How often do we pay attention to the geometric shape of steel sections used in construction, and realize the importance of the shape? All the steel design and construction codes worldwide identify a few common shapes to be used as a steel member. These sections are noted by their cross-section shape profile. Below mentioned are a few commonly used sections.
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After going through the above list, one might wonder, why do we need to mold the steel sections into different shapes, instead use solid shapes (rectangular, square, circular or other polygons)? In order to know the reason, we need to understand a little about the load applications, structural phenomena subjected on member, parameters that control the structural capacity of a member.
Most common load applications that are encountered in the construction includes one or combination of below:
Depending on type and manner of the load application/s, a member is subjected to one or combination of structural phenomena such as:
In order to assess a member against the above-mentioned phenomena, there are few parameters (including but not limited to) that indicate the resistance offered such as:
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Circling back to molding a solid section into different steel profiles; Based on multiple load combinations load applied, structural phenomena subjected and resistance parameter required, solid sections are molded and configured to various shape profiles. The molding of a solid section into shape profiles help to achieve high material to capacity ratio. Thus, conserving steel consumption (volume and weight).
Here we go through each section type briefly. We analyze each section type based on structural design criteria, usability and shape profile benefits.
The shape profile of this section looks similar to alphabet “I” or “H”. W shape is the common notation used in AISC Steel Construction manual for this type of section. This section is used for all the types of load combinations, except pure rotation. This section is highly efficient to resist (in order) flexure, and compression. Most common usages of this section are beams/girder, columns in Buildings and Bridges.
The shape profile of this section looks similar to alphabet “C”; hence we call them C shape. Channel is the common notation used in AISC Steel Construction manual for this type of section This section is mostly used for uniformly distributed load applications with small moment/bending. This section is highly efficient to be used as a secondary structural member where the loading is transferred onto other primary structural members. Most common usages of C Shape/Channels as secondary structural member are transverse joists supporting floor, purlins for roof trusses, studs in the wall framing, supporting members for ceiling assemblies, etc. Related: Try our purlin span calculator for C Sections.
The shape profile of this section looks similar to alphabet “L”; hence we call them L Shape. This section is also called as “Angle” as noted in AISC Steel Construction Manual and also due to its feasibility to accommodate angular connections. This section is highly used for point load applications to resist shear, tension and compression. This section is a perfect fit to be used as a connection member, primary component of a built-up member etc. Most common usages of this section are connection between I-shapes and/or other shapes, bracing in truss members, Chords, Battens and/or Laces of built-up member, Diaphragm members in bridge girder system, Web stiffening elements for I-shape sections, etc.
The shape profile of this section looks similar to alphabet “T”; hence we call them T shape. Structural Tee is a common notation used in AISC Steel Construction Manual for this type of section. This section is usually split from standard I-shapes by removing the bottom flange. This section can be used for all load applications similar to I-shape section. This shape offers significant flexural capacity on the flange side compared to non-flange side. Most common usages of this section are connection member between I-shapes or other shapes, secondary beam members (lintels), Chord member in trusses and primary member of built-up member, End Diaphragm members in bridge girder system etc.
The Hollow Structural section (HSS) is obtained by steel tubing in the shapes of Square, Rectangular and Round/Circular. This section is a closed class, compared to other sections discussed above. This section is highly applicable for point loads and rotation. This section provides high structural capacity against compression and torsion. Most common usages of this section are structural column, shafts, etc.
Other shape sections that are also used as steel member are Pipe section, Plate section, and Bar sections. Based on above discussion we can now understand the differences between different shape sections, their relative benefits, their structural strengths etc. An optimum structural design includes all the above individual shape sections to be correctly chosen, designed to support and transmit loads properly throughout the structure.
Which is stronger, I-beam or square tubing?
An I-beam, also known as an H-beam or wide-flange beam, is a long, strong structural steel beam shaped like the letter "I." Square tubing, also known as square pipe, square hollow section, is a steel pipe with high strength and good durability. LEFIN STEEL can produces both I beam and square tubing.
What is I beam:
I-beams are widely used in structural steel to provide strength and stability. These beams are shaped like the letter "I" and are commonly used in construction, bridges, and other heavy-duty applications.
The standards and grades of I beam:
Standards: ASTM A36, ASTM A572, and ASTM A992. Grades: GR.A. GR.B, GR.C, GR.1, GR.2, GR.3.
ASTM A36 is the most commonly used grade of I beam and is suitable for most construction applications. It has a yield strength of 36,000 psi and a tensile strength of 58,000-80,000 psi.
ASTM A572 is a high-strength, low-alloy (HSLA) grade that is designed for use in heavy-duty applications such as bridges and buildings. It has a yield strength of 50,000 psi and a tensile strength of 65,000-85,000 psi.
ASTM A992 is also an HSLA grade that is designed to provide even greater strength and stability. It has a yield strength of 50,000 psi and a tensile strength of 65,000-95,000 psi.
Model of production:
1. Melting iron ore and other materials in a blast furnace to produce molten steel.
2. The molten steel is then refined and poured into large molds to create individual billets.
3. The billet is heated to a very high temperature and passed through a series of rolling mills to form long, thin strips of steel into the size and shape required for the I-beam.
4. After the steel strip is rolled, it is passed through a machine called a roller straightener to straighten any curves or bends in the steel.
5. Cut the steel strip to the required length for the I-beam.
6. The strip is fed into a machine called a saw, which cuts it into the specific shape required for the I-beam.
7. Weld the individual pieces of steel together to form the finished I-beam.
Processing process:
Galvanizing, cutting, varnish coating.
Advantages:
1. I-beams are very strong and can support heavy goods.
2. I-beams are relatively low-cost to produce and offer strength and durability.
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3. Easy to install: I-beams are easy to handle and install, reducing the time and effort required to complete a construction project.
4. I-beams have high resistance to deformation and are not easy to bend or warp under heavy loads.
Application:
I-beams are commonly used in construction and engineering.
1. One of the most common applications of I-beams is in the construction of buildings and bridges. I-beams are often used in structural steel because they can support heavy loads.
2. I-beams are often used as support beams, and in bridges they are used as the primary structural element to support the bridge deck as well as the weight of vehicles and pedestrians traveling on the bridge.
3. I-beams are also commonly used in manufacturing. They are often used in the construction of heavy machinery and equipment.
4. I-beams can also be used as support structures for cranes.
5. I-beam is also used in the construction of ships to provide a strong and stable frame for the ship.
What is square tubing:
Square tubing is widely used in structure.
The standards and grades of square tubing:
The standard of square tubing including EN, EN, ASTM A500, ASTM A501, JIS G, MS. The grade of square tubing including S235JRH, S235J0H, S235J2H, S355JRH, S355J0H, S355J2H, S275JRH, S460ML, GR.A, GR.B, GR.C, STK R400, STK R490, CLASS A, CLASS B, CLASS C.
Model of production:
1. Choose high-quality raw materials. This usually involves sourcing high-quality steel suitable for structural applications.
2. Cut the raw materials into the appropriate length and size of the final product.
3. After cutting the raw material into a certain size, it is then shaped into a square tube using a rolling machine or other special equipment.
4. After the square tube is formed, it will be further processed such as cleaning, polishing and defect inspection.
Processing process:
Cutting, drilling holes, galvanizing, oil painting, varnish painting, bending, marking.
Advantages:
1. Square tubes are very strong and durable, and the square shape provides additional stability and support, allowing them to withstand greater pressure.
2. Square pipes are usually made of materials with excellent corrosion resistance. Some of the most commonly used materials for square pipes include aluminum, stainless steel, and galvanized steel.
3. Square tubes can be easily cut, welded and formed.
4. Square tubes are often more cost-effective than other materials.
Application:
1. One of the most common uses of square tubes is in the construction field. Its high load-bearing capacity is used in buildings, bridges and other structures.
2. Square tubes are also widely used in the manufacturing industry. It is commonly used in the manufacture of frames for machinery and equipment, as well as in the production of vehicles.
3. Another application of square tubes is furniture production. It is often used to make tables and chairs.
4. Square tubes are also used to make sports equipment, such as fitness equipment.
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Which one is stronger:
1. I-beams can support heavier weights and are commonly used in construction and industrial applications.
2. Square tube is lightweight, easy to use, weatherproof and durable for outdoor applications.
Both I-beams and square tubes have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. Generally speaking, I-beams are suitable for large-scale projects and buildings, and square tubes are suitable for outdoor applications. But if necessary, LEFIN STEEL can make large-diameter square pipes to meet the needs of large-scale projects. The choice between the two depends on the different needs of the project.
In general, both I-beams and square tubes have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. The choice between the two depends on the needs of the project.
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