Types of Structural Steel Shapes

January 19th, 2023

Samples of steel beams and pipes

Structural steel shapes are essential to a structure’s integrity, durability and weight distribution. Most shapes consist of a long beam with a specific cross-section. It’s these cross-sections that give the beam unique characteristics. Knowing these standard shapes will give you a better understanding of how to use structural steel.

Beams

All beams have a similar design that includes flanges (or legs) and a web, the long vertical section. The angle that connects the web and the flange is called a fillet. Here are the most common beams.

  • I-beams have two parallel flanges with a vertical web. The flanges are sometimes tapered. I-beams resist shearing and bending forces and are commonly used as structural supports in building construction.
  • T-beams have a T-shape like an I-beam cut in half. They are best used for reinforcement as they can’t bear as much weight as an I-beam.
  • Channel beams have cross-sections shaped like a C, with a slope on the inner flange. C-beams offer cross-section support for smaller buildings and aren’t typically used as primary load-bearing beams.
  • Angle beams, also known as L-beams, consist of two legs attached by a 90-degree fillet. The leg lengths can be equal or unequal and are primarily used for reinforcement, shelving, framework and repair.
  • H-piles are similar to I-beams. However, H-piles are dimensionally square and have a uniform thickness. H-piles are driven into the ground vertically to support large building foundations and bridges.

Structural steel shapes are essential to a structure’s integrity, durability and weight distribution. Most shapes consist of a long beam with a specific cross-section. It’s these cross-sections that give the beam unique characteristics. Knowing these standard shapes will give you a better understanding of how to use structural steel.

Other structural steel shapes

Besides beams, there are other shapes that structural steel can take, including:

  • Piping or tubing has hollow cross-sections that can be square, elliptical, rectangular or round. These can be used with load-bearing columns and can also be used to transport water, oil or gas.
  • Steel plates are also a type of structural steel. The flat plates vary in thickness and size and are typically welded together to form building frames or bridges.
  • Custom shapes require structural steel to be bent or shaped to accommodate particular designs. Steel fabrication shops have specialized tools and equipment to customize structural steel to fit any project. Partner with an experienced steel fabrication shop to ensure your structural steel is shaped correctly.

Custom structural steel fabrication in Calgary and western Canada

At Advanced Bending Technologies, we work with all forms of structural steel, including angle, I-beam, channel, and square and rectangular tubing. We also have a stellar reputation for bending architecturally exposed structural steel (AESS) into striking shapes and designs to exacting standards. Contact us today to request a quote.