Fabricated Steel W-shapes

[TTK]

I have a need to use fabricated I-sections rather than wide flange rolled beams (W12 & W14), and would welcome any discussion on the following question:<br><br>Is there a particular size (width/depth) of section that is more economical to fabricate due to the size of the automated SAW equipment used to fabricate these small shapes?

 

[Imagineer]

Are you fabricating a small section?&nbsp;&nbsp;If so, what size sections are you considering?&nbsp;&nbsp;And the burning question, why bother fab'ing a small section?<br><br>As to large sections, there is lots of literature on girder sections, starting with the &quot;Plate Girders&quot; section of Part 2 of any Manual of Steel Construction.<br><br> <p> Imagineer<br><a href=mailto: > </a><br><a href= > </a><br>

 

[TTK]

The sections would be relatively small (less than 100 lbs./ft.) and would be used as truss web diagonals.<br><br>There is an advantage in using fabricated truss members since you can keep the depth of section constant and avoid filler plates at the gussets.<br><br>An added twist is that the aesthetics of the truss is playing a LARGE part in the design process, and if fabricated sections are used, the size (i.e. viewable area) of the gusset plates could be reduced.<br><br>Thanks for your comments.&nbsp;&nbsp;Any other thoughts?<br><br>TTK<br>