I-Beam

Definition

An I-Beam is an American standard designation for a structural steel member shaped like a capital "I" in cross-section, commonly used in construction and engineering.

Purpose

I-Beams are designed to bear heavy loads and resist bending, making them ideal for construction applications where strength and durability are required, such as in bridges, buildings, and other structures.

Examples of Use

• Supporting floors in multi-story buildings.
• Constructing bridges to span long distances.
• Reinforcing roofs in industrial warehouses.

Related Terms

• H-Beam: A similar structural member with wider flanges than an I-Beam.
• Wide Flange Beam (W-Beam): A type of beam with wider flanges, often used interchangeably with I-Beam in structural applications.
• Steel Section: Various shapes of steel members used in construction, including I-Beams, H-Beams, and channels.

Notes

The dimensions of an I-Beam, including the flange width, web thickness, and depth, determine its load-bearing capacity and suitability for specific applications.