Steel beam size chart gives quick reference for beam dimensions and weights. It lists common profiles, flange widths, web depths, and pounds per foot. The chart helps designers, builders, and fabricators pick beams for typical loads. It reduces guesswork and speeds decisions. The article shows common sizes, explains key terms, and outlines selection factors for safe design.
Key Takeaways
- The steel beam size chart provides designers and builders quick reference to beam profiles, dimensions, weights, and structural properties for accurate selection.
- Understanding flange width, web thickness, weight per foot, and section modulus from the chart is essential for verifying bending strength and deflection limits.
- Selecting the right steel beam involves matching span and load requirements with chart values, considering material grade, deflection, and safety factors for safe design.
- Practical considerations like connection compatibility, handling weight, cost, and local availability influence the final beam choice.
- Consulting the AISC manual alongside the size chart ensures compliance with design codes and addresses special conditions like buckling or bracing needs.
At‑A‑Glance Size Chart: Common Beam Profiles And Typical Dimensions
Engineers use a steel beam size chart to compare standard profiles. The chart lists wide flange (W), I-beam (S), and HSS shapes. It shows nominal depth, flange width, web thickness, and weight per foot. For example, a W8x28 has an eight-inch nominal depth and weighs 28 lb/ft. A W12x50 has a twelve-inch depth and weighs 50 lb/ft.
The chart groups sizes by beam family. It lists common W shapes from W6x15 to W44x335. It lists common S shapes for legacy sections. It lists HSS tubes by outside dimensions and wall thickness. The chart also provides section modulus (Sx) and moment of inertia (Ix) for each size. These values let designers check bending and deflection quickly.
Practical tables tend to show these columns: shape designation, depth (in), flange width (in), web thickness (in), weight (lb/ft), Ix (in4), and Sx (in3). Steel mills and shape manuals publish these tables. Designers reference the AISC manual for exact values. Fabricators keep laminated charts in shops for fast selection.
Common job-site choices include W8x24 to W10x49 for small beams and W12x65 to W21x73 for medium spans. Contractors pick heavier sections for long spans or large loads. Designers choose lighter beams for short spans and moderate loads. The chart helps match the beam to the required strength and serviceability.
How To Read A Steel Beam Size Chart — Flange, Web, Weight, And Section Modulus
A reader scans a steel beam size chart by column. The reader finds the shape name first. The reader reads the nominal depth next. The reader notes the flange width and web thickness. The reader checks the listed weight per foot. The reader reads Ix and Sx values for bending checks.
The flange resists bending at the top and bottom. The web resists shear between the flanges. The weight per foot gives handling and cost estimates. The section modulus (Sx) gives bending strength when multiplied by the yield stress. The moment of inertia (Ix) gives stiffness for deflection calculations.
To use the chart, the reader picks a candidate shape. The reader compares the Sx to the required section modulus from the bending equation. The reader checks Ix to verify deflection limits. The reader confirms web thickness against local shear and buckling checks. The reader verifies flange width for bearing at supports and connections.
The reader also checks the chart for special design data. The chart may show lateral-torsional buckling limits or limiting unbraced length. The chart may list compactness classifications. The reader uses these notes to decide if the shape needs stiffeners or bracing. The reader consults the AISC specification when the chart signals a condition outside basic use.
Choosing The Right Beam For Your Project: Span, Load, Material, And Safety Factors
A designer selects a beam by comparing span and load to chart values. The designer calculates factored bending moment and shear. The designer divides the moment by required material strength to get a needed section modulus. The designer consults the steel beam size chart to find shapes that meet or exceed that section modulus.
The designer also checks deflection. The designer computes expected deflection with the chosen Ix. The designer compares the deflection to the allowable limit for the use. The designer upsizes the beam when the deflection exceeds the limit. The designer prefers shapes with higher Ix when stiffness matters.
Material grade affects capacity. The designer chooses A36, A992, or other specified grade. The designer multiplies the allowable stress by the section modulus to find nominal moment capacity. The designer includes a safety factor per code. The designer uses load combinations from the applicable building code.
Connections and constructability affect the choice. The engineer selects beams with flange widths that fit bearing plates and bolt patterns. The team verifies access for lifts and placement on site. The contractor evaluates weight per foot for crane capacity and transport.
Other practical factors include cost and availability. The purchaser checks local mill stock. The purchaser balances weight, price, and lead time. The designer may select a slightly heavier common shape to save lead time.
Finally, the team documents the chosen shape, grade, and critical checks. The team records moment capacity, shear capacity, deflection results, and bracing requirements. The team communicates the selected shape to fabricators and erectors to prevent errors.
