What is a primary concern when using cast iron in construction?

In construction, a primary concern when using cast iron is the potential failure of connections, which can lead to heavy sections falling. Cast iron is a strong material, but its brittleness makes it susceptible to cracking and breaking under certain conditions, particularly when subjected to tensile forces or sudden impacts. This brittleness can cause joint or connection failures, creating significant safety hazards if structural elements detach or collapse.

Ensuring that connections are properly designed and implemented is critical to maintaining the integrity and safety of a structure. The weight of cast iron contributes to this risk because large, heavy sections rely heavily on effective connections to support loads without failing. If these connections are not adequately engineered, the consequences can be severe, including injury and property damage.

Other concerns exist, such as susceptibility to rust and decay, but cast iron is often treated with various coatings to mitigate these issues. Fire resistance is typically not a significant concern, as cast iron can withstand high temperatures better than many materials. Thus, the risk of connection failure remains the most pressing issue in the use of cast iron in construction.