Common Types of Steel Structures

1） I-beam

Characteristics: The flanges of I-beams are sloped with rounded edges at the flange ends. When using bolting connections, specialized shims designed for sloped surfaces are required for assistance. This complicates the installation process.

2) Welded H-section Steel

Characteristics: Fabricated from three steel plates in a controlled factory environment, resulting in a straightforward manufacturing process. The members inherently maintain rectilinear geometry. Unlike I-beams (which feature sloped flanges with rounded edges and complicate installation), H-section steel is consequently preferred over I-beams for modern structural applications. I-beams are rarely used in contemporary building construction.

3) Hot-rolled H-section Steel

Characteristics: Features predetermined dimensional parameters as standardized by national specifications, prohibiting dimensional modifications. Key differentiation from welded H-section steel: Hot-rolled sections maintain fixed geometrical profiles, whereas welded H-sections are fabricated by joining three steel plates according to design drawings.

 4)Channel section

 5)Steel plates

6)Flat steel bar

Flat bar, also known as flat steel bar, derives its name from its narrow width relative to plate steel, as illustrated below. Its length can be customized as required. 

7)Square Bar

Note: Square bar must be solid, not hollow.

8)Square tube

Note: Square tube must be hollow, not solid.

9)Round bar

Note: Round bar must be solid (not hollow) with smooth surface finish.

10)Angle Steel

Sections are represented by L-figures. Example: L80X60X6 indicates an unequal leg angle with leg widths of 80mm and 60mm, and leg thickness of 6mm; L100X6 indicates an equal leg angle with leg width of 100mm and leg thickness of 6mm; Thin-walled sections are marked with “B”, e.g. BL60x2 denotes a thin-walled equal leg angle with side length of 60mm and wall thickness of 2mm.

11)Lipped C-Section

“C” shape

12)Z-Section

 A “Z” shape as shown in the diagram below.

13)Box Section

Its appearance resembles a rectangular box.

14)Cruciform Section

Structurally analogous to two H-sections joined perpendicularly to form a cross-shaped profile.