The C6 x 8.2 steel channel is a standard American structural channel with a nominal depth of 6 inches and a weight of 8.2 pounds per foot. According to AISC-based section data, it has a 6.00-inch depth, 1.92-inch flange width, approximately 0.20-inch web thickness, 0.343-inch flange thickness, and a cross-sectional area of about 2.39 square inches. For builders, fabricators, and contractors, these dimensions make the C6 x 8.2 a practical choice for structural framing, supports, bracing, equipment fabrication, and other steel construction applications.
What Is a C6 x 8.2 Channel?
A C6 x 8.2 channel is a hot-rolled structural steel section with a C-shaped profile. The designation provides two important pieces of information. The letter C identifies the section as a channel, while 6 represents its nominal depth in inches. The 8.2 indicates that the channel weighs approximately 8.2 pounds per linear foot.
This naming system makes it easier for engineers, contractors, and steel suppliers to identify structural channel sizes. The C6 x 8.2 belongs to the American Standard Channel family and is listed in AISC shape databases.
C6 x 8.2 Channel Dimensions
Understanding the physical dimensions is important when selecting a channel for a construction or fabrication project. The C6 x 8.2 has a nominal depth of 6 inches and a flange width of approximately 1.92 inches. Its web thickness is about 0.20 inches, while the flange thickness is approximately 0.343 inches. Its cross-sectional area is about 2.39 square inches.
The channel weighs 8.2 pounds per foot. For example, a 20-foot length weighs approximately 164 pounds before accounting for any cutting or processing. This relationship makes estimating material requirements relatively straightforward: multiply the channel length in feet by 8.2 pounds.
Because dimensions and tolerances can vary according to manufacturing standards and product specifications, project-critical measurements should always be verified against the applicable steel mill documentation and current AISC information.
C6 x 8.2 Section Properties
Beyond basic dimensions, structural engineers often consider section properties when evaluating a steel channel. The C6 x 8.2 has a strong-axis moment of inertia of approximately 13.1 in⁴ and an elastic section modulus of approximately 4.35 in³. Its radius of gyration about the strong axis is approximately 2.34 inches.
These properties help engineers evaluate the channel's resistance to bending and its stiffness under loading. However, the actual capacity of a C6 x 8.2 channel depends on factors such as steel grade, span, support conditions, loading, connection design, bracing, and applicable building codes.
For this reason, section properties should not be treated as a substitute for structural engineering calculations.
Common Applications of C6 x 8.2 Channel
The C6 x 8.2 channel can be used in many construction and fabrication applications where a C-shaped structural member is appropriate.
One common application is structural framing. Channels can be incorporated into frames, supports, equipment bases, and other assemblies where a relatively compact steel section is required.
C6 x 8.2 channels can also be used for bracing and reinforcement. Their shape allows them to be connected to other steel components to provide additional support or create built-up structural members.
In industrial environments, these channels may be used for machinery supports, platforms, racks, and equipment structures. Their standardized dimensions also make them useful for fabrication projects where predictable section properties are important.
Other potential applications include trailer and vehicle fabrication, stair components, supports, rails, general steel fabrication, and construction framing. The appropriate application should always be determined according to the project's structural requirements.
Why Choose C6 x 8.2 Channel?
One of the main advantages of the C6 x 8.2 is its balance between structural performance and material weight. At 8.2 pounds per foot, it is lighter than several larger or heavier channel sections while still providing useful structural properties.
Its standardized dimensions also make it easier to incorporate into designs and fabrication processes. Contractors and fabricators can specify the exact channel designation rather than relying only on general descriptions such as “6-inch channel.”
Another advantage is versatility. A C6 x 8.2 can be cut, drilled, welded, and incorporated into many steel assemblies when appropriate fabrication procedures and material specifications are followed.
C6 x 8.2 vs. Heavier Channel Sizes
Choosing between channel sizes depends on the structural requirements of the project. A C6 x 8.2 is not automatically the best choice simply because it is smaller or lighter.
For example, the C6 x 10.5 is also 6 inches deep but weighs 10.5 pounds per foot and has a higher strong-axis moment of inertia than the C6 x 8.2.
If a design requires greater stiffness or load-carrying capacity, an engineer may specify a heavier channel. On the other hand, using a heavier section where it is unnecessary can increase material cost and overall project weight.
The best channel is therefore the one that satisfies the required structural and fabrication criteria rather than simply the largest available option.
How to Calculate C6 x 8.2 Channel Weight
Calculating the approximate weight of C6 x 8.2 channel is simple because its nominal weight is 8.2 pounds per foot.
For example, a 10-foot piece weighs approximately 82 pounds. A 20-foot piece weighs approximately 164 pounds, while a 30-foot piece weighs approximately 246 pounds. These figures are based on the nominal 8.2 lb/ft designation.
This calculation can help contractors estimate material handling requirements, transportation needs, and approximate quantities before ordering.
Buying C6 x 8.2 Channel
When purchasing C6 x 8.2 channel, buyers should consider more than just the nominal size. Confirm the required length, steel grade, quantity, finish, and applicable specifications before placing an order.
It is also useful to determine whether the project requires full-length material or cut-to-size pieces. Custom cutting can help reduce fabrication time and material waste, particularly when multiple pieces are needed for a project.
For projects in Los Angeles, Bobco Metals supplies structural steel and metal products for contractors, fabricators, builders, and other customers. Buyers can contact the supplier to check current availability, pricing, lengths, and cutting options.
C6 x 8.2 Channel for Construction and Fabrication
The C6 x 8.2 channel remains a useful structural steel option because it combines standardized dimensions, manageable weight, and practical section properties. Its 6-inch nominal depth and 8.2-pound-per-foot weight make it suitable for a wide range of framing, support, bracing, and fabrication applications.
Before selecting it for a load-bearing application, however, the complete design should be evaluated by a qualified professional. Factors such as span, load, connections, lateral stability, steel grade, corrosion exposure, and local building requirements can significantly affect performance.
For contractors and fabricators who already know the required channel size, specifying C6 x 8.2 channel provides a clear starting point for sourcing the correct structural material.
Final Thoughts
C6 x 8.2 channel is a versatile American Standard Channel that offers a useful combination of structural performance, compact dimensions, and manageable weight. With a nominal 6-inch depth and weight of 8.2 pounds per foot, it is commonly considered for framing, bracing, supports, machinery structures, and fabrication work.
For your next steel project, verify the required dimensions, grade, length, and structural requirements before ordering. If you need C6 x 8.2 channel in Los Angeles, contact Bobco Metals for current availability and project-specific material options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does C6 x 8.2 mean?
C6 x 8.2 means the steel channel has a nominal depth of 6 inches and weighs approximately 8.2 pounds per foot. The “C” identifies it as a structural channel.
What are the dimensions of C6 x 8.2 channel?
The standard section is approximately 6.00 inches deep, 1.92 inches wide across the flange, with a 0.20-inch web thickness and approximately 0.343-inch flange thickness.
How much does C6 x 8.2 channel weigh?
C6 x 8.2 channel weighs approximately 8.2 pounds per linear foot. A 20-foot length therefore weighs about 164 pounds.
What is C6 x 8.2 channel used for?
It can be used for structural framing, bracing, equipment supports, platforms, machinery structures, trailer fabrication, and general steel fabrication, depending on the engineering requirements of the project.
Is C6 x 8.2 channel suitable for structural applications?
Yes, it is a standard structural channel section, but whether it is suitable for a specific load-bearing application depends on the design, loads, span, connections, bracing, material grade, and applicable codes. A qualified engineer should verify its suitability.
Where can I buy C6 x 8.2 channel?
C6 x 8.2 channel can be sourced from structural steel suppliers. Bobco Metals in Los Angeles offers steel and metal products and can provide information about availability, pricing, lengths, and fabrication options.