Beams & Columns

I-beams are made up of two "flanges" - the horizontal portions of a capital letter "I" - and one central "web" - the vertical stalk of the "I." This form allows I-beams to efficiently support loads in the direction that the web is oriented. Beams can have either a hollow or a solid web, depending on their purpose.

When beams and columns with a solid web are being placed, they must not be released from the hoisting equipment until they have been secured with at least two bolts per connection. These bolts must be the same size and shape as those shown in the erection drawings. They must be wrench-tight unless otherwise specified by the structural engineer. If a solid-web beam is being used as diagonal bracing, it must be secured with at least one bolt tightened either wrench-tight or to the structural engineer's specifications.

To learn more about Construction Steel Erection visit our Construction Steel Erection Safety Online Training web page.