Various Types of Rolled Structural Steel Sections
Rolled structural steel sections are extensively used in civil engineering and steel structure construction. These sections are manufactured in rolling mills by passing heated steel through rollers to obtain desired shapes and dimensions. Structural steel sections are widely used in buildings, bridges, industrial structures, towers, and infrastructure projects due to their high strength, durability, and ease of fabrication.
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Main Types of Rolled Structural Steel Sections
- Rolled steel I-sections (Beam sections)
- Rolled steel channel sections
- Rolled steel Tee sections
- Rolled steel angle sections
- Rolled steel bars
- Rolled steel tubular sections
- Rolled steel flats
- Rolled steel plates
- Rolled steel sheets
1. Rolled Steel I-Sections
I-sections are among the most commonly used structural steel sections. These sections provide high bending resistance and are mainly used as beams and columns in steel structures.
Types of Indian Standard I-Sections
| Section Type | Abbreviation |
|---|---|
| Indian Standard Junior Beam | ISJB |
| Indian Standard Light Beam | ISLB |
| Indian Standard Medium Weight Beam | ISMB |
| Indian Standard Wide Flange Beam | ISWB |
| Indian Standard Heavy Beam | ISHB |
| Indian Column Section | ISC |
This designation means the beam depth is 500 mm and the self-weight of the section is 735.75 N per meter length.
Applications of I-Sections
- Building beams and girders
- Industrial sheds
- Bridge construction
- Columns in steel structures
- Heavy load carrying structures
2. Channel Sections
Channel sections have a C-shaped cross-section and are widely used for secondary structural members, purlins, built-up sections, and bracing systems.
Types of Channel Sections
| Section Type | Abbreviation |
|---|---|
| Indian Standard Junior Channel | ISJC |
| Indian Standard Light Channel | ISLC |
| Indian Standard Medium Weight Channel with Sloping Flange | MC |
| Indian Standard Medium Weight Channel with Parallel Flange | MCP |
| Indian Standard Gate Channel | ISGC |
Applications of Channel Sections
- Purlins and side rails
- Truss members
- Built-up girders
- Bracing systems
- Light structural frameworks
3. Tee Sections
Tee sections are T-shaped structural members obtained either by rolling or by cutting I-sections into two halves. They are mainly used in roof trusses and bracing systems.
Types of Tee Sections
- Indian Standard Rolled Normal Tee Section (ISNT)
- Indian Standard Rolled Deep Legged Tee Section (ISDT)
- Indian Standard Rolled Slit Light Weight Tee Bars (ISLT)
- Indian Standard Rolled Slit Medium Weight Tee Bars (ISMT)
- Indian Standard Rolled Slit Tee Bars from H-Sections (ISHT)
Applications of Tee Sections
- Roof trusses
- Bracing members
- Lintels
- Industrial frameworks
4. Angle Sections
Angle sections are L-shaped sections used extensively in steel trusses, transmission towers, bracing systems, and structural frameworks.
Types of Angle Sections
- Indian Standard Equal Angles
- Indian Standard Unequal Angles
- Indian Standard Bulb Angles
This designation indicates an equal angle section having both legs of 75 mm and thickness of 6 mm.
Applications of Angle Sections
- Roof trusses
- Transmission towers
- Steel bridges
- Bracing systems
- Lattice structures
5. Rolled Steel Bars
Rolled steel bars are available in circular, square, rectangular, and hexagonal shapes. These are used in fabrication works, reinforcement, grills, machine parts, and structural applications.
Applications of Steel Bars
- Reinforcement works
- Machine components
- Industrial fabrication
- Connection elements
6. Rolled Steel Tubular Sections
Tubular sections are hollow structural sections used in modern steel construction because of their high torsional resistance and aesthetic appearance.
Advantages of Tubular Sections
- Excellent torsional strength
- Lightweight structure
- Better aerodynamic performance
- Architectural appearance
Applications
- Space frames
- Transmission towers
- Industrial sheds
- Architectural structures
7. Rolled Steel Flats
Steel flats are rectangular flat steel strips used in fabrication, grills, trusses, and built-up sections.
8. Rolled Steel Plates
Steel plates are flat steel products having larger thickness. These are used in plate girders, tanks, bridges, shipbuilding, and industrial structures.
9. Rolled Steel Sheets
Steel sheets are thin rolled steel products widely used in roofing, cladding, automobile industries, and fabrication works.
Advantages of Rolled Structural Steel Sections
- High strength-to-weight ratio
- Uniform quality and dimensions
- Ease of fabrication and erection
- Fast construction
- Reusable and recyclable material
- Excellent ductility and toughness
Conclusion
Rolled structural steel sections are the backbone of modern steel construction. Each section type is designed to perform specific structural functions efficiently and economically. Proper understanding of steel sections helps engineers select suitable members for structural safety, economy, and durability.
References
- IS 808 – Dimensions for Hot Rolled Steel Beam, Column, Channel and Angle Sections
- IS 800:2007 – General Construction in Steel
- Design of Steel Structures by N. Subramanian
- Steel Structures by S.K. Duggal
- Limit State Design of Steel Structures by Ramchandra
Disclaimer
This article is prepared for educational and informational purposes only. Designers and engineers should refer to the latest IS codes, structural manuals, and project specifications before final design and execution.
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