Choosing the Right Structural Steel Shape to Suit your Needs
Builders prefer to use steel in their construction process because it is one of the most versatile construction materials on the planet. Manufacturers, engineers and construction contractors have used steel to make some of the most impressive architectural creations on the planet. If you are planning to put together a structure, it is a great idea to learn about various steel shapes. When you fully understand steel shapes and sizes, choosing the one most suited for your needs will be easy. Here are the three most common structural steel shapes and their applications.
L-Shaped Steel Beams
These are also called steel angle bars. They are made by joining two legs of steel at a 90-degree angle. When the two are joined perpendicular to each other, they create an L shape. This shape is ideal for frames, floor support and also lintels. The angular beams can be equal in size or unequal. Contractors like them because they offer solid support to your structure but do not occupy a lot of space. If you need to make door and window frames, these are the ideal steel shapes to go for.
Channel Steel Beams
Channel beams are also known as C-shaped steel beams. Each end of the beam is a cross-section, then, the entire length of the steel is curved. These are ideal when you want to distribute the load evenly. You can order for them when you need support for parts of the house such as purlins to make roof trusses, and studs for use in framing the wall. You can also apply them when making joists for your floor.
Structural Steel Tees
The other common steel shape fabricated for use in construction is the T-shaped beam. It is used for a variety of load applications, especially where two walls or dimensions of your structure meet. It is also common to have this shape at the intersection of I-shaped beams and other beams. The major benefit of this beam is that it offers better flexibility than the L-shaped and the I-shaped beams.
Other shapes which are common include the I-shaped beams, square, rectangular and hollowed out section beams. It is important to consult your building contractor before choosing any beams from the manufacturer. Let them write down all the shapes they need for your specific construction purposes. The right fabricated steel shapes will increase the chances of the building having superior structural integrity and durability.
For more information, reach out to a structural steel fabrication company near you.
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