Most people confuse steel girders with steel beams as they resemble each other. But as a designer, an architect or an engineer, you should be aware of the difference between steel girders and steel beams. Steel girders are a type of steel beams. Girders are collector beams, they are the main horizontal supports of a structure which support the smaller beams. So "all girders are beams but all beams are not girders". Steel girders and beams differ from each other in various aspects. Some of them are listed below:
The major difference between steel beams and steel girders is the size. Usually, large beams are known as girders. If a large beam horizontally supports a structure then it is a steel girder. Structural steel fabricators make different types of beams depending on its length, width, and weight. Beams are usually smaller in size compared to girders.
Girders have high load bearing capability. They can withstand heavy loads as steel is highly durable. They are responsible for the support function of any structure. Girders carry ‘dynamic loads’ and ‘rolling loads’. This is typical of steel girders. Due to its high load bearing capability steel girders are widely used in the construction industry.
Essentially, a beam and a girder have the same function. They resist external forces by being flexible. As mentioned above, girders are the main horizontal support of a structure or a large beam which supports small beams. Girders have an I-shaped cross section or they can be box-shaped or Z-shaped.
The fabrication process is different for steel beams and steel girders. Structural steel fabricators have to consider the design specifications, welded connections, plate sizing, flange sizing while making both the steel structures. They also keep in mind the load requirements for steel girders. The deck placement sequence varies for both.
The main function of a steel girder is to transfer the load to the columns on which it rests. A steel beam transfers load to the steel girder. This is another key distinguishing factor between a steel girder and a steel beam. Girders are often used for constructing bridges.
Northern Weldarc has a team of qualified structural steel fabricators. We have the experience and expertise required to fulfill all industrial fabrication tasks. Our team has undertaken fabrication projects across various industries.
