Aluminum beam design is the foundation of many construction projects. There are a variety of aluminum beam sizes used to make floor and ceiling joists with a high strength-to-weight ratio. Aluminum beam properties are also very versatile when architects use the right aluminum beam attachment clamps and lattices. Workers who use construction aluminum beams need to learn which is best for a particular job.

Of course, aluminum beam specs should be carefully considered when choosing the right beam. The standard beam heights available range from 3 to 12 feet. Standard lengths range from 1 to 7 feet, but you can custom order longer beans, usually for the same price per additional foot. The size and strength of the beam is the most important factor. Other specs that have an impact on aluminum beams pricing and costs include:

1. Whether they are aluminum I-beams, H-beams or T-beams.

2. The pound force per foot.

3. The type of construction project needing aluminum beams.

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Choose a standard aluminum I-beam for construction

Aluminum I-beams are the standard shape for aluminum beams used in floor and ceiling joists. I-beams have a yield strength PSI of 40,000 and are made from a composite of aluminum, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, and silicon. Aluminum I-beams come in a variety of sizes for all types of jobs, from 3-by-2 to 12-by-14 feet. Aluminum I-beams cost $5 to $10 per foot of beam.

I recommend: Engineering Fundamentals provides sizing and weight information for all the standard sizes of aluminum I-beams. Industrial Metal Sales offers a variety of aluminum I-beam sizes for sale, measured and cut to your specifications.

Purchase an aluminum H-beam for applications where a long beam is necessary

Aluminum H-beams, or wide flange beams, are used to cover long distances. This means that H-beams are best equipped to handle weight disbursal between joints. This type of beam is often found in trailers, platforms and walkways. Aluminum H-beams cost $17 to $20 per foot.

I recommend: Discount Steel offers a style of aluminum H-beam in five standard sizes. Reliance Steel & Aluminum sells aluminum H-beams; you can request a quote for your order online. The Aluminum Association provides answers to frequently asked questions on types of aluminum beam design and construction issues.

Use an aluminum T-beam for structural support

Aluminum T- (or Tee-) beams are shaped just like the letter T, as the name implies. They are used primarily to prevent compression and stress on wood or metal. In addition, they also prevent wood and metal joists from bending. An aluminum T-beam can cost $13 to $17 per foot.

I recommend: American Aluminum offers a variety aluminum T-beam sizes. Metal Sales USA provides T-beams in standard sizes and a variety of different T-shapes. OnlineMetals.com has a guide to aluminum that outlines some physical and chemical properties to consider when choosing a beam, and offers tips on sizing aluminum beam products.

Aluminum beams are used in many construction projects from temporary supports for poured concrete structures to framing for buildings, platforms, and bridges. In construction, aluminum beams are often the best choice for framing when weight is a factor. Aluminum I beams can be cost effective since fewer aluminum beams may be necessary compared to wooden support beams.

Aluminum is lightweight and allows high strength-to-weight ratios. There are many aluminum beam shapes and sizes available to meet your building needs. Aluminum is also a good conductor for electrical current. Aluminum H beams may be supporting framework and can be used in conductor systems from 500 to 3000 ampere ratings. Aluminum H beams are light and can reduce corona that can be a problem with other conductive metals - especially over longer spans.

When choosing aluminum beams, consider the following:

1. The weight the aluminum beam must support.
2. The length the aluminum beams must span.
3. The other materials that must be used in conjunction with the aluminum beams.

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Determine the best type of aluminum beam for your project

Many factors will determine if aluminum beams are appropriate for your project. Once you know the exact aluminum beam specifications you need, you can consider the best type of aluminum beams for your project.

I recommend: eFunda has a tool that allows you to see the properties and specifications for many different beam dimensions for aluminum beam design. The Aluminum Association has a guide to help designers when working with aluminum beams.

Find good aluminum I beam fabricators

If you have decided that aluminum I beams are best for your project, finding a skilled manufacturer is essential.

I recommend: American Aluminum produces an extruded aluminum beam for many different uses. C.E.M. Supply has a wide selection of aluminum I beams and aluminum H beams, and specializes in marine applications.

Find the best aluminum H beam fabricator for your project

If strength and weight are factors in your design, aluminum H beams may be ideal. It is important to find an experienced aluminum beam manufacturer.

I recommend: Brunner Enterprises Inc. carries a wide selection of aluminum H beams and aluminum H beams. They offer free quotes and financing is available for larger projects. Online Metals.com sells aluminum beams for most any application and has a handy conversion tool to allow you to covert your measurements into fractions or millimeters.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Aluminum is an environmentally friendly metal. Used aluminum beams may be recycled and used for new aluminum beam sizes.

When working with aluminum beams, types and styles determine the strength and versatility of your project structure. You have many choices from angles to channels and from shapes to piping. Determine whether you want to work with round pipes or round tubes. You might even want to go for sheets.

The aluminum beam sizes also become factors in your building or fabricating decisions. Some of your basic choices include the following options:

1. Use aluminum I-beams for basic construction and solid structure.

2. Look into aluminum beams types and styles to determine whether or not you would be better off with an aluminum H-beam.

3. Consider working with an aluminum L-beam cut to a customized fit for your project.

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Locate aluminum I-beam fabricators to find the best materials for your construction design

The standard aluminum I-beam is an extruded or rolled beam that has a cross section which looks like the letter 'I.' Construction projects needing lighting and structural support frequently use the I-beam.

I recommend: High Energy Lighting offers I-beam trusses in a variety of sizes. Its aluminum I-beams range from 8.75 inches to 16 inches. OnlineMetals.com not only offers aluminum I-beam material for sale, but also has a product guide consumers use to determine whether or not they have the correct materials for their unique projects.

Check aluminum beam specifications like the H-beam for particular projects

Ask your aluminum beam manufacturer for the right style that suits your project. For instance the H-beam, which is similar to the I-beam, has flanges (horizontal elements) that are the same width of the web (vertical elements). H-beams are great for equipment handling, since they provide power in an efficient manner and are light in weight.

I recommend: Yarde Metals, an ISO-certified company, offers the aluminum H-beam to consumers. It has over 30-years experience in the metal industry and offers selections from a wide inventory. Luminum offers the H-beam in a variety of sizes. Its goal is to offer you quality aluminum products for decent prices with excellent service.

Analyze the L-beam aluminum beam design for proper angles and structural formation

The L-beam, also called the L bar, consists of an aluminum beam design set in an angle. Its cross section forms the letter 'L,' hence the name. It's ideal for projects requiring lightweight framework.

I recommend: Check out the inventory offered by CurtainTrax.com for aluminum L-beams. It provides an L-beam aluminum curtain track kit with stops and carriers. Speedy Metals offers over 5000 items in its inventory, including aluminum products. Consult with its customer care representative online to make sure you have the proper materials for your project and get your L-beam cut to the proper size in your order.

Aluminum beams are used in creating structures for many types of construction projects. Aluminum beams are often used for the temporary support of structures made from poured concrete. These structures include bridges, roads and platforms. Aluminum is sometimes the best choice over steel beams when the weight of the structural support is an issue. Aluminum is a lightweight product that can still meet the strength requirements of many other structural products.

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I-beam

An I-beam is one of the most common beams used in creating structures. The horizontal flanges in the design help to distribute weight across the whole beam to hold large loads.

I recommend: Gateway Industries provides the physical specifications of a standard I-beam and the standard sizes that are available. These beams can also be cut to meet custom needs.

Channels

A channel is a specialized type of beam that has a flat surface with two equal flanges on each side. This type of aluminum beam is not usually used as a structural beam, but instead used as a supporting beam.

I recommend: Engineering Fundamentals provides specifications and sizing for aluminum channels.

Deflection

Deflection describes the amount of displacement on a structural element when put under the force of a specific load. Deflection for structural beams is calculated in order to choose the right type of beam.

I recommend: Engineer's Edge provides a number of equations to determine the deflection of a beam under specific conditions.

Pound force per foot, pound force/square foot

Pound force per foot is a unit of measurement that measures the pressure or shear a beam can stand. Knowing the pound force per foot of a particular beam size and type will help determine whether it is used as a supporting or load bearing beam.

I recommend: The Physics Department at the University of Wisconsin-Stout provides information on measuring the shear stress of a beam by pound force per foot.

T-beam

An aluminum T-beam is a beam shaped like the letter T and serves as a load-bearing structure in construction. The top of the cross section is the point where the beam is able to resist compression.

I recommend: Ceiling Designs provides specifications on ceiling systems that use T-beam construction.

Aluminum Association

The Aluminum Association is an organization that represents all of those that work in manufacturing and use aluminum beams and other aluminum products in construction.

I recommend: Learn about the Aluminum Association through its website.