Specifications

IS 2062 composition and properties

Sub-grades A, BR, B0 and C differ in impact-test requirements and some limits; sub-grade C has lower sulphur and phosphorus. See IS 2062 for full requirements.

Values for plates, sections, flats and bars to IS 2062.

Sub-grades A, BR, B0 and C set the impact-test requirement; sub-grade C is impact tested at −20 °C. Equivalent international grades are ASTM A36 (E250) and A572 Grade 50 (E350), and EN 10025 S275 / S355.

ISMB weight chart

Weights are the nominal values for ISMB sections in IS 808, for guidance; please check the current edition of IS 808 for exact dimensions and section properties.

ISMB, parallel flange and H-beams

ISMB (Indian Standard Medium Beam) sections have tapered flanges and are the traditional beam series in India; the number is the depth in millimetres. Parallel flange beams (NPB) and wide parallel flange columns (WPB, often called H-beams) to IS 12778 have flanges of constant thickness, which simplifies bolted and welded connections, and are now widely used for new structures. I-beams are efficient in bending and used for floor beams and girders; H-sections, with wider flanges, are used for columns and piles.

Protection, storage and fabrication

Mild steel rusts when exposed to moisture, so it is supplied black with a light oil or mill scale, or primed, painted or hot-dip galvanised as ordered. Store material off the ground, under cover where possible, and keep it away from stainless steel to avoid contaminating stainless surfaces. Mild steel cuts, drills, bends and welds easily with standard equipment and consumables; preheat is normally only needed for thick sections or higher-strength grades.

Quality, documents and dispatch

Every supply is checked against the order for grade, size, length and quantity, with heat numbers matched to the mill test certificates. Material is invoiced with GST for supplies in India and dispatched with an e-way bill where required, and exported with the commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin and MTC. Third-party inspection by the buyer's nominated agency can be arranged on request.

Standards explained

IS 2062 is the Indian standard for hot-rolled structural steel – plates, sections, flats and bars – and sets the chemistry, carbon equivalent, strength and impact requirements of each grade and sub-grade. Section dimensions and weights are set separately, in IS 808 for beams, channels and angles, and tolerances in IS 1852. When buying to international projects, ASTM A36 or A572 and EN 10025 grades are used instead; equivalents are approximate, so material should be certified to the standard named in the design.

Choosing a beam section

Beam selection is based on the span, loads and deflection limits in the structural design, using the section properties – moment of inertia and section modulus – published in IS 808, IS 12778 and steel tables. For the same weight, a deeper beam is stronger in bending, so floor beams and girders use deep I-sections, while columns use H-sections with wide flanges for buckling strength. Always order by the exact designation on the structural drawings, as sections of similar depth can differ in weight and strength.

How to order MS beams

To get an accurate quotation quickly, please give: the section designation (for example ISMB 300 or a parallel flange section), grade, length, quantity and finish. If the material is for a project with a specification or drawing, send it with the enquiry so the grade, sub-grade and testing can be matched. For export orders, also give the delivery port and any marking, packing or documentation requirements.

Applications and related products

MS beams are used for industrial buildings and sheds, pipe racks and equipment structures, mezzanine floors and platforms, crane girders, bridges and walkways, columns and portal frames. Other mild steel products: MS pipes, MS sheets, MS plates, MS angles, MS channels, MS flats and MS round bars. Grade information is on the mild steel page, and other materials on the beams page.