I Beams
An I beam is a steel beam with a cross section formed like the letter I, used in construction and engineering as beams or columns. It is one of the most identifiable and common steel products used in construction. They are available in two major forms. The first type of I beams are those made by rolling or extrusion and wide flange. Wide flange I beams, which are shaped like the letter I but have wider flanges, are currently the most popular form. The other general type of I beams, known more specifically as H beams, are formed by welding plates. Applications for I beams include residential interiors, retail and commercial structures, restaurants, and various other buildings. I beams are beneficial due to their light weight, low conductivity, ease of production, cost-effectiveness, high strength, impact resistance, low maintenance requirements, dimensional stability and non-magnetic property.
I beams are available in many different standard sizes and in a wide variety of colors. Steel I beam buildings are a very common form of building system, so many architects and other companies involved in constructed are quite familiar with the structure. Also called rolled steel joists, I beams are usually made of structural steel and sometimes aluminum, but they can also be made out of wood, concrete and other materials. I beams are processed a couple different ways. Depending on the material, they may be hot rolled, cold rolled, extruded, or formed by welding plates. They are often used compositely with concrete for added strength.