All elements
Find a verified expert →
Steel
Steel beam (IPE/IPN)
Horizontal bending member carrying floors or roofs between supports. The I-shape concentrates material in the flanges, where bending demand is highest.
Typical dimensions & rules
- •Common profiles: IPE 140-400 depending on span and load
- •Economical spans: 4-12 m
- •Checks: bending, shear, deflection (L/250 to L/500), lateral-torsional buckling
- •Rule of thumb: profile depth ≈ span/20 to /25
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✗Ignoring lateral-torsional buckling of an unrestrained beam
- ✗Checking strength but forgetting deflection (cracked tiles)
- ✗Bearing too short on masonry
Go further
Get it checked by a pro
Unsure about your site? DiasporaBuild's verified engineers and contractors review your drawings and execution.