Distributes Weight Evenly

Reasoning why most of the steel sections are in letter "I" in shape
 The I-beam, also called the H-beam, wide beam, W-beam, universal beam (UB), and rolled steel
joist, is the shape of choice for structural steel builds. The design and structure of the I beam
makes it uniquely capable of handling a variety of loads. Engineers use I beams widely in
construction, forming columns and beams of many different lengths, sizes, and specifications.
Understanding the I beam is a basic necessity for the modern civil engineer or construction
worker.
https://blog.swantonweld.com/i-beams-in-structural-steel-construction
Distributes Weight Evenly
As we all know now that I beam is known for its reasonable cross-sectional shape. An
I beam is designed in a way to handle a uniform load across the beam. When there is
a weight on the beam, the maximum deflection will fall on the centre of the beam.
This increases the tension on the sides of the beam. Let’s look at the image to
understand how it works:
When the weight is applied on the flange, the weight is distributed evenly on it,
causing less tension to pass through the web. By the time the weight reaches the
centre of the web (neutral axis), the weight is reduced to zero due to the distribution
of the weight. Therefore, due to the shape of I beam, it can bear the load of weight
put on its flange.
Comes in Various Dimensions

I beams are universal beams and used globally for most steel construction project. It
comes in a variety of weights, section depths, web thickness, flange widths, and other
specifications for different purposes. Depending on the structure of the I beam, it is
used for different purposes.
For instance, when you build a bridge with a rectangular cross-section, you might
build it for the vehicles to move around. Due to various factors like gravity or the
weight of the vehicles moving on the bridge, a large amount of weight is pushed
down. As a result of the weight, the bridge can deform due to a lot of stress and might
even break. Therefore, to resist the bending, I beams are used to support the
structure due to its design.
Bears Higher Loads
The design of an I beam makes it capable of bending under high stress instead of
buckling. As the beam receives the load, the force is transmitted perpendicularly, thus
supporting other members of the beams. I beams are mostly made of steel, therefore
ensuring structural integrity with relentless strength and support. I beam strength is
less formidable in the transverse direction and also adept at carrying torsion. Steel
has properties that allow withstanding hefty loads of the structures. The strength of
the steel and the shape of the beam both can reduce the need to include numerous
support structures, saving time and money and making the structure more stable.
Has a High Moment of Inertia

The section at the centre of the beam, or the neutral axis, does not resist bending due
to the uniform distribution of the weight across the beam. Due to the distance
between the flange and the axis, I beams have a high moment of inertia. The larger
the moment of inertia, the lesser the beam will bend to resist the bending moments.
I beams can be rolled, welded, extruded, and riveted as well because of this property.
Helps in Fabrication
Metal fabrication involves the cutting, bending, and shaping of structural steel. I
beams are very versatile and can be used in any steel construction projects. I beam
steel fabrication is fast, efficient, and affordable to fulfil the orders and meet the
demands of the project. With the right amount of knowledge, experience, hard work,
and the use of specialised tools, it is easier to use I beam during custom welding
processes and metal fabrication for all types of construction.
Reduces, Reuses, and Recycles
The production of I beams means minimum waste during construction. There are
green practices in different countries making I beam affordable. Almost half of the
world’s steel is produced in electric plants to generate no CO2 emissions. Steel
products can be recycled over and over again without compromising on their
strength. Since I beams are mostly made of steel, they can be recycled and reused in
many ways and also reduce costs. Recycling steel saves the equivalent energy to
power about millions of households for a year.
Prevents Vibration
One of the major challenges while constructing a building is to create a structure with
less floor vibration. Floor vibrations in the steel buildings can be created with a variety
of direct and indirect sources of vibration. But the three main categories can be:
– Human activity (jumping, walking, and running)
– Machinery and equipment
– External force (traffic on street or underground, or wind)
Since I beams are stiffer and bear higher loads, they are used to reduce the vibration
of the floor by supporting the structure. With steel I beam, the vibration is damped
quickly before it can travel very far.
I beams are an efficient option for steel construction. You may also refer to other
types of beams available in the market. Depending on your construction requirement,
we recommend you to choose the right type of steel beam and construct a flawless
structure.
Posted in Steel Construction, Uncategorized | Comments Off on Why Are I Beams
Used in Steel Construction
Every pound counts in architectural design. The more materials used, the more expensive the
building. However, too little material results in a weak edifice. In structural steel construction,
the happy medium comes in the form of the common I beam. Steel-boned bridges, high rises and
everything in between make heavy use of I beams for good reason. With structural steel’s mighty
strength-to-weight ratio, and with the physics of compressive and tensile forces at play in the
design, it’s no wonder the humble I beam comes in so handy.
WHAT IS AN I BEAM?
An I beam, when looked at in cross section, has the shape of the capital letter I. It’s formed with
a tall vertical plate and shorter horizontal plates on top and bottom. The vertical plane is called
the web, while the horizontal planes are called the flanges. Usually, steel makers produce I
beams using the hot rolled method for maximum strength. However, the “I” configuration can
also be achieved through the welding together of other steel shapes by a fabricator if needed.
Most commonly, builders use I beams for the floor joists and truss systems in steel-framed
projects. While they can also serve as columns, other beams with thicker, longer flanges and
thicker webs — H beams — often work better for the vertical loads. The I beam configuration
offers so much strength, they function best for long, unsupported horizontal spans and
cantilevered architectural elements.
SO MUCH STRENGTH FOR SO LITTLE METAL

Separately, flanges and webs have very little strength in construction design. Flanges would bow
under vertical loads and webs would bend with horizontal, or shear, stress. But when combined,
each cures the other’s strength defects in terms of a beam. Now, a solid bar of steel also would
resist forces acting upon it from either direction, but it contains far more material than necessary
to do the same job and hold the same weight.
You only need a slender central vertical support to take the compression of the load above
without bowing; and you only need the flanges to hold the web straight along its length. All that
heavy steel between the flanges does nothing but add extra weight — and cost — to the
structure. Carve it out, and you have the most strength possible with the least amount of material.
What’s not to love about that? You get the same load bearing capacity for a fraction of the
weight. Additionally, the gaps between the flanges provide a natural recess into which wiring,
piping and other utility lines can run.
VERSATILITY FOR ANY STRUCTURAL STEEL

CONSTRUCTION JOB
With the well-established physical properties of an I beam, most architectural plans include
them, regardless of the simplicity or complexity of the design. Even if the rest of the structure
will be framed out in wood, many architects and builders will choose a central I beam support of
structural steel. I beams offer the advantage of calming floor vibrations, along with its other
features. Construction projects that benefit from liberal use of I beams are:
 warehouses
 retail stores
 factories
 agricultural facilities, such as barns, equipment sheds and processing plants
 bridges
 railroad trestles
 metal-framed houses
 sporting arenas
 entertainment halls
 office buildings
 hospitals
 parking garages
 restaurants
 museums
 apartment buildings
 libraries
 canopies
With a good fabricator and advanced planning, you can customize your I beams just about any
way you want. While some I beams come from the mill with pre-formed holes for bolts, pins and
conduits, if you find your mill options too limited, call Barton Supply. Using BIM modeling, we
can fabricate your I beams and any other steel element in your construction project for any size
and type of job along the Colorado Front Range. Our structural steel services range from simply
cutting down an angle to helping you master intricate designs. Contact us today to consult
with our knowledgeable, experienced staff.
What are the critical factors in analyzing, investigating, assessing steel shapes? (Example: flexure,
deflection,etc.)

Distributes Weight Evenly

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Reasoning why most of the steel sections are in letter "I" in shape

Distributes Weight Evenly

Comes in Various Dimensions

Bears Higher Loads

Has a High Moment of Inertia

Reduces, Reuses, and Recycles

SO MUCH STRENGTH FOR SO LITTLE METAL

VERSATILITY FOR ANY STRUCTURAL STEEL

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