Quote:
Originally Posted by xnyr
Zensteeldude, I couldn't think of a better person on this board to ask this question...
What's the difference between a girder and a beam?
Always bugged me...
Thx
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dchan covered it rather well.
But if you really want to get technical,(I always do
) in steel construction, a beam is any rolled shape used in a horizontal position. A girder is any horizontal fabricated shape used in a horizontal position.
For example a Wide flange 44"x244 lb. rolled shape is a beam, a 24 inch I section made up from 3 plates welded together is a grider.
Quote:
Originally Posted by xnyr
So are beams equivalent to joists in home construction?
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Yes, the big difference is wood joists are spaced 16" on center and steel beams are usually placed 5 feet on center. (Steel decking is MUCH stiffer than 3/4 inch plywood.)
In everyday use there are 3 kinds of beams that makeup the floor structure of a building, spandrel beams are on the outside perimeter of the building, floor beams run between columns on the interior and filler beams run between the floor beams.