What Types of Steel Are Used in Construction?

If you’re about to begin a new industrial or commercial construction project in Indiana, then you’re most likely going to be working with steel. That’s only reasonable. After all, when it comes to construction, there’s no material better than construction-grade steel. It is resistant to fire, pests and other natural threats. It can be built to meet almost any idea you have. It’s environmentally friendly, and it almost pays for itself in lack of maintenance. Steel is fantastic—but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.

In fact, there are several types of steel used in construction in Indiana—there’s a greater variety than you might expect. Here are some of the most common.

I-beam

When you think about a steel beam, odds are, you picture an I-beam. Also referred to an H-beam (because it looks like both a capital I and a capital H), this is the most common style of steel beam used in construction thanks to its ability to hold up incredible weight and stay rigid even in high winds.

American standard

The S-shaped American standard beam is a type of I-beam with a singular S-shape. Also referred to as S-beams, these steel beams have a small rolled section that runs alongside parallel flanges.

Bearing pile

If you’re going to be building on soil that’s somewhat weak, then you’ll want to become familiar with the bearing pile. These H-shaped beams are buried underneath the first floor of your building. They are meant to transfer that weight of your building down through the weak soil to a denser layer that can handle pressure. One bearing pile can hold up to 1,000 pounds of weight.

Channel

Also referred to as C-beams, the structural channel beam was originally built to support the weight of massive bridges. Now, it’s used when a contractor needs a sturdy option for a small-to-midspan space.

Angle

If you’re like most buildings, eventually you will need to turn a corner. That’s where angle (or L-shaped) beams come in. So named because of the two sections of the beam that meet at a 90-degree angle, the L-shaped beam is often used in floor construction because it requires a shallow base.

The possibilities are endless

Want to know more about the different types of structural steel used in Indiana construction projects? Come to the pros at Benchmark Fabricated Steel. We have nearly 50 years of construction experience that we cannot wait to put to work for you.

Since 1971, Benchmark Fabricated Steel has helped countless clients with the design and construction of all manner of buildings. The sky is the limit when you work alongside our talented team. We have a wide range of options at your fingertips. Don’t see what you’re looking for? As a licensed steel fabricator, we can whip something up. From design to drawings to construction and beyond, you can count on Benchmark Fabricated Steel. Call today to find out more and schedule an initial consultation. We look forward to discussing the specifics of your project!

Categorised in: Structural Steel

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