Abstract: A method of forming and using a metal I-beam includes hot rolling an elongated metal workpiece to establish a web and a pair of flanges on the edges thereof. The web is formed with elongated reinforcement of solid cross-section having a generally straight longitudinal axis oriented generally parallel to the flanges. The hot rolled I-beam is cooled without forming substantial waves in the web and the I-beam is subsequently secured in a building construction or other structural product. The method involves the longitudinally oriented reinforcing means which preferably are one or more elongated laterally projecting ribs having such mass that the average temperature of the web prior to cooling will be sufficiently close to the average temperature of the flanges prior to cooling that the formation of waves within the web during cooling will be resisted. The reinforcement is preferably coextensive with the I-beam. The web is preferably substantially continuous.

Abstract: A method of forming and using a metal I-beam includes hot rolling an elongated metal workpiece to establish a web and a pair of flanges on the edges thereof. The web is formed with elongated reinforcement of solid cross-section having a generally straight longitudinal axis oriented generally parallel to the flanges. The hot rolled I-beam is cooled without forming substantial waves in the web and the I-beam is subsequently secured in a building construction or other structural product. The method involves the longitudinally oriented reinforcing means which preferably are one or more elongated laterally projecting ribs having such mass that the average temperature of the web prior to cooling will be sufficiently close to the average temperature of the flanges prior to cooling that the formation of waves within the web during cooling will be resisted. The reinforcement if preferably coextensive with the I-beam. The web is preferably substantially continuous.