What is the difference between c shaped steel and i shape beam?
c shaped steel is “C” shaped with one side open, suitable for light supports such as walls and roofs. read What Is C Channel Steel? FIXDEX c shaped steel product
I shape beam is “I” shaped, symmetrical from top to bottom, with stronger load-bearing capacity, suitable for beams or heavy structures.
Load-bearing capacity of c shaped steel and I shape beam
| Indicators | C-shaped steel | I-shaped steel |
| Compression resistance | Weak (easy to bend laterally) | Extremely strong (stable bidirectional support) |
| Bending resistance | General (applicable to spans ≤6 meters) | Excellent (can support large spans of more than 12 meters) |
| Typical specifications | C80~C300 (height in millimeters) | 100~630 (model table cross-sectional dimensions) |
| Single load-bearing | C100 bears about 600kg | I200 can bear more than 5 tons |
Advantages of c shaped steel
Light weight: C100 is 50% lighter than I100 of the same length and can be carried manually;
Easy to cut: It can be cut with a handheld cutting machine and the incision can be repainted;
Quick installation: Use self-tapping screws to penetrate and fix directly
The heavy price of I shape beam
Requires crane installation, welding reinforcement (full welding + reinforced plate);
Requires large equipment for cutting, difficult to adjust on site.
Construction cost of c shaped steel and i shape beam
| Project | c shaped steel | I shape beam |
| Construction cost | Save crane and welder costs | Requires professional welders + heavy equipment |
| Invisible value | Suitable for rapid reconstruction/temporary buildings | Permanent structure with lifelong maintenance-free |
Tips for purchasing c shaped steel and i shape beam
Large warehouses can use “I-beam main frame + C-beam secondary structure”, which ensures safety and controls costs!
Where is c shaped steel used?
Lightweight factory buildings, mobile board houses, shelves, billboard frames
Home decoration (loft, ceiling keel)
High-rise building frames, bridge supports, heavy equipment bases
Earthquake zone buildings (strong torsion resistance)
