When plotting your construction project, you will no doubt need to use steel for load-bearing columns and beams, but did you know that there are different types of steel beam, each with different strengths and uses? From brackets, to lintels, to structural supports, there’s a lot more that steel can do than just build frameworks.
The core types of steel beams, and their main uses, are:
- Universal Beam and Column Steel: Widely used for structural supports due to their versatile and modular shape
- Parallel Flange Channel: Great for sliding into tight spaces and constructing back-to-back wall supports
- Hollow Sections (RHS, SHS, CHS): Work well alongside other building materials like concrete for adding strength
- Flat Section (FLT): An essential for plates, stiffeners, and tabs
- Rolled Steel Angle: Perfect for brackets in cleat connections and for lintels
Keep reading to discover what is special about each of the types of steel beams and how they are commonly used in construction.
What is a Structural Steel Beam?
A structural steel beam is a versatile type of support used in the construction of buildings. Steel is an incredibly strong material when hardened, but it can be molded into any shape while molten. This means it can be used in many different ways throughout a construction project.
As such, there are many different types of steel beams that are deployed uniquely based on the project’s specifications and budget. Steel fabricators such as STEELO cut, shape, and assemble steel to unique specifications in our workshop before delivering it to the project site for installation or assembly.
Types of Steel Beams
Steel can be molded into many unique shapes to fit a project’s specifications; each different shape, or type, of steel beam has a unique name to help identify their differences, and each type of steel beam has a unique use which we’ll dive into later.
The different types of steel beams include:
- Universal Column (UC) and Universal Beam (UB)
- Parallel Flange Channel (PFC)
- Hollow Sections: Rectangular (RHS), Square (SHS), and Circular (CHS)
- Flat Section (FLT)
- Rolled Steel Angle: Equal (RSA-e) and Unequal (RSA-u)
Some types of steel beam feature parts which stick out, called the flanges (the flat surface) and the web (the vertical support). Additionally, ‘column’ refers to the use of steel as a vertical support, and ‘beam’ refers to the use of steel as a horizontal support. Most steel beams can be used either horizontally or vertically.
Universal Column (UC)
Also known as H-Beams due to their cross-section shape, this type of steel beam features web and flange widths that are the same size.
Universal Beam (UB)
Also known as I-Beams due to their cross-section shape, this type of steel beam features wide web and short flange sizes.
Parallel Flange Channel (PFC)
Also known as C Channels due to their cross-section shape, this type of steel beam looks like an I-Beam has been sliced in half down the middle, producing a beam with flanges only protruding from one side of the web.
Hollow Sections: Rectangular (RHS), Square (SHS), and Circular (CHS)
This type of steel beam has a tube-like cross-section and typically comes in three shapes: rectangular, square, or circular.
Flat Section (FLT)
Flat sections are just that: flat sheets of steel. They have many uses and are also the starting point for all hot-rolled steel beams.
Rolled Steel Angle: Equal (RSA-e) and Unequal (RSA-u)
This type of steel beam has an ‘L’-like shape resembling a bracket.
Types of Steel Beam: Uses for Each
UC Steel Uses
Universal Columns are used as vertical structural supports. They often feature as load-bearing pillars in construction projects such as:
- Residential structures
- Warehousing
- Bridges
- Multi-storey buildings
UB Steel Uses
Universal Beams are used as horizontal structural supports. They can often be found as rafters and supports in construction projects such as:
- Flooring support
- Roofing
- Bridges
- Open spaces of building interiors
PFC Steel Uses
Parallel Flange Channel beams can be slid into and over spaces neatly, offering a great opportunity for use in frames. PFC steel can often be found in:
- Windows and door frames
- Roofing
- Floor joists
- Walls as back-to-back supports
RHS, SHS, and CHS Steel Uses
Hollow Sections are commonly used as columns in conjunction with other building materials such as concrete. This reaps the benefits of both hollow steel sections and the other materials, often while saving on cost or time. You could expect to find hollow sections in:
- Building frameworks
- Bridges
- Fences
- Decorative features
FLT Steel Uses
Flat steel sections the perfect shape for versatile and mass elements in any project, including:
- Base plates
- End plates
- Stiffeners
- Gussets
- Tabs
- Splice plates
RSA Steel Uses
Rolled Steel Angle sections are perfect for brackets in cleat connections and lintels in balconies, platforms, stairs, and concrete supports. RSA-u steel beams feature greater loading capabilities than RSA-e steel, but generally feature in the same applications.
Choose the Right Types of Steel Beam with STEELO
Picking the correct types of steel beams for your construction projects can be a challenge; that’s where STEELO come in! We are the leading supplier and fabricator of structural steel in London, with decades of experience in the steel industry. Our experts can advise on construction plans, component specifications, and so much more if you just ask.
Get in touch to find out how STEELO can support your projects, or browse our catalogue of steel beams using the buttons below.
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Steel Beams Explained FAQs
What is the strongest type of steel beam?
More often than not, the “strongest” type of steel beam is whichever one is most applicable to your project. A steel beam is only strong if used correctly, so make sure to talk to a steel expert before going forward with your construction projects.
With that said, universal columns and H-Beams are generally the most versatile type of steel beams, capable of withstanding incredible loads throughout a build.
What is UB and UC steel?
UB and UC steel stand for Universal Beam and Universal Column, respectively. They are the classic ‘I’ or ‘H’-shaped beams you might imagine when thinking of a “steel beam”.
UB and UC steel are types of steel beams that are applicable – even essential – to most modern construction projects thanks to their excellent tension distribution, toughness, and versatility.
Are Steel Beams Load-Bearing?
Yes, steel beams can be used in a load-bearing capacity, though not all types of steel beams are used exclusively for load-bearing structures.
The most common load-bearing types of steel beams are:
- Universal Beam Steel
- Universal Column Steel
- Rectangular Hollow Section
- Square Hollow Section
- Circular Hollow Section
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