Structural steel beam essentials from experts of Structural Beam, your local one-stop provider in Chicago, Il.

Structural Steel Beam, The Staple Of Steel Construction Industry

The steel beam is a staple of all modern construction, and Chicago played a significant role in the establishment and growth of this industry. Today Chicago is one of the main US markets for quality steel beams — and our company, Structural Beam, offers a variety of services and building solutions. Read this guide and learn everything you need to know about this branch of the industry or give us a call at 773-917-8998 for a free consultation or estimate!

Chicago, Il- the great start for the mighty beam.

By the mid-19th-century steel was widely used in the railroad’s construction industry and other industrial applications. Technology was catching up with demand, and by  1879 inventor Sidney Thomas developed a way to remove phosphorus from steel, thus increasing its quality. S.Thomas’s  “Basic Process” meant lower costs of production and more consistent quality of hot-rolled structural steel for building and fabrication industries.

The iconic I-section beam was about to appear on the scene in its full glory. It has been around for a while,  along with a manufacturing method developed in 1849 by an engineer named Alphonse Halbou.  Before that regular steel beams had a Z-section profile.

English engineer Henry Grey perfected Halbou’s design. Earlier I-section beams could only hold up to twenty stories. Grey’s new rolling method allowed for control of steel distribution within the beam structure.

It alleviated internal stress within the beam and allowed for steel beams to be strengthened and made in larger sizes.  Symbolically, a factory for more I-section beams was the first building to utilize Grey’s new I-section beams.

The scene

The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 brought about stricter regulations for non-combustible construction materials to be utilized.

Structures made of wood were burned down, and Chicago was reinventing itself, rising from the ashes like a phoenix, and reaching for the sky – scarcity and high price of land plots were pushing construction to shoot skyward.

The Era

The Era of Steel Beam started here in Chicago in 1890, when the first completely steel-framed skyscraper, The Rand McNally Building, designed by Burnham and Root, was erected.

The usage of structural steel beams has revolutionized engineering approaches and construction methods and set the architects’ imagination free – resulting in the way our cities and home are today.

Turns out, using structural steel beams in residential buildings has many advantages :

• Compared to wood, steel beams are fire, element, mold, fungus- and pest-resistant.
• Easy to use and versatile, steel beams allow accomplishing a lot with less expenditure and effort.
• Provides exceptional durability, structural stability, and safety of the residential buildings.
• Allows for new, efficient, and innovative methods of construction
• Allows for use of the longer section spans, thus eliminating the need for columns
• Allows for the flight of architect’s imagination to play with shape and form

Steel beam anatomy

• I-section beam is a steel beam with an I-shaped cross-section.
• The horizontal elements are called “flanges”, the vertical element is called “web”.  While the web resists shear forces,  the flanges resist most of the bending momentum.
• Steel beams are made by hot rolling and are generally made from ASTM A36 steel, wide-flange shapes are available in stronger grade ASTM A992.

3 types of steel  beams, common to residential construction  projects

1. In the US, the most common type of I-section steel beam is the wide-flange or W-shape (W), with flanges with inside surfaces parallel over most of their area.
2. Another type of beam is American Standard S-type (S)- instead of flat flanges, it has tapered flanges that slope away from the inside surface, its flanges narrower than the web.
3. Another one is H-beam aka H-piles (designated HP or UC- universal column),  it is generally sturdier, with flanges and web being of equal thickness, and is typically used for foundations piles.

We’ve got all and any type of steel beams for sale here, near you, in the Chicago, Il area. Call Structural Beam today and get a quote!

Steel beams are widely used in residential construction for columns, joists, and beams of various lengths and sizes.

Understanding the capabilities of steel beams is a necessity for the modern civil engineer or construction worker.

As these beams are strong, they are used to create large and spacious rooms with minimal support channels. When a house is redeveloped, these beams are used to replace old structural channels.

Here at Structural Beam, your local one-stop steel beam solution provider in Chicago, Il area, we are well-versed in all the steel beam applications in residential and commercial buildings, give us a call today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of steel beams are used in residential construction?

I-section beam and American Standard S-Beam are the ones most often used, other types are utilized too, depending on the engineer’s solution for the needs of your particular project. We operate in the Chicago, Il area and can help you to select and install the exact beams you need. If you are looking to buy steel beams or have a steel beam project in mind, contact us today for advice and a price quote.

How long do steel beams last?

An average is somewhere between 100 and 150 years, depending on a chosen constructive solution. The long lifespan is one of the main advantages of using structural steel beams.

Changes in technology are expected to increase the lifespan of steel beams: modern painting methods protect steel beams from elements in such a way that beams can serve for a very long time.

Can I build a house with steel beams?

Yes, most of the modern houses are built with the help of steel beams. At Structural Beam, we specialize in structural steel construction. Give us a call today and get a free consultation and a free quote!

How much does a steel beam cost?

Depending on the requirements of your project, there might be a considerable difference in the cost of a steel beam — the price difference is determined by the type of beam, the dimensions, etc.  Looking to find out how much do the beams you need might cost, and where to buy them near you, in the Chicago, Il area?

Get in touch with us at 773-917-8998 and get a free consultaion on the type of beam your project requires and get a free price quote from us today!

What is the best steel beam?

All beams are good, the right beam for the right purpose. Our company Structural Beam supplies the beams you need, and if you are not sure about the beams you need to buy— we can help with that, too. Reach out and get your quote from us, your local one-stop structural steel beams provider Chicago, Il

Where can I buy steel beams near me in Chicago, Il?

Structural Beam is a one-stop steel beam solution provider near you in Chicago, Il. We’ve got all types of steel beams available for sale. Buy quality steel beams for your project, call us today for a consultation and a free price quote!