Structural Steel Experts in Indiana
Structural steel refers to steel fabricated into load-bearing shapes such as I-beams, H-beams, channels, and hollow structural sections that support the integrity and durability of buildings, steel buildings, and infrastructure in building construction. Building and structural projects have a lot of moving parts that each require a great deal of attention, and with so much to consider- from site conditions and materials selection to schedule, standards, and cost – you need a trusted partner with the ability to support project teams, contractors, architects, engineers, and clients through complex projects. For over 135 years, Indiana Bridge has provided that service to project managers, builders, engineers, and clients across Indiana. No matter what stage you’re at in your project, we can help.
Our team has the knowledge and expertise to deliver customized, cost-effective structural steel solutions using a range of structural materials to meet your project’s structural needs, including steel that can be molded and welded into complex shapes. We can even provide the high-quality fabricated structural steel products you need for buildings, steel buildings, and custom applications in industrial manufacturing and other industries. Whether you need structural steel fabrication, design-build delivery, surface preparation for coating, rack solutions, project management covering planning, execution, and supervision, custom steel solutions, guidance on member types, corrosion protection and fire resistance, or answers to common structural steel questions, we emphasize clear communication throughout each stage of the process to help you make informed decisions that keep projects on time, on budget, and aligned with defined industry requirements. To learn more about our structural services, contact us to request an initial consultation with a member of our experienced team, including AISC Certified Fabricators who help ensure safe and high-performing steel structures and strengthen client trust in fabrication quality.
Other Services We Offer
Learn More About Our Structural and Steel Fabrication Services
At Indiana Bridge, our clients’ needs are our top priority. We specialize in creating custom steel solutions for commercial and industrial projects across industries that rely on structural steel for strength, support, and durable structures. To provide the best service, we give an all-hands-on-deck approach to every task we undertake.
Our engineers will work with you from the ground up to design a steel structure that fits your needs, using steel frameworks that reduce dead weight on foundations, lower costs, and improve performance in wind and seismic conditions. Structural steel is the most popular framing material in the U.S. and is used in everything from low-rise to high-rise buildings. Over half of non-residential buildings in the US use structural steel, and steel framing with components like wide flange beams enables wide spans and large column-free interior spaces. Then, our fabricators, builders, and installers will use automated fabrication and prefabrication to help complete your project with greater accuracy, efficiency, and shorter on-site schedules. Prefabrication also supports high quality-control standards, and quality assurance checks help ensure compliance with project specifications. This service is what makes us Indiana’s one-stop shop for structural services.
To learn more about our structural services or share your ideas with our team, contact us to request an estimate. A member of our team will get back to you to discuss your needs and how we can best meet them. We look forward to partnering with you on your next structural project, with structural steel that is 100% recyclable and supports the future of efficient construction.
Structural Services FAQs
Structural steel members are available in various shapes, including I-beams, H-beams, channels, angles, tees, plates, and hollow structural sections, which are all common steel components. I-beams and H-beams are designed to handle heavy loads and bending along the major axis, making steel a common material for beams that support roofs in place. Each shape is designed for specific structural applications based on its load-bearing, connection, and force requirements, and steel can be molded and welded into complex shapes for different structural requirements, with angles featuring a 90-degree angle and equal or unequal legs, as L-shaped members useful for small structural connections and bracing. Channel steel has a C cross-section with a web and two flanges, and channels are often more useful as secondary members than primary beams. Tee sections resemble a T profile and can be rolled, formed by splitting an I-beam, or fabricated for specialized uses. In steel erection, erection is the assembly of beams, columns, and trusses into structures. Modern cranes handle lifting by hoisting steel sections into place during assembly.
Hollow Structural Sections, or HSS, are commonly used where resistance to compression and torsion is important. They are available in square, rectangular, and circular cross-sections and can be used in columns, frames, and other structural applications.
Structural steel can be protected from corrosion through methods such as protective coatings, galvanizing, proper detailing, and weathering steel. The appropriate protection method depends on the environment and the intended service conditions.
Steel grade describes the material’s mechanical properties and chemical composition, including iron and carbon content, while steel shape refers to the physical cross-sectional form of the member. For example, A992 is a common steel grade, while an I-beam, channel, or angle describes a structural shape. In structural applications, grades are defined this way, and structural steel can contain up to 2.1% carbon overall. Low-carbon steel typically contains 0.04% to 0.3% carbon, and carbon steels in the mid- to high-carbon range run from 0.31% to 1.5% carbon and are also used in mechanical engineering. Some high-strength low-alloy options also deliver higher yield and tensile strength per unit weight.
Weathering steel is a type of structural steel containing alloying elements such as copper, chromium, and nickel. When exposed to suitable environmental conditions, it develops a protective rust-like surface layer that helps reduce further corrosion.
Structural steel construction and steel erection are governed by various standards depending on the location and application, and they require careful planning and safety management throughout the project. Common standards and specifications include AISC and CSA requirements, ASTM A6 for hot-rolled structural steel shapes, and EN 1090-1 for structural steel fabrication and CE marking in applicable European markets, where CE Marking became mandatory in 2014. During steel erection, compliance with OSHA safety standards is also required for worker protection. AISC Certification confirms adherence to strict industry standards and evaluates quality management systems and personnel qualifications. In practice, each structural steel system should be designed, fabricated, and erected in accordance with the applicable standards. Indiana Bridge also brings a proven track record, and Steel Services, Inc. has over 30 years of AISC Certification experience.