Steel Beams and Columns: Key Differences
11 July 2022
Structural steel beams and steel columns may seem similar. However, when it comes to maintaining the structural integrity of a building, their vital functions and uses differ greatly.
This blog post goes into detail about both beams and columns, their functions, differences and the most important types of steel beams and columns used in construction projects.
What is a Steel I Beam?
An I beam (often known as a universal beam) is a horizontal structural element which transfers loads across its length to the endpoint, at walls, columns or foundations. The I beam is commonly referred to as an RSJ, which stands for rolled steel joist.
In the early centuries, timber was the preferred material used as a beam. This makes sense as timber was the cheapest, most readily available, and often the only viable option. However, steel support beams now provide the strongest, most durable and most cost-effective choice, making steel the go-to material for buying beams online. Considering the need for high-quality structural elements in construction, structural steel is undoubtedly the material of choice.
What You Need to Know About Beams
The internal stresses, such as compression forces in the centre of a steel beam, are extruded into the endpoints, carrying and distributing the load evenly, which is critical for the structural integrity of any steel frame building. Universal steel beams are one of the main reasons that the construction of large building projects is a possibility.
The five most important types of beams are:
- Simply Supported Beam - A beam resting or supported on columns at both ends.
- Cantilever Beam - This is a beam fixed at one end but entirely free at its other end.
- Continous Beam - A beam that continues past the support of two columns, supported by three or more columns.
- Fixed Beam - A beam with both ends fixed, generally providing much more support for the beam for an increased load capacity.
- Overhanging Beam - This is a beam in which the endpoint extrudes past the support of a column, creating an overhanging section
What is a Steel Column?
A structural steel column, also known as a pillar, is a vertical structural element used to safely transfer the force of a load from above into a foundation. However, some columns may simply be decorative, with no engagement in the structural integrity of the building.
Some modern columns tend to be formed with concrete set around a steel bar. The internal steel bar is often known by many names depending on the type of steel bar used.
Columns play the most important role in the construction of any building. All buildings require structural columns, as they provide a basis for loads above the foundation to be supported and remain standing in place.
One of the most effective column materials used is steel. Steel has incredible compressive strength, making it a prime material for bearing heavy loads of even the largest buildings.
What You Need to Know About Columns
Since columns are used throughout all commercial, industrial and residential buildings, as well as installations such as bridges, there are a plethora of different forms of columns or pillars, used for varying purposes.
The five most important types of structural steel columns are:
- Tied Column - This type of column utilises an internal steel column surrounded by concrete to create reinforcement that increases its strength.
- Spiral Column - A column that uses an embedded steel mesh that wraps around the concrete to provide transverse support across the width of the structure.
- Composite Column - Comprised of structural steel, concrete and reinforcement, composite columns provide a high-load capacity and longitudinal reinforcement within a relatively small cross-section.
- Circular Column - A column containing more than four longitudinal steel bars, creating a high bending resistance, making it ideal for use in the construction of taller structures.
- L-Shaped Column - These columns provide great support whilst being very easy to construct. They are often used within the corners of boundary walls to add support.
The Differences Between Steel Columns and Beams
Columns and beams differ through their uses. Columns transfer loads vertically into a foundation whilst beams transfer loads horizontally into columns.
It could be argued that columns are more integral to construction than beams, but they often can’t coexist without one another. In the vast majority of modern construction projects, steel columns and steel beams are used alongside and in conjunction with one another.
Buy Steel Online from Experienced Steel Fabrication Companies
At Buy A Beam, we work hard to connect you directly with local steel fabricators and suppliers. Our online service helps you order high-quality steel beams or steel columns directly from local fabricators and suppliers.
We provide an easy-to-use system where you can order as many steel beams or columns as you need, in the right sizes and dimensions and with special additions. The order will be sent to your chosen steel supplier, who’ll advise on completion times, and offer added value services like on-site assembly or crane delivery.
Order Steel from Local Steel Fabricators
Using our online web store is a great way to get in contact with a local structural steel fabricator and supplier wherever you are in the UK.
Try out our service to buy steel online, and you’ll be immediately connected to our UKCA-certified structural steel fabrication companies who can efficiently fulfil your order, with delivery and collection options available.