Structural Shapes
Structural shapes made from special steels are designed for structures that require greater strength, durability, and performance than conventional steel.
W STRUCTURAL SHAPES (W4 - W40) ASTM A36
W structural shapes (W4 – W40) are wide-flange steel beams hot-rolled to ASTM A36. Their parallel-flange and central-web design optimizes stress distribution, making them ideal for heavy loads and bending stresses in steel structures. They are widely used in buildings, bridges, and industrial structures.
• Manufactured to ASTM A36: carbon structural steel with good strength, ductility, and weldability.
• Wide-flange section: provides excellent load capacity and lateral stability.
• Efficient profile: its geometry optimizes material use relative to the supported load.
• Wide range of sizes: available from W4 to W40, with different weights per linear foot.
• Hot-rolled surfaces and precise edges for excellent structural connections.
• High load capacity with lower structural weight.
• Excellent weldability and machinability.
• Broad availability and compatibility with international standards.
• Ideal for large-scale structures with high stiffness and stability requirements.
• Optimal performance in bending and axial compression.
Industries: Construction, infrastructure, transportation, energy, civil engineering, and heavy manufacturing.
Main applications:
• Beams and columns for industrial, commercial, and residential buildings.
• Bridges, structural frames, and platforms.
• Support structures for machinery, cranes, and load-handling systems.
• Towers, support frames, and high-capacity structural systems.
Element | Composition |
Carbon | 0.26% max |
Manganese | 0.60% - 0.90% |
Phosphorus | 0.04% max |
Sulfur | 0.05% max |
Silicon | 0.40% max |
Nickel | 0.40% max |
Chromium | 0.25% max |
Molybdenum | 0.08% max |
Copper | 0.20% max |
Designation (W) | Depth (in) | Weight (lb/ft) | Flange Thickness (in) |
W4 x 13 | 4.16 | 13.0 | 0.345 |
W6 x 15 | 6.03 | 15.0 | 0.230 |
W8 x 18 | 7.93 | 18.0 | 0.280 |
W10 x 30 | 10.17 | 30.0 | 0.380 |
W12 x 40 | 12.22 | 40.0 | 0.435 |
W14 x 48 | 13.74 | 48.0 | 0.435 |
W16 x 57 | 16.31 | 57.0 | 0.465 |
W18 x 65 | 18.24 | 65.0 | 0.520 |
W24 x 94 | 23.70 | 94.0 | 0.665 |
W40 x 397 | 43.60 | 397.0 | 1.415 |
ASTM A36 steel has international equivalents with similar properties:
• ISO 630-2: Fe 360 B
• EN 10025-2: S235JR
• JIS G3101: SS400
• DIN 17100: St37-2
W structural shapes (W4 - W40) ASTM A36 are a fundamental component in modern engineering due to their ability to support heavy loads with high structural efficiency. Their wide-flange design enables optimal stress distribution, making them widely used in buildings, bridges, and large-scale structures. Their strength, versatility, and availability make them a preferred choice for demanding construction and infrastructure projects.