Difference Between Pipe and Tube: Understanding Pipe vs Tube

When it comes to piping and tubing, the terms “pipe” and “tube” are often used interchangeably. However, these components serve distinct purposes across various industries, and understanding the difference between them is crucial for selecting the right option for specific applications. From their dimensions to how they’re manufactured, pipes and tubes are defined by a range of technical differences that influence their performance and usage. This article dives deep into the characteristics, standards, and functional distinctions between pipes and tubes, providing you with the essential knowledge needed to make informed decisions in design, engineering, and construction projects. Let’s break down the details to understand what truly sets pipes apart from tubes.

Definitions of Pipe and Tube

What is a Pipe?

A pipe is a hollow cylindrical structure designed mainly to convey fluids, gases, or solid particulates. It gets manufactured, considering standardized aspects of internal diameter (ID), which indicates the volume of material that the pipe can carry. Pipes are usually classified by nominal diameter and wall thickness-that is, schedule-and these determinations give the ability to withstand pressures. Since the internal dimensions relate strongly to flow dimension and volume calculations, this consistency in dimensions greatly helps in systems.

Pipes find their use mostly in areas such as drinking water supply, oil and gas pipelines, steam conveyance, or structural support. Their manufacture follows certain standards, such as those provided by ASTM or ASME, so that the pipes made under extreme conditions are compatible with other industrial systems. The pipe specifications of size and materials are given such that varied operating environments, including high pressure, temperature variations, and corrosive environments, are all taken into account.

A pipe, therefore, is distinguished by the fact that it is a standard product designed for compatibility in large installations with maximum use. This product differs from the tube, which tends to be custom-designed in a highly exacting manner with close tolerances and precise dimensions. Pipes, on the other hand, are designed for general use and are available in practically all sizes. The reason pipes are preferred over tubes is that pipes need to be inexpensive and are specified according to standard codes for construction or engineering infrastructures, industrial networks, and the like, involving the transportation of large volumes of fluids or materials.

What is a Tube?

A tube is a hollow shape with a basic cylindrical formation, used in applications where very close measurements and good tolerances have to be considered. The pipe is for industrial purposes performed on a large scale by transporting gases or liquids; the tube is used in precision applications like structural work, machinery, medical bargains, instruments, etc.

What distinguishes a tube from a pipe is its dimensional accuracy. Tubes are measured by outside diameter (OD) and wall thickness, both of which are strictly controlled in critical applications to ensure dependability and interchangeability. This is why tubes, where consistent size and strength are requisites, like in the construction of high-performance equipment or aerospace and automotive components, are apt for the task.

The materials used in the manufacturing of tubes may differ widely depending on the intended applications, problems solved needs of metals like steel and aluminum, to plastic and composite materials. Such a choice infers the durability and flexibility a tube may have and its resistance to corrosion or other environmental effects. The tubes may also be of different shapes, like circular, square, or rectangular, depending on their requirements, therefore highlighting their use in different industrial and commercial applications.

Key Features of Pipes and Tubes

There are many similar attributes that pipes and tubes share, but there are certainly differences depending on their applications. Think about dimensional accuracy-another significant attribute. Pipes are generally designed to convey fluids or gases and are measured mainly in terms of their internal diameter (ID) to maintain the flow rate. Structural applications concern tubes, which are measured by the external diameter (OD) and wall thickness. Hence, the differentiation is necessary to ensure material efficiency and performance under specific conditions.

Another area of concern is the material being considered. The pipes and tubes can be made from all kinds of materials, including metals like stainless steel, carbon steel, and aluminum, or plastics like PVC or HDPE. The choice of material is a function of the needs of the application rather than the necessity to contain pressure, resistance to temperature, corrosion, or weight considerations. For example, stainless steel tubes find usages in high-pressure applications due to their strength and corrosion resistance, whereas PVC pipes are used in water distribution systems where cost is a factor.

Manufacturing-wise, the methods are the most significant variables affecting the quality and usability. Depending on their intended purposes, pipes are manufactured through extrusion, welding, or centrifugal casting. Tubes in precision industries, for example, aerospace and medical, are subject to a much more rigorous manufacturing process, such as seamless extrusion or cold drawing, which maintains very high accuracy of dimensions and mechanical properties, allowing them to be reliably applied in critical applications.

Manufacturing Processes

How Pipes are Manufactured

Pipelines are manufactured through a variety of methods, depending on the materials, applications, and performance requirements. Among the most commonly used methods is rolling, where usually the raw material, steel, is heated and formed into cylindrical shapes. The piercing and rolling method is applied for making seamless pipes. The billet is heated, pierced to form a hollow shape, and elongated using rollers to achieve the required dimensions.

Electric resistance welding or longitudinal seam welding is used in the manufacture of welded pipes. ERW involves the cold forming of a flat strip into cylindrical form, then heating the surface of one edge and fusing it to the opposite edge using high-frequency electrical current without additives of filler metal. This process is highly cost-efficient and eminently suited to the pipes meant for construction and water transportation.

When it comes to specialized applications like oil and gas pipelines that are subjected to extreme pressures, manufacturers commence submerged arc welding. This arc welding under flux creates double-sided welded seams that provide extra strength and durability, while further inspection through ultrasonic or X-ray practices ensures product integrity and adherence to industrial standards.

Modern pipe manufacturing, with its integration of automation and cutting-edge technologies such as laser measurement systems and real-time quality monitoring, has allowed for tighter tolerances and fewer defects while optimizing materials. This is an absolute prerequisite for the petrochemical, aerospace, and infrastructure development industries with stringent, high-end requirements. Using these methods, manufacturers provide high-performance pipes that can be used in a wide range of industrial and commercial applications.

How Tubes are Manufactured

Tube manufacturing is a multistep process conceived to guard against structural failures, dimensional inaccuracies, and wastage of materials. It mostly begins with raw material selection, mainly medicinal steels, aluminum, or some polymers, depending on the end application. Also depending on the need, these materials are carefully melted and alloyed to bring about the desired set of mechanical and chemical properties.

The extrusion process is widely known as one of the most popular techniques where the extrudates are heated just enough to the appropriate temperature and then pushed through a die that shapes these extrudates into a hollow tube. For applications that require much higher standards, a seamless tube is produced through the rotary piercing method, so there are no welded joints between the tubes. In this process, a solid billet is heated and softened, then elongated using a piercing mandrel into a seamless configuration.

Welded tubes are made by forming a flat metal strip, or skelp, into a cylindrical shape and welding the edges together by high-frequency welding (HFW) or gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). After welding, nondestructive tests detect any microdefects that may compromise the performance. Size calibration and straightening ensure the finished product conforms to stringent specifications.

Heat treatments might be utilized to bring about microstructure refinement, thereby gaining in strength and ductility. For surface finishing, galvanization or coating applications are included to resist corrosion during industrial exposures. Subsequently, thermal-imaging and ultrasonic inspection will be used for detecting and rectifying even the slightest inconsistency. Backed by modern technological aids such as automation and quality control software, these processes have transformed tube manufacturing into an industry that can answer the global challenge of varied and demanding operational requirements.

Comparison of Manufacturing Techniques

The types of pipes are manufactured using different methods like seamless, welded, etc; in contrast, a tube is produced by cold-drawing, precision rolling, etc.

Aspect	Pipes	Tubes
Seamless	Yes	Yes
Welded	Yes	Yes
Hot-Rolled	Yes	No
Cold-Drawn	No	Yes
Precision	No	Yes
Electropl.	No	Yes
Purpose	Fluid Transport	Structural Use
Expense	Lower	Higher

Structural Properties and Performance

Material Types Used for Pipes

Pipes are manufactured using various materials, each chosen based on the application-specific requirements involving mechanical properties, environmental conditions, and cost-efficiency. Some of the commonly used materials are:

• Carbon Steel: Because it is durable and fairly cheap, carbon steel is widely used in oil and gas, water distribution, and construction industries. It has high tensile strength and is suited for high-pressure and temperature applications. It is, however, subject to corrosion and so needs coating or treatment in corrosive environments.
• Stainless Steel: Resistant to corrosion, stainless steel is used in environments subject to chemicals, high temperatures, and sanitary conditions. Stainless steel finds usage in food processing, pharmaceutical industries, and coastal infrastructure. Grades 304 and 316 are especially common due to their good performance under various conditions.
• Copper: Copper pipes have good thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and antimicrobial properties. These are popularly used for plumbing and heat exchanger systems and offer longevity and reliable service; however, they are relatively expensive compared to other materials.
• Plastic (PVC, CPVC, and HDPE): Plastic pipes are corrosion resistant, lightweight, flexible, and cheaper, and hence easier to install. PVC and CPVC find application mostly in residential water systems, whereas HDPE is preferred for underground and industrial applications because of its strength and chemical resistance.
• Ductile Iron: The material has the strength of cast iron but with added ductility and is applied for water and sewer lines of higher pressure. Usually, the material is lined to prevent corrosion on both the inside and outside.
• Alloys (Nickel, Titanium, Aluminum): High-performance alloys are used for special applications requiring resistance to extreme temperatures, corrosion, and stresses. These materials are primarily found in aerospace, chemical plants, and high-temperature furnaces, where failure is intolerable.

Each material has its own set of advantages, and the choice depends on criteria such as operating pressure, environmental exposure, need for longevity, and budget. The advent of newer alloys and composite pipes is opening a huge avenue for the application and testing the limits of pipe performance and durability.

Material Types Used for Tubes

Tubes can be made of a wide variety of materials, each suited for certain operational conditions and environments. The following are some of the most common materials and their detailed properties:

• Stainless Steel： Stainless steel is the most common for tubing because of its corrosion resistance, strength, and ability to withstand heat in direct amounts. Grade 304 and 316 stainless steels are used in chemical industries, food processing, and medical equipment, among others. Grade 316 stainless steel containing molybdenum offers additional resistance to chlorides and harsh environments.
• Carbon Steel： Carbon steel tubes are mostly used in environments requiring exceptionally high strength and durability, but do not offer good corrosion resistance, unlike stainless steel. They find applications largely in structural purposes, systems under pressure, and automotive parts. Usually, surface coatings or linings are applied to resist corrosion in harsh environments.
• Alloy Steel： An alloy steel, by the addition of elements such as chromium, molybdenum, and nickel, can present superior mechanical properties. These tubes are used for elevated temperature and pressure environments in power plants and oil refineries. Their high performance levels allow them for used in critical applications where failure is not an option.
• Copper and Copper Alloys: Copper tubes exhibit very favorable thermal and electrical conductivity for application in plumbing, refrigeration, and HVAC systems. Copper-nickel alloys, however, are often used in marine and offshore equipment due to their superior seawater corrosion resistance.
• Aluminum: Aluminum tubes are lightweight and corrosion-resistant and used in aerospace, automotive, and lightweight structure applications. Their easy machinability and recyclability make them somewhat green.
• Nickel-Based Alloys: Made from nickel-based alloys, the tubes, like Inconel and Hastelloy, are intended to withstand extremely high temperatures and aggressively corrosive environments. They are of utmost importance for applications in chemical processing plants, jet engines, and high-temperature industrial equipment.
• Plastics (Thermoplastics and Thermosets): Tubes produced from PVC, HDPE, and PEX present good chemical resistance with low weight and cost. Such plastics find an application in water distribution, chemical handling, and waste management systems. Advanced fluoropolymers like PTFE further help the tubes by making them resistant to high temperatures and aggressive chemicals.
• Composites: These tubes are manufactured by mixing carbon fiber, fiberglass, or aramid fibers with epoxy or resin matrix, thereby providing extraordinary strength-to-weight ratios, as well as corrosion resistance. Applications requiring such tubes are the aerospace, defense, and renewable energy sectors, where performance and weight savings are paramount.

The selection of the right tube material follows a combination of factors, including application requirements, mechanical properties, thermal compatibility, and environmental conditions. Cutting-edge research advancements in material science open doors for the production of new alloys, composites, and coating technologies that promise more durable, cost-effective solutions to cater to industrial and consumer demands.

Influence of Material on Performance

The materials used are essentially the most important factor that controls the performance, compromises on life, and efficiency of the application. For example, the aerospace engineering sector prefers high-strength alloys such as titanium and advanced composites such as carbon fibers due to their excellent strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance properties. These materials aid in fuel efficiency without compromising structural strength. Likewise, for heat dissipation and electrical transfer of electric charges, the performance level highly depends on such material attributes of copper or graphene’s thermal conductivity.

Recent progresses are centered on smart materials exhibiting adaptable properties to environmental changes. Shape-memory alloys in applications such as medical devices and robotics are an opportunity-based utilization where these alloys can be heated to assume the shape they were made for. Thus, the inclusion of these adaptive materials into the design further enhances functionality while simultaneously reducing wear and elongating possible avenues of failure mechanisms.

Moving toward sustainability raises a great deal about the environmental compatibility of materials. This new consciousness has made the use of biodegradable composites or recycled metals very much concerning ecological footprints and recycling, which might even improve the performance of the product itself. Testing technologies and simulation are gaining in massive use to determine the response of material properties under given levels of service-induced stress to ensure precision in reliable performance predictions.

Applications in Various Industries

Construction Applications

Increasing demand has put advanced materials into use in the construction industry, addressing problems of sustainability, durability, and efficiency. The following are the top five applications demonstrating the fusion of innovative materials and modern technology in construction today:

• High-Performance Concrete (HPC): HPC is designed to exhibit high strength, durability, and workability. It finds a very common use in highly stressed infrastructure, such as bridges and skyscrapers. Research shows that HPC can have compressive strengths higher than 17,000 psi, almost twice that of conventional concrete, thus making it perfect for projects requiring almost impossible loading capacity.
• Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT): It is a renewable, prefabricated wood product aimed at constructing green buildings with a low-carbon footprint. The layering increases the strength and stability of the product and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions of building projects by up to 26% against concrete or steel alternatives, say studies.
• Self-Healing Materials: These are materials, for instance, a self-healing concrete containing microcapsules of healing agents such as bacteria or epoxy, which react to cracks by repairing damage. This technology extends the lifespan of structures while reducing the maintenance costs by an estimated 50-70% in deferral on long-term repairs.
• Use of Recycled Materials in Asphalt: The RAP and RAS serve rightly in sustainable road paving. Studies are showing that 30% usage of RAP lowers production cost and CO₂ emissions by about 20% compared to virgin asphalt mixtures.
• Aerogel Insulation: With aerogels being very light and yet highly insulating, the choice for integration in energy-efficient buildings is increasingly being made. With a thermal conductivity as low as 0.015 W/m·K, these are better than conventional insulators and are suitable for high-performance walls, windows, and roofing systems.

Highlighting the above applications would go a long way in showing that advanced materials are critical in transforming construction to suit modern environmental and engineering needs.

Plumbing Applications

The application of aerogels in plumbing and piping systems has emerged due to their outstanding thermal insulation capacity, thus offering excellent solutions to thermal and environmental concerns. Different characteristics of aerogels provide for their use at various points in plumbing. These five instances above illustrate where aerogels justify their use:

• Pipe Insulation: Hot or cold water pipes get insulated by aerogel to ensure the least possible heat loss or gain. With such low thermal conductance, it maintains water temperature over long distances, giving maximum energy saving and minimum operational cost to its use.
• Avoiding Freezing of Pipes: Aerogels, by insulating the pipes exposed to pressure from freezing environments, prevent them from freezing under extreme temperatures, thereby guaranteeing uninterrupted water flow and lessening pipe burst scenarios. Thin profile makes it an excellent fit for retrofit works where space is limited.
• Steam Pipe Systems: Aerogel blankets benefit the high-temperature steam distribution system, sustaining operations above 500°F (260°C), limiting energy losses from its industrial application, thereby improving safety and performance.
• Noise Reduction in Water Systems: Aerogels work for soundproofing pipe vibrations and noises when water flows through. This has the great application mostly in commercial buildings and apartments.
• Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI) Prevention: Due to their resistance toward water absorption, these insulation materials greatly reduce the risk of corrosion under insulation, which is a major consideration in terms of ensuring the longevity of metal pipes in humid or wet environments.

These characteristics make aerogels an advanced material for plumbing systems, offering sustainability, efficiency, and reliability that conventional insulation materials cannot offer.

Automotive Applications

Aerogels find critical usefulness in the automotive industry because of their superior insulation capabilities against heat, lightweight makeup, and durability. These materials afford a wide range of applications targeted at energy efficiency, performance, and passenger comfort. Here are five key areas where aerogels are being applied to automotive operations:

• Thermal Insulation for Battery Systems: Aerogel materials provide excellent thermal insulation to EV battery systems. They maintain batteries at operating temperatures, thus avoiding thermal runaways and improving the performance, safety, and longevity of these batteries. For example, the thermal conductivity of aerogel insulation can be as low as 0.020 W/m·K, while common insulation materials would have more.
• Lightweight Soundproofing: Due to their low density, aerogels are an excellent solution for soundproofing vehicle cabins while minimizing added weight. They bring about weight reduction of up to 50% compared to traditional materials, thus aiding in improved fuel economy and vehicle design.
• Exhaust Insulation With High Performance: Aerogels are being used to keepthe  insulation of exhaust systems to contain heat and reduce emissions. This application is critical for holding better durability of the system and in fulfilling strict environmental regulations, which speak of aerogel stability at temperature above 600°C.
• Advanced Thermal Management Systems: The efficacies of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems are enhanced with aerogel insulation by minimizing heat losses, making little lag in achieving the desired temperature, and consuming less energy, which is essential for both internal combustion and electric vehicles.
• Fuel Line Protection Under Harsh Conditions: Aerogels protect fuel lines under harsh operating conditions with extreme temperatures; they prevent harsh temperature fluctuations, freezing, or heating, thus offering a consistent fuel flow rate and sustaining system reliability.

Looking at these applications goes to show how versatile and high-tech the properties of aerogels are in the automotive domain, assisting the industry in moving toward more environmentally friendly, efficient, and high-performing vehicles.

Choosing Between Pipe and Tube

Cost Considerations

Pipe and tube cost analyses are based on some price factors such as material composition, manufacturing processes, and intended application. Pipes are usually made in bigger diameters and are less expensive to produce because they have simpler manufacturing requirements and standardized sizes. Tubes are mostly fabricated by more precise methods, thereby increasing production costs. That is more evident in such industries as aerospace or medical, in which tubes have to comply with stringent dimensional tolerances and special material grades.

More factors influencing the cost are the ones that act upon the choice of materials. Typically, stainless steel, carbon steel, and aluminum would be the choices that would be found in any stockroom. Exotic materials such as titanium or nickel alloys, used essentially in high-performance applications, incur costs. Also, there are secondary operations like precision cutting, heat-treating, and surface finishing that contribute to the overall cost of tubes more than pipes, as they have very specific and intricate requirements.

In deciding on pipe or tube, it is a matter of balancing the initial costs and operational requirements, regulatory compliance, and longer service lifespan to ensure having the most cost-efficient and effective solution for the quality at hand. Cost factors thus emphasize an evaluation that has to be made following technical and functional requirements.

Durability and Pressure Resistance

Durability and pressure resistance of pipes and tubes are one of the major factors mediating material selection in any industrial or engineering activity. Tubing is generally made with tighter tolerances and is expected to sustain a sustained pressure load inside or outside for a very long time. They are usually made with high-strength materials like stainless steel, titanium, or carbon steel, providing top-grade resistance to deformation under extreme operating conditions.

Pipes are generally optimized for carrying fluids or gases at moderate pressure. For all purposes, such pipes offer different levels of durability depending on the material composition, e.g., PVC, cast iron, or alloy steel. To avoid sudden material fatigue, corrosion, or rupture, high-pressure systems in oil and gas or chemical processing would require additional reinforcement, coatings, or treatments applied to the pipes.

Tensile strength, yield strength, and the maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP) are widely accepted metrics for durability and pressure resistance. For example, carbon steel tubes, in transient high-performance applications, can be subjected to pressures as high as 20,000 PSI. Pipes, on the other hand, usually operate in the range of 200-2,000 PSI, depending on the application at hand.

The advent of manufacturing technology, such as seamless tube production and welding techniques, has tremendously enhanced the strength and reliability of both pipes and tubes. When considering the choice between tubes and pipes, one would equally consider all other applications, including operating pressure, environmental conditions, and service life, to select the most technically appropriate and cost-effective option. Coordinated efforts in data combination with computer modeling and pressure simulations go further in predicting material performance under varied operational condition profiles, thus fulfilling industry safety standards.

Intended Functionality and Use Cases

The basic functioning of tubes versus pipes depends mainly on their shape and materials, used in specific industries. Depending on the requirement of meticulous precision and tight dimensional tolerances, tubes are used in certain applications, such as in medical devices, aerospace systems, and instrumentation, where a slight variation in diameter or wall thickness can cause adverse effects on performance. Their use is governed by standards such as ASTM or ISO, ensuring the material is consistent and is reliable under imposed loads as well as environmental stresses.

Pipes, on the other hand, are installed for conveying fluids or gases from one point to another through different media. For these reasons, pipelines find prominence in the oil and gas industry, waterworks, and chemical processing plants, being in charge of pressure and flow specifications.

Advanced analytics, incorporating real-time data acquisition and computer-aided design, further aid the tube versus pipe selection process. These systems allow the engineer to simulate performance under operational conditions such as pressure, temperature, and chemical exposure, which tend to prevent failures. These modern computational tools allow for the application of these materials in the projects more efficiently, satisfying functional and economic objectives.

References

1. Simulation Modeling of Earth-To-Air Heat Exchanger
   This paper discusses the impact of pipe radius, length, and depth on performance, providing insights into pipe applications.

2. Heat Transfer to or from a Fluid Flowing Through a Tube
   This document explores heat transfer dynamics in tubes, emphasizing the differences in flow and design.

3. Performance Analysis of EAHE for Different Pipe Geometries and Materials
   This study examines the effects of pipe and tube geometries and materials on thermal performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the difference between a pipe and a tube?

A: The difference between pipe and tube primarily lies in their intended use and dimensions. A pipe is used for conveying fluids and gases, whereas a tube is often used in structural applications. Additionally, pipe sizes are defined by nominal pipe size (NPS) that corresponds to its inside diameter, while tubes are measured by outside diameter (OD) and wall thickness (WT).

Q: How is pipe size determined?

A: Pipe size is determined by its nominal pipe size (NPS), which indicates the inside diameter, while the actual dimensions can vary. For instance, different wall thicknesses and schedules, such as schedule 40 or schedule STD, can affect the overall capacity of the pipe and its conveyance capacity.

Q: What are the important dimensions for a steel tube?

A: Important dimensions for a steel tube include the outside diameter, inside diameter, wall thickness, and length. The dimensions for a steel tube are crucial for ensuring proper fit and function in mechanical applications and instrumentation systems.

Q: Can you explain the manufacturing process of pipes and tubes?

A: The manufacturing process of pipes and tubes generally involves processes such as welding, extrusion, or seamless formation. The resulting product can vary in terms of wall thickness and outside diameter, which are significant for meeting specific standards such as ASTM or ANSI.

Q: How do different wall thicknesses affect pipe performance?

A: Different wall thicknesses in inches impact the strength, durability, and capacity of the pipe. A thicker wall provides greater strength and higher pressure ratings, while a thinner wall may be suitable for lighter applications. Understanding the relationship between diameter and wall thickness helps in selecting the right pipe for the intended use.

Q: What is the significance of the outside diameter and wall thickness in tubing?

A: The outside diameter and wall thickness of tubing are critical for ensuring compatibility with fittings and other components. These dimensions also affect the structural integrity and load-bearing capacity of the tube, especially in applications requiring high precision, like those governed by strict tolerances.

Q: How do you measure the straightness and roundness of pipes?

A: Straightness and roundness of pipes are measured using precision instruments that assess the deviation from a straight line or a perfect circle. These measurements are essential for ensuring the pipe’s performance in various applications, especially where fluid flow is involved.

Q: What are the applications of steel pipe vs. steel tube?

A: Steel pipes are primarily used for the conveyance of products such as fluids and gases, while steel tubes are often used in structural applications due to their strength and rigidity. Understanding the differences helps in selecting the right material for specific applications, such as pipeline construction or mechanical systems.

Q: How do you determine the nominal pipe size (NPS) of a pipe?

A: The nominal pipe size (NPS) is typically determined by measuring the inside diameter of the pipe. It is expressed in inches or millimeters and is used to identify the pipe’s size category. It is important to know the difference when selecting pipes for various applications, as two pipes of different NPS may have different capacities.

Q: Why is it important to know the difference between pipe and tube?

A: Knowing the difference between pipe and tube is essential for selecting the appropriate product for specific applications. Pipes are used for fluid conveyance, while tubes are often used for structural purposes. Additionally, understanding their respective measurements and schedules can greatly impact the performance and safety of the installation.