Hot rolled steel wide flange I beams are the most common of all beams and are an excellent candidate for most processing techniques. They are often characterized by a textured blue-grey finish, non-tapered flanges, and a thicker center web for increased strength. Commonly used in the construction industry, steel wide flange beams are a standard structural material, primarily used to carry loads transverse to its longitudinal axis (web). Steel wide flange beams are often heavier than standard I beams or junior beams. ASTM A992 / A572-50 / A529-50 are the standard specifications for structural steel.