What steel profile should I use for a 10-meter span beam?
Design & Analysis
For a 10 m span with moderate loads (2-4 kN/m² tributary), you typically need a deep wide-flange section. Rule of thumb: depth ≥ span/20 to span/25 for steel beams, so roughly 400-500 mm deep. Common choices: W 360×51 (American), HEB 400 / IPE 500 (European), ISMB 500 (Indian). The exact profile depends on your load combinations, lateral bracing, and deflection limits (L/360 for live load is typical). Heavier loads or longer spans may need W 460×60 or HEB 500. Always verify moment capacity, shear, lateral-torsional buckling and deflection using the applicable code. CalcSteel will compute these checks automatically when you model the beam and apply loads.
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