W21x223 is a W-shape steel beam reference for engineers, detailers, fabricators, and CAD users working with structural steel. This page provides the listed section dimensions, sectional area, unit weight, and a DWG resource associated with the shape.
Use the values below as a reference for identifying the section and coordinating drawings. Final member selection, strength checks, serviceability checks, connection design, and detailing should be completed by a qualified engineer using the applicable 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 : 594.4 mm
Width : 322.6 mm
Web Thickness : 25.4 mm
Flange Thickness : 45.5 mm
Root Fillet Radius : 30 mm
Sectional Area : 429.03 cm2
Unit Weight : 336.8 kg/m
How to read the W21x223 reference
The W designation identifies a wide-flange beam series. The section dimensions describe the overall depth and flange width, while web thickness, flange thickness, and root fillet radius help define the rolled cross-sectional geometry for modeling and detailing.
Sectional area describes the amount of steel in the cross-section and is used in calculations such as axial resistance, self-weight assessment, and section-property development. Unit weight expresses the listed mass per unit length, which is useful for estimating member loads, handling requirements, and material quantities.
Using this data in design and drafting
For design work, the dimensional list should be used together with the relevant section properties, material specification, load effects, stability checks, and connection requirements. Dimensions alone do not establish a member’s capacity or suitability for a particular structure.
For drafting and coordination, compare the section designation and profile dimensions with the project model, connection details, coping requirements, and fabrication constraints. The available DWG file can support CAD workflows, but imported geometry should be checked against the authoritative project reference before fabrication or construction use.
Related steel-shape references
Readers may also benefit from the site’s guides to W-shape terminology, steel section properties, AISC reference conventions, and structural steel CAD and DWG resources. These topics provide useful context without replacing project-specific engineering review.
Frequently asked questions
What is W21x223?
W21x223 is a designated W-shape structural steel beam. The source reference identifies it as a W Beam and provides its dimensional and mass-related properties.
What standard is referenced for this section?
The source refers to AISC 16, identified there as the American Institute of Steel Construction Specification for Structural Steel Buildings, AISC 360-16. The referenced specification addresses design, fabrication, and erection requirements for steel structures in the United States.
What does the root fillet radius describe?
The root fillet radius describes the curved transition between the web and flange of the rolled beam profile. It matters when modeling the section accurately and when coordinating connections, copes, or other details near the web-to-flange transition.
Can the DWG file be used directly for fabrication?
The DWG download is a drafting reference. Review the imported geometry, units, layer information, and project-specific detailing requirements before using it for fabrication or construction documentation.
Does the listed unit weight determine design capacity?
No. Unit weight describes the member’s listed mass per unit length. Design capacity also depends on material, loading, unsupported length, boundary conditions, limit states, and connection behavior.
