What is this? Aluminum I-beam question

I have a bunch of this aluminum I-beam at the shop. In total I have 156 linear feet, but I would like to use it for a show set and need 200 linear feet. I went shopping for it online and didn't find what I need.

It is 1-7/8" wide and 3-5/16" tall. The ribbing on the top and bottom suggest it might be something to do with window/door installation material? All of the aluminum I-beam I found from metal suppliers is smooth face and its only made in nominal sizes like 3-1/2 or 5"

I just want to find 50 more feet of this stuff if I can instead of opening the big wallet for 200 virgin feet of new stuff.

(close up picture makes it look beefier than it is. Wall thickness is only 1/16" or less)

Boat dock?

Interesting. The profile looks more like an aluminum association I beam and not an American standard I beam. Doesn't look like a common size from what I see. (Resisting the urge to make a joke about the ribbing - too easy)

I'm sure some mechanical engineer or architect will come along shortly and actually know what it is and where to get more of it.

I am wondering if it is part of some sort of staging setup. The webbing is very thin compared to the cords. It also looks to be welded

I think it is an an AA (aluminium Association) I beam not an AS (American Standard)

T.J. was faster at posting than I was :-)

My suspicion is that since that is welded it was probably custom made.

Can you make your extra 50' out of plywood and use it in backgrounds or does it all need to have equal strength?

Trade it in at the metal yard?

That center is kinda thin....

It's i beam for a 3.25" patio enclosure roof system.

Seawaymfg.com should be able to help in PA

You have to love this place.

dean1484 wrote: T.J. was faster at posting than I was :-)

You're both right. Its AA and not AS

dimarra wrote: Can you make your extra 50' out of plywood and use it in backgrounds or does it all need to have equal strength?

Valid question. yes and no is the answer .

The design calls for a wall 24' high and 40' wide that is a grid of 4x4' open squares.

I can build it out of 1x3 (or 3/4 ply cut into 2.5" strips) constructed kinda like a pallet; making each upright a U-channel of 1x lumber. The problem is, the wall needs to be transported in sections to the performance theater, then re-assembled and hoisted upright. A 24x40' wall of 1x3 is a big flimsy toothpick. Great when on the ground flat, fine when vertical, impossible to fly without snapping it.

Since I have almost enough of this I-beam stuff to make all the uprights, it makes sense to use its rigidity. Its surprisingly strong. I can make the wall in four sections, transport it, assemble it, hang it from a rig and just lift it up.

bentwrench wrote: Trade it in at the metal yard? That center is kinda thin....

I could, but this stuff is much stronger than it looks. It is not good stuff for structural building, but for building a static wall that needs to be self-supporting as it goes up 24 feet, it is glorious overkill.

patgizz wrote: It's i beam for a 3.25" patio enclosure roof system. Seawaymfg.com should be able to help in PA

This is why I love GRM. Patgizz, thank you for the response, the link, and the text to help me sort it out. I will be calling them tomorrow.

curtis73 wrote:

patgizz wrote: It's i beam for a 3.25" patio enclosure roof system. Seawaymfg.com should be able to help in PA

This is why I love GRM. Patgizz, thank you for the response, the link, and the text to help me sort it out. I will be calling them tomorrow.

I don't recall the thickness of their roof system but i know i've used panels that size before. If they can't help shoot me back a text i can check with the local manufacturer as my moms best friend works there and we still have an account to buy from them.