What Are Cellular Beams and Castellated Beams?

Cellular Beams and Castellated Beams are types of steel beams with openings that have been used for a long time, dating back to the early 1900s. These beams were designed with holes to facilitate the installation of systems by allowing various lines to pass through the openings. Additionally, these beam types can enhance the aesthetic appeal of structures such as buildings and bridges.

Key Differences:

• Castellated Beam: This type of steel beam is created by expanding the depth of the cross-section through cutting and rejoining the web into a hexagonal shape.

• Cellular Beam: This beam is produced by expanding the depth of the cross-section by cutting and rejoining the web into a circular pattern.

Manufacturing Process:

The fabrication process for both Castellated Beams and Cellular Beams is quite similar, with the main difference being the cutting method:

• Castellated Beams: These beams are fabricated by cutting the web in a zigzag pattern along its length. After cutting, the beam is separated into two parts. The excess ends are trimmed, and the two halves are then aligned and welded together using butt welding, which can be either Partial Joint Penetration (PJC) or Complete Joint Penetration (CJP).

  
  

• Cellular Beams: The fabrication process is similar but requires an additional step. The web is cut in a circular pattern, which involves two rounds of cutting to achieve the desired shape. This process takes slightly longer than for Castellated Beams and results in more metal waste.