Is the I-beam still favored overall?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Loren Booda
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the preference of structural engineers for I-beams in construction. Participants explore the historical context, comparisons with other beam types, and the evolution of beam design. The conversation includes both technical aspects and humorous commentary.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory
  • Humorous

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the I-beam is favored due to the high production costs of alternatives like the G-beam.
  • Others argue that the I-beam's preference is a recent development, evolving from the earlier H-beam design.
  • A participant humorously suggests that the I-beam is merely a "circumcised" version of the H-beam.
  • One comment reflects on the cultural shift in terminology, proposing that modern alternatives could be termed WE-beam or US-beam, emphasizing teamwork.
  • There are light-hearted remarks about the use of I-beams in everyday contexts, such as driving, which diverge from the technical discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the historical preference for I-beams versus H-beams, with no consensus reached on whether the I-beam is still favored or if its preference is a recent phenomenon. The discussion includes both serious and humorous contributions, indicating a mix of perspectives.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes playful banter and may not strictly adhere to technical accuracy, reflecting a blend of serious inquiry and humor. Some assumptions about the evolution of beam design and preferences remain unexamined.

Loren Booda
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Is the I-beam still favored by structural engineers?
 
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Where do you get your questions?

Do you close your eyes, flip open an Encyclopedia, and point?

:bugeye::smile:
 
Loren Booda said:
Is the I-beam still favored by structural engineers?

Yes, because the G-beam is too expensive to produce. :rolleyes:
 
Danger said:
Yes, because the G-beam is too expensive to produce. :rolleyes:
Oh come on, you missed a beautiful retort.


The I-beam is not "still" preferred, it is "only recently" preferred. The I-beam is actually an evolution from an earlier form, the H-beam.

Every kid learned in school that H came before I.
 
Last edited:
I thought that the I-beam was just a circumcised H-beam.
 
DaveC426913 said:
Where do you get your questions?

Do you close your eyes, flip open an Encyclopedia, and point?

:bugeye::smile:

Finally someone says it!
 
Danger said:
I thought that the I-beam was just a circumcised H-beam.
Wow, all my life I though the I-beam was a infelicitous l-beam.
 
DaveC426913 said:
Oh come on, you missed a beautiful retort. The I-beam is not "still" preferred, it is "only recently" preferred. The I-beam is actually an evolution from an earlier form, the H-beam.

Every kid learned in school that H came before I.

The I-beam is self-assured; it would have to be, balancing over 100 stories above the street!
 
the old school of thought was the I beam.
in the modern era of community spirit, world cooperation and non competition amongst individuals

it is now either the WE-beam, or the US-beam

there is no I in team (only AT ME)

dr
 
  • #10
I try not to use I-beams too much. They annoy other drivers.
 
  • #11
FredGarvin said:
I try not to use I-beams too much. They annoy other drivers.

and as the thread slowly drifts away, we have to say,

punny, very punny

dr
 
  • #12
You have to have known the flightless one for a few years to understand why this is happening...
 

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