I-beams
An I-beam is a beam with an I shaped (or an H-shaped) cross section. The horizontal piece is known as a flange and the vertical one is called the web. The web resists shear forces and the flanges resist bending. It is usually made out of steel.
![Picture](/uploads/5/0/7/1/50715611/857006935.jpg?494)
Why it is important
It is used in many ways. They are important because they hold up houses. It has a cross section that supports the house or building e.g. towers, apartments and more. You can see them being used locally at the YMCA underneath the running track.