The W21x48 is a wide-flange steel section listed with metric dimensions and section data for drafting, estimating, and engineering reference. This page presents the source dimensions, sectional area, unit weight, and a downloadable DWG file.
Use the technical values below as the authoritative local reference for this section. For design work, verify material requirements, loading, stability, connection details, and applicable project criteria with 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 : 523.2 mm
Width : 206.8 mm
Web Thickness : 8.9 mm
Flange Thickness : 10.9 mm
Root Fillet Radius : 12.7 mm
Sectional Area : 90.97 cm2
Unit Weight : 71.4 kg/m
How to read the W21x48 reference data
The listed depth and width describe the section’s overall geometric envelope. Web thickness identifies the thickness of the central web, while flange thickness identifies the thickness of the top and bottom flange elements. These dimensions are useful when checking clearances, detailing connections, and coordinating steel members in drawings.
Section properties and weight
Sectional area is the cross-sectional steel area reported for the member. It is a basic geometric property used with other section and material data in engineering calculations. The listed unit weight expresses the member’s mass per unit length; it should not be treated as a measure of load capacity or design strength.
Root fillet and detailing
The root fillet radius describes the curved transition between the web and flange. This region matters when detailing plates, bolted or welded connections, copes, stiffeners, and other components that must fit against the rolled shape.
AISC reference and CAD download
The source identifies AISC 360-16 as the governing reference context for structural steel building design, fabrication, and erection in the United States. The accompanying DWG download can support drafting and coordination workflows. Always check the drawing against the project standard and the authoritative section data before fabrication or construction.
W21x48 frequently asked questions
What type of section is W21x48?
W21x48 is identified as a W beam, also called a wide-flange steel section. The page’s source data provides its dimensions, area, unit weight, and root fillet information.
What does the unit weight describe?
The unit weight describes the member’s mass per unit length. It is useful for material takeoffs and estimating, but it does not by itself establish structural capacity.
Why is the root fillet radius important?
The root fillet is the curved transition between the web and flange. Its geometry can affect the fit of connection plates, stiffeners, copes, and other detailing components.
Is a DWG file available for this section?
Yes. The source content includes a DWG download for the W21x48. Review the file against the published reference data and project drafting requirements before using it for fabrication or construction.
Does this page provide a complete design check?
No. The listed properties are reference information. Member design also depends on material, loads, boundary conditions, stability, connections, detailing, and applicable project requirements.
