A beam is a steel section that is very effective in bearing the main load and increasing the strength of various structures. It consists of two parts: the main body and the sides. The main body is a layer of steel sheet with a certain width, on which two other layers of steel sheet, the sides, are placed vertically on both sides .
In colloquial terms, the main body of a beam is called the web and its sides are called the flanges. The web and flanges of a beam can be produced in various shapes, which will result in a variety of shapes and structures of the beam. This is one of the important reasons for dividing beams into different types, which we will explain below. The special shape of the beam increases its resistance by several times the usual limit .
Types of iron beams
IPE beam
One of the most widely used types of beams is IPE beams . The name of these beams is derived from the abbreviation of the phrase I PROFILE EROEENNE . As can be understood from the name of IPE beams , they have an appearance similar to the English I. These beams are also known in the market as ordinary beams. The thickness of the flanges of the IPE beam is the same in all its parts and does not change in any way. Of course, this feature also exists for the web of the beam and the thickness of their main body part is constant throughout its length .
IPE beams are typically manufactured according to European standards and are one of the most popular types of beams among Iranians; for this reason, this type of beam is used in many buildings. The height of IPE beams is considered to be between 80 and 600 mm. However, beams with an average height are usually used for most construction purposes. IPE beams are .manufactured according to European standards
INP beam
This type of beam is another type of steel beam that is used in various applications. The appearance of INP beams is similar to the English I. In fact, in this respect, they are completely similar to IPE beams . Of course, be careful that what we mean by the similarity of the shape of these beams to the English I is that their webs are wider and have smaller and shorter wings .
INP and IPE beams is the thickness of their flanges. As we have mentioned, the thickness of the web and flanges in IPE beams is constant in all parts. However, the thickness of the flanges in INP beams is not constant and as the distance between the flange and the web increases, its thickness also decreases. These types of beams are produced according to Chinese and Russian standards .
H -beam (Hash) or IPB
H -beam is another example of steel beams that is fundamentally different from IPE and INP types of beams . The main difference between this beam and the other two categories of beams that we have discussed is in the shape and external structure. In fact, this same difference in external structure also causes a difference in their properties. In general, it can be said that beams are either produced in the form of an English I or have a shape similar to an H.
IPE beams, are mainly produced according to European standards; although there are other standards for their production .
H -beams are produced in several different types due to their widespread use. Three important examples include heavy wide flange (HEB) , light wide flange (HEA) and extra heavy (TPB) . Heavy wide flange H- beams have a greater thickness than light wide flange beams. As a result, they also have a greater weight and have a higher resistance to pressure and practically force. Of course, each of these different types of beams has specific applications .
Honeycomb beam
Another important type of steel beam is called honeycomb beam. As the name suggests, these beams have holes in their structure that look like honeycombs. In fact, in order to increase the bending resistance of these beams, trapezoidal holes are created on the web of the beam. These holes can be useful for increasing the beam’s resistance to bending or breaking .
Also, the presence of gaps and holes in these beams allows them to be used to pass some installations such as electrical pipes. Of course, the shape of these beams reduces their weight and, as a result, their price. But on the other hand, the presence of these holes reduces the strength and weakens the beams against pressure. For this reason, honeycomb beams are usually welded together two by two to have greater resistance .
The production process of various types of iron beams
Like many other steel sections, beams are produced using the hot rolling process. To do this, first, ready-made ingots made from steel raw materials with the appropriate percentage are entered into the rolling process. During the process, these ingots are passed through special rollers to increase their length and reduce their height. This process is repeated in several stages using appropriate rollers to achieve the desired width and height .
Application of iron beams
Steel beams are currently one of the most important components of all types of buildings, especially large buildings and towers. The reason for this is their high strength and light weight. Steel beams have many uses in construction. These important steel sections are produced in four main types, each with a different application .
The use of iron beams in the construction of steel structural skeletons
For the construction of large buildings, concrete frames cannot be used due to their heavy weight, and steel frames are used. The main material for the construction of such frames is iron beams. In fact, this can be considered the most important use of iron beams .
- Use of iron beams in column construction
Another important use of beams in buildings is to make columns. Normally, thick H -beams are used to create columns in buildings so that they have high resistance. One of the advantages of columns formed with beams is the possibility of their integrated construction for several floors together. For this, a beam with a high height is used .
- Use of iron beams in column bases
Beams can also be used as main plates at the base of columns. The main reason, and in fact the advantage of using beams for this purpose, is the ease of performing basic operations such as welding, cutting, and bolting in the structure .
- Use of iron beams as main beams or beams of a steel structure
In steel structures, those components that are placed horizontally are called beams. Some beams are placed directly on columns, and others are mounted on them with smaller beams. These types of beams are also called king beams or main beams. Typically, iron beams are also used to make the main beams of steel structures.
- Use of iron beams as intermediate beams in structures
Beams are also used to place intermediate beams in steel structures. These beams actually connect the main columns and beams to each other and increase the structure’s ability to withstand load and pressure. Depending on the type and location of the intermediate beams, specific beams are used .
- The use of iron beams in truss construction
Trusses are structures that are produced by placing a large number of steel pieces together, usually in a zigzag pattern. Trusses are used for greater strength and resistance to pressure and external forces. Beams are used to make strong trusses. The use of trusses can be seen in bridges, the roofs of large sheds, and stadiums .
Advantages of iron beams
- Due to its light weight, it can be used to build large, multi-story structures .
- Even after the structure is completed, it is possible to expand and develop it again .
- The implementation of steel structures is carried out at high speed .
- Working with iron beams at high altitudes is relatively easy .
- It is possible to assemble the parts and place them together .
- They take up little space and the space is used optimally .
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