In an I Beam, which part is responsible for carrying most of the load?

In an I Beam, the flanges are primarily responsible for carrying most of the load. The flanges are the top and bottom horizontal components of the beam, designed to resist bending and shear forces. They provide the beam with its strength and stability, allowing it to support heavy loads effectively.

While the web, which is the vertical component connecting the flanges, helps to resist shear forces and contributes to the overall structural integrity of the beam, it does not carry the majority of the applied load. The base typically refers to the support structure on which the beam rests; it provides stability but is not an integral part of the load-carrying capacity of the I Beam.

Therefore, understanding the function of the flanges in load-bearing capacity is crucial for structural engineering and design.