Why use steel beams in construction?

Steel beams offer an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, reduced erection times, dimensional precision, 100% recyclability and the ability to span long distances with slender sections. They are used in residential buildings, offices, shopping centres, renovations and vertical extensions, where low weight reduces loads on existing foundations.

The main profile types

  • IPE: parallel flanges and a thin web, ideal for floors and lintels.
  • HEA (light), HEB (normal), HEM (heavy): H-sections for columns and main beams.
  • IPN and UPN: profiles with tapered flanges, used for reinforcement and secondary structures.
  • Angles, flats and hollow sections for bracing and frames.

Steel grades

EN 10025-2 defines the most common grades: S235JR (yield strength 235 MPa), S275JR/J0 (275 MPa) and S355JR/J0/J2 (355 MPa). S355 allows smaller sections for the same load capacity, while S235 remains common in secondary structures and those requiring straightforward fabrication.

Design and regulations

Design follows NTC 2018 (D.M. 17/01/2018), Eurocode 3 (EN 1993) for steel structures and Eurocode 4 (EN 1994) for composite steel-concrete structures. Checks address ultimate limit states, SLU (bending, shear, lateral-torsional buckling, web buckling), and serviceability limit states, SLE (deflections and vibrations), as well as seismic verification in classified zones.

Composite floors and connections

In composite steel-concrete floors, the beam is connected to the slab by Nelson-type stud shear connectors, with composite profiled steel decking. Connections may be bolted (class 8.8 and 10.9 bolts, controlled tightening) or welded, using end plates, splice plates and web cleats.

Fire resistance and protection

Steel loses strength above approximately 500 °C: to achieve R60, R90 or R120 classes, intumescent coatings, plasterboard or calcium-silicate boards, sprayed mortars or vermiculite-based coatings are used. Paint systems or hot-dip galvanising according to EN ISO 1461 and EN ISO 12944 are used against corrosion.

Quality and CE marking

Structural beams must be supplied with CE marking, a Declaration of Performance (DoP) and an EN 10204 3.1 certificate, in accordance with EN 1090-1 and the CPR Regulation 305/2011. In Italy, the material must be qualified according to NTC 2018, chapter 11.

How to order

To receive a quotation, specify the profile, steel grade (S235, S275, S355), standard or non-standard lengths, any processing (cutting to size, drilling, welding, SA 2½ blast cleaning and painting) and quantities.

General informational content. Refer to the applicable standard, project specification and designer for material selection.

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