The Uses of Wide Flange Beams in Various Projects
When coming up with a structural solution with your contractors and project managers, they’ll often say that the commonly utilized I-beam you should go for is a wide flange beam. Out of the three types of beams to choose from, the wide flange beam is most used because its design is complete with flanges that have parallel surfaces.
A wide flange steel beam is a structural product made of rolled steel and is known for its durability. It can hold heavy buildings and keep them stable, which is why it is preferred for construction projects. It’s “H” design distributes weight without altering the structural characteristics of the building.
It pays to invest in good wide flange beam material for construction projects by trusting a reputable supplier of fabricated structural welded sections, such as C-BEAMS, that can assist you with design and project managing services.
If you’re still unsure about whether your construction project needs wide flange beams, we’ll discuss the uses of wide flange beams in various projects so you can have more confidence in choosing this option. Let’s get to it!
Wide flange beams are incredibly strong
General contractors utilize wide flange beams because of their durability and strength. Before using wide flange beam material, you must understand beam grade and ranges of yield strength.
The most common wide flange beam grade is ASTM A992, which replaced the older ASTM grades. And as for ranges of yield strength, the ranges available today are A36 (36,000psi 250MPa), A572 (42,000-60,000psi 290-410MPa), and A588 and A992 (50,000-65,000 340-450MPa). However, out of all these options, the A992 is often selected for projects.
Wide flange beam process of production
When producing wide flange beams, or any type of I-beam, it will all depend on the process of rolling the beam from a piece of steel. This type of process first began in France in 1849. Eventually, the process was introduced to the United States and became an integral part of major construction projects, such as skyscrapers and bridges.
Benefits of using wide flange beams
You get many benefits when using wide flange beams for structural projects. Since wide flange beams are produced to be equal in width and depth, it’s better oriented vertically to carry an extremely heavy load in a construction project, making it suitable for multi-story construction projects.
Common materials of a wide flange beam
A wide flange beam is typically made from rolled steel; however, there are lesser degrees in which aluminum is used. Most recently, manufacturers are trying various materials to produce wide flange beams, such as wood containing fiberboard or laminated veneer. The latter is often used on a limited basis, usually for residential construction projects.
Although many manufacturers are experimenting with various materials, steel is still often chosen because of its strong nature, making it an obvious choice for massive construction projects. Besides that, this type of wide flange beam material is better equipped in dealing with fire and maintaining its integrity.
Design criteria
For any beam, contractors will have to consider certain design criteria. For wide flange beams, wide flange derivation and deflection is often considered.
When considering deflection, you need to understand that this represents the beam’s stiffness and how it can minimize deformation, especially when incorporating and carrying other heavy material. Besides that, vibration is considered to prevent unacceptable building vibrations. And lastly, contractors need to note potential shear failure and how the beams can manage this.
Conclusion
Now that we’ve broken down the fundamentals of wide flange beam material and how it is often used, if you’re starting a massive construction project, you should consider this type of I-beam. Choosing a wide flange beam will ensure stability and durability throughout your building’s structure. So, speak to a reputable manufacturer, work with a reliable team, and start your construction project with the right materials.
If you’re looking for wide flange beam material, check out C-BEAM. We are a company that proudly supplies innovative structural solutions. Besides that, we offer marketing, design assistance, project manufacturing, and project management services. Learn more about our products and services today!
