The W21x83 is a W-shaped structural steel beam reference for engineers, detailers, fabricators, and estimators. This page provides the listed geometric dimensions, sectional area, unit weight, AISC context, and a DWG download for use in steel design and drafting workflows.
Use the values below as a section-reference resource, then verify the applicable material specification, design assumptions, connection details, and project requirements before using the shape in engineering work. For related terminology, see the steel shapes reference and the W-shapes index.
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 : 543.6 mm
Width : 212.3 mm
Web Thickness : 13.1 mm
Flange Thickness : 21.2 mm
Root Fillet Radius : 12.8 mm
Sectional Area : 157.42 cm2
Unit Weight : 123.6 kg/m
How to read the W21x83 reference
The W designation identifies a wide-flange beam. The listed dimensions describe the overall section geometry and the proportions of its web, flanges, and root transition. Depth and width are useful for layout and clearance checks, while web thickness, flange thickness, and root fillet radius help communicate the rolled shape during detailing and connection development.
Section properties and unit weight
Sectional area describes the steel area represented by the cross-section. It is used with material and design information in calculations such as strength, stiffness, and connection checks. Unit weight expresses the listed mass per unit length and is useful for preliminary quantity takeoffs, handling considerations, shipping estimates, and modeling. Neither value alone establishes allowable capacity or suitability for a specific structural application.
AISC context and CAD reference
The source identifies AISC 360-16 as the governing specification reference for structural steel design, fabrication, and erection guidance in the United States. Treat that reference as design context rather than a substitute for project-specific engineering review. The downloadable DWG can support drafting and coordination, but CAD geometry should be checked against the authoritative section data before fabrication or construction documents are issued.
For additional guidance, connect this page to related resources on steel section properties, steel connections, and structural steel CAD and DWG files.
W21x83 frequently asked questions
What type of shape is W21x83?
W21x83 is a W-shaped, or wide-flange, structural steel beam designation. The source data on this page identifies its geometry and reference properties.
Can the listed unit weight be used as a design capacity?
No. Unit weight describes mass per unit length. Design capacity depends on the applicable material, limit state, support conditions, loads, unbraced length, connections, and other project-specific factors.
What does the AISC 360-16 reference provide?
It identifies the AISC Specification for Structural Steel Buildings, 2016 edition, as the referenced framework for structural steel design, fabrication, and erection in the United States.
What is the DWG download used for?
The DWG is intended as a drafting and coordination aid. Confirm its geometry and units against the source section data before relying on it for fabrication or issued construction documentation.
