The W21x57 is a wide-flange structural steel beam reference for engineers, detailers, fabricators, and students working with steel framing information. This page presents the locally authoritative dimensions and section properties together with the applicable AISC reference identified in the source.
Use the listed values when reviewing drawings, checking a section schedule, or coordinating a steel model. For related terminology, see the site’s references on W-shapes, section properties, steel connections, and structural steel detailing.
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 : 535.9 mm
Width : 166.6 mm
Web Thickness : 10.3 mm
Flange Thickness : 16.5 mm
Root Fillet Radius : 12.7 mm
Sectional Area : 107.74 cm2
Unit Weight : 84.6 kg/m
How to read the W21x57 reference
The source identifies this member as a W beam. The dimensional entries describe the overall depth and flange width, while web thickness and flange thickness describe the principal plate elements of the rolled shape. The root fillet radius identifies the transition region between the web and flange, which is important when interpreting section geometry and detailing clearances.
Section properties and unit weight
The listed sectional area is a geometric property of the steel cross-section. It can support section identification and engineering calculations, but design checks also depend on the governing design method, material specification, load effects, restraint conditions, connections, and other project requirements. The listed unit weight is useful for estimating member dead load and coordinating material quantities; final design decisions require verification by the responsible engineer.
AISC reference and drafting resource
The source refers to the American Institute of Steel Construction Specification for Structural Steel Buildings (AISC 360-16). That reference provides the design, fabrication, and erection framework identified on the original page; it does not replace project-specific engineering review. A DWG file is also provided for CAD and drafting workflows. Treat downloaded geometry as a reference and confirm it against the authoritative section data before fabrication or construction.
W21x57 frequently asked questions
What type of section is the W21x57?
It is identified in the source as a W beam, commonly described as a wide-flange structural steel shape.
Which dimensions are listed for this beam?
The reference lists depth, width, web thickness, flange thickness, and root fillet radius. These values describe the primary cross-sectional geometry shown in the source content.
What section properties are provided?
The page provides sectional area and unit weight. Use them as reference data and coordinate any design application with the applicable project criteria and engineering checks.
Is the DWG file suitable for final fabrication?
The DWG is a drafting and CAD reference. Review its geometry against the source data and project documents before using it for fabrication, detailing, or construction.
What does AISC 360-16 provide?
The cited AISC specification establishes requirements and guidance for the design, fabrication, and erection of structural steel buildings. The responsible design professional must determine how those requirements apply to a specific project.
