Types of Steel Beams in Construction

A steel beam is a horizontal structural element made out of steel, which is used to support heavy loads. The steel used for beam construction is an alloy of carbon and iron, which has an important role in imparting strength to the beam.

Credits: IndiaMart

Steel beams come in different sizes and types which hence have lots of applications in the construction of structures and buildings. The geometry, size, and shape of the beams are decided based on the specification of the final structure. The steel beams can be either straight or curved.

Also Read: Structural Steel - Types, Advantages and Disadvantages

Classification of Steel Beams

Steel beams can be classified based on the:

1. Support
2. Geometry
3. Cross-Section

Classification of Steel Beams Based on Support

1. Simply Supported Beams

These are steel beams that are supported at the end, where the rotation of the support is allowed.

2. Fixed Beams

The ends of the steel beam are fixed by restraining all movements. (Vertical, horizontal and rotational movement).

3. Cantilever Beams

Only one end of the steel beam is restrained for all the movements

4. Over-Hanging Beams

A steel beam that is extended beyond the support.

5. Double over-Hanging beams

A steel beam whose both ends are extended beyond the supports.

6. Continuous Beams

The beam extends beyond two or more supports.

7. Trussed Beam

A trussed beam is a beam that is stiffened using a set of braces or trusses. In this arrangement, the chord of the system forms the beam.

Classification of Steel Beams Based on Geometry

1. Straight Beam
2. Curved Beam
3. Tapered Beam

Classification of Steel Beams Based on Cross-Sections

1. I-Beam

This is the universal beam which is also known as Standard American Beam or Junior beam that possesses an I-Cross-Section.

2. Wide Flange Beams

These are H-Beams or W beams which have flanges that are not tapered and have more flange width than I-beams.

3. Plate Girder

Plate girders are customized steel beams that is made based on the project requirements. It is mainly used for bridge construction. Its design procedure is different from the design of ordinary steel beams.

4. Gantry Girder

A Gantry girder is a built-up steel beam that forms a mechanical system to transfer material or goods from one location to the other. Its design procedure is very complicated compared to other beam designs. They are designed for applied loads, moving load effects, etc.

5. Hollow Sections

Rectangular or circular hollow sections can be used in order to make columns beams or trusses. They prove to be more efficient in terms of local failures and local buckling. The universal beams are more into local buckling.

6. Composite Steel Beams

These are efficient steel beams that are used, where it combines two or more materials. It can be a steel beam + slab or steel beam + concrete beam.

Advantages of Steel Beams

• High-standard structural integrity
• High Safety
• Customizable
• Resistant to Corrosion and Fire
• Termite or rodent resistant
• No undesirable tensile stress due to breakage of steel

Also Read: Rolled Steel Bar Section - Structural Steel