| Building Frame Main/Secondary Beams | American Standard: W-beams (e.g., W12x26)
European Standard: IPE beams (e.g., IPE 300) | A high section depth is sought to achieve a large moment of inertia, which provides excellent bending resistance. This leads to optimal material efficiency and cost-effectiveness for spanning horizontal members. |
| Structural Columns or Heavy-Duty Beams | American Standard: W-beams (deeper, heavier models)
European Standard: HEA/HEB series | These members require substantial load-bearing capacity. The sections must have good moments of inertia and compressive strength about both principal axes to resist combined loads and prevent buckling. |
| Purlins, Wall Girts, & Bracing | American Standard: C-beams (Channel sections)
European Standard: UPE/UPN channels | These components handle relatively light bending loads from cladding. Their shape makes them easy and fast to connect to wall and roof panels, facilitating quick enclosure of the structure. |
| Material Selection | Primary Steel: A992 (US) / S355 (EU)
Secondary Steel: A36 (US) / S235 (EU) | A992/S355 is the modern default for main structural members due to its high strength, good toughness, and excellent weldability.
A36/S235 is specified for non-critical, secondary elements like stairs, platforms, and railings, where high strength is not required. |