W Beam: Wide Flange Beams
W beams , also known as wide-flange beams, are a type of structural steel shape that has been used in the construction industry for many years. These beams are commonly used to support heavy loads in buildings, bridges, and other structures, due to their high strength and durability. In Canada, W-beams are manufactured and distributed by several companies, including Russel Metals, Samuel, and Atlas Tube.
What is W Beam?
A W beam is a type of steel beam used in construction and is also known as an I-beam or wide flange beam.W-beams are made from structural steel, which is an alloy of iron and carbon. The steel is heated and rolled into the shape of the letter “W” to create the beam. There are two main types of W-beams: hot-rolled and cold-formed. Hot-rolled W-beams are made by heating a steel billet and then rolling it into its final shape. This process creates a strong, durable product that is capable of supporting large loads. Cold-formed W-beams, on the other hand, are made by bending steel sheets into the desired shape. This process is less expensive than hot-rolling, but the resulting product is less strong and durable.
W-beams are available in different sizes, shapes, and grades to meet the specific requirements of different construction projects. The most common W-beam sizes used in Canada include W4x13, W5x16, W6x9, W8x13, W10x19, and W12x22. These beams come in lengths of up to 60 feet and are used in different types of construction, such as in the construction of bridges, buildings, and other structures.
W-beams are also available in different grades, including A36, A572-50, A588, and A992. The grade of steel used for a W-beam depends on the specific application and load requirements of the project. A36 is the most commonly used grade for W-beams in Canada, while A992 is used for high-strength applications.
W-beams are highly versatile and can be used in many different types of construction projects. In building construction, W-beams are used as floor beams, roof beams, and column supports. In bridge construction, W-beams are used as bridge girders and piers. In industrial construction, W-beams are used as supports for heavy equipment and machinery.
One of the advantages of W-beams is their ease of installation. These beams can be easily welded, bolted, or bolted and welded to other structural elements, making them quick and easy to install on construction sites. This saves time and money on construction projects.
W-beams are also highly customizable, allowing architects and engineers to design structures with unique shapes and sizes. This customization is important because it allows construction professionals to design structures that meet specific load requirements, environmental conditions, and other factors. The ability to customize W-beams makes them a popular choice in many different types of construction projects.
In Canada, the use of W-beams is governed by building codes and standards set by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC). These codes and standards dictate the minimum requirements for the design, fabrication, and installation of W-beams in construction projects. Compliance with these codes and standards is important to ensure the safety and durability of the structures built using W-beams.
W Beam grade chart
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| A36 | Low carbon steel with good strength and ductility. Used in general construction, including buildings, bridges, and machinery. |
| A572-50 | High-strength, low-alloy steel with improved corrosion resistance. Used in construction of buildings, bridges, and other structures where higher strength is required. |
| A588 | High-strength, low-alloy steel with improved corrosion resistance. Used in construction of bridges and other structures exposed to outdoor elements. |
| A992 | High-strength, low-alloy steel with improved ductility and weldability. Used in construction of buildings, bridges, and other structures requiring high strength. |
| HSLA-50 | High-strength, low-alloy steel with improved corrosion resistance and formability. Used in construction of buildings, bridges, and other structures where higher strength and good formability are required. |
| HSLA-70 | High-strength, low-alloy steel with improved corrosion resistance and formability. Used in construction of buildings, bridges, and other structures where higher strength and good formability are required. |
| A709-36 | Low-carbon steel with improved strength and weldability. Used in construction of bridges and other structures where high strength and good weldability are required. |
| A709-50 | High-strength, low-alloy steel with improved corrosion resistance and weldability. Used in construction of bridges and other structures where higher strength and good weldability are required. |
| A709-50W | High-strength, low-alloy steel with improved corrosion resistance and weldability, specifically designed for use in outdoor environments. Used in construction of bridges and other structures exposed to outdoor elements. |
W Beam Load Capacity Chart
The load capacity of a W beam depends on its size, shape, and the material from which it is made. Here is a general chart of W beam load capacities for common sizes:
| W beam size | Weight per foot | Moment of Inertia (I) | Section Modulus (S) | Allowable Load Capacity (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| W4x13 | 13 lbs/ft | 4.16 in^4 | 1.85 in^3 | 6,700 |
| W5x16 | 16 lbs/ft | 8.72 in^4 | 3.07 in^3 | 11,200 |
| W6x20 | 20 lbs/ft | 18.9 in^4 | 5.59 in^3 | 17,500 |
| W8x24 | 24 lbs/ft | 41.7 in^4 | 9.89 in^3 | 29,900 |
| W10x30 | 30 lbs/ft | 103 in^4 | 15.2 in^3 | 44,700 |
| W12x35 | 35 lbs/ft | 200 in^4 | 22.6 in^3 | 53,300 |
| W14x43 | 43 lbs/ft | 393 in^4 | 35.2 in^3 | 70,300 |
| W16x50 | 50 lbs/ft | 674 in^4 | 49.4 in^3 | 87,800 |
Note that these are approximate values and the actual load capacity of a W beam may vary depending on the specific design and loading conditions. It’s always important to consult with a qualified structural engineer to determine the appropriate beam size and capacity for a given application.
W-beams in Canada are also subject to quality control measures to ensure that they meet the required standards. These measures include testing for physical properties, such as tensile strength and yield strength, as well as visual inspection for surface defects and other imperfections. Quality control measures are important to ensure that the W-beams used in construction projects are of high quality and meet the required standards. Read also Steel Guide
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