What are Aluminum Beams?

Choosing the right building materials can make or break your project. Whether you’re constructing a small garden shed or planning a commercial building, the materials you select will affect everything from cost to completion time.

Builders and engineers have been turning their attention to aluminum beams as an alternative option for structural support. Let’s look at what makes structural aluminum beams worth considering for your next project.

What is an Aluminum Beam?

An aluminum beam is an I-beam formed from aluminum; it is typically used in applications that require strength but where weight is a significant consideration. Aluminum beams deliver exceptional performance through their distinctive I-shaped profile, which efficiently distributes loads across structures. Due to aluminum’s light weight, especially when compared to other structural beams (such as steel), the final product or structure’s weight is greatly reduced.

This type of beam also carries a significant advantage when it comes to corrosion resistance over steel structural beams. Engineers and builders often select aluminum beams specifically for environments where exposure to moisture or chemicals would quickly deteriorate other materials, making them ideal for marine applications, outdoor structures, and facilities with demanding environmental conditions.

There are two types of aluminum beams:

• Aluminum Association
• American Standard

What is the Difference Between American Standard Beams and Aluminum Association Beams?

American Standard beams are I-beams with more traditional tapering in the flanges and rounded edges. These beams, often referred to as Standard I-Beams, typically have narrow flanges. These structural aluminum beams feature a design that’s been used for decades across various industries where traditional load-bearing capabilities are required. The distinctive tapered profile provides advantages in applications where weight distribution needs to follow classic engineering principles.

Aluminum Association beams are I-beams with thicker flanges than American Standard I-beams and are straight rather than tapered. This newer generation of structural aluminum beams offers enhanced stability through their uniform thickness, making them increasingly popular in modern construction projects. The squared-off design provides consistent performance across the entire length of the beam, which can be particularly beneficial in applications requiring precise load calculations.

How are Aluminum Beams Made?

Aluminum beams are manufactured using extrusion, where metal billets are forced through a die to create the desired long shapes – this can be done heated or at room temperature, depending on the specific requirements. This process allows manufacturers to create aluminum beams with consistent dimensions and structural integrity throughout their entire length.

After passing through the die, a worker will often anodize or temper the beam. Anodizing is a chemical application that ensures a strong, chemically bonded outer oxide layer is present to prevent corrosion; tempering is a heat treatment process that increases the beam’s strength. These finishing treatments enhance the performance characteristics of aluminum beams, making them suitable for exposure to elements or heavy loads. Depending on the final use, you would cut to size or bolt, rivet or weld together the final lengths.

What are Aluminum Beams Used For?

Aluminum beams are structural beams designed to support themselves over a long span. However, the most defining factor of an aluminum beam is its relatively low weight. For an aluminum beam to share the strength of a steel I-beam, it would have to be much larger but weigh only half as much. As such, an aluminum beam is best suited for applications that require materials with moderate strength and low weight.

The American Standard beam is typically used in the building and construction industry. The tapered profile of these aluminum beams makes them particularly well-suited for applications where loads are predictably distributed and traditional engineering calculations are applied. Typical applications include structural components for commercial sites and residential homes, such as rafters, awnings, trailers, overhead supports and walkways.

Aluminum Association beam products tend to be more versatile as the thicker, straight-edged flanges allow for easier connections and fitting. These structural aluminum beams excel in custom fabrication projects where precise connections and consistent load-bearing properties throughout the beam’s profile are essential for maintaining structural integrity. These can be used in structural components, but can also serve as the foundational material for frames, brackets, base plates and machine parts.

If you’re planning a project that requires structural support without excessive weight, contact your local Metal Supermarkets location. Our team can help you select the right aluminum beams for your project and provide custom cutting services.