As a versatile material, steel has been used in nearly every stage of construction, including framing, floor joists, and roofing systems. In building projects, steel beams are excellent choices because of their durability, strength, and versatility. In order to secure the structure from harsh weather conditions, steel beams are used for roof structures and house frames.
When you glance at steel beams, they may appear simple, but they come in a variety of types, variations, measurements, and more that are tailored to different applications and purposes.
So, if you’re just looking for information or planning to buy some, we’re here to break it down so that you feel confident in talking about and purchasing the right beams. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about steel beams and the best steel beam suppliers in Bangladesh.
What Is Steel A Beam In Construction?
Steel beams are structural elements that resist loads applied along their axis. Fundamentally, it redirects by twisting. Whenever a load is applied to a beam, its support points experience response forces.
As a result of the large number of forces acting on the beam, shear forces and bending moments inside the beam cause deflections, internal stresses, and strains. Steel beams are characterized by their way of support, profile (cross-section shape), material, equilibrium conditions, and length.
Beams are structural components that are also described as steel. However, any structures containing beam structures designed to carry lateral loads, such as machine frames, automobile frames, aircraft components, or other basic frameworks, are analyzed similarly.
There are several types and sizes of steel beams, hence their different applications in construction. The specifications of a structure determine the geometry, size, and shape of beams. It is possible for these beams to be straight or curved.
Different Types Of Steel Beams
Types Of Steel Beams Based On Support:
- Simply supported beams: These beams have no end supports and can rotate freely.
- Fixed beams: Fixed beams cannot rotate but are supported at the ends.
- Over-hanging beams: These beams extend beyond their supports on one side.
- Double over-hanging beams: These are beams that extend beyond both ends of the supports.
- Continuous beam: Typically, continuous beams consist of two or more supports extending from one end to the other.
- Cantilever: This type of structure is fixed on one end but extends outward from it.
- Trussed beam: A trussed beam consists of a beam that is reinforced with a rod or cable that makes it a reinforced beam.
Types Of Beams Based On Geometry
Straight beam: Straight beams are what their name implies.
Curved beam: The shape of this beam is curved.
Tapered beam: The beam has a tapered cross-section.
Types Of Beams Based On Cross Sections
I-Beam:
As the name implies, these steel beams are shaped like the letter ‘I’. They commonly have tapered flanges and are used in industrial applications. Steel beams with an I-shaped cross-section come in two different styles. The first has parallel flange surfaces (wide), whereas the second has sloped inner flange surfaces (S-beam).
H-Beam:
As opposed to I-beams, these are generally heavier and longer. They have longer flanges and appear like the capital letter ‘H.’ The term can sometimes be confused with I-beams since the two terms are frequently used interchangeably. There are many cases in which the webs and flanges of steel H beam have the same thickness.
W-Beam:
They are akin to I-beams, and they are also referred to as ‘wide flange beams’ because of their wide flanges. The most common use of these pipes is in residential construction, as they have a square flange.
Channels:
They are similar to I-beams in that they are cross-sectionally C-shaped, just like the half of an I-beam. However, there is a sloped inner flange surface on the top and bottom of the beam that only shows on one side. Since they are less strong than other shapes of beams, they are used to support lighter loads.
Uses Of Steel Beams
- It is used as a supporting structure for roofs and as a casing for houses.
- The purpose of these beams is to verify that weather conditions do not damage structures.
- Termites or rodents can’t attack beams.
- There will be no breakages since steel can endure extreme amounts of tensile stress.
- The structural integrity and safety of beams are determined exclusively by their design.
- Depending on your specifications, beams can be manufactured to suit your needs.
- The corrosion and fire resistance of steel beams is excellent.
Parts Of Steel Beams
Their strength is partly attributed to their steel strength but also their shape. Two basic parts make up a steel beam, and their dimensions can vary depending on their application.
Flanges:
When viewing the profile of a steel beam, it looks like an I. (Typically shorter) horizontal pieces on the top and bottom are called flanges. Depending on the type of beam, they can be parallel or tapered.
Purpose: Steel Beam flange is able to resist bending moments or forces due to flanges.
Web:
Beam webs are the vertical pieces connecting the two flanges at the center of the beam (typically longer). Depending on the beam, the radius of the corner where each flange meets the web can also vary.
Purpose: Shear forces could cause the web to collapse or break if the web is not designed to resist them.
A beam’s web and flanges work together to provide great strength for shearing and bending, which is why bridges and building frames use them. It is important to note, however, that the shape of a beam is relatively weak when it comes to resisting torsional force (or twisting).
Best Reasons To Use Steel Beams In Construction
Steel is an attractive building material for a number of reasons. A steel beam is a versatile building material from framing to floor joists and roofing materials. A few of the main reasons why steel beam is such a reliable material are listed below.
1. Adaptable and Accessible
It is common for the internal layout requirements of modern buildings to change frequently. There may be a need to move walls and access electrical wiring, communications systems, or computer networks. A steel framing and floor system can provide easy access; non-composite steel beams can become composite, and beams and girders are easily reinforced or relocated to support changing loads. It is possible to accommodate all these changes with steel frame buildings.
2. Fire-resistant
Heat and pressure are not a problem for steel since it melts at an extremely high temperature and can withstand high temperatures. In addition, buildings made of steel have more precise specifications for fire protection requirements as a result of extensive analysis and advanced design techniques.
3. Lightweight and Kinder to the Environment
There is a considerable difference in weight between structural steel and concrete. Aside from reducing environmental impact, steel also requires fewer foundations, which reduces fuel consumption and environmental impact. In hot climates, steel exteriors can also save energy since they radiate heat quickly, cooling the interior. The heat can be contained more effectively in steel buildings in cold climates.
4. Aesthetically Pleasing
There is no doubt that steel is extremely versatile, and architects appreciate its versatility. In addition to its flexibility and the ability to make non-linear shapes, its natural aesthetic appeal is also exploited by architects. The structural steel features of architecture can therefore be exposed rather than covered.
5. Functionality
Steel beams have the following functional characteristics:
- Spanning ability.
- Dimensional stability.
- Ability to reduce acoustic noise.
- Speedy and precise manufacturing onsite with minimal labor.
6. Recyclable
Steel is one of the most recycled metals in the world, with around 90% of structural steel made from recycled steel. The steel industry can recycle a steel frame structure’s parts after it has been taken down. In addition, its properties can be recycled endlessly without being damaged.
7. Seismically Resistant
In spite of the fact that earthquakes can strike anywhere, at any time, and at any magnitude, steel buildings can withstand them because of their flexibility and patience. In the event of high winds and earthquakes, steel flexes under extreme loads and can withstand lateral loads where other materials might crumble.
8. Cost-effective
In addition to lasting longer than other materials, structural steel requires less outlay and can span long distances with fewer steel columns.
9. Freedom of Design
In contrast to concrete and wood, steel can be easily bent and shaped in a variety of ways. The material’s strength, durability, flexibility, and beauty make it a dream material for architects.
10. Fast and Efficient
The steel elements can be manufactured off-site, which reduces on-site labor requirements. In contrast to erecting a frame that takes weeks, it can be assembled quickly. With its lighter weight, it will require a smaller foundation and is more straightforward, contributing to its efficiency and economic benefits.
How To Read Steel Beam Sizes?
Generally, beam sizes are written like “W 27 x 178#” or “S 24 x 121#”. If you’ve never worked with steel beams before, this might seem confusing, but once you understand the format, it’s straightforward.
This letter indicates the type of beam or its general shape. This is referred to as a W-(or wide flange) beam, whereas S is referred to as an S-(or Standard American) beam.
Following the letter is a number called the section number, which represents the I’s “height.”. Next, we have the pounds per lineal foot, which tells us how much each foot weighs. Occasionally, a third number will be representing the beam’s length (in feet).
Based on these examples, a wide flange beam measures 27 inches tall and weighs 178 pounds per foot. The total weight of that beam would be 7,120 pounds if it were 40 feet long. We can estimate that by multiplying the weight per foot by its length. S-beams are 24 inches tall and weigh 121 pounds per foot, resulting in a total weight of 4,840 for a 40-foot beam.
Despite these being the most important pieces of information for reading a steel beam size, the flanges and web also have individual characteristics listed in full sizing charts.
Best Steel Beam Suppliers In Bangladesh
Steel beams are becoming increasingly popular in the construction industry. This is why the number of steel beam suppliers is also on the rise. If you want to know who is the best steel beam supplier in Bangladesh, we will find the name Mega Depot and SIMEX Bangladesh.
Mega Depot:
As the industry leader in structural steel, Mega Depot provides a wide range of structural steel products to its customers. Our stock of steel beam sizes is large enough to meet the needs of thousands of construction projects. You can buy steel beams at wholesale prices online in standard or cut-to-size lengths. As a steel beam manufacturers, Mega Depot can supply any type, size, or specification you need.
SIMEX Bangladesh:
As a leading structural steel beam importer and manufacturer in Bangladesh, SIMEX has been in the business for over a decade. Their engineers follow advanced technology to customize steel beam shapes and sizes. The company provides structural H beams, and I beams for sale, rent, and buyback. All structural beams are also eligible for credit offers from their company. SIMEX is not intimidated by any challenge or project size. In a competitive price range, they deliver materials door-to-door in time.
Why Choose Mega Depot For Steel Beam?
Mega Depot offers top-quality structural steel beams for sale at highly competitive prices! Get in touch with us if you need structural steel beams for your building construction. We can provide beams of any size, shape, or specification you require. Mega Depot’s team of experts listens to you and takes the time to understand your project, saving you time, money, and stress. We are a full-service steel supplier with an extensive steel inventory and various value-added services.
Better yet, our experts can help you decide which beam is the best choice for your project, so you don’t have to be an expert in steel beam terminology and standard sizing.
Final Verdict
Getting steel beams is nothing short of a hassle when you look for a company like Mega Depot that makes it easy for you. You can contact our team of steel fabricators to get instant quotes for fully-customizable steel components available in your area from our network of reliable, trusted, and CE-approved fabricators. Browse our complete range of steel products online and purchase them right now.