Many structures rely on steel construction, ranging from commercial garages to large buildings to bridges. All of these structures are subject to potential vibration due to:
human activity, such as walking and jumping
machinery and equipment during construction and repair
constant external forces such as traffic on or near the structure and high wind
Steel is a stiff and durable material. It's easy to assume that an i-beam, due to its comparatively thin web thickness, would be less stiff than a solid beam. However, they are still quite stiff and their ability to absorb weight also makes them the ideal beam for dampening vibration before it reverberates from one beam to another.
Additional Benefits of I-Beams
I-beams aren't just considered the "universal beam" of steel construction because of their strength. They also offer additional benefits that are hard to beat, especially where money and conservation are concerned. Let's take a quick look at some of the additional benefits of i-beams.
Dimension Versatility
Each construction project is unique and will require beams of different sizes. I-beams are extremely versatile when it comes to things like the depth of section, flange width, and flange thickness.
The dimensions you choose will determine the weight capacity of your i-beam. For example, an i-beam with a depth of section of 5 inches, a flange width of 3 inches, and a flange thickness of 0.326 inches can bear 10 pounds per foot. By increasing the depth of section to 12 inches, the flange to 5 inches, and the flange thickness to 0.544 inches, that i-beam can now bear 31.8 pounds per square foot.
