Type of beam

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The structural channel, C-channel or parallel flange channel (PFC), is a type of (usually structural steel) 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 or H-beam or W-beam type steel cross sections in that those have flanges on both sides of the web.[1]

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.[2]

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

References

1. ^

   Manual of Steel Construction, 8th Edition, 2nd revised printing, American Institute of Steel Construction,

2. ^

   Gere and Timoshenko, , Mechanics of Materials, PWS Publishing Company.

Further reading

• M. F. Ashby, , Materials Selection in Mechanical Design, Elsevier.

C-Shaped Channel Beams

C-shaped channel beams, also called structural channel and parallel flange channel (PFC) beams, have a unique shape consisting of a wide web, typically aligned vertically, and two flanges that stick out from one side of the beam. The one-sided flanges make this beam easily discernible from other types of beams and give it the &#;C&#; shape.

Uses in the Industry

C-shaped channel beams are not as commonly used as other profiles in the construction industry due to the inherent weakness in the design&#;because both flanges are on one side, the beam cannot bear as much weight as other structural steel beams. Therefore, the design of the structure must specifically call for a C-shaped beam, where the flat side is often mounted to another flat surface to maximize contact. Two C-shaped beams can also be welded together on the flat side to form an I-beam.

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