What are metal floor beams, how to calculate and install them?

Metal floor beams give a building’s structure strength and stability, making them an essential part of contemporary construction. Usually constructed of steel, these beams are strong and able to hold large weights. Because of their dependability and lengthy lifespan, metal floor beams are frequently the preferred option when building a residential house, business building, or industrial facility.

It is essential to determine the right size and quantity of metal floor beams for your project in order to guarantee structural integrity and safety. This entails taking into account elements like the weight that the beams must support, the distance between supports, and the kind of material being used. An accurate calculation guarantees that the beams can support the anticipated weight without buckling or failing, averting future structural problems.

Metal floor beam installation calls for accuracy and focus on detail. The procedure usually entails determining the beams’ length, cutting them to that length, fastening bolts or welding them in place, and making sure they are level and aligned correctly. To ensure a secure and stable structure during installation, it’s critical to adhere to building codes and best practices. Metal floor beams can offer a strong foundation for any building project when used properly.

Aspect Description
Definition Metal floor beams are structural elements made of steel used to support floors in buildings, providing strength and stability.
Calculation To calculate the required size and number of beams, you need to consider the load they will carry, the span between supports, and the material"s properties. Use engineering formulas or consult a structural engineer for precise calculations.
Installation Install metal floor beams by first preparing the support structure, then lifting the beams into place, securing them with bolts or welding, and ensuring they are level and properly aligned.

What is it and what sizes are there?

One of the key components of any structure is a beam, which serves to fortify and increase the structure’s stability. A beam, also called a transom, is made up of walls and shelves that are welded together at the butt seams in different sizes. Specialized machinery is used in factories that are equipped to manufacture elements.

The manufacturing process is executed in multiple phases, following which the final product is examined to ensure it complies with GOST regulations.

Metal designs come in a variety of sizes, and for your convenience, they are numbered so you can choose the appropriate building material.

  • “10” is a small product, used as a ceiling to strengthen moving elements in construction. Can be used as a guide for small lifts.
  • “12” – a slightly larger structure size that can withstand greater loads. Used as a basis for frames, used in mechanisms.
  • “14” – products of this size can be used in industrial production for installation in reinforced concrete structures.
  • “16” – a durable structure that acts as a full-fledged support and can be used to move vehicles around the workshop.
  • “18” is a reliable supporting element, used in the construction of buildings, it will ensure the stability of a large area.
  • “20” is a large element that can serve as the basis for a column or frame. Often used in mechanical engineering.
  • “25” – the product can serve as a support for large cranes and large-sized lifting mechanisms.
  • “30” is the largest structure not used in residential construction. Is the basis for lifting mechanisms.

Scope of application

Metal floor beams are used in many different industries. Suitable for:

  • Roof strengthening in residential and industrial construction.
  • Creation of interfloor slabs.
  • Construction of supports and various columns in industrial structures and architectural buildings.
  • Installation of hangar frames.
  • Mine shafts.
  • Creation of various railway cars.
  • Construction of bridges, overpasses.
  • Construction of metal trusses.

A side note: low-rise private homes can also be built using metal floor beams.

Varieties

The structures of metals vary greatly. It is advised to consider this when selecting a product.

By purpose

Choosing one of the options will allow you to build a sturdy, high-quality floor using metal beams.

  1. Monolithic. Concrete is poured into the formwork and reinforced with a grid of reinforcement. The surface is seamless and highly durable.
  2. Monolithic prefabricated. In this case, in addition to metal beams, concrete blocks are used, which are laid on a steel profile. Joint areas are filled with concrete.
  3. Composite. A combination of materials is used, that is, slabs, boards, panels are laid on load-bearing metal products. This option involves the creation of additional insulation and sound insulation of the surface.

By material: steel and aluminum

Various materials can be used to create metal structures. Floor beams made of steel and aluminum are the most common.

  • Steel products made from steel alloy by cold or hot rolling. Steel structures come in several types: angle, channel, I-beam. The advantages of steel beams include fire resistance, resistance to rotting and external factors, high strength. The main disadvantages are: high cost, low heat and sound insulation, risk of corrosion. Installation of steel structures cannot be carried out without the use of special equipment.
  • Aluminum beams. In their manufacture, not just aluminum is used, but its alloys. In construction, such products are used less frequently than their steel counterparts, since they are inferior in terms of stability under heavy loads. Most often, aluminum beams are used in the construction of small-sized buildings. When constructing industrial facilities, products made from this metal are used only in combination with steel structures.

By design

Different types of metal beams with different designs are used in modern construction.

  1. T-bar. The main section consists of a wall and a shelf in the shape of the letter “T”.
  2. I-beams. The cross section of rolled metal looks like the letter “H”. The product is more rigid than a T-bar due to the fact that it has an additional shelf on the opposite side. I-beam elements are divided into several types, each of which is marked:
  3. B – standard I-beams.
  4. Ш – product with wide brim.
  5. U – narrow-flange structures.
  6. D – mid-shelf products.
  7. K – column beams. The width of the shelf of such an element can be equal to the height of the product.

Requirements

In GOSTs and SNiPs, all requirements for metal beams are specified in detail. The primary prerequisites are:

  • Strength. Depending on the type of material used in the manufacture of the product, strength indicators may differ, but they must correspond to the values ​​​​specified in regulatory documents.
  • Operating period. Metal structures, according to GOST, must last at least 80 years.
  • Corrosion resistance. Finished elements must be additionally treated with compounds that prevent the formation of corrosion.

Characteristics

The features of floor beams vary based on the production technology used.

  1. I-beams with inclined shelves. Slope angle 6-12 degrees. Main parameters:
  2. length – 10-60 cm;
  3. width – 5.5-19 cm;
  4. shelf thickness – 7.2 mm-1.8 cm;
  5. wall thickness – 4.5mm-1.2 cm.
  6. I-beams with parallel edges (GOST 26020, STO ASChM 20-93) have other characteristics:
  7. length – B-1 – 100 B-4;
  8. shelf thickness – 5.7 mm-3.3 cm;
  9. profile width – 55 mm-32 cm;
  10. wall thickness – 4.1 mm-1.95 cm.
  11. Wide-flange metal structures have the following characteristics:
  12. length – 20Ш1- 70Ш5;
  13. profile width – 15-32 cm;
  14. wall thickness – 6.0 mm – 2.3 cm;
  15. shelf thickness – from 9 mm -3.65 cm.
  16. Column beams have the following indicators:
  17. length – 20 K1-40 K5;
  18. profile width – from 20 to 40 cm;
  19. wall thickness – from 6.5 to 2.3 cm;
  20. shelf thickness – 1-3.55 cm.

Calculation

It is advised to carry out the necessary computations accurately when organizing the installation of a floor or ceiling using metal beams.

What indicators to consider?

Several factors are considered at the same time when performing calculations:

  • surface area under construction;
  • total weight;
  • distance between metal beams;
  • maximum possible load;
  • span width.

The height of the metal products increases with the span width.

Formulas

The product’s strength and rigidity are taken into account when making the calculation. You can determine the necessary rental number by computing the values in the GOST tables.

In the calculations that follow, linear load is computed using the formula q = Q * p.

  • q – magnitude of linear load;
  • p – beam laying step;
  • L – The length of the overlapped span.

The division of the bending moment by the material’s calculated resistance yields the maximum moment of resistance of the beam cross section (WY).

  • Q – linear load on the beam;
  • L – span length;
  • E – Module for the elasticity of the material
  • Jy – The minimum moment of inertia.

Features of the installation process

There are some aspects of the metal beam ceiling installation process that must be understood and closely observed.

  1. It is necessary to have a clear construction scheme with the calculations for the strength and bending of products.
  2. Brows with a cross section of 60×60 are attached to the side faces of the beams, after which there is a roll of boards.
  3. The roll is covered with a layer of insulation that performs the functions of sound and thermal insulation.
  4. The step between the steel beams should not exceed 150 cm, the optimal distance is 100 cm.
  5. The depth of support of the ends of metal structures on the walls is a maximum of 25 cm.
  6. To achieve greater sound insulation, you can use not ordinary, but spring brackets.

Pros and cons of use in buildings

Metal is used in many different types of structures because it has several benefits.

  • increased strength;
  • fire resistance;
  • resistance to external factors;
  • increased reliability;
  • a large period of operation;
  • the ability to strengthen the already built building;
  • increased bearing capacity.

But these beams also have drawbacks of their own that need to be considered:

  • complexity of construction work;
  • the need to use heavy equipment;
  • metal can be corroded;
  • It is required to make complex calculations, with which the beginner can have serious difficulties.

Prices for all types

The I-beam metal beams are most frequently used in construction. The table shows the average cost of the products.

Beam name Length Price
I-beam No. 10 12 m 880
I-beam No. 10 B-1 12 m 780
I-beam No. 12 12 m 900
I-beam No. 12 B-1 12 m 660
I-beam No. 14 12 m 1050
I-beam No. 14 B-1 12 m 740
I-beam No. 16 12 m 1300
I-beam No. 16 B-1 12 m 980
I-beam No. 18 12 m 1280
I-beam No. 18 B-1 12 m 1150
I-beam No. 20 12 m 1560
I-beam No. 25 B-1 12 m 2150
I-beam No. 25 Ш-1 12 m 3500
I-beam No. 30 12 m 2600
I-beam No. 35 12 m 3300
I-beam No. 40 12 m 3500
I-beam No. 45 B-1 12 m 5200

Metal floor beams, which provide strength, durability, and versatility, are an essential part of contemporary construction. I-beams, T-beams, and C-channels are just a few of the sizes and shapes they are available in, each suited for a distinct set of structural requirements. Knowing the different kinds of beams that are available makes it easier to select the best option for any project, balancing load-bearing needs with installation complexity and cost.

The span, the weight that the beams must support, and the kind of metal that was used are all taken into account when calculating the load capacity of metal floor beams. To guarantee safety and avoid structural failure, precise computations are necessary. It is important to adhere to professional standards and engineering principles, which frequently call for consulting with or employing a structural engineer for accurate measurements and evaluations.

It takes careful planning and adherence to safety procedures to install metal floor beams. In order to preserve the building’s structural integrity during installation, proper support and alignment are essential. Beams must normally be fastened to the foundation and checked for levelness and appropriate spacing during the process. It’s crucial to use the appropriate instruments and methods in order to prevent errors that can jeopardize the structure.

All things considered, metal floor beams offer a sturdy way to support floors in a variety of building kinds. Builders can guarantee a safe and stable construction by comprehending their properties, precisely estimating their needs, and adhering to best practices during installation. Metal beams are a dependable option that adds to the durability and strength of the structure, whether it is being used for residential or commercial purposes.

Metal floor beams are crucial structural elements that give buildings strength and stability by equitably distributing weight and supporting large loads. It is essential to determine the appropriate beam size and spacing based on the building’s dimensions and load requirements in order to guarantee a safe and effective installation. Beams must be installed by fastening them to the building’s framework and making sure they are level and oriented correctly. You can create a strong, dependable floor structure that satisfies all safety requirements by following these steps.

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