How are Steel Beams used in Marine Construction?

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Steel beams, in the form of wide flange beams and H-pile, play important roles in bridge construction, cofferdam construction, and the construction of other marine structures. Wide flange beams are hot-rolled, structural steel beams individually shaped either like a capital “I” or “H.” They get their shapes from their parallel flanges, which are connected by a central web. They are most often made of carbon structural steel or high-strength, low-alloy structural steel. H-pile is similar but differs from wide flange beams because the thickness of its flanges equals the thickness of its web, which makes it dimensionally square. This allows it to bend less easily and be better suited to deep foundation pile driving. Both wide flange beams and H-pile are used for many of the same or similar purposes to build sturdy foundations as well as columns.

APPLICATIONS

Below are some specific examples of how steel beams are used in marine construction:

  • They are used to create falsework for bridges and other large structures. This applies to both wide flange beams and H-pile. Falsework is made up of temporary structures used to support a permanent structure while it’s being built.

  • Wide flange beams are employed as superstructure components for bridges that span between 20 and 100 feet. They are aligned parallel to the flow of traffic underneath a bridge to help support the loads the bridge is designed to be able to withstand.

  • H-pile is driven into the soil to assist in creating deep foundations for bridges. The perfect square shape of H-pile allows it to penetrate into deep and hard layers of soil and ultimately transfer structural loads to areas of soil that are stronger and more supportive.

  • Wide flange beams are used to construct cofferdams, particularly in the construction of bracing systems. They facilitate the transferring of anchor loads to solider piles of wall and enable equal distribution across pile walls. In this type of application, piles rest against the wall and are often welded to the wall’s main steel parts.

  • Both types of steel beams can be driven into the ground to help create durable seawalls and longitudinal bulkheads.

  • Floating platforms for commercial purposes are supported with the help of steel beams. The construction of such platforms includes a combination of steel beams and a hollow structural section (HSS), which create a truss system that enables loads to be evenly distributed and supported across the platforms.

These are just some of the most common ways wide flange beams and H-pile are used in marine construction. Their possible applications are numerous.

STEEL GRADES

Both wide flange beams and H-pile come in different sizes and grades. As mentioned, wide flange beams also come in different shapes. The right steel beam for a particular marine construction application will depend on factors such as the necessary load requirements and ground conditions. Common grades of wide flange beams are ASTM A992, A572 GR 50, and ASTM A992. ASTM A992 is considered the strongest and is the newest on the market.

PURCHASING OPTIONS

You can buy new, used, or surplus steel beams for marine construction. Used and surplus wide flange beams and H-pile can be the more economical choice, and these options are often in great condition and ready to use. In many cases, stock sizes of steel beams will work for your project. However, steel beam manufacturers can also customize beams to your particular needs.

BUY AND SELL WITH EIFFEL TRADING

Did you know that in addition to our plethora of used wide flange beams and used h-pile beams, you can also purchase brand new w-beams and brand new h pile through Eiffel Trading’s marketplace? In addition, we are also now offering brand new w-beams and brand new steel plates.

All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.

Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.