What is the difference between girders vs beams?
- The support they offer
- Their geometrical design
- Their connections
- Their fabrication process
Several types of structural steel are used to support large loads in a building. Two of the most common ones are beams and girders. And, since they both serve, more or less, the same function, many people assume that they are one and the same.
But, that is not the case. While their names are often used interchangeably, key factors distinguish one steel product from the other. Understanding the difference between girders vs beams is crucial — even for the layman — when considering a construction project.
In this article, we go over the differences between the two that are important to understand for any construction project owner. Keep reading to learn more!
The support they offer
Beams are the primary component of any steel building and are used in the structural framing system. Their purpose is to carry the load throughout the building and are designed to bend to resist and redistribute that load. This is how they fulfill their primary purpose of keeping any steel building strong and stable.
Beams are the perfect fit for basic structural frameworks, and offer several types of support, depending on their configuration. This includes fixed, continuous, cantilever, trussed, and simple support systems.
Girders, in comparison, are made for a different purpose. Rather than carry the load directly, they’re used to support other beams and carry the load-bearing weight. To do so, it is built to support large, all-encompassing loads and transfer them appropriately towards connecting structural pillars or beam responses.
In short, if it is made to support other beams and carry load-bearing weight, it’s typically a steel girder.
Their geometrical design
Beams, generally speaking, are built sleek and tall. They have different geometrical designs, depending on the structure they’re intended for. Common beam shapes include straight, curved, and tapered.
Girders, on the other hand, are built smaller — but more rigidly. This is to help them support smaller beams and to provide their larger load-bearing capability. However, there are no strict rules regarding either of their dimensions to distinguish a beam from a girder. It’s just that they typically have different sizing, which helps them perform their primary function.
Their connections
Beams and girders can also be distinguished based on their connections. Beams typically have I-beams, T-beams, and C-beams. Girders are mostly made in a box or Z-shaped members. This is common in girder bridges, which are the most common and simple bridge structure found in construction.
Their fabrication process
There are a few differences between the fabrication process used to make beams and the process used to make girders.
When designing a beam, fabricators tend to look into how the beam needs to transfer its load towards supporting structures (such as girders). Custom fabrication is often the best way to achieve an effective load transfer, and ensure the required support is present in the beam.
For girders, the basic necessities are the main focus of fabrication. This process must be done cost-effectively, yet creates a rigid enough steel piece that can reliably bear the load and ensure stability.
Finding the right fabricator for your structural steel needs
As you can see, there are very specific differences that put girders and beams into separate categories. And, as we mentioned, fabrication is quite different between the two.
So the question stands: how do you find the right fabricator for your beam and girder needs? Working closely with the right fabricator will help you create the structural supporting steel that you need for every project — be it a bridge, building, highway, or anything else.
Having the right beams gives your structure shape and stability while having the right girders ensures that the load they carry is properly supported and distributed. This is crucial in building a strong, reliable structure capable of withholding the load they need to carry.
Thus, either steel product should not be used interchangeably and should be specifically fabricated to meet both their intended function and its place within your design.
Working with an experienced and knowledgeable fabricator — like Regan Industrial Sales, Inc. — will help. We know and understand the differences between both, and can provide the right beam and girder products that your design needs.
Key Takeaway
The differences between girders vs beams boil down to what purpose they serve within any structure. Beams serve as the main support of the structure, while girders are also those that support small beams with dynamic load-bearing capability.
That said, not every metal fabrication shop can provide the steel products you need for your project. Contact Regan Industrial Sales, Inc. today, and we will utilize our extensive experience, turn-key capabilities, and reliable delivery to fulfill your steel needs. We are confident that, regardless of your construction project, we can help provide quality and reliable steel products in the Philippines.
