W40x503 steel shape reference
The W40x503 is a W-shaped structural steel section identified by its catalog designation. This reference page preserves the listed dimensions, section properties, AISC context, and DWG resource for engineering, detailing, and drafting workflows.
Use the source values below as the controlling local reference for this shape. For design work, confirm material requirements, connection details, load effects, 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 : 1069.3 mm
Width : 416.6 mm
Web Thickness : 39.1 mm
Flange Thickness : 70.1 mm
Root Fillet Radius : 30 mm
Sectional Area : 954.84 cm2
Unit Weight : 749.5 kg/m
How to read the W40x503 reference
The listed depth and width describe the overall envelope of the section. Web thickness refers to the central web, while flange thickness refers to the projecting flange elements. The root fillet radius identifies the curved transition between the web and flange and can matter when checking clearances, detailing, and modeling assumptions.
Sectional area is reported in square centimeters and describes the total steel area through a cross-section. Unit weight is reported in kilograms per meter and is useful for material takeoffs and coordination, subject to project-specific verification.
AISC reference and drafting use
The source identifies AISC 360-16, the 2016 edition of the Specification for Structural Steel Buildings. That specification provides requirements related to the design, fabrication, and erection of steel structures in the United States. It should be read together with the project documents and the engineer’s selected design method.
For CAD coordination, the linked DWG can support preliminary drafting and model setup. Check the downloaded geometry against the authoritative dimensions on this page before using it for fabrication, connection detailing, or final documentation. Related references on this site may include W-shape terminology, steel section properties, and steel connection detailing.
W40x503 FAQ
What type of section is W40x503?
W40x503 is identified here as a W beam, also commonly described as a wide-flange structural steel shape. The page’s source content provides the controlling dimensions and properties for this specific designation.
What units are used for the listed properties?
Depth, width, web thickness, flange thickness, and root fillet radius are listed in millimeters. Sectional area is listed in square centimeters, and unit weight is listed in kilograms per meter.
Can the DWG be used directly for final fabrication?
The DWG is a drafting resource and should be checked against the source dimensions and project requirements before use in fabrication or final design documentation. A qualified engineer or detailer should verify the applicable geometry and detailing assumptions.
Does the designation alone define the design capacity?
No. A shape designation identifies the referenced section, but design capacity depends on the applicable material, loading, limit states, support conditions, connections, and project requirements. Use the governing design specification and project-specific engineering checks.
