The W18x311 is a W-shape steel beam designation used in structural steel reference work. This page presents the source dimensions and section data alongside practical guidance for reading the listing, coordinating drawings, and using the accompanying DWG resource.
Use the values below as a reference for identification and preliminary coordination. Final member selection, connection design, stability checks, and detailing should be verified by the responsible engineer using the governing project requirements.
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 : 566.4 mm
Width : 304.8 mm
Web Thickness : 38.6 mm
Flange Thickness : 69.6 mm
Root Fillet Radius : 12.7 mm
Sectional Area : 590.97 cm2
Unit Weight : 463.9 kg/m
How to read the W18x311 reference
The designation identifies a specific W-shape member. The source listing separates the member’s overall depth and width from its web thickness, flange thickness, and root fillet radius. Keeping these terms distinct is important when checking clearances, modeling the section, or preparing fabrication details.
The listed sectional area describes the steel area of the cross-section, while the unit weight is useful when accounting for member self-weight in estimating, modeling, and design workflows. These properties should not be treated as a substitute for project-specific load combinations, resistance checks, or connection design.
Specification context
The reference identifies AISC 360-16, the AISC Specification for Structural Steel Buildings. In practice, the applicable specification, material requirements, design method, fabrication provisions, and project documents should be confirmed before the shape is used in calculations or issued drawings.
Drafting and modeling considerations
Use the supplied DWG file as a starting point for CAD coordination, while checking units, insertion orientation, layer conventions, and drawing scale in the target software. The root fillet is part of the rolled shape and may affect fit-up or nearby detailing; do not assume that a simplified sharp-corner profile represents the physical section.
Useful related references include W-shape terminology, steel section properties, structural steel connections, and DWG drafting resources. These topics help connect the member listing to broader design and detailing tasks without replacing project-specific engineering review.
Frequently asked questions
What type of steel member is W18x311?
It is listed as a W beam, or wide-flange structural steel shape, with the dimensions and properties shown in the source content.
What information is provided for this shape?
The reference provides overall depth, overall width, web thickness, flange thickness, root fillet radius, sectional area, and unit weight.
Which specification is referenced?
The page references AISC 360-16, identified in the source as the 2016 edition of the AISC Specification for Structural Steel Buildings.
Can the DWG file be used directly for fabrication?
The DWG is a CAD reference resource for coordination and drafting. Confirm geometry, units, tolerances, project standards, and fabrication requirements before using it for issued construction or fabrication documentation.
Does the listed unit weight complete a structural design?
No. It can support self-weight accounting, but member adequacy also depends on the applicable loads, unbraced conditions, limit states, connections, materials, and project requirements.
