CSLB General Building (B)Planning and EstimatingMedium
A contractor is reviewing a structural drawing for a new commercial building. The drawing indicates a beam with the designation 'W12x26'. What does the 'W' in this designation typically represent?
- AWidth of the flange
- BWeight per linear foot
- CWide-flange shape
- DWeb thickness
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Wide-flange shape
In structural steel designations, 'W' specifically identifies a wide-flange beam, which is a common I-beam shape used in construction. The numbers following it denote nominal depth and weight per foot.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The width of the flange is a specific dimension, usually found in a steel manual, not directly represented by the 'W'.
- B. Weight per linear foot is represented by the second number (e.g., '26' in 'W12x26'), not the 'W'.
- D. Web thickness is a specific dimension of the beam, not indicated by the 'W' prefix.
Structural Steel Designation 'W'
In structural steel beam designations like 'W12x26', the 'W' stands for 'Wide-flange shape', indicating a specific type of I-beam.
- Standardized by AISC (American Institute of Steel Construction).
- 'W' indicates a wide-flange beam.
- The first number (e.g., '12') is the nominal depth in inches.
- The second number (e.g., '26') is the weight per linear foot in pounds.
Memory trick: W for Wide, Number for Depth, Last for Weight, that's the steel beam's fate.