Far Eastern University

Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts

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LECTURE READING 4: STRUCTURAL STEEL SHAPES AND

SECTIONS
Structural Steels are available commercially in the Philippines in many shapes. The dimension and
weight must be added in the designation to uniquely identify the shape. All commercial sizes of structural
shapes in the Philippines are all listed in ASEP STEEL HANDBOOK 2004. In reading this lecture, you must
have your ASEP STEEL HANDBOOK 2004 with you. You must have a downloaded file of the said handbook
with you. There is a file of the handbook available in the internet but it is the 1996 edition. You can purchase
the handbook online at lazada or shopee.

According to ASEP steel handbook 2004, structural steel shapes and sections are divided into five
main shapes. These are as follows:

1. Rolled Shapes
2. Built-Up Shapes
3. Cold Formed Plate Shapes
4. Cold Formed Light Gage Shapes
5. Other Shapes

A. ROLLED SHAPES

Let us start with the ROLLED SHAPES. Rolled steel sections are casted in continuous casting molds
without any joints. It is rolled by passing them through a rolling mill to bend or deform the workpiece to a
desired shape while maintaining a constant cross-section. It is casted in traditional method using hot furnace.
The steel shapes are monolithic and solid (without weld unlike built-up section).

The steel sections manufactured in rolling mills and used as structural members are known as rolled
structural steel sections. The steel sections are named according to their cross sectional shapes. The shapes
of sections selected depend on the types of members which are fabricated and to some extent on the process
of erection. Many steel sections are readily available in the market and have frequent demand. In the
Philippines, ASEP Steel Handbook 2004 gives nominal dimensions, weight and geometrical properties of
various rolled structural steel sections.
 Far Eastern University
Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts
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1) W Shape (Wide Flange)

The W shape, also called the H-beam, wide beam, wide flange, W-beam, I-beam, and universal beam
(UB), is the shape of choice for structural steel builds. The design and structure of the W- beam makes it
uniquely capable of handling a variety of loads. Engineers and architects use W- beams widely in construction,
forming main columns and main beams of many different lengths, sizes, and specifications. Understanding the
W-beam is a basic necessity for the modern civil engineer, architects or construction worker.

The wide flange consists of two horizontal planes, known as flanges, connected by one vertical
component, or the web. The shape of the flanges and the web create an “I” or an “H” cross-section. Most W
shapes are used in main beams and main columns of a structure..

Using ASEP Steel Handbook 2004, all commercially available wide flange in the Philippines can be
selected from pages 84 - 105. There are certain designations or nomenclatures used in this handbook. As
indicated in the above figure, bf is the width of the flange, tf is the thickness of the flange, tw is the thickness of
the web and d is the total depth of the W-section.

For the size of the wide flange, the letter indicates the shape, the first number indicates the nominal
height, and the second number indicates the weight per 1 foot of length. For instance, the W 33 x 619 listed in
the table below is a wide flange shape that has a nominal depth of 33 inches and weighs 285 pounds per foot
of length. Now remember that English units are used in rolled shapes and SI units are used in built-up section
to avoid confusion.
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Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts
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The above excerpts are taken on pages 88-89 of ASEP Steel Handbook 2004. Suppose you selected a
W-section of W 33 x 152. The letter W means you are using wide flange or W section; the first number 33
means the depth of the W section is 33 inches and the 152 means the weight per length of the said W-shape
is 152 lbs/ft.

Let us now try to identify the properties of W 33 x 152. Using the above table of ASEP Steel
Handbook 2004, the following are the properties of W 33 x 152:

Ag = 28 839 mm2 gross area

d = 850.65 mm total depth
tw = 16.13 mm thickness of the web
bf = 293.75 mm width of the flange
tf = 28.80 mm thickness of the flange
w = 226 kg/m weight per length
Ix = 3396 x 106 mm4 moment of inertia with respect to x-axis
Sx = 7981 x 103 mm3 section modulus with respect to x-axis
rx = 342.90 mm radius of gyration with respect to x-axis
Iy = 114 x 106 mm4 moment of inertia with respect to y-axis
Sy = 773 x 103 mm3 section modulus with respect to y-axis
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Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts
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ry = 62.74 mm radius of gyration with respect to y-axis

Zx = 9160 x 103 mm3 plastic modulus with respect to x-axis
Zy = 1211 x 103 mm3 plastic modulus with respect to y-axis

Remember that mm4 is read as quartic millimeters. Bear in mind that the unit of every properties is at
the topmost of any column of the tabulation. Be careful with some properties with x 106 and x 103 units.

Let’s do another example, what are the properties of W 33 x 567?

Ag = 107 097 mm2 gross area

d = 962.91 mm total depth
tw = 45.97 mm thickness of the web
bf = 425.45 mm width of the flange
tf = 83.06 mm thickness of the flange
w = 844 kg/m weight per length
Ix = 15 692 x 106 mm4 moment of inertia with respect to x-axis
Sx = 32 610 x 103 mm3 section modulus with respect to x-axis
rx = 383.54 mm radius of gyration with respect to x-axis
Iy = 1074 x 106 mm4 moment of inertia with respect to y-axis
Sy = 5047 x 103 mm3 section modulus with respect to y-axis
ry = 100.08 mm radius of gyration with respect to y-axis
Zx = 38 182 x 103 mm3 plastic modulus with respect to x-axis
Zy = 7948 x 103 mm3 plastic modulus with respect to y-axis

Now, you know how to use the ASEP Steel Handbook 2004. Let us try another shape.

2. S Shape (American Standard)

Generally known as an S section, the American standard beam has a rolled section with two parallel
flanges, all connected by a web. The flanges on S-shaped beams are relatively narrow and the inner flange
surface is sloped.. The designation of the beam gives the builder information about each unit’s width and
weight. For example, S 24 x 121 represents a beam that’s 24 inches deep and weighs 121 pounds per foot.
 Far Eastern University
Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts
___________________________________________________________________________

Using ASEP Steel Handbook 2004, all commercially available American standard in the Philippines
can be selected from pages 108 - 109. There are certain designations or nomenclatures used in this
handbook. As indicated in the above figure, bf is the width of the flange, tf is the thickness of the flange, tw is
the thickness of the web and d is the total depth of the W-section.

For the size of the wide flange, the letter indicates the shape, the first number indicates the nominal
depth and the second number indicates the weight per 1 foot of length. For instance, the
S 18 x 70 listed in the handbook an S shape that has a nominal depth of 18 inches and weighs 70 pounds per
foot of length. It is just the same as the wide flange.

3. HP Shape

The HP-shape is similar to the W-shape except that its webs and flanges have approximately equal
thicknesses and the width of the flange is approximately equal to the overall depth. When builders can’t find a
structure on a shallow foundation, they use bearing piles to design a deep foundation system. Bearing piles
are H-shaped to effectively transfer loads through the pile to the tip. Bearing piles work best in dense soils that
offer most resistance at the tip. Individual piles can bear more than 1,000 tons of weight. The HP shape is
used as bearing piles only. The HP shape can be selected on pages 106-107 of the ASEP Steel Handbook
2004. The designation HP14 x 73 indicates a HP-shape 14 inches deep and weighing 73 pounds per linear
foot.

4. M Shape (Miscellaneous Shape)

M-shapes, also known as miscellaneous -shapes, are lightweight W-shapes. Most of the available
commercial sizes of M shapes are not available commercially in USA. The M shape can be selected on pages
110-111 of the ASEP Steel Handbook 2004. The designation M 10 x 9 indicates a M-shape 10 inches deep
and weighing 9 pounds per foot.

5. L Shape (Angle)

Angle sections are manufactured in “L” shape. It contains two legs that come together at a 90-degree
angle. Some angle sections contains legs with similar dimensions are called as equal angle sections and
some contains different legs are called as unequal angle sections. Angle sections are widely used for roof
truss constructions and for filler joist floors. The four feet of your drawing table are angles.
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Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts
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There are two designations in L-section. In SI designation, if you are given a L 125 x 75 x 10, L
indicates l shape, the first number 125 indicates long leg of the angle is 125 mm long, the second number is
the short leg which is 75 mm long and the third number is the thickness of the angle which is 10 mm thick. In
English unit designation, the angle L 6 x 4 x ½ indicates an angle with long leg of 6 inches long, short leg of 4
inches long and a thickness of ½ inch. Remember for angles: the 3 numbers indicate the length of the long
leg, the length of the short leg and thickness of the angle. How will you know if the designation is in English or
SI units? Look for the last number: if the last number is 1 or a fraction, it is in English unit but if the last number
in 5 or more, it is in SI unit.
Properties of L shape can be found on pages 112-125 of the ASEP Steel Handbook 2004. Angles can
be single angle or double angle. Double angle can be double angle long leg back to back or double angle
short leg back to back.

6. C Shape (Channel)

Structural C channels, or C beams, have a C-shaped cross section. Channels have top and bottom
flanges, with a web connecting them. C-shaped beams are cost-effective solutions for short- to medium-span
structures. Channel beams were originally designed for bridges, but are popular for use in marine piers and
other building applications.

Actually, channel is ½ of a wide flange cut vertically. The channels are identified by C DEPTH
(inches) x WEIGHT PER UNIT LENGTH (pound per foot). For example: C 15 x 50 is a channel with a depth
of 15 inches and having a nominal weight per length of 50 lbs/ft; another example, MC 12 x 10.6 is a
miscellaneous channel with a depth of 12 inches and a nominal weight per length of 10.6 lbs/ft. Properties of C
shape can be found on pages 138-143 of the ASEP Steel Handbook 2004.
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Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts
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7. Structural Tee Shape

A tee beam, or T beam, is a load-bearing beam with a T-shaped cross section. The top of this cross
section is the flange, with the vertical web below. Tee beams can withstand large loads but lack the bottom
flange of the I Beam, giving it a disadvantage in some applications.

Actually, structural tee is ½ of an I-beam cut horizontally. For the designation WT 18 x 91: WT means
structural tee cut from W section (Wide Flange), 18 is the total depth which is 18 inches and 01 is the weight
per length which is 91 lbs/ft. Another example is ST 10 x 48: ST means structural tee cut from S shape
(American Standard), 10 is the total depth which is 10 inches and the weight per length is 48 lbs/ft. Still
another example is MT 7 x 9; MT means structural tee cut from miscellaneous shape with a total depth of 7
inches and weight per length of 9 lbs/ft. The properties of structural tee can be found in pages 152-167 of
ASEP Steel Handbook 2004.

8. HSS Shape (Hollow Steel Section)

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Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts
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HSS is a metal profile that has a hollow, tubular cross section. HSS units can be square, rectangular
or circular. HSS structures are rounded, with radiuses that are about twice the thickness of the wall. Engineers
and architects commonly use HSS sections in welded steel frames for which units experience loading in
different directions.

8.1) Round HSS Shape (Pipe)

Structural steel pipes are important for a variety of construction applications, lending strength and
stability. Pipes are hollow, cylindrical tubes that come in a variety of sizes. Engineers and architects often use
steel pipes to meet the needs of water, oil, and gas industry projects.

Sizes of round HSS are classified into three designations namely: PS for standard pipe, PE for extra
strength pipe and PD for double strength pipe. The designation of PE 4 indicates extra strength pipe with
nominal diameter of 4 inches. Properties of round HSS can be found on pages 128-129 of ASEP Steel
Handbook 2004

8.2) Tubular HSS Shape (Square and Rectangular Tubing)

Steel rectangular tubing and steel square tubing products are constructed from hot rolled metal coils
that are hollowed out to create their tubular shape. Rectangle steel tube and steel square tubing products are
also low in cost and offer a greater strength-to-weight ratio than other types of shaped metal products. In
addition, rectangle steel tube and steel square tubing are regularly utilized throughout the world for their
outstanding strength and rigidity. Rectangular HSS are commonly used in welded steel frames which are
subjected to loading from different directions. Square and circular HSS are often used as columns.
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Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts
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Designation of 10 x 10 indicates square tubing with 10 inches x 10 inches dimension while 16 x 8
indicates rectangular tubing with 16 inches x 8 inches dimension. Properties of tubular sections can be found
on pages 130-136 of ASEP Stell Handbook 2004.

8. Combination Sections

There are only three combination sections available commercially in the Philippines namely:
combination of two channels, combination of angle and channel and combination of channel and I beam.
Properties of combination sections can be found on pages 144-150 of ASEP Steel Handbook 2004.

B. BUILT-UP SECTIONS
Today’s engineers are not limited to using only the most common shapes. Custom metal fabrication
opens the doors to a variety of special structural steel shapes for any type of project. Using state-of-the-art
tools and techniques, such as water jet, laser, and plasma cutting, metal fabricators can sculpt steel into
myriad shapes for specific needs. If you can dream it, odds are an experienced metal fabricator can create it.

Built-up sections are sections made by combining two or more hot rolled sections, joined together
at intervals. This joining is done with the help of direct welding, stay plates or lacing. These are members
made up by a fabricator from two or more standard sections. Built-up members are specified by the designer
when the desired properties or configuration cannot be obtained in a single hot rolled section. Built-up sections
can be bolted or welded. Welded members, in general, are less expensive because much less handling is
required in the shop and because of more efficient utilization of material. The clean lines of welded members
also produce a better appearance.

There are only three built-up sections available commercially using welded plates namely BW (built-up
W shape), BH (built-up HP shape) and BWT (built-up structural tee cut from W shape). Designation of BW 600
x 186 indicates built-up W shape with 600 mm total depth and 186 kg/m weight per length. Another example,
BH 300 x 333 indicates built-up HP shape with total depth of 300 mm and weight per length of 333 kg/m.
Remember that a B before the designated shape means it is a built-up section and not a rolled shape. Take
note that it uses SI units, if it is a rolled section it uses English units. Properties of built-up sections can be
found on pages 10-27 of the ASEP Steel Handbook.

C. Cold Formed Plate Shapes

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Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts
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Cold-formed steel (CFS) section is the term used for products which are made by rolling or pressing thin
gauges of steel sheets into goods. CFS goods are created by the working of thin steel sheets using stamping,
rolling or

presses to deform the steel sheets into a proper product which are usable. In the construction industry of steel,
both the structural as well as the non structural parts are formed using the thin gauges of steel sheets. The
building materials can be of columns, studs, beams, floor decking, built up sections and other any parts of the
structure. CFS construction materials differ in many respects than other steel construction materials like hot
rolled steel. The manufacturing of CFS products occurs at the room temperature with the use of
rolling/pressing. The construction practices are just like the timber framing where the assembling stud frame
using the screws.

Designation of BC 310 x 95 x 20 indicates built-up channel with total depth of 310 mm, base of 95 mm
and thickness of 20 mm. Properties of cold formed plate shapes can be found on pages 36-41.

D. Cold Formed Light Gage Shapes

Cold formed light gage shapes are also cold formed plate shapes but with thinner thickness.
 Far Eastern University
Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts
___________________________________________________________________________

Designation of LC 220 x 75 x 25 x 5.5 indicates light channel with h = 220 mm, b = 75 mm, a = 25 mm
and t = 5.5 mm. Properties of cold formed light gage shapes can be found on pages 54- 74 of ASEP Steel
Handbook 2004.

E. Other Shapes

1) Steel Plates
1.

Steel plates are well used items in steel structures. They are used for connecting steel beams,
tensional member in roof truss etc. They are designated with their thickness which is varying from 5 mm to 50
mm.

2) Bars

a) Flat Bars
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Flat bars are also used for gates, windows, grill works etc. Flat bars are designated with width of the
bar which varies from 10 mm to 400 mm. thickness of flat bars will be from 3 mm to 40 mm.

b) Plain Round Bars

Plain round bars contain circular cross sections and these are used as reinforcement in concrete and
steel grill work etc. Round bars are available in various diameters varies from 5 mm to 250 mm.

c) Square or Rectangular Bars

Square bars contain square cross sections and these are widely used for gates, windows, grill works
etc. the sides of square cross section ranges from 5 mm to 250 mm.

d) Reinforcing Bars
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Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts
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Ribbed HYSD (high yielding strength deformed bars) bars are made of high yield strength steel. Ribs
are nothing but projections produced on bars by cold twisting of bar in hot rolled condition. The twist is made
according to the standard requirements. HYSD bars are important innovation of steel and they are extensively
used as main reinforcement materials in all concrete works like bridges, buildings, precast concrete works,
foundations, roads etc. They are available in many sizes varying from 6 mm to 50 mm diameter.