Quote:
Originally posted by boatin
So why is an "I" beam a "W" beam?
What is cement then?
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A W beam is what most people call an I beam.
The W stands for "wide flange"
For example beams are called a W18 x 64 which means a wide flange beam of 18" in height and 64 pounds per linear foot (roughly)
There would be a W 18 x 72 which is also 18" high, but 72 pounds per linear foot. etc etc.
Actually, if you ever see any old drawings from the early part of the 1900's they used to call them I beams in fact. I am not sure if the designation was changed, or a new type of beam was introduced at some point and was called the W section.
There is also the S section which more closely resembles the I configuration than the W section, but is not commonly used.
My pet peave is people who say "ASH-FALT" when that's not how it is pronounces. It's ASS-PHALT (Asphalt)
Want to be really confused, go to Britain where they call the sidewalk pavement. I.e. there is no such thing as a sidewalk, it's the pavement.
To me, pavement is the road, and sidewalk is the concrete pad you walk on that is slightly higher than the road.
Other little britishisms.
You hire a car where we would say you rent a car.
Things are not on sale, they are "on offer"
bandages are "plasters"
You don't get run over by a car, you get "knocked down" (not good no matter how you say it.)