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The structural channel, C-channel or parallel flange channel (PFC), is a type of (usually
The structural channel is not used as much in construction as symmetrical beams, in part because its bending axis is not centered on the width of the flanges. If a load is applied equally across its top, the beam will tend to twist away from the web. This may not be a weak point or problem for a particular design, but is a factor to be considered.Gere and Timoshenko, 1997, ''Mechanics of Materials'', PWS Publishing Company.
Channels or C-beams are often used where the flat, back side of the web can be mounted to another flat surface for maximum contact area. They are also sometimes welded together back-to-back to form a non-standard I-beam.
Canadian Institute of Steel Construction websiteAmerican Institute of Steel Construction websiteBritish Constructional Steelwork Association website
Structural engineering Structural steel
The structural channel, C-channel or parallel flange channel (PFC), is a type of (usually structural steel
Structural steel is steel used for making construction materials in a variety of shapes. Many structural steel shapes take the form of an elongated beam having a profile of a specific cross section (geometry), cross section. Structural steel sha ...
) beam, used primarily in building construction and civil engineering. Its cross section consists of a wide "web", usually but not always oriented vertically, and two "flanges" at the top and bottom of the web, only sticking out on one side of the web. It is distinguished from I-beam
An I-beam is any of various structural members with an - (serif capital letter 'I') or H-shaped cross section (geometry), cross-section. Technical terms for similar items include H-beam, I-profile, universal column (UC), w-beam (for "wide flang ...
or H-beam or W-beam type steel cross sections in that those have flanges on both sides of the web.Manual of Steel Construction, 8th Edition, 2nd revised printing, American Institute of Steel Construction, 1987
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Uses
The structural channel is not used as much in construction as symmetrical beams, in part because its bending axis is not centered on the width of the flanges. If a load is applied equally across its top, the beam will tend to twist away from the web. This may not be a weak point or problem for a particular design, but is a factor to be considered.Gere and Timoshenko, 1997, ''Mechanics of Materials'', PWS Publishing Company.
Channels or C-beams are often used where the flat, back side of the web can be mounted to another flat surface for maximum contact area. They are also sometimes welded together back-to-back to form a non-standard I-beam.
See also
*Hollow structural section
A hollow structural section (HSS) is a type of metal profile with a hollow cross section. The term is used predominantly in the United States, or other countries which follow US construction or engineering terminology.
HSS members can be cir ...
References
{{reflistFurther reading
* M. F. Ashby, 2005, ''Materials Selection in Mechanical Design'', Elsevier.External links
Canadian Institute of Steel Construction website
Structural engineering Structural steel