Steel Without Compromise - Using International Steel in Canada

In the Summer 2026 issue of WELD Magazine, we discussed the importance of maintaining Canadian welding standards when working with imported steel. In this follow-up article, we take a closer look at two technical considerations that can affect project performance: steel toughness and the use of structural bolts.

Imported steel is a common part of construction projects across Canada. However, when used in Canadian projects, material properties and connection components must be verified to ensure they are compatible with project requirements and applicable standards.

A key consideration is the toughness of the imported steel, which helps verify how a material will perform under impact loading and at the low temperatures commonly experienced in Canada. Guidance about the toughness of steel is shared below, "Why Strength Alone Isn’t Enough: Understanding Toughness."

Authors: Aysha Raad, CWB Group, and Robert Wolofsky, ing./P.Eng