Steel Beams

What types of Beams are there?

Steel is one of the most important building tools that we have available. With many different types of steel products and a wide variety of applications, it can be used to construct residential, commercial, and public buildings and structures. Here is a brief overview of the different types of steel beams you can find, and how they are used in different building applications.

Steel I-Beams

The most commonly used construction beam is the steel I-beam. It got its name for the resemblance to a capital letter “I”, with a central beam that goes through the middle and two perpendicular beams on either end. They are extremely strong, capable of withstanding significant weight demands, which is why they are commonly used in commercial and warehouse applications—everything from tall commercial office buildings and skyscrapers to sports stadiums and large warehouses. Another reason they are so popular is because they can easily be customized for any project by welding, cutting, and drilling.

 

Flitch Beams

Flitch steel beams are a combination of wood and steel that is layered so you can connect other structures to them with nails, while still getting the strength and weight-bearing benefits that steel products can offer in construction. Since flitch beams include both metal and wood, they also tend to be a more affordable option for building on a budget. These beams can be used in both residential and commercial applications.

Channel Beams

Channel beams are a “U” shape, which help the beam support a much bigger load than a traditional flat beam would be able to support. Although the sides of the steel channel beam are often not very thick, they are extremely efficient.

Box Girders

This type of steel is usually in the shape of a square or rectangle, and the middle is hollow. They are extremely strong and capable of bearing very heavy loads of weight, which makes them ideal for construction of bridges, roadways, and other public transportation projects.

Other Steel Beams

One of the reasons so many builders choose to use steel in their construction projects is its strength and versatility. There are dozens of other steel beam types that can be cut and customized for different projects and uses.  There are Z-shape, hollow structure section—which comes in shapes like square, rectangle, circular, and elliptical, angled steel with an L-, C-, or T-shaped cross-section, steel bars, or steel rods. At Wasatch Steel in Utah we sale variety of beams. We are great at helping customers find what they are looking for. 

 

Many contractors prefer to use steel over any other material because it has an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, it is able to resist corrosion and rust and will not rot like wood or other materials, and it is an affordable option compared to other metal alternatives like aluminum and titanium (both of which are strong, but tend to be far more expensive than steel, making them cost-prohibitive for building at competitive prices). In addition, steel can be welded and customized into almost any shape you need, and has great fire resistance properties. For these reasons, it is one of the best building materials you can find for commercial, residential, and industrial projects. Shop for all your steel needs at Wasatch Steel in Utah, your local Steel Supermarket.