What percentage of its strength does steel retain at 1200F?

At 1200°F, steel typically retains about 50% of its original strength. This temperature is significant because it is within the range where many metals begin to lose their structural integrity and strength due to heat-induced deformation and changes in material properties.

When steel is heated, its molecular structure begins to change, resulting in a decrease in strength. At high temperatures, such as 1200°F, the effects of thermal expansion and potential phase transformations can lead to a reduction in the material's load-bearing capabilities. The retention of 50% strength at this temperature illustrates the importance of considering thermal effects when working with steel in high-temperature environments, especially in construction, manufacturing, and other engineering applications.

Thus, the value of 50% effectively reflects the significant but not complete loss of strength that occurs in steel at this elevated temperature, making it a crucial figure for engineers and designers to keep in mind when assessing the performance and safety of steel structures under thermal stress.