Understanding Different Types of Beams for Construction

Your struggle to distinguish between the types of beams and find the right one for your purpose ends here. In this article, we will help you understand in detail the types of beams used in construction and how they form the backbone of various infrastructure projects like buildings, bridges and similar structures. Majorly beams are classified based on their material, shape, length and equilibrium conditions. Types of beams used in construction mostly vary in their strength and durability etc depending on the architectural design and utility of the building. 

How Do Beams Work?

Before we get into more details on the types of beams, let's first understand how the beams work. The main role of beams is to offer support, stability, safety and functionality to a structure. Let's understand each of these things in detail:

Load bearing capacity

Different types of steel beams are designed to transfer the load on them to supporting elements like columns and foundations so they can withstand horizontal and vertical forces aside from other shear forces.

Spanning

Various types of beams allow the creation of open spaces within buildings offering greater architectural flexibility and innovative designs.

Aesthetics

Beams also contribute to architectural design by involving offbeat visual delights in a structure and enhancing its aesthetics.

Types of Beams Based on Material

There is a wide range of material types that are used to create various types of beams and each has its advantages and limitations. Let’s understand them now in detail:

• Steel: These are very durable as well as versatile and hence have a wide range of applications. All types of steel beams have one common thing i.e. their high strength-to-weight ratio and this allows them for lighter structures with longer spans.
• Concrete: These types of beams are fire-resistant and can also be moulded into different shapes. Their durability allows them to be used in industrial and commercial infrastructure, bridges and more. 
• Composite: These types of beams take the benefits of two or more materials like steel and concrete and offer their combined strength and durability.
• Fibre Reinforced Polymeric Materials (FRPM): There are different types of FRPM like Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastic (GFRP), Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) and Aramid Fibre Reinforced Plastic (AFRP). The reason for their fast popularity is their strength-to-weight ratio, durability and resistance to corrosion.
• Wood: A natural material that is less expensive comparatively especially in places with an abundance of timber. Their downside is susceptibility to fire, moisture and termites. 

Based on the above distinction of the types of beams based on their base material, you can make out that steel beams are the ones with exceptional strength and durability. So let’s deep dive into the types of steel beams and understand them more in depth.

Types of Steel Beams

All types of steel beams have exceptional strength and durability to begin with. They are versatile in modern construction and are mostly made from the rolled steel sections shaped as per different profiles to meet various structural needs. Now types of steel beams can be classified based on their shape, manufacturing process and grade.

Types of Steel Beams Based on Shape

Types of Steel Beams Based on Their Manufacturing Process

Types of Steel Beams Based on Their Grades

What is T Beam Steel & How Does It Work?

The T-beam steel is basically a structural element that is defined by its T-shaped cross-section. A typical T-beam steel consists of a horizontal flange and a vertical web, creating a T-shaped cross-section. A T steel beam combines the properties and efficiencies of a wide-flange beam along with the multifaceted qualities of a channel beam. T beam steel advantages include efficient load distribution, cost-effectiveness, enhanced structural integrity, versatility and ease of installation of course. 

What are Metal Building Beams?

Metal building beams are generally made of steel or aluminium. They are known for their high strength-to-weight ratio. Metal building beams can withstand very heavy loads and make for important structural components of a metal building by providing much-needed support and stability to the structure. Some of the common types of metal building beams are I-beams, C-channels, Z-purlins and bar joists. Metal building beams are strong, durable and versatile. In addition to that they come in different shapes and sizes, are cost-effective, energy efficient and are low maintenance.

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