Curved I-beam

[CivilStructural07]

Does anyone know if it's possible to manufacture a steel I-beam in the shape of a circle with a horizontal radius (flanges are at top and bottom) of about 2'-6"? If so, could it be rolled like that or would each flange and web need to be cut separately and welded together?

 

[JAE]

I think you'd need to call some bending companies to see what they can do. Most structural shapes have limits as to how much bending they can take ... and limits as to what equipment is out there that can bend shapes to extreme amounts.

Try these links or do your own search:

http://www.paramount-roll.com/

http://www.cmrp.com/standarmill_shapes.html

 

[slickdeals]

2'-6" seems rather tight, I am no steel bending specialist...

 

[CivilStructural07]

Thanks JAE! That second link worked perfect!

 

[hokie66]

Best to contact someone who does this type work in your area, because although possible, it is not common. Most fabricators would prefer to make what you want out of plate.

 

[msquared48]

My guts tell me the latter.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

 

[Dinosaur]

According to the AASHTO codes, a member such as you describe would have to be "cut curved" and not "heat curved". I believe you should make your member from smaller parts welded together. Something as tight as you describe is quite unusual. What are you making?

 

[countervail]

Why not use a fabricated section, flanges cut from a circular disk and the web bent from a straight plate. Weld it all together, hey presto.

Will cost a bit though.

 

[CivilStructural07]

Thanks guys. The application is for a stand for a 200 kip rotor to be serviced. I found a company who can bend up to an S10x35 beam to my radius, but I'm thinking this may overstress (prestress) the beam too much. What do you think?

 

[HgTX]

I agree with those who advocate a built-up section made from a web bent in a circle welded to donut-shaped flanges.

Hg

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