Structural steel sections are load-bearing elements with a defined cross-section that play a central role in building construction, infrastructure, and plant engineering. They form frames, beams, and bracing, carry loads over large spans, and serve as connecting members in composite and reinforced concrete structures. They are equally important for deconstruction, interior demolition, and selective cutting: here, the proper identification, separation, and processing of sections determines safety, pace, and material separation—especially where structural steel sections are connected with concrete, masonry, or tanks and pipelines. Products such as steel shears for structural sections, concrete demolition shears, versatile Multi Cutters for cross-sections, as well as hydraulic power packs from Darda GmbH are typically used in these contexts.
Definition: What is meant by a structural steel section
A structural steel section is a long steel product with a constant or intentionally varying cross-section, manufactured by hot rolling, cold forming, or welding. A distinction is made between open sections (e.g., I-, H-, U-, L-, T-sections) and closed hollow sections (round, square, or rectangular tubes). Characteristic features include standardized dimensions, cross-sectional properties (area, second moments of area and section moduli, torsional properties), and material grades. In practice, these sections are fabricated into beams, columns, frames, and bracing—in new construction as well as in composite sections with concrete. In deconstruction they must be identified, separated, and—depending on how they are tied into the structure—safely cut or removed.
Types and geometries of structural steel sections
Common section families include I- and H-beams (also wide-flange sections), U-sections (channels), L-sections (angles), T-sections, Z-sections, as well as round and rectangular hollow sections. Open sections offer high bending capacity at low weight, while hollow sections excel through favorable torsional behavior and slender column geometries. The section choice depends on load-bearing capacity, connection details, fabrication, and erection. In deconstruction, the geometry influences the choice of steel shears, Multi Cutters, or concrete demolition shears, which determine jaw opening, cutting geometry, and cutting strategy.
Manufacturing and materials
Hot-rolled sections are produced from billets in the rolling mill; cold-formed sections by bending/forming steel strip; welded hollow sections are made from sheet preforms. Common grades are structural steels of normal or higher strength (e.g., fine-grain structural steels). Galvanized or coated variants are used in corrosive environments. Higher-strength steels require adjusted cutting forces and tool materials when separating. For hydraulically operated tools from Darda GmbH, the combination of steel grade, section thickness, and section shape governs the selection of suitable cutting devices and hydraulic power packs.
Use and significance in construction, deconstruction, and application areas
Structural steel sections appear in all project phases: from new construction to specialized deconstruction. In composite beams they are encased by concrete, in halls and bridge structures they are exposed, and in tunnel construction they form part of temporary or permanent linings. For selective cutting, depending on the task, steel shears, combination shears, Multi Cutters, concrete demolition shears, tank cutters, and suitable hydraulic power packs are used.
Concrete demolition and specialized deconstruction
In composite sections, the structural steel section and concrete must be separated. Concrete demolition shears break off the concrete cover in a controlled manner and expose the steel sections and shear connectors. Steel shears then cut the sections in segments—low-vibration and low-spark, which is advantageous in sensitive areas.
Interior demolition and cutting
In industrial halls, ceiling voids, and façade frames, sections are cut selectively to control load redistribution. Multi Cutters and combination shears are suitable for various cross-sections when, in addition to steel, pipes, sheet metal, or reinforcement are encountered. suitable hydraulic power units supply the tools with the required hydraulic power.
Rock excavation and tunnel construction
Structural steel sections serve as support in heading and stabilization (e.g., lattice girders, spiles, anchors). During the removal of temporary linings or when refurbishing tunnel portals, sections are cut with steel shears. Where concrete encasements exist, concrete demolition shears assist in exposing them.
Natural stone extraction
In and around quarries, sections support sawing equipment, conveyor systems, and work platforms. When modifying such installations, controlled cutting and securing of the sections is important to minimize vibrations and impacts on natural stone blocks.
Special applications
For tanks, vessels, and pipelines made of steel, intrinsically safe, low-spark methods are required. Here, tank cutters and shears with suitable cutting geometry are used, supplemented by gas-free clearance and degassing as part of safe work planning.
Cutting and processing techniques for structural steel sections
Separation is carried out mechanically (shearing, sawing), thermally (flame cutting), or abrasively (cut-off wheels, water jet). In many deconstruction projects, hydraulic shears prove their worth because they work powerfully and precisely while keeping emissions comparatively low. In composite sections, concrete demolition shears and steel shears often go hand in hand: first release the concrete, then cut the section.
Selection criteria for hydraulic shears and demolition shears
- Cutting force and jaw opening matched to section depth/height, web/flange thickness, and hollow-section wall thickness
- Cutting geometry for open sections versus hollow sections (consider torsional behavior)
- Steel grade (higher strength requires higher cutting force)
- Accessibility and cut location (top cut, side cut, flush cut)
- Hydraulic power, weight, and handling in confined areas
Design and cross-sectional properties at a glance
For planning, assessment, and deconstruction sequences, cross-sectional properties are central. They govern structural behavior and provide guidance on cutting sequences, shoring, and stability during dismantling.
Key parameters
- Cross-sectional area A (self-weight, tensile/compressive load-bearing capacity)
- Second moments of area Iy/Iz and section moduli Wy/Wz (bending capacity)
- Torsional properties It, Wt (torsional stiffness, torsional sensitivity)
- Slenderness, buckling length, and local buckling fields (stability behavior)
Standards, designations, and markings
Sections are described by systematic short designations for geometry and material grade. Common structural steels are regulated by European standards; hollow sections differ by manufacturing process (hot formed, cold formed). This information helps in selecting suitable cutting and splitting devices. Notes in technical documents are of a general nature and do not replace project-specific assessments.
Occupational safety and environmental protection in section cutting
Safe workflows take priority when cutting structural steel sections. Cold-cutting shears reduce sparks, heat, and fumes. Nevertheless, fall protection, load transfer, rebound, noise, and possible residual stresses must be considered. When working on tanks or pipelines, additional measures such as draining, cleaning, and gas-free clearance are essential. The low-emission approach supports the goals of environmentally friendly deconstruction.
Deconstruction planning, logistics, and recycling
Steel is almost fully recyclable. To achieve high recycling rates, source-separated sorting is crucial. In composite sections, concrete demolition shears facilitate exposing, while rock and concrete hydraulic wedge splitters can initiate cracks in a targeted manner to separate concrete from steel. Steel shears cut the sections into transportable lengths. Hydraulic power packs provide the necessary output, including for mobile use on construction sites.
Separate by material type
- Separate concrete from steel (expose, break, split)
- Bundle sections by grade and dimensions
- Create transport lengths without overloading connections and supports
Documentation and quality
Documenting section types, interfaces, and disposal routes supports verification and the optimization of future projects. Visual inspection and, where necessary, simple test methods help identify section families and material states.
Practice: Avoid common mistakes
- Unfavorable cutting sequence leading to uncontrolled load redistribution
- Underestimated residual stresses in hollow sections with distortion or loud popping
- Insufficient jaw opening or cutting force for thick-flanged beams
- Cuts too close to welds or gusset plates without intermediate shoring
- Overlooked steel grade: higher-strength steels require adjusted tool selection
- Missing securing of section ends against tipping, twisting, or falling
Special aspects of hollow sections and composite constructions
Hollow sections exhibit a different deformation behavior under shearing than open sections; bearing pressure and stability of the shell must be considered. In composite beams, shear connectors and connections must first be exposed. Concrete demolition shears facilitate this step. For subsequent cuts, tools with suitable cutting geometry—such as Multi Cutters or steel shears—are appropriate.