Plate Girder

Definition

A plate girder is a large beam made up of steel plates, sometimes in combination with steel angles or channels, welded, bolted, or riveted together.

Purpose

Plate girders are used in construction to support heavy loads over long spans, such as in bridges, buildings, and industrial structures. They provide the necessary strength and stiffness to support substantial weights and resist bending.

Examples of Use

• Bridges: Supporting roadways and railways in bridge construction.
• Industrial Buildings: Used as primary structural members in large industrial buildings.
• Skyscrapers: Providing support for floors and roofs in high-rise buildings.

Related Terms

• I-Beam: A steel beam with a cross-section resembling the letter "I," used in construction.
• Box Girder: A girder with a hollow rectangular or square cross-section.
• Truss: A framework, typically consisting of rafters, posts, and struts, supporting a roof, bridge, or other structure.

Notes

• Construction: Plate girders are fabricated by welding or bolting steel plates and shapes together to achieve the desired strength and dimensions.
• Design: The design of plate girders must consider factors such as load capacity, span length, and structural stability.