Steel Beam Layouts: 10 Sections, One Grid, 

Steel beam layout is the grid of frame beams and secondary beams that makes a steel building floor work. Below is data from an actual two-story factory beam schedule.

Basic Specs

Beam Schedule

How It Works

The beam grid works as a two-level system:

• Frame beams (GL): span between columns, carry floor load to columns
• Secondary beams (GCL): span between frame beams, carry slab load
• Depth follows load: H600 for long spans, H250 for short spans
• Web/flange matched: heavy loads get thicker flanges

Advantages

1. Right size for every span — 10 sections match load, no over-design
2. Q355B strength — lighter beams than Q235 for same span
3. Regular grid — 8.7m bays repeat, easy fabrication and erection
4. Two-story flexibility — same frame, different beam sizes per floor
5. All welded H — shop-welded H sections, no rolled steel limits

Disadvantages / Limitations

1. Many beam sizes — 10 sections means 10 fabrication setups
2. Web thickness varies — 6mm to 10mm, handling care needed
3. Connection complexity — different beam depths need different connection plates
4. Heavy GL3 beams — H600×250×10×14 weighs ~120 kg/m
5. Erection sequence matters — frame beams first, then secondary beams

Typical Applications

1. Two-story factories — production floor + office floor
2. Warehouses with mezzanine — storage + mezzanine office
3. Parking garages — two-story parking structure
4. Commercial buildings — retail floor + office floor
5. Industrial workshops — heavy equipment floor + light floor

Fabrication Notes

• All beams shop-welded H sections, Q355B
• Beam depth labeled per drawing, no mixing on site
• Connection plates welded to beam ends, bolted on site
• Secondary beams frame into frame beams with shear tabs

Steel beam layout — 5 frame beams (H300–H600) + 5 secondary beams (H250–H600), Q355B, 8.7m bays, two-story factory grid, sized by load and span.

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