1. A steel beam with a 9m span is designed to support uniform loads. The lightest W-shape sections are selected for different cases of lateral support of the top flange. 2. For full lateral support, a W610x82 section is selected. For support at 2.25m intervals, the same section satisfies strength requirements. 3. A W610x92 section is required for support at mid-span. 4. A W460x128 section satisfies strength and deflection limits for no lateral support.