A36 S Beams

Kloeckner Metals proudly stocks A36 S beams, a standard American beam in one of the most popular structural steel grades for general construction.

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Typical Standards

FormatSize range
S beams3" x 5.7# - 24" x 121#

General Info About A36 S Beams

A36 is a widespread, versatile, structural steel product grade popular in general construction. S beams, also known as the Standard American Beam, are considered one of the strongest beams available due to their tapered flanges. This combination makes A36 S beams one of the most ideal materials for home and building construction. A36 S beams can also be used in truck beds and bridges, and in other structural applications that require strength and versatility.

More Details About A36 S Beams

  • Advantages/Disadvantages

    Structural steel S beams have an S shaped section wherein tapered flanges thicken near the web. This makes them able to bear more weight than other beams, like H-beams or wide flange beams. Grade A36 is among the most common and widely used steel grades because it can be easily machined, welded, and formed. It’s also heat treatable, with low carbon content. They are an ideal choice for general construction. Low levels of nickel and chromium, however, leave it susceptible to corrosion.

  • Industries

    General construction, the industrial manufacturing industry, and oil and gas are three common industries for this structural steel product.

  • Applications

    This structural steel product grade is often seen in the construction of homes, buildings, bridges, oil rigs, parking garages, truck beds, and many other structural applications where strength and versatility are a requirement.

  • Machining

    This product has good machinability.

  • Welding

    A36 S beams offer good weldability.

  • Heat Treatment

    A36 can be heat treated at the following temperatures:

    • Normalizing at 899°C – 954°C (1650°F-1750°F)
    • Annealing at 843°C – 871°C (1550°F-1600°F)
    • Stress relieving at 677°C – 927°C (1250°F-1700°F)
    • Carburizing at 899°C – 927°C (1650°F-1700°F)
    • Hardening at 788°C – 816°C (1450°F-1500°F)

Chemical Properties

CCuFeMnPSiS
0.25 - 0.290%0.20%98.0%1.03%0.040%0.280%0.050%

Mechanical Properties

Mechanical Properties
MetricImperial
Tensile Strength, Ultimate400 - 550 MPa58,000 - 79,800 PSI
Tensile Strength, Yield250 MPa36,300 PSI
Elongation at Break (in 200 mm)20.0%20.0%
Elongation at Break (in 50 mm)23.0%23.0%
Modulus of Elasticity200 GPa29 KSI
Bulk Modulus (Typical for Steel)140 GPa20 KSI
Poissons Ratio0.2600.260
Shear Modulus79.3 GPa11.5 KSI

Frequently Asked Questions About A36 S Beams

  • What does the S stand for in s beam?

    ANSWER:

    S beams are considered the Standard American Beam. The S in the name indicates the S-section of the beam, formed by tapered edges. The S beam is a type of I-beam, like the W and H beams, but is distinct due to these tapered flanges whereas both W and H beams have straighter, blockier edges on the inside and outside portions of the beam. These tapered legs result in a greater capacity for weight bearing without bending.

  • What is the difference between S beam and W beam?

    ANSWER:

    The difference between S beams and W beams are their legs and proportions. W beams have wider, blockier flanges. S beams are characterized by tapered legs that are thick in the middle near the web.

  • What are typical S beam sizes?

    ANSWER:

    S beams are available in depths starting at 3 inches and lengths from 20 to 60 feet. Their weight lb/ft can range from 5.7# all the way to 54.7#.

Services provided to A36 S Beams products

Weld Prep

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Cut to Length

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Tapping

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Laser Cutting

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Shot Blasting

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Milling

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Hot Dip Galvanizing And Galvanization

Galvanization enhances the look and performance of...

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Roll Forming

Kloeckner’s roll forming service is capable of...

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Tee Splitting

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Drilling

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Shearing

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Cambering | Structural Cambering

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Sawing

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Plasma Cutting

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Punching

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Slitting

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Welding

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Branches featuring A36 S Beams products

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Industries served by A36 S Beams

Trailer and Truck Industry

Kloeckner Metals is proud to supply metals...

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Military and Government

With growing infrastructure needs and strong investments...

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Wind

With processes and products that match our...

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Solar

With processes and products that match our...

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Architectural

Kloeckner is on a mission to uplift...

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Metal Building

Kloeckner meets and exceeds the needs of...

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