General Information

An I-beam, also known as H-beam, W-beam (for "wide flange"), Universal Beam (UB), Rolled Steel Joist (RSJ), or double-T (especially in Polish, Bulgarian, Spanish, Italian and German), is a beam with an I- or H-shaped cross-section. The horizontal elements of the "I" are flanges, while the vertical element is termed the "web". I-beams are usually made of structural steel and are used in construction and civil engineering.

The web resists shear forces, while the flanges resist most of the bending moment experienced by the beam. Beam theory shows that the I-shaped section is a very efficient form for carrying both bending and shear loads in the plane of the web. On the other hand, the cross-section has a reduced capacity in the transverse direction, and is also inefficient in carrying torsion, for which hollow structural sections are often preferred.

Applications:

Applications for I-beams include:

• Construction support beams for commercial and residential construction
• Support frames and columns for trolley ways, lifts and hoists
• Mezzanines and platforms
• Trailer and truck bed framing

Applications for H-beams include:

• Construction support beams for commercial and residential construction
• Mezzanines and platforms
• Bridges
• Trailer and truck bed framing
• Machine bases

Applications for I-beams include:

• Construction support beams for commercial and residential construction
• Support frames and columns for trolley ways, lifts and hoists
• Mezzanines and platforms
• Trailer and truck bed framing

Applications for H-beams include:

• Construction support beams for commercial and residential construction
• Mezzanines and platforms
• Bridges
• Trailer and truck bed framing
• Machine bases

General Types

ASTM A36 Beam

Characteristics

ASTM A36 beam is an intermediate tensile strength carbon steel that is easy to form, machine and weld. Its strength and low cost make it an ideal material for structural steel beams.

Applications

A36 carbon steel beams are used for support beams and columns in bridges, buildings and other structural applications that require riveting, bolting or welding to join the beams together or to other components.

Sizes 

• Depths: 3" thru 24"
• Flange Widths: up to 12"

ASTM A992 Beam

Characteristics

ASTM A992 is the most commonly used beam in construction. It is a structural steel containing small additions of vanadium or columbium, copper, nickel, chrome, and molybdenum, which provide A992 with better material definition. In most cases it can be dual certified to A572 grade 50, exhibiting the high strength and improved weight-to-strength found in A572 carbon steel.

Applications

A992 steel is used for I- and H-beams for bridge construction and building frames.

Sizes

• Depths: 3" thru 24"
• Flange Widths: up to