Steel Beams with Web Openings

The responsibility of a Structural Engineer lies in not merely designing the structure based on safety and serviceability considerations but he also has to consider the functional requirements based on the use to which the structure is intended. While designing a power plant structure or a multi-storeyed building, the traditional structural steel framing consists of beams and girders with solid webs. These hinder the provision of pipelines and air conditioning ducts required for satisfactory functioning for which the structure is put up. Very often, the service engineer who is on the scene long after the structural erection has been completed is required to fix air conditioning ducts in place. The re-routing of services (or increasing the floor height at the design stage for accommodating them) leads to additional cost and is generally unacceptable. The provision of beams with web openings has become an acceptable engineering practice, and eliminates the probability of a service engineer cutting holes subsequently in inappropriate locations.