Are Different Profile Web Width Necessary for Light Gauge Steel Structures?

Are Different Profile Web Width Necessary for Light Gauge Steel Structures?: Light gauge steel (LGS) structures are becoming an increasingly preferred type of construction in the modern building sector. Unlike traditional reinforced concrete systems, LGS structures offer advantages such as flexible design options, lightweight materials, fast assembly, and high durability. However, one of the most significant benefits of these systems is that using different web width sizes (Web Width) allows for optimal structural performance and cost savings.

Traditional reinforced concrete structures adhere to specific standards and thicknesses due to the heavy materials used, whereas light gauge steel structures allow for the use of different profile widths that can be optimized based on the building’s load-bearing requirements, insulation needs, and cost advantages.

In this blog post, we will discuss why different web width sizes are necessary for LGS structures and examine their advantages in terms of structural strength, cost, and construction efficiency.

Are Different Profile Web Widths Necessary for Light Gauge Steel Structures?

1.What is Web Width?

Web width refers to the base width of the profiles used in light gauge steel structures. In technical literature, it is referred to as “Web Width Size.” This measurement, along with sheet thickness, determines the profile’s load-bearing capacity. Depending on the light gauge steel machine model you choose, machines can produce single or multiple web widths, as well as single or multiple flange sizes.

Multiple web widths are generally necessary for standard structures.
Multiple flange sizes are typically required for professional or large-scale buildings.

In general, the most commonly used web width sizes in the market are:

60 mm (2.5″)
90 mm (3.5″)
150 mm (6″)

However, depending on the design, other web width sizes can also be used. For example, in the United States, commercial residential buildings commonly use 3 5/8″ (92 mm) web widths.
As the height of steel structures increases, the use of different web width sizes becomes more important.

X: Web Width Size
Y: Flange Size
Z: Lip Size

Every building has different load-bearing requirements. Structural elements such as exterior walls, interior partitions, roofs, and floor joists must be designed based on their specific load-bearing capacities. Instead of using a single web width throughout the structure, selecting appropriate sizes for different components ensures a more balanced, durable, and cost-effective building.

Blue Panels: 150mm / 6″
Red Panels: 90mm / 3,5″ – 3 5/8″
Black Panels: 60mm / 2,5″

**This demonstration design gives you a general idea of how to use different web width sizes in a steel structure. (Common usage of different web width sizes in steel construction.) Web width sizes may vary depending on your design and structural analysis.

2.1 Exterior Walls: Increasing Load-Bearing Capacity

Exterior walls are among the most load-bearing elements of a structure. Additionally, they have a multi-layered structure due to insulation and exterior cladding. To enhance both the load-bearing and insulation capacity of exterior walls, wider web widths should be preferred.

Larger web widths allow for more insulation material (e.g., mineral wool) to be placed inside the wall panels. This helps to minimize heat loss and improve energy efficiency.
A 150 mm web width is typically preferred for standard exterior walls. This width ensures greater resistance against environmental factors and structural loads.
Profiles with a larger web width provide greater resistance against wind and seismic loads, enhancing the overall stability and durability of the structure.

2.2 Interior Walls: Lightweight and Cost Efficiency

Interior partition walls do not significantly contribute to the building’s load-bearing capacity, meaning excessive material usage is unnecessary. For this reason, narrower web widths are preferred for interior walls, creating a lighter and more cost-effective structure.

A 90 mm web width is an ideal choice for interior walls. Since the load-bearing requirement is minimal, using wider profiles would only increase costs unnecessarily.
Using thinner profiles also reduces installation time and helps save on labor costs by making the assembly process more efficient.

2.3 Intermediate Floor Joists: Balanced Load Distribution

Joists used in intermediate floors play a critical role in load distribution. However, because they are arranged in tight grids, excessively wide profiles can lead to unnecessary material costs and excessive weight.

A 90 mm web width is generally preferred for intermediate floor joists. This size maintains load-bearing capacity while preventing unnecessary weight accumulation, keeping the structure lightweight.
For multi-story buildings, optimized joist systems help enhance the overall static performance of the structure, making it more efficient and structurally sound.

2.4 Roof Joists: Lightweight and Durable Design

Roof joists should be designed to be lightweight yet strong, reducing the total weight of the building while maintaining structural integrity.

A 60 mm web width is ideal for roof joists. This ensures sufficient support for the roofing material while preventing excessive weight from being added to the overall structure.
Using lighter roof profiles minimizes the total structural load, speeds up the construction process, and reduces costs associated with both materials and labor.

By implementing this system, a building can be designed to be both lightweight and durable, without unnecessary material usage. This approach benefits both manufacturers and end users by providing a cost-effective solution.

2.5 Intermediate Floor Chassis for Large Structures: Increased Thickness for Heavy-Duty Applications

In large-scale or high-volume buildings, Intermediate Floor Chassis provides a reinforced load-bearing solution with thicker steel sheets up to 2.5 mm.

Typically 200-250 mm wide web profiles are used for intermediate floor systems in large buildings.
The increased thickness and width improve load distribution, making these profiles suitable for high-volume projects and large commercial structures.
Due to high load-bearing efficiency and fast production rates, Intermediate Floor Chassis systems are preferred in large-scale corporate and industrial buildings.

Cost and Material Savings

Using different web widths allows for significant material cost savings while optimizing the structural efficiency of a building.

If 150 mm-wide profiles were used throughout the entire structure, it would lead to unnecessary material consumption and add extra weight where it is not needed.
Conversely, if only 90 mm profiles were used, exterior walls and load-bearing columns might not be strong enough, leading to structural instability and insulation issues.
The optimal solution is to use a combination of web widths tailored to the needs of different building components, minimizing material waste and ensuring a lightweight yet robust structure.

Real-World Example:

For a three-story light gauge steel building, the following profile widths could be used:

150 mm for exterior walls
90 mm for interior walls
60 mm for roof elements

By adopting this approach, up to 15% material savings can be achieved. Additionally, using narrower profile sections reduces the total amount of steel used, further lowering manufacturing costs.

As a result, this system enables the construction of a lightweight, cost-effective, and durable building.

Production and Calibration with Rollform Machines

Light gauge steel profiles are manufactured using rollforming machines. UNBAK Machinery’s IC Series rollform machines are designed to produce profiles of different widths, offering automated calibration for flexibility in production.

Rollform Machine Capabilities:

IC-1000SA: Suitable for small-scale structures, capable of processing multiple web widths with a maximum sheet thickness of 1.2 mm.
IC-2500SA: Designed for medium-scale projects, capable of handling multiple web widths with a maximum sheet thickness of 1.6 mm.
IC-3000 & IC-5000 Series: Ideal for large-scale projects, capable of producing multiple web widths with a maximum sheet thickness of 2.5 mm.

By utilizing flexible rollforming technology, manufacturers can produce profiles in different widths as needed, ensuring cost-effective material usage and optimized production efficiency.

The Importance of Using Different Web Widths in Light Gauge Steel Structures

The use of varied web widths (Web Width) in light gauge steel structures is not just a technical necessity but also a key economic and environmental strategy. By selecting the appropriate width for each structural component, builders can achieve:

✅ Reduced building weight for better structural performance.
✅ Lower material costs by avoiding unnecessary steel usage.
✅ Faster construction times due to optimized assembly.
✅ Improved energy efficiency with enhanced insulation.
✅ Sustainable building solutions with minimal material waste.

Disclaimer:
The data provided in this article is based on commonly used standards in the light gauge steel construction market. For precise web width sizes and sheet thickness requirements suited to your specific project, consulting your architect or structural engineer is recommended.