Channel steel, also known as channel sections or simply "channel," is a type of structural steel with a C-shaped cross-section. It's commonly used in construction and manufacturing due to its strength and versatility. Here’s a detailed overview:

Chemical Composition

The chemical composition of channel steel can vary depending on the specific grade and standards followed. However, most structural steel channels are made from mild steel or carbon steel, which typically contains:

Standard Sizes

Channel steel sizes vary widely depending on the design requirements and regional standards. The dimensions are usually specified by the height of the channel, the width of the flange, and the thickness of the web and flange.

 Common dimensions include:

- **Height (h): From 50 mm to 300 mm (or more)

- **Width of Flange (b): From 30 mm to 200 mm (or more)

- **Web Thickness (t): From 4 mm to 12 mm (or more)

- **Flange Thickness (tf): From 5 mm to 15 mm (or more)

Standards

Different countries have specific standards for channel steel. Some common standards include:

- **European Standard (EN): ** EN 10025-2 (Hot rolled products of structural steels) and EN 10279 (Channel sections)

- **American Standard (ASTM): ** ASTM A36 (for carbon structural steel) and ASTM A992 (for high-strength low-alloy structural steel)

- **Chinese Standard (GB): ** GB/T 706 (Hot-rolled structural steel)

 Applications

Channel steel is used in various applications, including:

- **Construction: ** Beams, supports, and frames in buildings and bridges.

- **Manufacturing: ** Machinery components and equipment structures.

- **Infrastructure: ** Rail tracks, guardrails, and supports for signs. 

 Properties

Channel steel typically has the following properties:

- **Strength: ** It has good tensile and yield strength, making it suitable for structural applications.

- **Durability: ** Resistant to impact and wear, especially when treated or coated.

- **Versatility: ** Can be easily cut, welded, or bolted into different shapes.

Types of Channel Steel

1. **U-Channel: ** Standard channel with a U-shaped cross-section.

2. **C-Channel: ** Commonly used in the U.S., has a similar profile to U-channel but with slightly different dimensions.

Manufacturing Process

Channel steel is usually manufactured through the hot-rolling process, where heated billets are passed through rollers to achieve the desired shape. It can also be cold-formed in some cases.