The W36x170 is a W-shape steel beam reference entry for engineers, detailers, fabricators, and students working with structural steel documentation. This page preserves the source dimensions and section data while adding context for reading the designation, checking the listed properties, and using the associated CAD resource.
Use the values below as a section-reference starting point, not as a substitute for project-specific design checks. Member selection also depends on loading, span, restraint, connection details, material specification, and applicable design 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 : 919.5 mm
Width : 304.8 mm
Web Thickness : 17.3 mm
Flange Thickness : 27.9 mm
Root Fillet Radius : 19 mm
Sectional Area : 322.58 cm2
Unit Weight : 253.2 kg/m
How to read the W36x170 reference
The designation is the lookup key used to identify this W-shape in a steel-shape database. The source content identifies the member as a W Beam and provides its geometric dimensions, sectional area, and unit weight. These values help users coordinate analysis models, drawings, material takeoffs, and connection details.
What the listed properties describe
- Depth and width describe the overall envelope of the section and are important for framing coordination and connection clearances.
- Web thickness and flange thickness describe the main plate elements that form the rolled shape. They are relevant to local checks, detailing, and fabrication review.
- Root fillet radius identifies the transition between the web and flange. This area can affect fit-up, coping, seating, and connection detailing.
- Sectional area supports material quantity calculations and may be used with other section properties during engineering analysis.
- Unit weight supports preliminary shipping, handling, and dead-load calculations, subject to project verification.
Using the AISC and CAD references
The source cites the AISC Specification for Structural Steel Buildings, AISC 360-16, as the governing reference context for structural steel design, fabrication, and erection information. Confirm the project’s adopted requirements and material documentation before relying on a section entry for design or procurement.
The downloadable DWG file can help with drafting and layout workflows. Review the file against the listed reference data and your office CAD standards before incorporating it into issued drawings. For related research, connect this page with the site’s W-shape dimensions, steel section properties, structural steel terminology, and CAD/DWG resources pages.
W36x170 FAQ
What is the W36x170?
It is a W-shape steel beam entry identified by the W36x170 designation. The source data provides its dimensions, sectional area, unit weight, and root fillet information.
Can the listed dimensions be used for structural design?
They can support preliminary reference and coordination, but they do not by themselves establish member capacity. Final design requires project loads, boundary conditions, material information, applicable limit states, and engineering review.
Why is the root fillet radius useful?
The root fillet is the curved transition between the web and flange. Accounting for this geometry can improve connection detailing, fit-up checks, and coordination around flange-to-web transitions.
What is the DWG download used for?
The DWG is intended to support drafting and CAD coordination. Check its geometry and layer or block conventions before using it in production documentation.
