What is Bulb Tee?

Bulb tee is a precast, prestressed concrete beam with a bulb-shaped bottom flange.

Definition

Bulb tees are commonly used as main support beams in large construction projects where long, open spaces are needed. Their unique shape, with a wide top, a narrow middle, and a rounded bottom, helps them carry heavy loads while using concrete efficiently.

Since bulb tees are manufactured in a factory before delivery to the site, they can be installed quickly, helping to speed up construction and maintain consistent quality. They are widely used in bridge construction, building construction, parking structures, and other steel structural and concrete projects that require strong, long-lasting support.

Purpose

Using bulb tees makes long-span construction stronger and more efficient. They can be used to support heavy loads with fewer intermediate supports, resulting in open layouts while minimizing material usage.

Bulb tees are also valued for speeding up construction. Since they arrive on-site ready for installation, they help improve project schedules and reduce labor-intensive formwork.

Examples of Use

  • Engineers use bulb tees as primary girders in bridge construction to support long spans between piers.
  • A contractor installs precast bulb tees to create durable flooring systems in a multi-level parking garage.
  • Builders use bulb tees in large warehouses and industrial facilities to support heavy load-bearing structures.
  • A construction team places bulb tees beneath roof panels to provide structural support over wide open spaces.
  • Developers choose bulb tees in commercial building construction projects to reduce the number of interior columns.

Notes

  • A bulb tee has a unique bulb-shaped bottom flange that enhances structural efficiency and load-carrying capacity.
  • They reduce the need for intermediate columns, resulting in larger open areas.
  • Faster installation can help in accelerating overall construction schedules.

SHARE TO

Experience the Best Takeoff Software for Estimators

Talk to us and get your first AI takeoff done at no cost!

Get a Step-by-Step Beam AI Walkthrough
image
Fill out this form and see how easy it is to set up takeoffs, export reports, and get ready-to-use quantities.
Cancel
Note: After submitting the form, a Beam AI specialist will follow up to explore how AI takeoffs can boost your estimating efforts.