Different types of steel beams in construction

Steel beams are essential components in construction, providing the strength and support necessary for a wide range of structures. With various types of beams available, each designed to meet specific needs. Choosing the right steel beam is crucial for the success of a project. Here’s a look at the different types of steel beams commonly used in construction and their applications:

I-Beam (Universal Beam)

I-beams, also known as universal beams, are one of the most commonly used steel beams in construction. They have a distinctive “I” shape, with a horizontal flange on the top and bottom and a vertical web in the center. This design gives I-beams excellent strength-to-weight ratios, making them ideal for supporting heavy loads over long spans. I-beams are widely used in building frameworks, bridges, and other large structures where heavy load-bearing is required.

H-Beam (Universal Column)

H-beams, also called universal columns, are similar to I-beams but have wider flanges and a thicker web. This makes them more suitable for load-bearing columns and shorter spans that require high load resistance. Their larger cross-section offers greater stability, making H-beams ideal for use in the construction of foundations, columns, and bridges where heavy vertical loads are common.

T-Beam (Tee Beam)

T-beams are created by cutting an I-beam in half along the web, resulting in a T-shaped cross-section. T-beams are commonly used in roof structures, floors, and as lintels. Their design allows them to handle loads that are applied in one direction. Moreover, this makes them useful for supporting single-span structures.

Box Beam

A box beam, also known as a hollow structural section (HSS), is a closed rectangular or square steel section. These beams provide strength in both directions, making them ideal for columns and beams that experience loads from multiple angles. Box beams are often used in large-scale construction, including bridges, towers, and buildings that require strong, hollow supports with aesthetic appeal.

Channel Beam (C-Beam)

Channel beams, also known as C-beams, have a “C” shaped cross-section with one flat surface and flanges on either side. These beams are commonly used in construction for smaller structures, such as frames for doors and windows, or as support beams in flooring systems. Due to their shape, channel beams are suitable for applications that involve horizontal bending.

L-Beam (Angle Beam)

L-beams, or angle beams, have an L-shaped cross-section with two perpendicular legs. They are often used for framing, bracing, or as corner supports in structures. L-beams are versatile and provide excellent stability for projects that need to resist twisting or bending forces. This makes them a popular choice in residential and commercial construction.

Tapered Flange Beam

Tapered flange beams have a tapered shape on the flange, providing more strength where it is needed most – near the base of the beam. These steel beams are typically used in the construction of structures where the loads vary along the length of the beam, such as in cranes or long-span bridges.

Castellated Beam

Castellated beams are types of beams with hexagonal or circular holes cut along the web, increasing the beam’s height without adding extra weight. These beams are used for long spans and projects that require integration with utilities, such as electrical wiring or plumbing. Castellated beams are ideal for projects where reducing weight is a priority while maintaining structural integrity.

Tapered Beams

Tapered beams have flanges that vary in thickness along their length, making them suitable for structures where the load is not uniformly distributed. These beams are typically used in warehouses, stadiums, and other large spaces where structural efficiency is essential.

Plate Girder

Plate girders are constructed by welding or bolting flat steel plates together to form a beam. These beams are custom-made and used in large-scale projects that require very strong support for heavy loads, such as bridges or high-rise buildings. Furthermore, plate girders can be tailored to meet the specific needs of a project, offering flexibility in design and application.

So, each type of steel beam has unique properties that make it suitable for different applications. Selecting the right beam depends on the specific requirements of your construction project, such as the type of load, span length, and overall design. At MAH Steel, we specialise in fabricating a wide range of steel beams, tailored to meet the needs of residential and commercial projects. From I-beams to castellated beams, we provide high-quality, durable steel solutions that ensure your structure is safe, efficient, and long-lasting.