Steel beams are strong structural supports used in buildings to distribute weight evenly and prevent warping. They come in standardized shapes and sizes, but can also be custom-made. Architects and engineers must consider factors like weight, seismic activity, and open spaces when placing beams. Beams can be made through welding or extrusion and must be evaluated for load capacity and fire resistance. Building inspectors may require proof of safety compliance.
Steel beams are structural supports made of steel, an alloy of carbon and iron that is famous for its strength. Beams are critical in supporting a building, distributing the building’s load laterally to ensure that it is evenly distributed, so that the building is not subject to warping or sagging. Steel is a popular material for beams for a variety of reasons, not least of which is that it is incredibly strong and can therefore be used in structures that would otherwise be considered structurally unsafe.
Manufacturers produce steel beams in a number of standardized shapes and lengths for different applications. It is also possible to order steel beams fabricated to order, which may be necessary when a building has an unusual design. Special shipping is usually required for beams, because they are large and heavy, making them difficult to transport.
When architects design a new building or plan to renovate an existing one, they have to think about where the beams will be placed and what materials they are made from. These beams are standard in many types of construction due to their strength, with designers choosing a placement that meets structural and aesthetic needs. Architects and engineers also need to perform additional calculations that consider the total weight of the building, the seismic activity in the region where the building is located, and the distribution of open spaces in the building, as all of these factors can affect the structural integrity .
Some steel beams are manufactured by welding, with companies taking steel plates and cutting and welding them into the desired shape and size. Hot steel can also be shaped or passed through an extruder to generate beams of the desired style. After a beam has been finished, it can be sheathed in various materials for fire resistance or camouflage. Fire resistance is a major concern for steel beams as they can warp or melt at temperatures that can easily be reached in the event of a structural fire.
The steel beam manufacturing process includes a process in which the beam is evaluated to determine how much weight it can safely support. The load capacity on a beam usually must exceed the safety requirements of the building, and building inspectors may require proof that beams installed in a structure meet legal requirements for building safety.
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