Channel Steel Specifications & Classification

Channel Steel Specifications & Classification

Channel steel is a type of long strip steel with a groove-shaped cross-section, made from ordinary carbon steel or low-Alloy Steel.

1. Dimensional Notation

• Standard Format: Web height (h) × flange width (b) × web thickness (d) in millimeters (mm), e.g., 200×73×7.

• Model Coding: (Web height/10)# (e.g., 20# for 200mm web). Subtypes a/b/c indicate progressive increases in dimensions/weight for same web height.

2. Comparative Classification

3. Material Properties (ASTM/JIS Comparison)

Core Industrial Applications

1. Construction Engineering

   • Structural Solutions: Composite beam systems, modular steel framing (e.g., ISO container architecture)

   • Seismic Performance: Dual-channel built-up sections for moment-resisting frames (ASCE 7 compliance)

2. Heavy Machinery

   • Material Handling: Conveyor track systems (DIN 15237 compliance)

   • Precision Bases: Ground-leveling channels for CNC machines (ISO 10791-2 alignment)

3. Transport Infrastructure

   • Bridge Engineering: Orthotropic deck stiffeners (AASHTO LRFD standards)

   • Rail Systems: Gantry crane runway beams (FEM 1.001 fatigue rating)

4. Renewable Energy

   • Solar Farms: UL 2703-compliant mounting structures (lightweight channels for 1.5MW+ arrays)

   • Wind Towers: Internal service platform supports (IEC 61400-6 certification)

Channel steel is classified into ordinary channel steel and light channel steel; the shapes of both are identical, but light channel steel has thinner web and flange thickness compared to ordinary channel steel, resulting in a lighter unit weight.The specifications of channel steel are expressed as 'web height * flange length * web thickness', with units in millimeters (mm). Major specifications are often indicated as '(web height/10)#'. For example, '200*73*7' refers to a 20# channel steel, where the web height is 200mm, flange length is 73mm, and web thickness is 7mm. Specifications with a web height of 140mm and above are distinguished by different flange lengths and web thicknesses labeled as a, b, c, where the specifications and unit weights follow the order a<b<c. Each piece of channel steel is typically 6m long.Channel steel is commonly used in steel frame structures, curtain wall projects, mechanical equipment and vehicle manufacturing, supports, and various other fields.