From towering skyscrapers to sturdy bridges, steel beams form the backbone of modern construction. With decades of expertise as a trusted Midwest steel supplier, we understand their critical role in shaping our world. Whether building a new structure or reinforcing an existing one, choosing the right steel beams can be the difference between long-lasting strength and structural vulnerability. Let’s dive into the world of steel beams, breaking down their types and uses and the key factors to consider when selecting the perfect beam for your next project.
If you are looking for structural steel beams in their most basic form—without value-added services or additional fabrication—standard, off-the-shelf products that can be further processed based on specific project requirements include:
These beams are easily recognizable by their “I” shape, featuring a central vertical web and horizontal flanges on the top and bottom. I-beams provide a lightweight yet strong solution if you are constructing a framework where load-bearing and cost-efficiency are key factors.
With flanges significantly wider and thicker than those on I-beams, H-beams offer a heftier profile. The flanges are nearly equal in width to the web, forming an “H” shape. Opt for H-beams when your project demands substantial load-bearing capacity, particularly in large-scale or high-stress environments.
Similar to H-beams but with wider flanges, W-beams have a slightly different flange-to-web ratio, offering broader support. W-beams are the go-to option if your project involves spanning long distances while distributing heavy loads evenly.
Channel beams have a “C” shape, with one flat side and three perpendicular edges forming a channel. C-beams are ideal when supporting lighter loads or reinforcing other structural elements without complex fabrication.
As the name suggests, L-beams are shaped like the letter “L,” with two legs meeting at a right angle. Select L-beams when you need to stabilize or brace a structure, especially in projects that involve angled or cornered connections.
T-beams resemble the letter “T,” with one flange on top and a vertical web extending downward. Opt for T-beams when your design calls for support in one direction while maximizing open space below.
HSS beams are rectangular or square in profile and hollow inside, offering a clean, boxy look. If your project involves creating lightweight but strong structures, such as building frameworks or trusses, HSS beams offer a practical solution.
S-beams have a “S” shape with tapered flanges, unlike W-beams or I-beams. Their design allows them to support more localized, concentrated loads. S-beams are ideal for lighter construction projects where you need basic load-bearing support without complex customization.
These beams are available in standard configurations and lengths, offering a straightforward solution for residential or light commercial building projects where additional fabrication is not immediately required. It is important to note that each project, whether a residential building, a bridge, or a commercial warehouse, comes with unique load requirements that directly influence the type and size of beam you should use.
LEARN MORE: Finding The Right Steel Beam Sizes & Dimensions
Not every project is one-size-fits-all, and that is where steel beams shine. Depending on the job, steel beams can be made from different steel grades, shaped in various profiles, and cut to specific lengths to ensure a proper fit. Take I-beams, for example. They are great for smaller commercial or residential projects because they are lightweight but strong. Meanwhile, H-beams and W-beams are often called in for more extensive, heavier jobs like bridges or tall buildings because their wider flanges can handle serious weight.
Regardless of the beam type, unique structural designs may require customization. Value-added steel beams refer to those processed or enhanced beyond their raw, standard form to meet specific project requirements. These services help streamline construction or manufacturing by delivering steel beams that are ready to use with minimal on-site processing. Some common value-added services for steel beams include:
Specific lengths may be required for a project. Cutting beams before delivery to the job site saves installation time and labor costs.
Mitered beams have angled cuts at the ends, usually for joining at precise angles (like 45 degrees), making them ideal for frames, trusses, or other angled structures.
Holes are drilled or punched into steel beams to accommodate bolts, screws, or other fasteners. This value-added service is handy for applications where beams must be bolted together or mounted on different components.
Custom welding services can join beams or attach additional steel components to the beams (e.g., plates, flanges, brackets), saving time on-site by pre-assembling parts.
Cambering introduces a slight curve to the steel beam, which is useful in construction projects where the beam needs to support a specific load without excessive deflection. It allows the beam to handle bending forces better.
Beams can be coated with protective layers, such as zinc (galvanization), paint, or powder coatings, to prevent corrosion and increase durability, especially outdoors and in harsh environments.
Beveling involves cutting the edge of the beam at an angle, making it easier to weld or fit the beam into a joint. This value-added service is often done for aesthetic reasons or to improve the strength of welded joints.
Tapered beams have flanges or thicknesses that change gradually along the length, allowing for optimized weight distribution and material usage. Tapering is often used in long-span applications like bridges or roofs.
Notching involves cutting a small section of the beam’s flange or web to allow for easier fitment with other structural elements.
Steel beams can be shot-blasted to remove rust, mill scale, or surface contaminants, creating a cleaner surface for painting, coating, or welding.
In specific applications, threads or grooves may be added to steel beams for easy assembly with other components or better integration with other systems.
Beams can be marked or labeled for easy identification during installation, which is especially useful in complex construction projects with many structural elements.
Coping involves notching or cutting the end of a beam to fit around the flanges or webs of another beam, ensuring a seamless, strong connection at intersecting points and improving both fit and access for welding or bolting.
Value-added services allow steel beams to arrive at the construction site in a more usable, ready-to-install condition, saving time and labor and potentially reducing overall project costs.
Explore Value-Added Services
Steel beams of all sizes and specifications serve applications across industries, from commercial construction to infrastructure development, material handling, major manufacturing, and more. Westfield Steel serves the following sectors across many different applications and projects.
Infrastructure and civil engineering projects, such as bridges, tunnels, and highways, require beams that can withstand heavy loads and provide long-term stability. Steel beams in this sector must handle significant stress while ensuring safety and durability for decades. The choice of beam type depends on the project’s specific demands, including load distribution and span length. The types of beams used in civil engineering include:
H-Beams: Extensively used for deep foundation support in bridges and tall structures, strengthening superstructures.
W-Beams: Commonly found in highways, tunnels, and bridges, W-beams offer excellent lateral support for large spans.
Box Beams (HSS): In modular construction and bridge support, HSS beams are lightweight yet strong, making them versatile for large-scale projects.
I-Beams: Essential in overpass construction and light rail systems, I-beams offer reliable lateral and vertical support.
Steel beams are vital in industrial and manufacturing facilities, supporting machinery, equipment, and storage systems. These beams must handle static and dynamic loads, ensuring the facility’s structure can withstand heavy use and provide safe operational support. Different beam types are chosen based on the weight and movement of the materials handled. Beams used in industrial facilities include:
S-Beams: Frequently used in hoists, lifting equipment, and machinery support, S-beams resist bending and are essential in light to medium industrial setups.
I-Beams: These beams are found in overhead cranes and conveyor systems and provide strong support for moving heavy loads in factories and warehouses.
C-Beams: Commonly used for lighter framing and structural support in manufacturing facilities, offering flexibility and ease of installation.
In the transportation and automotive industry, steel beams are integral to the construction of highways, railways, and vehicle frames. These beams must handle heavy traffic loads and provide long-lasting support for bridges, stations, and transportation infrastructure. The specific beam type is chosen based on the nature of the load and the required durability. The beams typically used in this industry include:
T-Beams: Used extensively in highway and railway construction, T-beams provide directional support and handle heavy traffic loads.
S-Beams: Found in truck frames, trailers, and hoisting equipment, S-beams offer strength with a reduced weight, which is crucial for mobile applications.
H-Beams: Used in the foundations of large transportation hubs, such as train stations and airports, H-beams provide critical support for structural integrity.
Steel beams are essential for supporting the infrastructure of power plants, wind turbines, and refineries in the energy and utility sector. These beams must handle heavy dynamic loads and withstand environmental stresses like wind and seismic activity. The right beam type ensures the stability and safety of energy-related facilities. Beams commonly used in this sector include:
H-Beams: Commonly used for supporting wind turbine foundations and power stations, H-beams provide strong vertical load-bearing support.
W-Beams: These beams are often used in oil and gas refineries, where they support elevated platforms and catwalks.
Box Beams (HSS): In solar panel frameworks and power grid structures, HSS beams are lightweight yet durable, making them ideal for utility installations.
Steel beams are critical for constructing ship hulls, docks, and offshore platforms in the marine and shipbuilding industry. These beams must withstand high water pressure and loads, ensuring the structural integrity of marine vessels and infrastructure. The beam types used in this industry include:
I-Beams: Widely used in dock and ship framing, I-beams provide essential support to withstand water pressure and load forces.
S-Beams: Found in port cranes and material handling systems, S-beams support the heavy lifting mechanisms used in loading and unloading cargo.
H-Beams: Ideal for pier construction and offshore platforms, H-beams provide deep foundation support in marine environments and are essential for underwater structures.
Steel beams are used in agriculture to build barns, storage units, and framing farm equipment. These beams must be easy to install and durable enough to withstand outdoor conditions. The right beam type supports the structural integrity of agricultural buildings while ensuring ease of use. Beams typically used in agriculture include:
Box Beams (HSS): In barns and silos, HSS beams are lightweight yet strong, making them easy to transport and install.
I-Beams: Common in grain silos, greenhouses, and livestock barns, I-beams provide strong structural support for holding the weight of crops or equipment.
C-Beams: Frequently used in framing farm equipment, such as irrigation systems and storage racks, C-beams offer flexibility and strength for lighter agricultural applications.
Steel beams are the backbone of most structural frameworks in the construction industry, providing support for floors, walls, roofs, and columns. Steel beams must meet various projects’ specific load-bearing and architectural needs, including residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. The choice of beam type ensures the stability and longevity of the structure. The most commonly used beams in construction include:
I-Beams: I-beams are known for their strength-to-weight ratio and are used in the framework of buildings, offering excellent horizontal load-bearing support for floors, roofs, and walls.
H-Beams: With their thicker flanges, H-beams are often used in high-rise buildings and projects that require substantial vertical load-bearing, such as columns and foundations.
W-Beams: Used in large-scale construction projects, W-beams distribute heavy loads over long spans, making them ideal for bridges and industrial buildings.
S-Beams: Common in residential and light commercial buildings, S-beams offer straightforward support for light to moderate loads.
LEARN MORE: Choosing a Steel Beam Supplier: A Guide to the Types & Applications of Steel Beams in Construction