sizing steel I beams.

[lynnbilodeau]

Assuming a steel beam advertized as

6" X 4" - 12# x 15'

Means the heighth is 6", the width is 4", and the length is 15'

What does the 12# mean?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Monza Harry]

I believe that is 12#'s /Ft. (Pounds' per foot, not number or hashtag) so in a round about way speaks to the main web thickness. Been a long time since I cracked the cover on the "Machinery's Handbook" but it will give you at least, some guidance on this. Harry

 

[TOTO]

Weight per foot.

 

[lynnbilodeau]

That is what I thought. Before I investigate further, can anyone tell me off the top of your head (or maybe you have a handy chart available.... I couldn't find my answer on line) what the web thickness would be for a 12 pound I beam that is 4" x 6" ?

Again, much appreciation for the wealth of knowledge on this site.

 

[LifeLongWNYer]

Wow, an "I-beam" that is four feet by six feet would indeed have a pretty hefty web.




.

 

[laser3kw]

I beam resource link (click here)

near bottom -W6 x 12

 

[lynnbilodeau]

Wow, an "I-beam" that is four feet by six feet would indeed have a pretty hefty web.




.

I deserved that. Obviously a typo if you saw the first post.

4" by 6" 12#

 

[lynnbilodeau]

I beam resource link (click here)

near bottom -W6 x 12

So, about a 1/4 inch (almost).

 

[Lassen Forge]

Thats average build steel - 12 pounds per foot. Nothing special there, but if it works for what YOU need... there ya go.

 

[readhead]

I don’t have a book handy, but is it an S bean or a W beam? Are the flanges tapered or square?

 

[lynnbilodeau]

Don't know. Have to go look at it this week.

 

[readhead]

What are the you thinking of using it for?

 

[laser3kw]

I don’t have a book handy, but is it an S bean or a W beam? Are the flanges tapered or square?

good call
there is a slight difference in weight and flange width between a "W" and "S"
s - beam resource link

near the bottom - S6 x 12.5 (6" x 3.332")

 

[dr_clyde]

What you have described is a W6 x 12# "H" beam, or a "wide flange" beam.

Flanges are square. Flange thickness is .280" and the web thickness is .230".

 

[Radix2]

A free program you can use to size beams is called " beamboy" it has the specs for most sections and if you have the basic understanding of physics you can use it to find deflection, stress, etc.