by John F Mann

Created on: August 08, 2011

Builders engaged in residential construction often do not have a basic understanding of steel components. Such lack of knowledge can result in problems during bidding and construction. This discussion is aimed at providing basic information about steel components for building contractors, owners, inspectors and others with interest.

Basic Terms

Before discussing specific steel components or elements, it is important to understand basic terminology that is applicable for all materials. Please skip down to the next section if you are already familiar with these terms.

"Force" or "load" are the general terms used to describe what a structural element must resist or support. Weight is a specific force that is best understood by the public. Other forces are generated by wind and earthquakes.  "Axial" force acts parallel to long axis of a member, either compression or tension.

"Beam" is the most general term for an element, or member, that resists force by bending between supports.  Force is applied perpendicular to the long axis of the beam. The terms "joist" (as in floor joist) and "girder" are more specific terms for a beam.  Girder is a term used for a beam that supports other beam elements, such as a steel girder in a basement that supports wood floor joists. "Header beam" is a term often used for the short beam over window and door openings.

There is no general term for a member that resists axial force parallel to long axis of the member, in compression or tension.  "Column" is the most general term used for vertical compression members. Column might also be used to identify a slightly slanted member. "Strut" is one term used for a horizontal  or angled compression member.

Some elements act as both beam and column. Although the most general term to describe such members is "beam-column", the member will most often be described as either a beam or a column, depending on the primary force to be resisted.

"Lintel" describes the header beam used to support masonry (brick, block, stone) over wall openings.

"Truss" describes a built-up component formed or assembled from many bar-type elements joined together. Although the entire truss assembly most often serves as a beam-type element, each member of the truss resists axial force (compression or tension) and may also resist bending.

"Heavy" structural steel elements are discussed first, followed by "light-gage" steel components.

Heavy Structural Steel Elements

So-called heavy structural steel

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