Steel beams are essential for a modern construction. They form the structural backbone from towering skyscrapers to bridges and other industrial structures. In this article, we intend to focus on the importance of steel beams as structural elements; types of structural steel beams; methods of manufacturing steel beams; applications in steel structure building; costs of steel beams; criteria for proper selection of steel suppliers; and applications of MS beams in the construction industry.

What are Steel Beams?

Steel beams are long, horizontal structural elements made from steel designed to support loads in buildings, bridges, and other infrastructures. They comprise two long plates (flanges) connected by a perpendicular plate (web), giving the structure strength and light weight: Simple, albeit a very capable design allowing steel beams to carry substantial loads while retaining structural efficiency.

As beams secure the structure in the strength of level and durability, therefore, they are the very important constituents of steel construction. Such properties make them qualified for a variety of purposes, from residential homes to commercial buildings and those important industrial facilities.

What Are Structural Steel Beams?

Structural steel beams are a specific type of steel beam used in the construction industry. They are designed to provide the necessary support for buildings, bridges, and other structures, ensuring they remain stable and durable under stress. These beams are available in various sizes and shapes, depending on the needs of the project. A steel structure typically relies on the strength and versatility of structural steel beams to achieve the desired load-bearing capacity.

The term structural steel beam refers to a type of steel beam used in the construction industry. Structural steel beams are specially designed to provide the appropriate support for buildings, bridges, and other large structures. These structures are designed to remain stable and durable, withstanding external stresses. Structural steel beams can be classified according to the various sizes and shapes that they come in, depending on the needs of the project. The structural steel beams in a structure depend on the load-bearing capacity that must be achieved with the strength and versatility of structural steel.

Types of Steel Beams:

Different construction types of steel beams are used for different applications depending on the requirements of each project. That said, common types of structural steel beams follow:

I-Beams

I-beams are the most common type of steel beam in construction. They are "I-shaped" and consist of two flanges with a web connecting them. I-beams are fit for structural applications in buildings, particularly residential and commercial. Heavy-duty applications, such as bridges and industrial frameworks, are also known to utilize I-beams.

H-Beams

H-beams are bigger and heavier than the I-beams. They are much stronger and have a greater load-bearing capacity. The flanges are wide, and the web is short which gives them a resemblance to the letter "H". Due to their terrific ergonomics, such beams are utilized in the construction of high-rise buildings and skyscrapers as well as in bridges where maximum strength is needed.

T-Beams

T-beams are used in cases where I-beams are not applicable and thus have the shape of a "T." They can also be used in floor joists and in other areas where support is needed but not with the additional bulk of larger beams.

C-Beams

This type of beam is also referred to as channel beams and has a C-shaped cross-section. They are very useful for the framing and structural support in industrial plants, warehouses, and steel-framed structures.

How Steel Beams Are Manufactured?

There are many various stages in the process of manufacturing a steel beam, and all of them are done with specific purposes to meet the standards of strength and durability. Here is how structural steel beams are manufactured: Melting and Refining: The melting of iron ores takes place in a blast furnace to yield molten iron, which is mixed with scrap steel to thus yield the production of an MS steel or mild steel type. High purity is required in the resulting steel by the process of removing impurities.

Casting

The molten steel is cast into long slabs or beams, which are then heated and shaped into the required cross section of beam (e.g., I beams, H beams).

Rolling and Shaping

The I-beams are then passed through rollers to achieve the intended shape and height. The process is done at high temperatures in order that the steel would be malleable enough to be formed into the correct shape.

Cooling and Cutting

After shaping the beams, they are cooled and cut down longer than specified to eliminate internal stresses. The end product is then checked for quality and possibly coated so that it will be protected against any corrosion.

Steel beam sizes

The size of a steel beam depends on the load it is supposed to take and the dimensions of the building or structure it is serving. Steel beams come in various different sizes, more often than organized by height, width and thickness. Some of the customary sizes are; 

• I-Beams: Height of 100mm to 600mm by length from 6m to 12m.
• H-Beams: Height up to 600mm taken with 6m to 12m length.
• C-Beams: Width from 50mm to 400mm and length from 6m to 12m.

There are also other variations brought about by the Categorizing into distinct heads of depths as followed by nominal measure thickness transfer. Since it is determined under prevailing types of beam in use and history of load required, for example, I-beams may define depths between 100mm and 600mm and thickness between 5mm and 20mm.

Advantages of Steel Beams in construction

1. Steel beams always come with a lot of benefits. These advantages make steel beams the best option in modern construction.
2. Strength and Durability: Structural steel beams are high in strength to carry large load properties that are best used in large construction projects.
3. Fire and Corrosion Resistance: Steel is an incombustible and corrosion resistant material for reliability in structure longevity.
4. Customizable: Steel beams can also be customized according to project needs, flexibility, and design characteristics.
5. Cost Effective: Since steel beams would not require any numbers of support structures, they become cost-effective for the projects.

All Applications of Steel Beams

Steel beams are all used for a variety of applications in many industries. Some of them include: 

• Structural Steel: Steel beams support high-rise buildings, residential complexes, and commercial buildings. 
• Bridges: Steel beams are widely used in most bridge construction because of their strength to sustain heavy loads and traffic. 
• Industrial Structures: The factory or warehouse space covers large structures equipped with steel beams to support heavy machinery and equipment. 

How much does a steel beam cost?

The cost of steel beams is quite variable for many reasons including size, type, and material grade. Here is a general price range for some kinds of steel beams: 

• I-Beams: ₹52000-100000 per tonne
• H-Beams: ₹55000-105000 per tonne 
• W-Beams: ₹82000 to ₹110000 per tonne 
• C-Beams: ₹65000-100000 per tonne 

Apart from these prices, the final price will also vary according to the supplier and the local availability.

Conclusion

Steel beams are used in any construction that is steel in nature as they create strength, flexibility, and durability in the structure. Whether the application is residential, commercial, or industrial, it is essential to consider structural steel beams in order to have a strong structure. Learning about the different types of beams, how they are made, and their applications can help in making informed decisions when working with a supplier or while planning a construction project.

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