Steel sections are a key component in steel fabrication owing to their extremely versatile properties. These properties enable steel sections to be manufactured in an array of shapes and, therefore, give engineers many factors to consider when choosing sections for their projects, including weight, size and profile.

Most common usages of this section are connection between I-shapes and/or other shapes, bracing in truss members, Chords, Battens and/or Laces of built-up member, Diaphragm members in bridge girder system, Web stiffening elements for I-shape sections, etc.

Structural steel is versatile and flexible enough to be shaped into a variety of profiles. The designs of skyscrapers, bridges, ships, and other large structures call for many different types of steel sections, so it’s imperative that professional fabricators have the capabilities to meet the demands that the project calls for. Here are six of the most common steel sections required in constructing large structures:

Structural Steel Angles

Structural steel angles is a hot rolled product with an L-shaped cross-section that’s appropriate for a number of applications. A standard structural angle is 90 degrees and is measured by the length of the legs as well as the leg thickness.

L-shapes are produced with both equal and unequal leg lengths. When notating unequal leg angles in measurement, the longer leg is always first, and thickness last. All measurements are always taken from the outside.

Applications include structural reinforcement, framework, shelving, and repair.

Structural Steel Tubing – Hollow Structural Sections

Hollow structural section (HSS) refers to high-strength welded steel tubing. Sometimes referred to as hollow steel sections, they are produced in round, square, and rectangular shapes that support multidirectional load bearing. As the name suggests, regardless of shape, the mid-sections are hollow.

Tubes are a hollow steel shape that can be further distinguished as either mechanical or structural tubing. Mechanical tubing is used in low-stress applications and is characterized by a thinner wall. Structural tubing is designed for high-stress structural applications in bridges, buildings, roll cages, and underwater platforms. The walls are thicker and stronger.

Pipes are another hollow structure that is intended to carry liquids, gasses, or even solids. Its wall thickness is described by its schedule, which is a system created by the American Standards Association.

Structural Steel Beams

Stuctural steel beams are the basis of support. The basic design is built to handle a maximum bending load with minimum material.

Beams have a flat top and bottom, called flanges (sometimes, legs). Often these flanges taper. The vertical section of the beam is called the web. The web is built to resist blunt force, while flanges resist bending. The angle which connects the web to the flanges is called the fillet.

Beams are identified by their depth, which is the distance from the top to the bottom; flange width, which is the length of the horizontal flanges; flange thickness; and web thickness.

I-beams

I-beams are sometimes called the universal beam or wide flange beams. The name describes the shape of the cross-section and legs that are parallel. I-beams act as the critical support trusses in construction framework.

C-channels

I-beams are sometimes called the universal beam or wide flange beams. The name describes the shape of the cross-section and legs that are parallel. I-beams act as the critical support trusses in construction framework.

T-beams

T-beams have a T-shape, like the universal beam but without a bottom flange. T-beams are best for reinforcement, as they do not resist bending to bear equal weight as well as the I-beam.

The Advantage of Structural Steel

Cost effectiveness. Overall costs including erection, material, and fabrication are lower than other building systems and do not experience diminishing return.

Accelerated schedules. Off-site fabrication supports quick construction, even in adverse weather conditions.

Increased usable floor space. Design flexibility makes open spaces possible.

Aesthetically pleasing. Pliability offers designers many options to create beautiful spaces.

Future adaptability. Existing steel frames can be repurposed.

Quality and predictability. Off-site fabrication and delivery accelerate building schedules.

Ease of design. Consistent strength levels simplify the design process.

Enhanced productivity. A fully integrated supply chain and advanced technology reduce error, lower cost, and improve safety.

Green. As much as 93% of structural steel produced in the United States is recycled and will continue to be recyclable.