Using established principles of materials science and surface chemistry, we can design and synthesize materials and coatings with desired mechanical, chemical, and tribological properties.By introducing constraints on the use of specific elements and processes, we can develop such materials at reasonable cost.In this presentation, we will illustrate this approach in the development of ultrahigh strength steels (yield strength ~ 2000 MPa) that are significantly less expensive than current generation steels with similar strength levels.Instead of traditional carbon-based precipitates, we use nanoscale precipitates made of copper, nickel and aluminum to improve strength.By proper control of the crystal structure of these precipitates, we demonstrate the successful development of ultrahigh strength steels that are easily weldable, maintain their toughness in subfreezing temperatures and are more corrosion-resistant.Because of these interesting properties (ultrahigh strength, low cost, easily weldable, high toughness at low temperatures and excellent corrosion resistance), this new class of steels has all the attributes needed for successful applications in infrastructure such as building, roads and bridges.In addition, the ultrahigh strength of these steels means that less materials are needed in any given construction, thus minimizing cost and the use of increasingly scarce resources.