While solid steel beams have their place in construction projects, you can also use hollow section products. These beams can be circular, square or rectangular. They look like any other beam from the outside; however, the inside is hollow rather than solid.

What are the benefits of using hollow structural steel beams?

1. Get Lightweight Strength

While standard steel beams might seem stronger than hollow beams because they are solid, this isn't always the case. Hollow sectional beams sometimes outperform solid products.

For example, you usually get better protection against torsion movement in a hollow section beam. The materials in the beam are more evenly distributed around its axis. So, the beam is less likely to move, bend, or deform if it is subjected to movement in the ground or from high winds.

Fully solid beams are also heavy. Their weight might restrict your design plans. You might have to spend more time and money creating the right supporting foundation and structure for your build. This isn't a problem if you use hollow products. They aren't solid, so they don't weigh as much or put as much pressure on the ground. You get a better strength-to-weight ratio.

2. Lower Your Project Costs

If you use some hollow structural steel beams on your project, then you are likely to see cost savings. For example, your initial purchasing costs could be lower. Hollow beams use less steel when they are manufactured than solid products because they have an unfilled core. If you use less steel, your beam costs could be lower.

The lightweight strength of these beams also has cost benefits. Hollow beams are often light and strong enough to span greater distances than solid products. You might not need to use as many beams to build supports and structures. The fewer beams you have to buy, the lower your costs will be.

3. Take Advantage of Interior Space

While you might not think that the inside of a hollow section beam is of any use, this space can actually improve a build. You can sometimes put parts of a ventilation or heating system inside beams. You can also fill them with materials like concrete to make the beams more useful.

For example, if you fill the hollows of a beam, then you boost its bearing capabilities. This is useful if you want to use narrow beams but need to give them extra support. Or, you can use internal concrete to make beams more fire-resistant.

To find out more about hollow section beams, contact a structural steel manufacturer.