The W12x170 is a wide-flange structural steel shape listed with reference to AISC 360-16. This page provides the published section dimensions, sectional area, unit weight, and access to a DWG drawing for drafting and reference work.
Use the values below as a section-reference starting point, then confirm material requirements, design checks, connection details, and project-specific criteria with the governing engineering documents and the responsible engineer.
W Beam
refer to : AISC 16
the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) Specification for Structural Steel Buildings (AISC 360-16), which is the 2016 edition of the AISC Specification for Structural Steel Buildings. It provides guidelines and requirements for the design, fabrication, and erection of steel structures in the United States.
Depth : 355.6 mm
Width : 320 mm
Web Thickness : 24.4 mm
Flange Thickness : 39.6 mm
Root Fillet Radius : 15.2 mm
Sectional Area : 322.58 cm2
Unit Weight : 253.2 kg/m
How to read the W12x170 reference
The existing data identifies the shape through its depth, width, web thickness, flange thickness, and root fillet radius. These geometric properties help distinguish the section and support coordination between design calculations, detailing, fabrication, and CAD documentation.
The listed sectional area describes the steel area represented by the cross-section, while the unit weight supports material takeoff and weight-estimation workflows. These values should be read together with the dimensional information rather than treated as a substitute for a complete structural design check.
Design and drafting considerations
For practical use, compare the section data with the project’s framing plans, member orientation, connection details, and applicable specification requirements. Pay particular attention to the web and flange geometry when coordinating shear-transfer details, stiffeners, copes, access holes, or other connection features.
The downloadable DWG can support layout and drafting tasks. Before placing it in a final drawing set, verify units, scale, layer conventions, shape orientation, and revision status against the project standard. Related references on this site may include W-shape terminology, steel section properties, AISC reference guidance, and steel connection detailing.
Use the published values as a reference
The numeric entries on this page are the authoritative local data for this section listing. Do not infer additional properties from the displayed dimensions when a design decision depends on an exact tabulated value; consult the applicable steel shape reference and project requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What is W12x170?
W12x170 is the designation used for this wide-flange, or W, structural steel shape. The page provides its listed geometry, sectional area, and unit weight.
What does AISC 16 refer to?
In this reference, AISC 16 points to the 2016 edition of the AISC Specification for Structural Steel Buildings, identified in the source content as AISC 360-16.
Can the DWG be used directly for fabrication?
The DWG is a drafting and reference resource. Confirm its units, scale, geometry, revision, and project-specific detailing requirements before using it in fabrication or issued construction documents.
Are the listed dimensions enough to design a member?
No. The dimensions identify the section geometry, but member design also depends on loading, restraint, material, connections, stability, applicable requirements, and engineering verification.
