23 Nov What is the Difference Between a Steel Beam and Girder?

Due to the complexities of modern construction projects, no set of specifications is the same. This has led to many steel beam sizes being available for purchase, which helps to ensure the safety of structures all around us, but makes it confusing to understand exactly which type of beam is required when looking for steel fabrication services.

One of the most common areas of confusion is the definition of a girder. Anyone looking to order steel online will probably have heard the terms “girder” and “beam” used interchangeably, mainly because they appear visually identical. Suppose you’re unsure how a girder differs from other structural steel beams and are looking to buy steel online for an upcoming project. In that case, it’s essential to know that these are two different products with crucial differences.

So what are these differences?

What is a Steel Beam?

Amongst the most commonly used construction materials worldwide, steel beams can be fabricated in any size and are designed and installed based on the specifications of each project. Baker Steel Trading supplies structural steel beams, including H-beams and I-beams (otherwise 

known as rolled steel joists), to projects across the South East of the UK. These products are so popular because they offer unparalleled durability and strength, helping to prevent heavy structures from collapsing.

What is a Girder?

Girders are used as the main horizontal supports of a structure and help to support smaller universal beams, making them a vital part of any construction project staying structurally sound. In other words, a girder is a type of beam. In fact, all girders are beams, but not all steel beams can be girders due to the varying sizes of beams available.

If explaining each product has caused more confusion, one of the best ways to understand each product’s use is to compare the two directly.

Size

As explained above, the core difference between a girder and other steel beams is the size of the component. Although structural steel fabricators and construction workers tend to refer to any large beam as a girder, the definition of this product doesn’t include a specific size or weight cut off. Instead, a large beam becomes a girder when used as the critical horizontal support within a structure. Otherwise, any smaller structural supports are referred to as universal steel beams.

Functionality

As a girder is simply defined as a large steel beam, there is no difference in how they work. Both universal beams and girders are used to prevent other materials from bending and breaking and are typically used to construct heavy structures requiring high security and safety. Girders can have a similar design to I-beams, which help provide increased structural stability.

Load-Bearing Capabilities

Due to the size and strength that girders possess, they can safely carry dynamic and rolling loads. This ability to deal with varying amounts of force makes them perfect for structures like bridges, which see constantly changing traffic. As girders can withstand changing structural loads without losing strength, they’re essential for maintaining safety in public spaces.

Fabrication

Smaller steel beams are more straightforward to fabricate than girders, which require extra planning and design time due to their larger size. Aspects of all universal beams that need to be considered include how they will be erected, their stability, and any necessary welded connections. As a girder will likely be supporting other smaller beams, it’s also a vital safety consideration to assess the possible structural loads added to a girder by these additional beams.

Order Steel Beams and Girders Today

If you’re looking to use custom steel fabrication works to receive steel beams or girders for your next construction project, Baker Steel Trading can help. We supply universal beams to projects across the South East for a competitive price; depending on your requirements, our highly skilled structural steel fabricators can provide a free estimate for our high-quality products.

Whether you need further assistance in understanding which type of steel product you require, or you’re ready to place an order for fabricated steel, get in contact with us today.