Home » Which should I chose: I beam or H beam?

Which should I chose: I beam or H beam?

If you’re designing a steel construction for a property, you should understand the distinction between H and I beams. Though they may appear to be extremely similar, there are several significant distinctions that influence how they should be used. The primary distinction between an H beam and an I beam is that the web of an H-beam is significantly thicker than that of an I-beam. I-beams are commonly employed as beams, whereas H-beams serve as load-bearing columns.

What is I or H beam?

Steel H and I beams are two types of hot rolled steel sections. These steel beams are made up of two main components: flanges and web. The flanges are the two horizontal planes on either end of the beam, and the web is the vertical plane that connects them. The web protects the beam from physical force, while the flanges prevent it from bending.

But which form of steel beam is best for you? There is an obvious distinction between H and I beams, and their respective characteristics might have a significant influence on your building project.

Learn more: How to calculate the design capacity of a steel column? [Step by Step guide]

Differences between steel I beam and H beam

Shape and Design

At first look, it appears that the two types of beams are easily distinguishable. I beams feature a significantly longer web, with the web height exceeding the width of the flanges. They also include tapering edges. This gives them the look of a “I”. Meanwhile, the web and flanges of a H beam have comparable lengths. This gives them a square form that resembles the letter “H”.

Construction

H beams appear to be built of a single piece of metal, but they are actually made up of three sections. These are linked with beveled edges usually welds. Meanwhile, I beams are made from one piece of steel.

I beam vs H beam

Weight

 H beams are significantly heavier than I beams. For applications that demand a lighter solution, I beams are the ideal option.

Spans

Steel H and I beams have varying spans. I-beams are less flexible and may be better suited for shorter spans.

Centre web

The thicker the web, the more powerful the beam. I beams often have a significantly thinner core web, making them more appropriate for lighter weights. In contrast, H beams have a significantly thicker web, allowing them to give more support.

Resistance

H beams have tremendous strength, allowing them to support heavy loads. Meanwhile, I beams are often deeper, providing a strong barrier against buckling.

I beam or H beam: which is right for you?

Because a H beam can sustain more weight over a longer span, they are appropriate for usage in bigger structures such as huge buildings and bridges. H beams can sustain both tension and compression, making them excellent for vertical loads.

I beams are also employed in a range of construction applications, such as providing structural support for structures. However, I beams have a significantly shorter span than H beams. This makes them more suited for applications where available area is limited, such as flooring or roofing.

H-beams have better structural properties I-beams, making them a more cost-effective building alternative. I-beams are commonly employed as beams, whereas H-beams serve as load-bearing columns.

I beam sections in North American and European codes

In North American codes, the shape starting with a letter W are I shapes, e.g. W40x655 or W36x925, while in European codes, these shapes are termed with letters IPE, e.g. IPE100 or IPE550.

H beam sections in North American and European codes

In North American codes, the shape starting with a letter HP are H shapes, e.g. HP12x89, while in European codes, these shapes are termed with letters like HEA or HEB, e.g. HEA100 or HEB250.

Learn more on other different type of steel sections here

Related Posts