tolerance for your desired end product and that your crew members are aware of the slump of the particular concrete they’re working with. This will help them manage its overall consistency while pouring.

Vibration:

When concrete is being poured, air bubbles can form that compromise the integrity of it and result in issues with the final structure. Vibrators help remove these bubbles and help you ensure the quality of the concrete. Use concrete vibration to help eliminate concrete problems due to air bubbles and get the most out of forming.Be sure to invest in the right concrete for your project and to test the qualities of concrete before you begin a pour. Doing so can help you prevent formwork fails as well as inadequate concrete construction that doesn’t meet your standards once concrete is done curing. Devoting enough attention to concrete characteristics upfront pays off in the long run when everything goes according to plan while forming and you end up with premium concrete structures.

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Eiffel Trading’s marketplace inventory is ever-growing to meet the needs of heavy civil contractors across the country. Our equipment inventory ranges to include used concrete formwork systems, used shoring systems, used sectional barges, and so much more. Furthermore, we offer a variety of heavy civil materials including new wide flange beams, used hdpe pipe, used traffic barrier, etc.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.
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Eiffel 101: 5 Concrete Formwork Evaluation Steps

Properly evaluating concrete formwork during the planning stages of your concrete construction project is necessary to help you avoid unanticipated costs and delays due to inadequate forms or forms that are complicated to assemble and install. Below are five concrete formwork evaluation steps to help you during the planning stage:

1. Review Project Specifics

This should be the first step you take before deciding on any formwork for your project. You need to be aware of potential project site and project design difficulties. For instance, the type of formwork you are able to use may depend on factors like the amount of space to stage formwork. It’s a good idea to consult with concrete contractors about formwork choices too. Once you have a good idea of which types of formwork the project necessitates and any limitations that may narrow down your formwork options, you can proceed to finding the right formwork for the job.

2. Consider Pre-Assembly Requirements

It can save time and money to opt for pre-assembled/engineered forms that arrive ready to use. On the other hand, some projects require customized forms or forms that need to be modified upon arrival. When deciding on specific types of formwork, be aware of what best suits your project and your project timeline.

3. Assess Options

There are many ways to obtain the right concrete formwork system for your project needs, including working with a supplier, purchasing from an online marketplace, and more. Depending on your specific project needs, and online marketplace like Eiffel Trading may be a good fit! You have the option to save tens of thousands of dollars by purchasing used and surplus formwork systems through Eiffel Trading.

4. Figure Out Whether to Rent or Buy Forms

There are pros and cons to both options and what you decide should depend on your project needs. The duration of the project is an important consideration when deciding to rent or buy. For short-term projects, renting may be a good idea, for instance. For long-term projects that last several months, renting may not be as cost-effective. Keep in mind that although buying may cost more upfront, there are benefits to doing so. If you buy engineered forms, you can likely sell those after project completion if they’re no longer needed. Buying used as opposed to new is also a viable option that may help you cut costs.

5. Think About Safety

When researching potential formwork systems, don’t forget about safety. You should consider how safe forms are to assemble, install, and remove. Additionally, how safe formwork is to climb and where tie-off points are built into the forms can help you determine their overall safety profile. If you have any doubts about the safety profile of a specific formwork system, be sure to reach out to the formwork supplier with your concerns or to explore other options.The type of formwork you invest in will largely depend on the unique needs of your project. In general, though, the steps above will help you evaluate formwork options and set you up for success once you begin concrete construction.

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Eiffel Trading is a one-stop-shop for your heavy civil project needs! Our used equipment inventory ranges from concrete formwork systems, to drill rigs, to truckable push boats, and everything in between. Furthermore, we offer both new and used material options including used precast barrier wall, used sheet pile, brand new steel plates, and much more.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.
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How Can I Make a Cost-Conscious Formwork Plan?

Without a financially savvy plan, the costs of concrete formwork can quickly add up. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to minimize costs and boost the overall efficiency of your formwork. Here are some pocketbook-friendly pro tips to help you get the most out of forming:

• Evaluate options before investing.

Ideally, you want to invest in the most efficient formwork for your individual project. There are likely many new and used options on the market that will work, but you should be discerning about which formwork you choose. Keep in mind that the formwork with the cheapest upfront cost isn’t necessarily the most cost-conscious option in the long run, especially if it increases labor costs due to factors like being time-consuming to install or strip.

• Consider buying used.

The Eiffel Trading marketplace is a hotspot for both buying and selling used concrete formwork. Our inventory is ever-growing, and includes various formwork options including overhang brackets, stripping buggies, various types of concrete formwork systems, and more. Purchasing used (instead of new) can save you tens of thousands of dollars on a system that will still last for years to come. This is a great option for any contractor looking to save money on concrete project costs!

• Get a professional opinion.

Make sure someone who’s highly experienced with formwork evaluates possible formwork options before you make any investments.

• Keep it simple.

The easier it is to erect and remove, the better. Additionally, it should be easy to use once erected. You want to be able to pour the concrete efficiently and depend on the formwork to do its job. Formwork that decreases labor time decreases costs and vice versa.

• Consider ergonomics.

Formwork that’s lightweight and easy to work with is ideal. Heavy, unwieldy formwork can cause difficulties and ultimately be more time-consuming to use. Additionally, it may lead to more safety risks and issues.

• Minimize assembly costs.

It helps if formwork is standardized and uses sizes that are standard to the industry. Custom formwork and formwork that requires modification onsite can increase both the cost of labor and the cost of materials. At times custom formwork must be used, but it’s best to avoid it if the project does not specifically require it.

• Opt for reusable options.

Engineered (steel and aluminum) forms are a great choice because they can be used and re-used over and over again for different areas of projects without having to be replaced. Additionally, engineered forms can be sold to another if no longer needed after projects are complete, and they hold onto their value quite well.

• Consider other, project-specific factors.

Your cost-conscious formwork plan should include factors like crane availability, ease of access to the job site, and the number of employees assigned to the job as well as the level of employee experience. Additionally, you should have a clear-cut schedule in place for formwork-related components of your project and do your best to incorporate ways to avoid delays into your overall plan.

Final Thoughts

Decrease your overall project costs by picking the best formwork for the job. Oftentimes, paying a little more upfront is the better financial decision, especially if you can sell the formwork or continue to use it for future projects. You ultimately should strive to invest in formwork that boosts both productivity and safety. If in doubt, consult with an experienced professional who can help you find the best forms for your project.

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

With both new and used heavy civil material and equipment inventory, Eiffel Trading is preferred marketplace! Our equipment offerings include concrete formwork systems, overhang brackets, sectional barges, foundation equipment, and so much more. Additionally, our material inventory ranges from HDPE pipe, to steel pipe pile, and everything in between.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.
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Eiffel 101: 16” and 18” H-Pile

Piles are long beams used create a foundation for heavy structures like buildings, bridges and roads. Piles are made of steel that’s driven or drilled into the ground in order to help distribute the weight of a structure from the loose topsoil down to the stronger soil or rock below.

What is H-Pile?

H-pile is one type of steel pile. These piles are wide as they are deep and have the same thickness in the flange and web. When compared to standard beams, H-pile beams provide better weight distribution over a wider area and can therefore support larger and heavier structures such as tall buildings and factories. This high loadbearing capacity is what allows large buildings to be built without the risk of weakening beams.

Applications

H-pile has a range of foundation applications, including falsework, soldier piles, residential projects, industrial facilities, walers, factories, airports, stadiums, bridges, skyscrapers, and more.

Advancements

In the past, H-pile has only been manufactured in 8-, 12- and 14- inch sizes. Today, H-piles come in 16- and 18-inch sizes as well. This advancement allows for wider, stronger, and more versatile h-pile options. Typically, manufacturers offer 14” h-pile options with flange sizes ranging from 73 to 117 and 16” ranging from 88 to 183.

Common H-Pile Size Options

The chart below lists the full range of H-pile sizes.
  • HP8: HP8x36
  • HP10: HP10x42, HP10x57
  • HP12: HP12x53, HP12x63, HP12x74, HP12x84, HP12x89, HP12x102, HP12x117
  • HP14: HP14x73, HP14x89, HP14x102, HP14x117
  • HP16: HP16x88, HP16x101, HP16x121, HP16x141, HP16x162, HP16x183

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Our online marketplace makes it a breeze to procure assets for your heavy civil projects! Our structural steel inventory includes brand new w beams, used w beams, new h pile beams, used pipe pile, used sheet pile, and so much more. Furthermore, we offer a wide range of used equipment including sectional barges, truckable push boats, concrete formwork, and more.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.
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Eiffel 101: Basic Principles of Pile Foundations

Pile foundations can be split into two main categories: shallow foundations and deep foundations.

Shallow Foundations

When a foundation has a depth that is less than the width of the building and is also less than 10 feet deep, it's considered a shallow foundation. Shallow foundations work to support structures when surface soils aren't strong enough.

Deep Foundations

If the foundations depth is greater than the width of the building, it's considered a deep foundation. Deep foundations enable a structure’s load to be transferred from the surface to the stronger soil or rock in the deep ground below.Here are a few additional conditions which will require a deep foundation:
  • When the soil near the surface has a relatively weak bearing capacity
  • When the soil near the surface contain expansive clays
  • When the soil near the surface is vulnerable to being removed by erosion or scour

Deep Pile Foundation Principles

Piles are long cylinders often made of steel or concrete used to create foundations. A pile foundation is a series of columns (piles) inserted into the ground to transmit loads to a deeper level of subsoil.Pile foundations are best used in two situations. First, if there is a weak layer of soil at the surface of a construction site, the soil will not be able to support the weight of a new structure and therefore piles must be used. Second, if the surface soil cannot support the building regardless of the soil’s strength, piling must be used. In both situations, foundation piles will transfer the weight of the structure from the soil’s surface to the stronger soil or rock below.To install a pile foundation, the piles are first cast at ground level and then hammered or driven into the ground using a pile driver. Piles are hammered into the ground until refusal, which is when a pile cannot be driven into the soil any farther. This method of installing piles is ideal because it doesn't disturb the supporting soil around the pile and it results in the highest bearing capacity for each pile.

Deep Pile Foundation Classifications

Piles can be classified as bearing piles, friction piles, friction-cum-bearing piles, batter piles, guide piles, and sheet piles. Depending on the composition of their materials, piles can also be classified as timber piles, concrete piles, sand piles, or steel piles.

Bearing Piles

Bearing piles are driven into the ground and rest on the deep soil or rock below the surface. Similar to columns on a house, bearing piles act as pillars to support the structure.

Friction Piles

Friction piles can be used when there isn't a strong enough deep layer for a bearing pile to rest on. Friction piles are long with roughened surfaces to increase the surface area and resistance of the pile. Friction piles use the soils friction more like a wedge to bear the weight of the structure above.

Batter Piles

Batter piles are driven at an incline to resist inclined loads.

Guide Piles

Guide piles create cofferdams to provide stable foundations for under-water construction.

Sheet Piles

Sheet piles are used to make sheet pile walls and work as a retaining structure.

Common Deep Foundation Pile Beam Sizes

Piles come in a wide range of sizes and styles. Some of the most common sizes include:
  • W8: W8x18, W8x21, W8x24, W8x28, W8x31, W8x35, W8x40, W8x48, W8x58, W8x67
  • W10: W10x22, W10x26, W10x30, W10x33, W10x39, W10x45, W10x49, W10x54, W10x60, W10x68, W10x77, W10x88, W10x100, W10x112
  • W12: W12x26, W12x30, W12x35, W12x40, W12x45, W12x50, W12x53, W12x58 ,W12x65, W12x72, W12x79, W12x87, W12x96, W12x106, W26x120, W12x136, W12x152, W12x170, W12x190, W12x210, W12x230, W12x252
  • W14: W14x22, W14x26, W14x30, W14x34, W14x38, W14x43, W14x48, W14x53, W14x61, W14x68, W14x74, W14x82, W14x90, W14x99, W14x109, W14x120, W14x132, W14x145, W14x159, W14x176, W14x193, W14x211, W14x233, W14x257, W14x283
  • W16: W16x26, W16x31, W16x36, W16x40, W16x45, W16x50, W16x57, W16x67, W16x77, W16x89, W16x100
  • W18: W18x35, W18x40, W18x46, W18x50, W18x55, W18x60, W18x65, W18x71, W18x76, W18x86, W18x97, W18x106, W18x119, W18x130, W18x143, W18x158, W18x175, W18x192, W18x211, W18x234
  • W21: W21x44, W21x50, W21x57, W21x58, W21x55, W21x62, W21x68, W21x73, W21x83, W21x93, W21x101, W21x111, W21x122, W21x132, W21x147, W21x166, W21x182, W21x201, W21x223, W21x248, W21x275
  • W24: W24x55, W24x62, W24x68, W24x76, W24x84, W24x94, W24x103, W24x204, W24x117, W24x131, W24x146, W24x162, W24x176, W24x192, W24x207, W24x229
  • W27: W27x84, W27x94, W27x102, W27x114, W27x129, W27x146, W27x161, W27x178, W27x194
  • W30: W30x90, W30x99, W30x108, W30x116, W30x124, W30x132, W30x148
  • W33: W33x118, W33x130, W33x141, W33x152, W33x169
  • W36: W36x135, W36x150, W36x160, W36x170, W36x182, W36x194, W36x210, W36x232, W36x256
  • HP8: HP8x36
  • HP10: HP10x42, HP10x57
  • HP12: HP12x53, HP12x63, HP12x74, HP12x84, HP12x89, HP12x102, HP12x117
  • HP14: HP14x73, HP14x89, HP14x102, HP14x117
  • HP16: HP16x88, HP16x101, HP16x121, HP16x141, HP16x162, HP16x183

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Eiffel Trading is the one-stop-shop for your pile driving needs! Our structural steel offerings include brand new wide flange beams, used flange beams, used steel sheet pile, used pipe pile, and so much more. In addition, our construction equipment inventory ranges from drill rigs, to overhang stripping buggies, and everything in between.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.
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Should I Buy New or Used Steel Plates?

Steel plates are large, flat plates most commonly used to cover potholes, excavations, trenches, damaged pedestrian walkways, and roads that are under construction. They are also used along trench boxes during excavation for utility construction and repair. The purpose of a steel plate is to provide a temporary surface for traffic to pass over while construction is underway.

Where Do New and Used Steel Plates Originate?

New steel plates come directly from the manufacturer, while used (or surplus) steel plates come from a job site or other location where they’ve been previously used. Though this can mean the steel is old, dirty or corroded, surplus steel plates can occasionally be brand new or “like new.” In some cases, new steel plates might be sold as surplus if the steel was left over from another project in which it was not used or only lightly used.Unlike used steel plates, new steel plates are manufactured in steel mills. The most common method used to make steel plates is by hot rolling. To do this, a steel slab is heated to 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit and passed through a series of rollers. Each set of rollers makes the slab thinner until the desired thickness is achieved. One the steel is the correct thickness, the plate is cooled to room temperature and cut to size or rolled into large coils.Hot rolled steel is the cheapest “new” sheet steel available. However, cold rolled steel is another option. Cold rolled steel is created when a steel sheet that has previously been hot rolled is run through a second series of rollers without the addition of heat to create an even thinner sheet of steel.

Pros and Cons of Purchasing New Steel Plates

Some of the pros to purchasing new steel plates include:• When purchasing new steel road plates, you’ll know the quality upfront.• New steel plates have never been used before, meaning the structural integrity is known to be solid and there will be no wear and tear setbacks once construction begins.• New steel comes with certifications.

The cons of purchasing new steel plates include:

• New steel road plates cost more than used steel.• If purchasing from a manufacturer, it may take longer for the steel to be produced, and backlogs can occur.

Pros and Cons of Purchasing Used Steel Plates

Some of the pros to purchasing used steel plates include:• The price of used steel is lower than new, even for exactly the same product.• Used steel plates are ready for immediate use, since they do not need to be manufactured.• Used steel sometimes comes with mill certifications.• Used steel still enables you to get a high quality result.• Used steel plates are better for the environment (due to recycling).

Some of the cons of purchasing used steel plates include:

• Used steel has been used before, meaning it likely contains some wear and tear.• Used steel cannot always be custom made to fit an exact project’s needs.• Used steel plates are not guaranteed to come with certifications.In many cases, surplus steel plates are just as effective as new plates and can be used successfully in its place.

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Eiffel Trading is a one-stop-shop for your heavy civil needs! Our steel offerings include both new steel plates and used steel plates, used steel sheet pile, used steel sheet pile, and more. Furthermore, our equipment inventory ranges from sectional barges, to shoring towers, and everything in between.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.
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What Are Steel Plates?

Steel plates are large, flat plates most commonly used to cover potholes, excavations, trenches, damaged pedestrian walkways, and roads that are under construction. They are also used along trench boxes during excavation for utility construction and repair. The purpose of a steel plate is to provide a temporary surface for traffic to pass over while construction is underway.Steel plates are also known as road plates, crossing plates, trench plates, iron mats, metal sheets and steel road plates. These terms are not to be confused with “steel plate construction,” which is a method of constructing heavy reinforced metal sheets that’s mixed with cement for use in building construction projects.

Thickness, Threading, and Materials of a Steel Plate

Steel plates are made of steel that is commonly at least one inch thick. They sometimes feature hardened threaded weld nuts and engineered lifting devices (such as lifting rings) for easy installation. Many plates come with a skid-resistant texture that’s applied to the surface to prevent vehicles from sliding on the steel, especially in wet conditions.Though steel plates are often 1-inch tall, their thickness will depend on the speed of traffic moving over the plate. Speeds above 45 miles per hour will require taller plates, such as a 1.25-inch plate thickness.

Common Steel Plate Sizes

Some common sizes for steel road plates that are one inch thick include: 4×4, 4×6, 4×8, 4×10, 4×12, 4×16, 5×8, 5×10, 5×12, 5×16, 6×8, 6×10, 6×12, 6×16, 8×10, 8×12, 8×16, 8×20.

How Steel Plates Are Manufactured

Steel plates are manufactured in steel mills. The most common method used to make steel plates is by hot rolling. To do this, a steel slab is heated to 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit and passed through a series of rollers. Each set of rollers makes the slab thinner until the desired thickness is achieved. One the steel is the correct thickness, the plate is cooled to room temperature and cut to size or rolled into large coils.Hot rolled steel is the cheapest sheet steel available. However, cold rolled steel is another option. Cold rolled steel is created when a steel sheet that has previously been hot rolled is run through a second series of rollers without the addition of heat to create an even thinner sheet of steel. Steel must be hot rolled before it can be cold rolled.

Features to Consider when Choosing Steel Road Plates

When choosing steel road plates for a project, there are several features to consider, including:
  • The plate panel size and coverage
  • Thickness recommendations
  • Load bearing features
  • The use of fixing and machining processes
  • Anti-skin treatments
  • Airside treatments
  • Safe handling and installation options
  • Plate details such as edges, ramps and chamfering
  • Whether there are suitable transportation options

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace boasts a huge selection of new and used steel products. Our inventory includes brand new steel plates, used steel plates, used pipe pile, brand new wide flange beams, and much, much more. Furthermore, our equipment options include sectional barges, concrete formwork, etc.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.
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Should I Sell My Steel Plates?

There are many reasons why you might wind up with surplus steel plates. Since steel plates are not meant to be a permanent installation, they’re commonly moved from one project to another. If you’ve completed your project and no longer require your steel plates (or do not require them in the near future), there are many good reasons to sell them rather than hold onto them: you can make money, save storage space, and help other contractors who are looking to purchase used steel plates.

Make Money Selling Steel Plates

It's commonly believed that potential steel plate buyers our only interested in purchasing new steel road plates. The truth is that there is a substantial market for used and surplus steel plates, especially for contractors working on a budget. Furthermore, used steel plates are attractive to buyers because they do not need to be manufactured and are therefore ready for immediate use. For these reasons, many potential buyers enter the market every day looking to purchase used steel road plates. By listing your steel plates, you’ll have the chance to connect with these buyers.

Sell Your Steel Beam to Free Up Storage Space

Storage space is often limited and can be expensive to maintain, especially if you store your equipment on an offsite location. By selling your unneeded steel road plates, you can free up storage space, saving money and resources.

Sell Your Steel Beam to Help Other Contractors

The demand for used steel is on the rise, which has increased the price of steel. When costs are high, buyers often look for alternative options, but due to the buyer-driven market, many are finding themselves without the materials needed to move forward on their projects. If you have unneeded steel plates that you plan to hold indefinitely in storage, it might be a wise decision to sell them now. Not only will you take advantage of the hot steel market, but you’ll be helping out a contractor who could be relying on the purchase. In addition, when the new steel market increases in price, the used steel prices do as well. When the market's hot, you can get the best value out of. your unneeded steel plates!

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Eiffel Trading is your one-stop-shop for both new and used steel shapes! Our inventory ranges from brand new steel plates, to used steel plates, to used sheet pile, to brand new h pile beams, and everything in between. Furthermore, our equipment offerings include drill rigs, overhang brackets, and so much more.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.
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