W21X122 Steel Beam — Section Properties

Dimensions

Property Value Unit
Depth (d) 21.70 in (551.2 mm)
Flange Width (bf) 12.40 in (315.0 mm)
Flange Thickness (tf) 0.96 in
Web Thickness (tw) 0.60 in
Area (A) 35.90 in² (231.6 cm²)
Weight 122 lb/ft (182 kg/m)

Elastic Section Properties

Property Strong Axis (X-X) Weak Axis (Y-Y) Unit
Moment of Inertia (I) 2,960 305 in⁴
Elastic Section Modulus (S) 273 49.20 in³
Plastic Section Modulus (Z) 307 75.60 in³
Radius of Gyration (r) 9.09 2.92 in

Torsional Properties

Property Value Unit
Torsional Constant (J) 8.98 in⁴
Warping Constant (Cw) 32,700 in⁶
Distance Between Flange Centroids (ho) 20.70 in
Effective Radius (rts) 3.40 in

Design Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the weight of a W21X122 beam? 122 lb/ft (182 kg/m). A 40-ft length weighs approximately 4,880 lbs.

What is the section modulus of W21X122? Sx = 273 in³ (strong axis) and Sy = 49.2 in³ (weak axis). The plastic section modulus Zx = 307 in³ and Zy = 75.6 in³.

What steel grade is standard for W21X122? Typically ASTM A992 (Fy = 50 ksi, Fu = 65 ksi) for W-shapes. Also available in A572 Grade 50 or A36. Verify with mill certificate.

What is the moment of inertia of W21X122? Ix = 2960 in⁴ about the strong axis and Iy = 305 in⁴ about the weak axis. The radius of gyration is rx = 9.09 in and ry = 2.92 in.

Related Pages


Educational reference only. Verify all section properties against the current AISC Manual and mill certificates before design. Results are PRELIMINARY — NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION.