Structural Steel: A Guide to 4 Different Shapes and Their Uses

Construction & Contractors Blog

Steel is one of the most important construction materials out there. Its hardness, strength and durability make it the perfect choice for everything from skyscrapers to bridges. This article takes a quick look at some common types of structural steel shapes and their uses.

Angle Steel

Angle steel is one of the most common types of structural steel shapes. It's often used in the construction of bridges, buildings, and other large structures. Angle steel gets its name from its shape; it's basically a piece of steel that is bent at an angle. The most common angle is 90°, but angle steel can also be found in 45°, 60° and 180° angles. The different angles allow angle steel to be used in a variety of applications. For example, 90° angles are often used as lintels over windows and doorways, while 45° angles are often used as supports for roofs.

I-Beam Steel

I-beam steel is another common type of structural steel shape. It gets its name from its shape; I-beams are basically pieces of steel that have been shaped into the letter I. I-beams are frequently used in the construction of buildings and bridges because they're able to support a lot of weight without buckling or bending. I-beams are available in a variety of sizes and weights, so they can be used in a wide variety of applications.

H-Beam Steel

H-beam steel is similar to I-beam steel in that it's also shaped like a letter, the letter H. However, H-beams are best suited for carrying heavy loads over long distances. H-beams are commonly used in the construction of tall buildings and long bridges where high load-bearing capacity is required.

Square Tube Steel

Square tube steel is exactly what it sounds like—pieces of steel that have been formed into squares (or rectangles). Square tube steel is frequently used in the construction of fencing, handrails and other smaller projects where round tubing would be impractical or inefficient.

Conclusion

As you can see, each shape has its own unique set of properties that make it well-suited for certain applications. When choosing which type of steel to use for your next project, it's important to keep these properties in mind so that you can opt for the option that best meets your needs. For more info, contact a structural steel supplier today. A member of the team will be more than happy to help you further.

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