AbstractIn recent decades, the ductility and weldability of structural steels has improved considerably. Also, the developments in modern welding technology have led to a decrease in the fabrication costs of steel structures, especially when higher strength steels are used. This has created new opportunities for more economical applications of steel in the construction industry. The choice of higher strength steels has become increasingly attractive, eg grade S355 (specified minimum yield strength 355 N/mm2) instead of S235 or S275, or grade S460 instead of S355.This review surveys the possibilities for the cost‐effective application of high strength steels in buildings, bridges, cranes, etc. Some developments in research and drafting of codes are also highlighted.The review focuses mainly on developments in Europe, but in other parts of the world, such as Japan and the USA, similar trends can be observed.