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Calculate the weight and cost of structural I-beams (W-shapes and S-shapes) for construction projects. Supports standard AISC wide-flange beams and custom dimensions with different steel grades.
The I-beam weight calculator helps you determine the weight and cost of structural steel I-beams (also known as H-beams or W-shapes) based on their dimensions and steel grade. I-beams are essential structural components in construction, providing excellent load-bearing capacity with efficient material usage.
This calculator supports both standard AISC (American Institute of Steel Construction) wide-flange shapes and custom beam dimensions. Wide-flange beams (W-shapes) are the most commonly used I-beams in modern construction due to their superior structural properties and versatility.
Understanding I-beam weight is crucial for structural engineering calculations, foundation design, cost estimation, transportation planning, and load-bearing capacity assessments. Different steel grades offer varying combinations of strength, weldability, and corrosion resistance for specific applications.
Area = (2 × Flange Width × Flange Thickness) + (Web Height × Web Thickness)
The cross-sectional area represents the area of the I-beam profile when viewed from the end.
Weight per Foot = Cross-Sectional Area (in²) × Density (lb/in³) × 12 inches
For standard W-shapes, manufacturers provide the weight per foot directly.
Total Weight = Weight per Foot × (Length in inches / 12) × Quantity
Where steel density varies by grade: Mild Steel (0.284 lb/in³), Stainless 304 (0.289 lb/in³), Alloy Steel (0.283 lb/in³).
| Designation | Depth (in) | Flange Width (in) | Weight (lb/ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| W4×13 | 4.16 | 4.06 | 13 |
| W6×15 | 5.99 | 5.99 | 15 |
| W8×18 | 8.14 | 5.25 | 18 |
| W10×22 | 10.17 | 5.75 | 22 |
| W12×26 | 12.22 | 6.49 | 26 |
| W14×30 | 13.84 | 6.73 | 30 |
| W16×36 | 15.86 | 6.99 | 36 |
| W18×40 | 17.90 | 6.02 | 40 |
| W21×44 | 20.66 | 6.50 | 44 |
| W24×55 | 23.57 | 7.01 | 55 |
| W27×84 | 26.71 | 9.96 | 84 |
| W30×90 | 29.53 | 10.40 | 90 |
| W33×118 | 32.86 | 11.48 | 118 |
| W36×135 | 35.55 | 11.95 | 135 |
W-shapes (wide-flange beams) are a modern type of I-beam with parallel flange surfaces and wider flanges relative to the web. They offer superior structural properties compared to traditional S-shapes (American Standard beams) which have tapered flanges. W-shapes are now the standard for most structural applications.
The designation W12×26 means: W = wide-flange shape, 12 = nominal depth in inches (actual depth is approximately 12.22 inches), and 26 = weight in pounds per linear foot. This standardized naming system makes it easy to identify beam sizes and weights.
S-shapes (American Standard beams) have tapered flanges and narrower profiles, while W-shapes have parallel flanges and wider profiles. W-shapes provide better structural efficiency, easier connections, and are more commonly available. S-shapes are mainly used for specialized applications or historical renovations.
Load capacity depends on multiple factors: beam size, steel grade, span length, support conditions, and loading type (distributed vs. point load). For example, a W12×26 beam with a 20-foot span can typically support 10,000-15,000 lbs of uniformly distributed load. Always consult structural engineering calculations for specific applications.
A36 mild steel is the most common grade for structural I-beams, offering good strength (36,000 psi yield strength), weldability, and cost-effectiveness. A992 is now standard for wide-flange shapes with higher strength (50,000 psi yield). Stainless steel grades like 304 are used when corrosion resistance is critical, such as coastal or chemical environments.
Yes, I-beams can be oriented in any direction. When used horizontally as beams, they resist bending loads efficiently. When used vertically as columns, they provide excellent axial load capacity. The orientation depends on the structural requirements and loading conditions of the specific application.
Calculate the cross-sectional area by adding the area of both flanges (2 × flange width × flange thickness) plus the web area (web height × web thickness). Multiply this area by the steel density (0.284 lb/in³ for mild steel) and by 12 to get weight per foot. Then multiply by the length in feet to get total weight.
I-beams are structurally efficient because they place most material in the flanges (top and bottom) where bending stresses are highest, while using minimal material in the web (middle) where stresses are lower. This results in high strength-to-weight ratios, reduced material costs, and easier handling compared to solid rectangular beams of equivalent strength.
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