Birdie Steel Trading searches nationwide for used and surplus W44 wide flange beams for long-span girders, transfer girders, crane runways, and other heavy structural work. W44 is the deepest standard W shape, and used or surplus pieces are uncommon, so each request is searched individually and can take time. Send the sizes, lengths, quantity, grade, and job location, or call 732-770-3599, as early in the project as you can.
What W44 beams are used for
W44 is the deepest W-shape series in the AISC tables. It is used for long-span girders in industrial buildings, transfer girders that pick up columns over large open areas, heavy crane runway girders, and some bridge and heavy platform work. Because so few projects use this depth, W44 material is among the hardest W-shapes to find used or surplus. For more heavy sections, see our jumbo steel beams page.
AISC lists six W44 sections, with weights from 230 to 408 lb/ft, actual depths from about 42.9 to 44.8 in, and flange widths from about 15.8 to 16.1 in (AISC Shapes Database v16.0 summary on our wide flange steel beams page). Unlike W36 or W40, all W44 sections share one flange family of about 16 in wide.
Common W44 sizes we source
The W44 series is short, so the list below covers every designation in the AISC v16.0 table; the number after the x is the approximate weight per foot in pounds. Used and surplus W44 availability is limited and varies by length, grade, and region:
W44x230, W44x262, W44x290, W44x335, W44x368, W44x408.
W44 Sample Dimensions
Five of the six W44 rows from the AISC Shapes Database v16.0 are shown below. W44x230 matches the row on our Wide Flange page. These are reference values, not Birdie stock.
W44x230: 230 lb/ft, depth 42.9 in, flange width 15.8 in, web 0.710 in, flange 1.22 in
W44x262: 262 lb/ft, depth 43.3 in, flange width 15.8 in, web 0.785 in, flange 1.42 in
W44x290: 290 lb/ft, depth 43.6 in, flange width 15.8 in, web 0.865 in, flange 1.58 in
W44x335: 335 lb/ft, depth 44.0 in, flange width 15.9 in, web 1.03 in, flange 1.77 in
W44x408: 408 lb/ft, depth 44.8 in, flange width 16.1 in, web 1.22 in, flange 2.17 in
Source: AISC Shapes Database v16.0 decimal values. For deep girders and crane runways, confirm section properties against current AISC data and your project specifications before design, fabrication, or structural use.
Used and surplus W44 beams
Surplus W44 girders were bought for a specific project and never erected, so they tend to be long, clean pieces when they surface. Used W44s come out of heavy industrial structures and may have web openings, bearing and intermediate stiffeners, welded rail clips or cap plates from crane service, connection plates, and old coatings. Crane runway girders can also show fatigue-related repairs, so inspection matters. Birdie Steel Trading provides mill test reports (MTRs) and inspection details on used and surplus W44 beams when available, so you can confirm grade and condition before committing.
A W44 girder carries large loads, so the engineer of record should approve any reclaimed piece before permanent structural use, especially for crane service.
Grades and MTRs
W44s for buildings are typically ASTM A992 or A572 Grade 50, and older reclaimed girders may be A36 or A572 Grade 50. W44x408 has flanges more than 2 in thick, so the AISC Specification can require Charpy toughness testing when it is spliced with complete-joint-penetration welds. Crane runway specifications may add their own requirements. The MTRs show the specification each heat met, so tell us early which grades and tests your project needs.
Delivery and pickup
W44 freight is a heavy-haul job. Long girders often exceed a 53 ft trailer and move on stretch trailers with state oversize permits, and the weight builds quickly: a 60 ft W44x335 is about 20,100 lb, so a typical legal load carries only about two such pieces. Offloading almost always needs a crane, so plan the lift, truck access, and laydown space ahead of time. Birdie can arrange freight, or you can arrange pickup with loading provided, and freight is usually included in your quote. W44 searches and shipments take longer than lighter shapes, so allow extra lead time.
Prefer to call or email?
Call 732-770-3599 or email BirdieSteelTrading@gmail.com. Birdie Steel Trading LLC, Boca Raton, Florida.
Related pages
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Wide flange steel beams (sizes, grades, full W-series overview)
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W40 wide flange beams (the next depth down)
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W36 wide flange beams (deep girder series)
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Buy steel (send your W44 list for a quote)
FAQ
Do you stock W44 beams?
We do not post W44 inventory. W44 is the deepest standard W shape and turns up rarely, so we search our nationwide network for each request. Send size, length, quantity, grade, and location, or call 732-770-3599, and allow time for the search.
What information do you need for a W44 quote?
Include the full designation (for example W44x230 or W44x335), lengths, quantity or tonnage, grade, any testing requirements, acceptable condition, delivery location, and need-by date. Share your schedule early, since W44 lead times are longer.
Are used W44 beams OK for structural work?
It depends on the piece and the use. A used W44 can work when its section, grade, and condition meet the design and any openings, stiffeners, or crane attachments are accounted for. MTRs and inspection details document grade and condition, and the engineer of record should approve the piece before permanent structural use, particularly for crane service.
Is W44 the deepest W-shape?
Yes. W44 is the deepest nominal depth series in the AISC Shapes Database v16.0, and W44x408, at about 44.8 in, has the greatest actual depth of any W-shape in the table.
Do W44 quotes include freight?
Usually, yes. Freight for W44 girders is priced on piece length and weight, trailer type, and any state permits along the route. If you would rather haul the steel yourself, loading is provided at pickup. Send the delivery address, crane capacity, and any access limits with your request.
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