Ask A Scientist© Engineering Archive

Index Key:   ENG016
Author:      strountree
Subject:     Support beam geometry.
What shape is best to use in the construction of a building's support beams?

Response #:  1 of 1
Author:      wildman jackson
Support beams in building are usually made from steel and are shaped as I's
(I beams).  This shape, with the wide flanges, combines strength with
rigidity to give an overall good beam.  The wider the flanges are on the
beam, the higher the moment of inertia (resistance to motion), and hence the
better the beam.  You could probably find books on this in the library.