W40 Heavy Wide Flange Beam | W40×149–W40×327 Structural Steel Beam Supplier for Highway Bridges
Royal Steel Group supplies W40 Heavy Wide Flange Beams for highway bridge construction, transportation infrastructure, and large-scale structural steel projects.
W40 beams are among the large-section American wide flange profiles used in demanding structural applications. With a nominal depth of approximately 40 inches, these beams are particularly relevant to bridge engineering projects where long spans, substantial structural loads, and reliable load transfer are key design considerations.
The W40 series covers a weight range of approximately 149–655 lb/ft, offering multiple section options for bridge girders, bridge stringers, heavy structural framing, and industrial construction.
Commonly specified sizes include:
W40×149
W40×167
W40×183
W40×211
W40×235
W40×264
W40×278
W40×327
For U.S. bridge contractors, steel fabricators, and procurement managers, choosing the correct W40 beam requires checking section properties, material specifications, design loads, span requirements, and applicable state Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements.
Royal Steel Group supports international structural steel procurement with specification-based product sourcing and export supply services.
| Item | Description |
| Product Name | W40 Heavy Wide Flange Beam |
| Product Type | American Standard Wide Flange Steel |
| Nominal Depth | Approximately 40 inches |
| Weight Range | 149–655 lb/ft |
| Common Sizes | W40×149, W40×167, W40×183, W40×211 |
| Additional Sizes | W40×235, W40×264, W40×278, W40×327 |
| Material Grades | ASTM A992, ASTM A709 Grade 50S, subject to project requirements and availability |
| Manufacturing Process | Hot Rolled |
| Applicable Standards | ASTM A6/A6M and specified material standards |
| Surface Condition | Black, shot blasted, or coated as specified |
| Main Applications | Highway bridges, bridge girders, bridge stringers, industrial structures |
| Supply Options | Standard lengths and project-specific cutting requirements |
Bridge steel procurement requires more detailed verification than ordinary structural beam purchasing.
Before requesting a quotation, confirm:
Exact Beam Size: Specify W40×149, W40×183, W40×235, W40×278, or another required section.
Material Specification: Confirm ASTM A992, ASTM A709 Grade 50S, or the exact grade required by the project.
Section Properties: Verify actual depth, flange width, web thickness, flange thickness, and section properties.
Beam Length: Provide required lengths and cutting tolerances.
Bridge Drawings: Supply relevant engineering drawings and connection details.
Material Certification: Confirm MTC requirements and material traceability.
Inspection Requirements: Specify dimensional inspection and additional testing.
Surface Protection: Identify the required primer, coating, or other corrosion protection system.
State DOT Requirements: Confirm applicable state transportation department specifications and approval requirements.
Transportation Arrangements: Check piece weight, loading capacity, shipping dimensions, and delivery destination.
For bridge projects, the purchase order should clearly identify the governing material specification and any supplementary requirements.
The W40 series provides different section weights for structural applications with varying load and span requirements.
| W40 Beam Size | Weight (lb/ft) | Typical Applications |
| W40×149 | 149 | Bridge and structural framing |
| W40×167 | 167 | Highway bridge structures |
| W40×183 | 183 | Bridge girders and industrial framing |
| W40×211 | 211 | Heavy structural beams |
| W40×235 | 235 | Long-span bridge applications |
| W40×264 | 264 | Heavy bridge and industrial structures |
| W40×278 | 278 | Primary structural support |
| W40×327 | 327 | Heavy-duty bridge and infrastructure projects |
The W40 series also includes heavier sections within the overall 149–655 lb/ft range. Buyers requiring additional sizes should provide the exact section designation or engineering drawings for availability verification.
Contact us for more details
Material selection is especially important for U.S. highway bridge projects.
The required steel specification should be determined by the project engineer and the applicable state DOT requirements.
ASTM A992 Structural Steel
ASTM A992 is a commonly specified material standard for American wide flange structural sections. It is frequently used in commercial and industrial structural steel applications.
For bridge applications, some bridge specifications permit ASTM A992 wide flange sections, subject to the governing project requirements.
ASTM A709 Grade 50S
ASTM A709 Grade 50S is a bridge steel specification used for structural steel bridge applications. It is an important material designation to consider when sourcing wide flange beams for highway bridge projects.
ASTM A572 Grade 50
ASTM A572 Grade 50 is a high-strength low-alloy structural steel specification with a minimum yield strength of 50 ksi (345 MPa). Its acceptance for a bridge project must be confirmed against the applicable bridge specifications rather than assumed from its strength designation alone.
For example, the Washington State Department of Transportation Bridge Design Manual identifies AASHTO M 270/ASTM A709 Grade 50S or ASTM A992 for wide flange beams. Other state DOTs may have different requirements.
1. Large Section Dimensions for Bridge Structures
W40 beams provide large structural sections that can be considered for bridge girders and other primary load-bearing members.
Their section properties make them relevant to projects where bending resistance, shear capacity, and serviceability requirements must be evaluated.
2. Suitable for Bridge Stringer Applications
Bridge stringers are longitudinal structural members that support the bridge deck system and transfer loads to supporting cross members or other primary structural components.
W40 wide flange beams may be specified as bridge stringers when their dimensions and structural properties meet the engineering requirements.
3. Multiple Weight Options
From W40×149 to W40×327 and heavier sections, the W40 series offers different weight categories for engineers and bridge fabricators to evaluate.
The appropriate section depends on span length, vehicle loading, spacing, lateral bracing, deflection limits, and fatigue requirements.
4. Hot-Rolled Structural Sections
Hot-rolled W40 beams can provide an alternative to fabricated plate girders in selected bridge designs.
For suitable spans and loading conditions, engineers may compare rolled wide flange sections with welded plate girders based on material cost, fabrication work, transportation, and installation requirements.
The final selection must be supported by structural calculations and project specifications.
5. Suitable for Heavy Infrastructure Projects
In addition to highway bridges, W40 wide flange beams may be considered for railway structures, transportation facilities, industrial platforms, and other large-scale steel construction projects.
Highway Bridge Girders
Highway bridge construction is one of the key application areas for large W-shape structural sections.
W40 beams may be used as primary bridge girders to support bridge deck systems and transfer traffic loads to the bridge substructure.
For U.S. bridge procurement, material grade, fatigue performance, corrosion protection, and state DOT specifications should be confirmed before ordering.
Bridge Stringers and Deck Support Systems
W40 wide flange beams can be specified as longitudinal stringers in bridge framing systems.
They support the bridge deck assembly and transfer loads through the bridge's structural system. Beam spacing, cross-frame arrangements, connections, and design loads must be established by the bridge engineer.
Railway and Transportation Infrastructure
Large structural steel sections may also be used in selected railway bridges, transportation terminals, and supporting structures where substantial loads and structural stability are required.
Industrial Buildings and Large-Span Structures
Steel mills, manufacturing plants, logistics facilities, and heavy industrial buildings may require large wide flange beams for primary framing and long-span support.
Heavy Structural Support Systems
W40 beams can also be incorporated into heavy-duty platforms, equipment support frames, and industrial structural assemblies where the design calls for large steel sections.
Royal Steel Group supplies structural steel products for construction, infrastructure, and industrial projects.
Our product range includes:
W36 Extra Heavy Wide Flange Beams
ASTM A992 Structural Steel Beams
ASTM A572 Grade 50 Wide Flange Beams
American Standard W Beams
H Beams and Structural Steel Sections
Steel Columns, Beams, and Fabricated Components
Prefabricated Steel Structure Systems
We work with international steel importers, bridge contractors, structural steel fabricators, and project procurement teams.
Whether your project requires W40×149, W40×183, W40×235, W40×264, W40×278, or W40×327, our team can review the required specifications and assist with sourcing and export supply arrangements.
1) Branch Office - Spanish-speaking support, customs clearance assistance, etc.
2) Over 5,000 tons of inventory in the United States , with a wide variety of sizes
3) Inspected by authoritative organizations such as CCIC, SGS, BV, and TUV, with standard seaworthy packaging
W12x26 wide flange beams will be bundled and loaded up for the road based on their length, quantity, and shipping configuration.
Export packing arrangements will vary and include the following:
Steel-strapped beam bundles
Protective packing as required
Product identification and shipment marks
Packing lists and export documents
Container or breakbulk shipment dependent upon dimensions and weight
We provide international steel procurement services with coordinated export packing and shipping arrangements.
Q1: What is a W40 wide flange beam?
A W40 beam is an American wide flange structural steel section with a nominal depth of approximately 40 inches. It is used in bridge construction, infrastructure, and heavy structural applications.
Q2: What are the common W40 beam sizes?
Common sizes include W40×149, W40×167, W40×183, W40×211, W40×235, W40×264, W40×278, and W40×327.
Q3: What is the weight range of W40 steel beams?
The supplied W40 series weight range is approximately 149–655 lb/ft. The exact weight depends on the selected section designation.
Q4: Can W40 beams be used for highway bridge construction?
Yes. W40 wide flange sections may be specified for bridge girders and stringers when they meet the project's structural design and applicable bridge specifications.
Q5: Which steel grade is suitable for W40 bridge beams?
ASTM A709 Grade 50S and ASTM A992 are relevant specifications for bridge wide flange beams, subject to the governing project requirements. Always confirm the required grade with the project engineer.
Q6: What is the difference between a bridge girder and a bridge stringer?
A bridge girder is a primary load-bearing member, while a stringer is generally a longitudinal member supporting the bridge deck system. Their functions depend on the bridge framing arrangement.
Q7: What information is required to request a W40 beam quotation?
Provide the exact beam size, material specification, quantity, length, surface treatment, project requirements, and delivery destination. Bridge drawings are recommended for project-specific orders.
Looking for a W40 heavy wide flange beam supplier for a U.S. highway bridge or infrastructure project?
Send us your required beam sizes, material grade, quantity, cutting lengths, project specifications, and delivery destination.
Royal Steel Group can assist with product specification review and quotation inquiries.
Email: admin@royalsteelgroup.com
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