Aluminum Beams Key Terms

Learn about types and uses of aluminum beams

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.

 

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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: Learn about the Aluminum Association through its website.

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