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Reference.org
Structural channel
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<p>The structural channel, C-channel or parallel flange channel (PFC), is a type of (usually <a href="/facts/Structural_steel/u5UsVypD">structural steel</a>) <a href="/facts/Beam_(structure)/V9BPDeS8">beam</a>, used primarily in building construction and civil engineering. Its cross section consists of a wide "web", usually but not always oriented vertically, and two "flanges" at the top and bottom of the web, only sticking out on one side of the web. It is distinguished from <a href="/facts/I-beam/g5HSloVP">I-beam</a> or H-beam or W-beam type steel cross sections in that those have flanges on both sides of the web. </p>