All about the I Beams in Construction

Who invented I Beam?

Alphonse Halbou holds the patent for I beams devised from wrought iron in 1849, and Henry Grey invented the rolling technique that improved the I beams.

Design of an I Beam

An I Beam is a long piece of structural steel with two horizontal planes called flanges connected by a steel part in the middle, thus sideways, it looks like a single long piece of steel, and straightways (in the cross-section), it resembles the letter "I" or "H."

This special design saves the beam from breaking into two but rather bending. This simple design is also a very cost-efficient way of crafting steel.

What are the different categories of I Beams?

There are certain metallic or steel beams that can be categorized under I beams as they have a similar structure.

H Beams: H beams can be considered a subcategory of I Beam as they seem very similar to I Beams. They are also called bearing piles and have identical thickness all over compared to I beams and with broader legs.

W Beams: W beams are yet another beam that is widely used as an I beam. The thickness of W beams is not uniform, and in the cross-section, they resemble W. W beams are majorly used as guardrails on roadways. These are also called thrie beams.

What are the different types of metals and materials used for making I beams?

Different types of materials, alloys, and metals are used in the construction of I Beams now; thus, there is steel I beams, stainless steel I beam, galvanized I beam, concrete I beam, fiberglass I beam, carbon fiber I beam, plywood I beam and the old school wrought iron I beam. However, the most widely used ones are structural steel.

What are the benefits of using an I Beam?

I beam has many benefits, including its extensive load-bearing capacity, angular momentum, reusable material (steel), and dampening vibrations, and is available in a multitude of sizes. Below are some of the major advantages of I Beam construction:

• Strength of I Beam: Manufactured by iron-steel alloy, I Beam has high-strength benefits. I Beams have the benefit of having steel in them. As steel has high heat durability, I Beam will be an ideal construction material for mass construction. I Beam can be bent when put to high pressure rather than breaking or cracking, making it a strong and ideal construction material.

• Cost-effective: I Beam is one of the major cost-effective materials available for construction purposes. Due to its strength of beneficiaries, I Beams can be used instead of other beams which require extra cost and making charges.

• Effective design benefits: I Beam, with its ideal design, is perfect for using it in construction zones. Depending on the use, I beams are available in different sizes and shapes, making them ideal for any sort of construction purpose.

Also Read:

• RCC Construction Technology
• Modern Construction Technology in India

So, guys, this was a brief overview of I Beams in the construction industry. Do share your thoughts.