W30 Beams

Wide Flange Beams Size W30

What are W30 beams?

W30 beams are large steel beams used to create the foundation for bridges, highways, and other large structures. W30 beams are comprised of a central web that connects two parallel end units known as flanges. In an h-pile beam, the flanges are more narrow and dimensionally square, but in a wide flange beam such as a W30 beam, the flanges are much broader. This is what gives wide flange beams their name.

What are W30 beams made of?

W30 beams need to be strong and long-lasting but relatively light in weight. For this reason, they are most commonly made using either carbon structural steel or high-strength, low-alloy structural steel.

What does the 30 in W30 mean?

This number indicates that the flanges are 30 inches long.

What does the W in W30 beam mean?

The W signifies that the beam’s flanges are not equal to the thickness of the web. All W beams are “wide flange” beams.

Are W30 beams a popular choice for foundations?

Yes, W30 beams are commonly used to create foundations for large structures such as stadiums, high rises, and more. W30 beams have a high loadbearing capacity while being both customizable and long-lasting, which is a requirement for many construction and foundation projects. Because they are crafted from steel, W30 beams have a long service life and can even be uninstalled and reused after they are no longer needed on a specific building or project, even many years later. This longevity is a popular draw for contractors since it gives W30 beams a strong resale value. You can often resell your used W30 beams once they are no longer needed. 

How are W30 beams made?

W30 beams are crafted from steel using compressive stress through a process called caliber rolling. During the caliber rolling process, an unmolded section of steel is forcibly fed through a caliber roller to create a cross-sectional shape. After, the steel is pushed through a mill with rollers that side horizontally and vertically along the beam, forming the beam into its final shape while also holding it in place.

Are W30 beams the same as h-pile beams?

No. Though wide flange beams such as W30 beams and h-pile beams look very much alike, they are not the same. Both types of beams have a central web that connects two parallel flanges. The difference is that the flanges on a W30 beam are always going to be wider than those of an h-pile beam, and the flanges of the h-pile beam are dimensionally square with the web.

What are the most common W30 beam sizes?

The most common W30 beam sizes are W30x90, W30x99, W30x108, W30x116, W30x124, W30x132 and W30x148.

What is the formula to calculate the weight of a W30 beam?

To determine the weight of any W-beam, multiply the length of the beam (in feet) by the second number in the name, which indicates the weight per foot of the beam. For example, a W30x90 beam that is 10 feet in length weighs 90 x 10 or 900 pounds.

What are some common applications for W30 beams?

When looking at all different types of wide flange beams, W30 beams fall on the larger side of the scale. The only beams larger are the W33 and W36. Because of their size, W30 wide flange beams are made for more heavy-duty applications and are often seen as foundational support beams for factories, airports, stadiums, skyscrapers, retaining walls, wharves, piers, roadways, railways, bridges, dams, port expansions, and more.

Can I sell my used W30 beams?

Yes. W30 beams have a long lifespan and tend to hold their value, meaning they can often be uninstalled from one project and resold for use on another, even if they have been used on multiple projects. By selling your used W30 beams, you can recoup some of your original investment and make money during the demobilization phase. When you’re ready to list your used W30 beams for sale, Eiffel Trading’s online platform makes it easy to sell your beams at a competitive price.

Can I purchase used W30 beams?

Absolutely! Both used and surplus W30 beams are a great option for many heavy civil and marine projects. Purchasing used w-beams over new is an excellent way to cut project costs, and Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace allows buying used beams to be an easy process. We have a wide selection of used wide flange beams as well as used h-pile beams at many sizes.

Ready to buy or sell used w-beams? Give us a call at 800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com!