The I beam is widely used in domestic, commercial and industrial applications. It’s also frequently misinterpreted as an RSJ (rolled steel joist), a popular colloquial term for this particular product. The industry definition is a universal beam, and when people generally refer to an RSJ beam, this is the product they’re talking about.
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Builders and engineers use I beams in construction projects due to their diverse range of uses, as well as how practical and structurally advantageous they are. They can take various shapes, sizes and dimensions, which is critical for any person requiring structural steelwork to understand.
The universal I beam consists of two horizontal plates - known as flanges - connected by a vertical component, known as the web. The shape of the flanges and web form an ‘I’ or ‘H’-shaped cross-section. Most of the time, I beams are made from structural steel, although other metals such as aluminium, stainless steel and carbon steel (mild steel) can be used.
People can buy steel I beams online in various sizes and specifications, where they have the option to determine web thickness, flange length and section depth. Understanding this is essential as builders would order steel beams based on the requirements of the particular project they’re undertaking.
When a builder orders steel online, I beams would be split by various number combinations. For example, a 127x76x13 UB (S355) would detail the web length, the flange length and the thickness, in millimetres. The S355 figure details the grade of steel used, which can vary across steel fabrication companies.
But builders have to take the following into account when they buy steel:
- the beam must be thick enough not to deform.
- there needs to be as little vibration as possible.
- the flanges should prevent buckling from all angles.
- the steel beam cross-section should accommodate yield stress.
- the web shouldn’t buckle or ripple under pressure.
Due to these structural steel beams’ unique design, they can bend under high stress without buckling. This is why the axial fibres within the beams contain most of the material, and where most of the force is directed.
In 1849, an engineer named Alphonse Halbou invented the steel I beam, and the I beam was first used in construction to build the Rand McNally building in Chicago in 1889.
Whenever you see a new building or bridge under construction, you will notice the skeletal structure made up of different types of steel beams. They comprise the foundation pilings, the walls, and the platforms (floors) of these structures.
Steel beams are a crucial support for the construction of buildings, structures, and any construction project. It comes in various size ranges, making it specifically applicable for certain applications. There are numerous considerations in determining the structural steel beams to use for your project.
Each steel beam offers support with unique properties that will provide you with the accurate level of support you need for your construction project.
In this article, we will discuss the different types of steel beams and their applications.
Steel Beams
There are many steel beam types and uses of steel beams; the ones we focus on here are wide flange beams, created using two horizontal planes called flanges, connected by a vertical beam called a web.
The flanges on these beams may or may not be tapered (to save weight and to add shear strength), such as in I beams.
The web section of I beams, and H beams varies in thickness based on vibration dampening and torsion strength requirements.
I beam are rolled from a single piece of metal, shaped into the configuration of an I.
H beams are made by welding three pieces of beveled metal together to form the flanges and the web.
Wide flange beams and the standard I beams are identical but vary in shape. Wide Flange beams look like an H and have broader flanges than I beams, shaped more like a capital letter I.
Common Beams Available from a Wide Flange Beams Supplier
What are the diverse applications of H and I steel beams?
Most common uses of H Beams are for platforms, bridges, ship and dock building. While I Beams are commonly used for typical commercial buildings or any other lighthweight applications.
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I Beams for Lightweight Applications
I beams are typically used in commercial buildings that do not rise more than a few stories. Their smaller footprint and lighter weight make them more economical and easier to work with.
I beams are often used in walls due to their smaller profile, lighter weight, and their ability to handle loads well from top to bottom of the beam.
I beams can span from 33 to 100 feet, which makes them more applicable to smaller construction jobs such as frames, truck beds, etc. For a large skyscraper or a bridge, the H beam is more common.
Bigger Jobs Require Wide Flange Beams — H beams
H beams, which can span up to 330 feet, work best in buildings with larger footprints. H beams are made with thicker webs and wide flanges for maximum strength in all directions.
The H beam works best in bridge and overpass construction due to:
1. Its ability to span the longer distances required by bridges/overpasses
2. Its ability to handle very heavy loads, as a bridge/overpass needs to be capable of handling the combined weight of vehicles
Cargo Ships and Docks
The unique properties of H beams make them most suitable for the construction of large cargo ships, which when combined with cargo, can weigh up to 220,000 tons.
Given the weight of cargo, the docks that hold this cargo must be capable of supporting the weight of many thousands of shipping containers. Only heavily constructed wide flange beams will suffice in building docks to hold this massive
Strutting System
In foundation applications, the construction industry uses wide flange beams as waler and bracing systems. Contractors use them as king piles and sheet pile combinations.
Heavy Industry Is Possible Due to Steel Beams
The modern Industrial Age owes part of its success to the invention and proliferation of the I beam, which then led to H beams and other beam advancements, making it possible to construct long-expanse bridges and hundred-plus floor skyscrapers.
Steel Beams Supplier
If you are a professional in the construction industry seeking a wide flange beams supplier, look no further than ESC Group. We have been in business since 1980 and have many types of high-quality steel beams for sale.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Uic54 Rail. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.