The structural channel, also known as a C-beam, is a type of beam, used majorly in building construction and civil engineering. Its cross section consists of a wide "web", usually but not always oriented vertically, and two "flanges" at the top and bottom, only sticking out on one side of the web. It is differentiated from I-beam or H-beam or W-beam type steel cross sections in that those have flanges on both sides.
Steel Channels has several uses, principally structural, and here are a number of common examples:
WALL
Steel channel is commonly used to build walls for things like garages, warehouses, workshops, and different metal buildings, wherever they're used like studs in standard wood framing. The studs bear the vertical load of the building by running vertically from the bottom plate of the wall to the top plate. Compared to a wood stud, steel channel can support a way larger amount of weight and it is rather more rigid, whereas the weight difference between wood studs and the steel channel is negligible. Of course, the steel channel is tougher to put in, because it needs fastening, bolting or riveting, instead of merely driving nails.
ROOFS
On light-duty roofs, steel channel can be used as rafters, running from the overhang of the roof to the ridge, where they provide support for the roof deck. By using a steel channel rather than wood rafters, the rafters can be smaller and lighter, whereas still supporting a similar quantity of weight. Compared to wood, the steel channel is stronger and longer-lasting, and it will not be damaged by rot, fungus decay or moisture, On heavy-duty roofs, I-beams are usually used because the rafters and the ridge, and steel channel is placed perpendicularly on top of the rafters each few feet, from the ridge all the way down to the eave. This enables the steel channel to bridge the gaps between the rafters, permitting them to be further apart and provides an attachment point for the steel deck.
WINDOW AND DOOR FRAMES
Steel channel can be used to produce secure frames for windows and doors in both metal and wood-framed buildings. Four pieces are cut with miter joints on every end, and the channel slides over the wall in the window or door opening. This leaves a flat surface in the opening to mount a door or window to, and it's rather more secure than frames made of wood. Steel channel is commonly used to produce the frames for commercial fire doors, as well as sub-grade basement doors.
WOOD BEAM SUPPORTS
When extra strength is required in a wood-framed building, steel channel can be used to increase the rigidity and strength of wooden beams. Wood beams can be placed inside an oversized steel channel, providing further strength, whereas still permitting easy attachment of joists and other parts to the wood beam. As an alternative, smaller steel channel will be placed at the bottom of the beam and supported by posts, to extend the strength of an existing beam during a transform. It might even be placed on top of the beam as a cap, to provide further strength during the development of a home.
VEHICLE FRAMES
Steel channel is commonly used to construct the frames of vehicles and is usually specially-formed for that specific function. Heavy-duty steel channel is often used to produce the main frame rails, running from the front of the vehicle to the back. Lighter steel channel may be used to produce cross members, braces or for structural parts like radiator supports. When employed in a vehicle, steel channel provides enough strength and rigidity to prevent the vehicle from flexing too much, while still allowing a small amount of movement to atone for the force produced by the engine.
Steel channel will be used for several different structures moreover, like railings, step stringers, bridge trusses or guard rails. It’s a flexible product that's robust, light, and comparatively maintenance-free.
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