Types of Structural Steel Sections Explained
A guide to structural steel sections: I-beams, H-beams, channels, angles, tees, hollow sections, plate girders and cold-formed sections, with typical uses in Saudi construction.
Saudi Steel Work Editorial Team · · 3 min read
Short answer: The main types of structural steel sections are I-beams (IPE, UB, W), H-beams and columns (HEA, HEB, UC), channels (UPN, PFC, C), angles (equal and unequal), tees, hollow sections (SHS, RHS, CHS), built-up plate girders and cold-formed sections such as C and Z purlins.
Structural steel comes in standard shapes, each suited to particular loads and connections. Knowing the families helps you read drawings, write RFQs and discuss alternatives with engineers.
Hot-rolled sections
I-beams — IPE (European), UB (British), W-shapes (American). Narrow flanges, efficient in bending. Used for floor beams, rafters and lintels. See IPE vs HEA vs HEB.
H-sections / columns — HEA, HEB, HEM, UC, W-shapes with wide flanges. Used for columns and heavily loaded beams.
Channels — UPN, UPE, PFC, C-channels. Used for trimmers, bracing, stair stringers and secondary framing. See steel channels.
Angles — equal and unequal legs. Used for bracing, cleats, lintels and lattice structures. See steel angles.
Tees — often cut from I or H sections. Used in trusses and as stiffeners.
Hollow sections
SHS, RHS and CHS — square, rectangular and circular tubes. Excellent in compression and torsion, clean appearance, used for columns, trusses, canopies and handrails. See SHS, RHS and CHS guide.
Built-up sections
Plate girders — welded from plates for spans and loads beyond rolled sections, and the basis of tapered frames in pre-engineered buildings.
Box sections — welded boxes for heavy columns and transfer structures.
Cold-formed sections
C and Z purlins and girts — roll-formed from galvanized coil. Light, economical secondary members for roofs and walls.
Steel decking — profiled sheet for composite floors (composite decking explained).
Quick reference
| Section | Main role | Typical example |
|---|---|---|
| IPE / UB | Beam | Floor beam, rafter |
| HEA / HEB / UC | Column | Building column |
| Channel | Secondary | Stair stringer, trimmer |
| Angle | Bracing, cleat | Wind bracing |
| SHS / RHS / CHS | Column, truss | Canopy, truss chords |
| Plate girder | Heavy beam | Long-span roof, bridge |
| C/Z purlin | Secondary | Roof purlin |
Choosing between them
The engineer chooses based on loads, spans, connections, fire protection and appearance. Buyers should focus on supplying exactly the profile, standard and grade specified.
Browse our structural steel sections and hollow sections, or request a quote.