Another very common steel beam shape that is used is called an "I-Beam". It is light weight and strong. Why do you think it is called an "I-Beam"? Look at it carefully!

Engineers also discovered that another shape that is excellent to use is the cylindrical pillar. Because it has no corners, the force of a weight placed on top is spread out evenly along the full surface. In this way, the cylindrical pillar will resist buckling.

Another wonderful design structure is the "arch". Arches have been used for over 2000 years, especially for contructing bridges across rivers, gorges and ravines. How did the Romans build a stone arch?

Finally, the triangle shape is amazing! It is used in trusses . . .

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