Nucor-Yamato Introduces Deepest U.S.-Manufactured Beams
03/14/2008 - Nucor-Yamato Steel is introducing 44-inch deep wide-flange structural shapes, making it the first mill in the Western Hemisphere to produce sections at this depth.
Nucor-Yamato Steel Co. is introducing 44-inch deep wide-flange structural shapes, becoming the first mill in the Western Hemisphere to produce sections at this depth.
Nucor-Yamato is introducing four 44-inch deep sections: W44x335, W44x290, W44x262 and W44x230. The maximum length for these sections is 120 feet long.
These beams are of particular interest to the highway bridge market for use as primary bridge beams, or "stringers". These horizontal load-carrying members support the primary bridge deck and roadway surface. Until now, the deepest U.S.-produced sections had been Nucor-Yamato's W40x431 sections.
The W40 sections and other deeper-rolled beams have been getting increasing use in bridges, particularly in the Midwest. Some highway departments, such as the Kansas Department of Transportation, have used Nucor-Yamato Steel deep rolled beams since the mid-1990s.
The first production rolling of the W44 sections is scheduled for the week of May 25, 2008. The sections will then be included in future rolling schedules.
Nucor-Yamato Steel is a joint venture between Nucor Corp. and Japan's Yamato Kogyo Co.
Nucor and affiliates manufacture steel products, with operating facilities primarily in the U.S. and Canada. Products include carbon and alloy steel bars, beams, sheet and plate; steel joists and joist girders; steel deck; fabricated concrete reinforcing steel; cold finished steel; steel fasteners; metal building systems; light gauge steel framing; steel grating and expanded metal; and wire and wire mesh. Nucor also brokers ferrous and nonferrous metals, pig iron and HRI/DRI; supplies ferro-alloys; and processes ferrous and nonferrous scrap.
Nucor is North America's largest recycler.
