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Standard Steel Section Database

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dik

Structural
Apr 13, 2001
25,814
Can someone direct me to a site where I can download a current (and free) database of the various steel sections?
 
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In the site below, under Beams->Sections, you can consult an online database of standard sections.
prex
motori@xcalcsREMOVE.com
Online tools for structural design
 
Thanks Prex...

looking for one in ASCII format that has all the properties of the section that I can use for a program that I'm writing.
 
Thanks Carl... may take you up on that once I get the North American ones out of the way... Also may include other areas.

It's easy to adapt the work to accommodate any series of sections. In general with engineering data programs, I input the files in ASCII and re-write them in binary for programs to use... I have 3 incomplete North American databases and all of them have slight variations... as well as missing some sections, etc. The program is a front end for another program and presently calculates Class of section, Lu, moment resistance, plastic moment resistance, etc. based on the Canadian S16 steel code. Presently use it as a quick 'pop up' for sizing members.
 
You can download the WFbeam program in my website, it contains an ASCII library for AISC WF beams. Another program: Anscon has other types of shapes.

 
Be careful about using the electronic AISC database without paying them for it, especially if it is for commercial purposes. They get pretty upset about that.
 
pcetx:

Thanks for the offer... I downloaded a couple of files and reviewed the data. I need a complete set of data; my present database has the following type of info in it:

IDesig, d, b, Web t, Flange t, k, k1, A, J,
y, Ix, Sy, Sx, ry, rx, MDesig (added), Surface Area, Zx, Zy, Cw, Source (added),

and for a typical section: W36x300, 36.74,
16.655, 0.945, 1.68, 2.8125, 1.5, 88.3,
64.2, 1300, 20300, 156, 1110, 3.83, 15.2,
W920x446, 11.5, 1260, 241, 399000, and a string key for source.

Problem is that of the 3 databases I have, they all have some slight variation, either values or designation.

For other rolled shapes S, M, C, etc., there are some missing values. I understand that ASTM or one of the standards organization has a listing of standard sizes and properties. It is this data that I require.

Taro:

I thought that one of the roles of the AISC was to promote the use of steel <G>. I thought some other agency would establish a listing of the sections and properties that the AISC would follow.

 
Just what will you be doing with the database if I may ask?
 
Taro:

Thanks. It is very likely then that the AISC has copyrighted the data in their section database, just as you or I can create a database of section properties for dimensioned lumber (2x4, etc.) and this can be copyrighted.

I will check into the legal issues. That may explain the slight variations I have in the 3 sets of data.

Chelo_1:

I program in several languages and create little 'knock-offs'; these are programs that help me with day to day stuff... I usually do a fairly comprehensive 'front end' so that I can re-use components.
 
That's what happen when you leave thins affecting the rights of the society in private hands. Romans had clearly and hardly ask for the law that was to be applied to them be expressly written at the doors of the Capitol. Then &quot;publicity of the law&quot; substituted earlier the practice and of course unjust &quot;secret of the law&quot; where you was guilty by reasons only those in the knowledge (er, power) knew. Simply, normalized by them or not, their work if used as a public standard is public property. In my opinion property is fairly overrrated, and I refer to this thing that permits half the world be owned by 250 individuals, not you having a car or house. Societies can't be left not using the benefits of normalization just becaouse someone sat there 1n 1925.
 
Dik, I have a house that is 27 feet east and west and 27 feet that is runs north and south and I would like to know what size I beam I could put across the 27 feet that is going east and west that would span and carry the load for the floor on a second story.I want to put a second story on top of a one story house. The roof will have trusses where the load will be on the outside walls. Iwould like to us LVL beams that would run north and south where one beam would be on each side ,then I would us I joist for the rest of the floor.The LVL beams need to be 11 7/8 so I would like to have a I beam that is not that deep so it isnt above or below the floor.I would like to be able to take out the wall on the first floor and open it up.If you could help I shure would apreciate it. Jondoe
 
JD
If you have an unrelated question, you should start it as a new topic. I'm not comfortable with providing preliminary designs in this forum, but will do it this time only.

If I read you correctly, you want to support an entire second floor on a beam spanning 27'. The beam will be supporting 13.5' tributary width of floor loading. Typical live load in this area is 40 psf and I would assume that the dead load is approximately 8 to 10 psf. Your jurisdiction may include a fixed load for partition loading? A local building inspector should be able to assist regarding the loading information. I'll do a preliminary size for the members based on the above criteria, but you should seek local professional assistance for a final design. PSL, LVL and steel may have different strengths depending on the area.

An LVL or PSL beam may be out of the question for that span and may have a depth of 20&quot; or so... and even a steel beam could be 14&quot; or 16&quot; deep. Can you have any interior supports; these would likely have to be taken to the basement and a footing.

(later)
A 6.19x19 2.0E PSL with 6x6 posts at each end will have a live load deflection of 0.88&quot; and a total load deflection of 1.3&quot; and it will likely be bouncy. Although a W14x22 provides the necessary strength, the equivalent steel beam for deflections would be a W14x26 (Grade 44ksi/300MPa). A W16x26 can be used (approx same weight but stiffer) and steel beams should be supported on steel columns. You could have problems with partitions cracking, vibration, etc.

This is a preliminary design only and should not be used for construction. To reiterate, seek professional help in your area. The service of providing this type of information assuming the problem is as simple as you've stated (there may be more to it than you've stated), in a letter form would cost upwards of $100 locally; prices may vary in your area.
 
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