Structural Shapes
Structural shapes made from special steels are designed for structures that require greater strength, durability, and performance than conventional steel.
STRUCTURAL CHANNELS ASTM A36 (BAR SIZE / C / MC)
Channel-type structural profiles, in their Bar Size, C (Standard Channels), and MC (Miscellaneous Channels) variants, are hot-rolled profiles manufactured in accordance with ASTM A36. They have a C-shaped cross-section and are used to provide structural rigidity in steel components subjected to bending or compression. Their open geometry allows them to be combined with other structural profiles to form frames, racks, columns, and secondary beams.
- Manufactured to ASTM A36: carbon structural steel with good strength, ductility, and weldability.
- Channel types:
- Bar Size (B): light channels used in small structures, reinforcements, or frames.
- Standard Channels (C): standard channels with a vertical web and flanges of different thicknesses.
- Miscellaneous Channels (MC): special channels rolled or cut from other shapes, with intermediate sections. - Hot-rolled surface: an excellent base for coatings and welding.
- Wide dimensional availability: adapts to different loads and structural configurations.
- High weldability and ease of machining.
- Structural versatility: suitable for both light and high-load structures.
- Structural efficiency: good strength-to-weight ratio.
- Full compatibility with other ASTM A36 shapes (W, S, angles, etc.).
- Broad commercial availability.
- Industries: Construction, transportation, manufacturing, energy, steel structures, and industrial machinery.
Main applications:
• Reinforcements and structural frames.
• Secondary beams, chassis, and platforms.
• Machinery supports and rails.
• Stairs, roof structures, guardrails, and columns.
• Welded or bolted components in steel buildings.
Element | Composition |
Carbon | 0.26% max |
Manganese | 0.60% - 0.90% |
Phosphorus | 0.04% max |
Sulfur | 0.05% max |
Silicon | 0.40% max |
Nickel | 0.40% max |
Chromium | 0.25% max |
Molybdenum | 0.08% max |
Copper | 0.20% max |
Mechanical Property | A36 (Structural Channel) |
Ultimate Tensile Strength (ksi / MPa) | 58-80 ksi (400-550 MPa) |
Yield Strength (ksi / MPa) | 36 ksi (250 MPa) |
Elongación en 8" (min.) | 20% |
Elongación en 2" (min.) | 23% |
Brinell Hardness (HB) | 130-180 HB |
Modulus of Elasticity (ksi / GPa) | 29,000 ksi (200 GPa) |
- Bar Size Channels (B)
Designation (B) | Depth (in) | Weight (lb/ft) | Flange Thickness (in) |
B1 x 1/2 | 1.00 | 0.60 | 0.12 |
B1-1/2 x 3/4 | 1.50 | 1.00 | 0.13 |
B2 x 1 | 2.00 | 1.50 | 0.13 |
B2-1/2 x 1-1/8 | 2.50 | 2.00 | 0.14 |
B3 x 1-3/8 | 3.00 | 2.70 | 0.15 |
- Standard Channels (C)
Designation (C) | Depth (in) | Weight (lb/ft) | Flange Thickness (in) |
C3 x 4.1 | 3.00 | 4.1 | 0.17 |
C4 x 5.4 | 4.00 | 5.4 | 0.19 |
C5 x 6.7 | 5.00 | 6.7 | 0.23 |
C6 x 8.2 | 6.00 | 8.2 | 0.23 |
C7 x 9.8 | 7.00 | 9.8 | 0.25 |
C8 x 11.5 | 8.00 | 11.5 | 0.27 |
C9 x 13.4 | 9.00 | 13.4 | 0.29 |
C10 x 15.3 | 10.00 | 15.3 | 0.32 |
C12 x 20.7 | 12.00 | 20.7 | 0.35 |
C15 x 33.9 | 15.00 | 33.9 | 0.48 |
- Miscellaneous Channels (MC)
Designation (MC) | Depth (in) | Weight (lb/ft) | Flange Thickness (in) |
MC6 x 12 | 6.00 | 12.0 | 0.28 |
MC6 x 15 | 6.00 | 15.0 | 0.30 |
MC7 x 19.1 | 7.00 | 19.1 | 0.33 |
MC8 x 18.7 | 8.00 | 18.7 | 0.33 |
MC9 x 23.9 | 9.00 | 23.9 | 0.36 |
MC10 x 25 | 10.00 | 25.0 | 0.39 |
MC12 x 31 | 12.00 | 31.0 | 0.44 |
MC13 x 40 | 13.00 | 40.0 | 0.48 |
MC15 x 52 | 15.00 | 52.0 | 0.58 |
MC18 x 58 | 18.00 | 58.0 | 0.62 |
Note: Channels are supplied in standard lengths from 6.0 to 12.0 meters (20' to 40'), and can be adjusted according to customer requirements.
- ASTM A500 Grade B: similar to ASTM A36 in minimum tensile strength.
- ASTM A500 Grade C: higher strength, comparable to some high-strength structural steels.
- For engineering applications, verify weldability compatibility and design loads according to the grade.
ASTM A36 structural channel shapes (Bar Size, C, and MC) offer a robust, cost-effective structural solution adaptable to multiple load configurations. Thanks to their strength, ease of joining, and availability, they are among the most widely used elements in modern structural engineering, for both light structures and heavy industrial or infrastructure frames.