Rolled iron I-beam
Viga de doble T laminada de hierro
- Date
- 1849 · confidence medium
- Place
- Pompey, Meurthe-et-Moselle, France
- Credited to
- Alphonse Halbou (Pompey ironworks) and Ferdinand Zorès
- Field
- Tools
⚠️ Disputed: the sources disagree.
What it is
A rolled I-shaped section that places most of the material in the flanges, where bending stresses are highest, at much less weight than a solid beam. It allowed lighter iron and steel floors and bridges and longer spans.
It is credited to Halbou (1849) and also to Zorès, who patented U- and double-T irons in 1847-1848. I-section beams were already made in cast and riveted form.
What it led to
- metal floors and tall building frames
- standardised rolled steel sections
- fireproof iron and steel buildings