Shapes & Dimensions of Steel

Shapes

• The most common shape for steel is the I-beam, which has three variations: W (wide flange), S (American standard) and HP (bearing pile). There is also the channel shape, which comes in two variations: C (American standard) and MC (American miscellaneous). Finally, there is the angle shape. As denoted by their names, the I-beam, channel beam, and angle beam have "I," "C" and "L" shaped cross-sections, respectively.

Size

• The overall size of a steel beam depends on the load it needs to carry and the type of structure in which it is being used. This is determined by a professional engineer. Dimensions include flange length and width, web thickness and section depth. Variations in all these parameters will result in different overall weights and load bearing capacities.

Measurement

• Steel is typically measured in weight per foot. Engineers use this measurement to average and determine many factors, including load bearing capability and construction costs. It can range from as low as 10 lbs. per foot all the way up to 300 lbs. per foot and beyond.