10 Things to Consider When Buying I-Beam Steel for Sale

Used steel beams come not from the manufacturer, but from a job site or other location where it’s been previously used. Though this can sometimes mean that the steel is unusable, “used” steel beam can also be like-new. Often-times, if structural steel beams have only been driven a handful of times, they will still have plenty of working life left in them. No matter whether the used beam looks worn or new, there are a few important questions to ask for before purchasing. These include:

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What’s the Integrity of the Steel?

In order to ensure your project maintains its structural integrity, an engineer should consider the steel’s mechanical properties, such as toughness, strength, weight, hardness, and elasticity, then decide if the size, condition, and shape of the steel beam is good enough to withstand the desired load for its lifetime.

What is the Steel Grade?

Steel is a combination of iron and carbon. There are more than 3,500 different grades of steel, which are determined by the amount of carbon and alloys in the steel, as well as the way it was processed. Before purchasing used steel beam, it’s important to determine whether the steel grade matches your project’s requirements.

Do the Beams Come with a Mill Certification?

Though this is not required, used steel beam that comes with a mill certification has an advantage because the certification will show that the steel complies with an international standards organization (such as ANSI, ASME, etc.) specific standards.

How Many Times Has the Beam Been Driven?

The more times the steel has been driven, the less its integrity. Before purchasing used steel beam, its important to ensure that it meets the integrity standards for your project.

Is the Beam the Right Length?

And if not, can it be cut or spliced to the correct length? By confirming this in advance, you’ll save yourself the costly hassle of reselling and repurchasing the correct steel beam size for your project.

What Type of Environment Has the Beam Been Driven Into?

Even if the steel beam has been driven before, this does not necessarily disqualify it from further use. However, the type of environment in which the steel beam has been previously driven can help determine the beam’s integrity. For example, sand is softer than soil, so steel beam that has previously only been driven into sand will likely have less overall wear and tear.

Common Sizes for Steel Beam

Steel beam is sold in a wide range of sizes. Some common sizes include:

• W8: W8x18, W8x21, W8x24, W8x28, W8x31, W8x35, W8x40, W8x48, W8x58, W8x67

• W10: W10x22, W10x26, W10x30, W10x33, W10x39, W10x45, W10x49, W10x54, W10x60, W10x68, W10x77, W10x88, W10x100, W10x112

• W12: W12x26, W12x30, W12x35, W12x40, W12x45, W12x50, W12x53, W12x58 ,W12x65, W12x72, W12x79, W12x87, W12x96, W12x106, W26x120, W12x136, W12x152, W12x170, W12x190, W12x210, W12x230, W12x252

• W14: W14x22, W14x26, W14x30, W14x34, W14x38, W14x43, W14x48, W14x53, W14x61, W14x68, W14x74, W14x82, W14x90, W14x99, W14x109, W14x120, W14x132, W14x145, W14x159, W14x176, W14x193, W14x211, W14x233, W14x257, W14x283

• W16: W16x26, W16x31, W16x36, W16x40, W16x45, W16x50, W16x57, W16x67, W16x77, W16x89, W16x100

• W18: W18x35, W18x40, W18x46, W18x50, W18x55, W18x60, W18x65, W18x71, W18x76, W18x86, W18x97, W18x106, W18x119, W18x130, W18x143, W18x158, W18x175, W18x192, W18x211, W18x234

• W21: W21x44, W21x50, W21x57, W21x58, W21x55, W21x62, W21x68, W21x73, W21x83, W21x93, W21x101, W21x111, W21x122, W21x132, W21x147, W21x166, W21x182, W21x201, W21x223, W21x248, W21x275

• W24: W24x55, W24x62, W24x68, W24x76, W24x84, W24x94, W24x103, W24x204, W24x117, W24x131, W24x146, W24x162, W24x176, W24x192, W24x207, W24x229

• W27: W27x84, W27x94, W27x102, W27x114, W27x129, W27x146, W27x161, W27x178, W27x194

• W30: W30x90, W30x99, W30x108, W30x116, W30x124, W30x132, W30x148

• W33: W33x118, W33x130, W33x141, W33x152, W33x169

• W36: W36x135, W36x150, W36x160, W36x170, W36x182, W36x194, W36x210, W36x232, W36x256

• HP8: HP8x36

• HP10: HP10x42, HP10x57

• HP12: HP12x53, HP12x63, HP12x74, HP12x84, HP12x89, HP12x102, HP12x117

• HP14: HP14x73, HP14x89, HP14x102, HP14x117

• HP16: HP16x88, HP16x101, HP16x121, HP16x141, HP16x162, HP16x183

BUY AND SELL WITH EIFFEL TRADING

Eiffel Trading is a one-stop-shop for your structural steel needs! Not only do we offer both new and used wide flange beams and h-pile beams, we also offer a wide array of used sheet pile, new and used steel pipe pile, new and used steel plates, used access trestle, and much more.

All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.

Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.

For more information, please visit I-Beam Steel for Sale.

Structural steel spans many unique products and materials. Steel beams are arguably one of the most recognisable and frequently used products, particularly universal beams. You may have encountered these at some point, either during construction or afterwards.

Universal steel beams are frequently called I beams due to the unique shape of the cross-section shape. This comprehensive guide explains why many builders and engineers use these products for their projects and tells you everything you need to know about using I beams in construction.

The I beam is widely used in domestic, commercial and industrial applications. It’s also frequently misinterpreted as an RSJ (rolled steel joist), a popular colloquial term for this product. The industry definition is a universal beam, and when people generally refer to an RSJ beam, this is the product they’re talking about.

Builders and engineers use I beams in construction projects due to their diverse range of uses and how practical and structurally advantageous they are. They can take various shapes, sizes and dimensions, which is critical for any person requiring structural steelwork to understand.

The universal I beam consists of two horizontal plates - flanges - connected by a vertical component, the web. The shape of the flanges and web form an ‘I’ or ‘H ’-shaped cross-section. I beams are mostly made from structural steel, although other metals such as aluminium, stainless steel and carbon steel (mild steel) can be used.

People can buy steel I beams online in various sizes and specifications, where they have the option to determine web thickness, flange length and section depth. Understanding this is essential as builders would order steel beams based on the requirements of their project. 

When a builder orders steel online, I beams would be split by various number combinations. For example, a 127x76x13 UB (S355) would detail the web length, the flange length and the thickness in millimetres. The S355 figure describes the grade of steel used, which can vary across steel fabrication companies.

But builders have to take the following into account when they buy steel:

1. Deflection - the beam must be thick enough not to deform.
2. Vibration - there needs to be as little vibration as possible.
3. Buckling - the flanges should prevent buckling from all angles.
4. Bend - the steel beam cross-section should accommodate yield stress.
5. Tension - the web shouldn’t buckle or ripple under pressure.

Due to these structural steel beams’ unique design, they can bend under high stress without buckling. This is why the axial fibres within the beams contain most of the material and where most of the force is directed.

Structural steel I beams have several uses across the construction industry. They generally comprise the main framework in many buildings, offering consistent, resilient and relentless support. They make the building framework so stable and robust that there often doesn’t need to be many steel support structures installed, thereby saving time and money in the long run.

Universal beams have a high level of functionality, with their unique shape making them perfect for unidirectional bending parallel to the web. The flanges help the steel beam resist bending, while the web supports shear stress. I beams can support heavy loads without succumbing to buckling, so it goes without saying that if you need structural support, use an I beam.

What’s more, universal beams have a unique design that doesn’t use excessive amounts of steel to manufacture. Very little - if any - waste is used during manufacturing, which is handy when you recognise how environmentally friendly and sustainable structural steel is.

Shape: An I Beam has a cross-sectional shape resembling the letter 'I'.

Web: The vertical or central section of the I Beam.

Flanges: The horizontal sections at the top and bottom.

Strength: Due to their geometry, I Beams are solid in terms of bending and shear loads.

Weight Distribution: The I shape ensures that most of the weight and resistance is located at the top and bottom, providing optimal bending resistance.

The cost of I Beams can vary significantly based on several factors:

Material: steel is the most common material, but its grade and quality can influence the cost.

Size and length: larger and longer beams generally cost more.

Supply and demand: prices can fluctuate based on market demand, availability, and other economic factors.

Geographic location: costs can vary depending on transportation, tariffs, and local market conditions.

Manufacturing process: welded I Beams might have a different cost than hot-rolled ones.

For specific pricing, it's recommended to contact local suppliers or manufacturers.

Buy A Beam is a one-stop-shop for anybody who requires high-quality steel beams from reliable, CE-approved structural steel fabricators. Buying steel online has never been more straightforward than with Buy A Beam.

Simply enter your postcode to find a nearby steel fabrication facility; if there’s more than one, you can choose which works best for you. From there, you can browse a wide range of steel products. You’ll have options to add web or flange holes, steel plates on the top or bottom of your beams, and much more.

If you need something more specific and bespoke, such as a steel frame building constructed in kit form, you can also request that. Alternatively, speak to the team to see how we can help. We’re here to help you with any queries on structural steel fabrication and products.

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