Bromsgrove Steel manufactures and handles many types of steel beams in our involvement with the construction industry.
Each steel beam type provides a distinct role, with the design and use of beam types determined by a structural engineer according to the requirements of the building construction.
This guide provides a look at the different types of steel beams that can be used in the construction of all types of buildings, including residential, commercial, and industrial structures.
What are Steel Beams?
Steel beams, made from structural steel (an alloy of carbon and iron), can be used to form a building frame or structural support system in place of more traditional materials, such as wood or concrete.
Steel beams act as part of the load path of a structure, transferring loads from the rooftop down to the foundation.
Steel beams come in various shapes and sizes, allowing structural engineers to design stable buildings and infrastructure that can withstand heavy loads.
Different Types of Steel Beams and Their Applications
When it comes to steel beams, there are various types, with each serving a specific purpose. Most commonly, there is the universal I-beam and the H-beam, which are widely used in construction for their strength and durability.
There are more specialist beam types, too, ensuring the right support system can be integrated into the design of a building.
I-Beams and H-Beams
I-beams, also known as universal beams, are recognisable by their 'I' shape, consisting of flanges and a web. They are the most commonly used type of beam due to their vertical stiffness and versatility.
Often mistaken for an I-beam, H-beams are similar in shape to I-beams but have equal web and flange thicknesses, creating a heavier and longer ‘H’ shape cross section. H-beams are also used in general applications.
Wide Flange Beams
Wide flange beams are designed with wide, straight flanges, similarly to the H-beam.
The wide flanges distribute weight evenly, making them ideal for large structures. Their shape allows for increased strength and durability, suitable for industrial applications due to their ability to withstand high levels of stress and pressure.
Universal Columns
Universal columns, also known as UC beams, are similar to H-beams but are designed to be used as vertical supports.
They are known for their durability and ability to withstand heavy loads, making them ideal for a wide range of applications, and are available in various sizes and dimensions to accommodate different project requirements.
Parallel Flange Channels (PFC)
Parallel flange channels, or C channels, have sloping inner flanges on one side of the beam, forming a ‘C’ shape cross section.
The unique design of parallel flange channels allows for optimal load-bearing capacity while reducing the overall weight of the structure. They are versatile and can be easily incorporated into various designs to meet specific structural requirements.
Channel Beams (C-Beams)
This is another name for the parallel flange channel.
They consist of a flat horizontal section, or web, and vertical sections, or flanges, on one side of the beam, which help distribute weight evenly and prevent twisting or buckling.
T-Beams
T-beams are unique in their design, with a top flange that is wider and thicker to resist compressive stresses and a vertical web to resist shear pressure, creating a strong and efficient load-bearing structure.
The vertical web of the T-beam helps distribute the load evenly across the beam.
Box Steel Beams
These beams, with their hollow, box-like cross-section, offer a unique combination of strength and weight efficiency. By welding or bolting together steel plates to form a closed rectangular or square shape, box beams provide increased torsional rigidity and improved resistance to lateral forces.
The hollow design reduces the overall weight of the beam while maintaining structural integrity, making them ideal for applications where weight reduction is crucial.
HSS (Hollow Structural Sections) Beam
HSS sections, also known as steel box sections, come in rectangular (RHS), circular (CHS), or square (SHS) shapes.
These steel profiles have tubular cross-sections, making them lightweight yet durable.
The closed shape of HSS sections provides increased torsional stability and resistance to buckling, making them an ideal choice for various construction applications.
Plate Girder
Plate girders are constructed by welding multiple steel plates together to form a single, robust beam that resembles I-beams or H-beams.
These girders are commonly used in bridge construction, industrial buildings, and other large-scale infrastructure projects due to their high strength and ability to span long distances without additional support.
L-Angle Beams
L-angle beams consist of two flanges connected at a right angle, ensuring that the beam can withstand compressive and tensile forces effectively.
Easy to install, they offer flexibility in fastening methods, whether through welding, bolting, or other techniques.
What are the Advantages of Steel Beams?
Steel beams offer several advantages over other material types, such as wood or concrete.
An obvious advantage is they can tolerate large loads due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, providing structural integrity and stability to buildings.
Steel is also recyclable, allowing for a more sustainable construction process and reducing environmental impact.
The rust-resistant and anti-corrosive properties of steel beams make them long-lasting and low maintenance, saving time and money in the long run.
Factors to Consider When Selecting the Appropriate Steel Beam for Your Construction Project
When designing a new building, or undertaking renovations or extensions, a structural engineer must be consulted on the structural detailing of the design plans.
One role of a structural engineer is to determine the right beam types for the project, as well as the size of the beam. The engineer’s calculations will consider the loads the beam will carry, the span it needs to cover, and the support it will have from footings and soils.
Consulting with a structural engineer is essential to determine the appropriate beam size and type for your specific project requirements. Factors such as the building's design, location, and intended use will also influence the decision-making process.
Whether your construction project requires design assistance or structural steel fabrication and installation, partnering with Bromsgrove Steel ensures your building will be provided with high-quality beams.
We provide expert manufacture of structural beams – and offer site survey and measurement, inhouse CAD guided detailing, and a complete fabrication process in order to do this.