H beam Types, Characteristics, Application & Materials used

The H-beam is one of the primary elements of the modern infrastructure, be it skyscraping high-rise buildings, or vast bridges. Having unique strength and versatility, this shape of the structure is the backbone of thousands of industrial and construction constructions. As one of the most reputable steel complex solution suppliers in Shandong Runhai Stainless Steel Co., Ltd. we offer an in-depth insight into H-beams so that you can choose the right material to aid your engineering impossibilities.

What is an H-Beam?

H-beam is a rolled steel joist which is easily recognizable due to its characteristic H-shape. It has two parallel horizontal components referred to as flanges and single vertical component referred to as web. The design is incredibly efficient, where the material is shared such that it provides maximum strength and reduces weight. In contrast to the I-beam, the tapered flanges, the H-beam flanges are wider, and of equal thickness (that is why its load-bearing capacity is outstanding in all directions).

Trademark features and benefits

The H-beam is a very popular beam due to a series of strong features:

High Strength-to-Weight Ratio: With H-shape, a majority of the material is at the flanges, and not along the neutral axis. This forms an area that is amazingly strong and rigid to its weight and results into more efficient and in most cases more economical structures.

Highly flexible Load-Bearing Capacity: H-beams are very effective in the movement of different loads. They offer good properties in bending when they are used as beams and in the event they are used as columns, they are able to resist enormous compressional forces of their axes.

Stability and Durability: The broader flanges are more stable and do not twists or buckles when the loads are great. This qualifies them as a good option where support structures are very critical.

Convenience to Fabricate and install: They are easy to weld, bolt and assemble on the ground with their standard sizes contributing to the ease of construction.

Common Types of H-Beams

H-beams have been mostly classified on the basis of their dimensions proportions:

Wide Flange (W) Beams: These beams have flanges which are virtually the same width as the depth of the frame. This is why they are best used in columns, heavy-bearing beams in which the strength in both directions is the most important.

Junior Beams (S Beams): These are small flanged when compared to depth. They are commonly applied in a place where a lightweight wide-flange beam is needed like platform girders or trailer bed framing.

H-Beam Production Materials

The working of an H-beam is directly associated with quality of steel used to make it. Shandong Runhai we know that there are varying applications that require varying material properties. Common materials include:

Carbon Steel: This is the most common type of structural H-beam used, it is very strong and economical. It fits the enormous most part of construction and industrial structures.

High-Strength Low-Alloy (HSLA) Steel: This type of steel is better resistant to corrosion in the atmosphere than carbon steel and has better mechanical properties, which is why it is used in bridges, towers, and other open constructions.

Stainless Steel: To comply with requirements where corrosion defiance is of paramount importance like in chemical plant, drug manufacturing plant or structures in coastal area, the stainless steel H-beams offer long durability with little support.

Various Applications in Different Industries

H-beams are very strong, and are irreplaceable in a large range of applications, such as:

Construction & Civil Engineering: It is the main structure of high-rise buildings, shopping malls, and industrial warehouses (which both acts as columns and beams).

Bridge Building: This is applied on the main girders as well as in supporting structures of the substructures of the road and railway bridges.

Heavy Machinery and Vehicle Manufacturing: Bending metal to use in making the chassis of trucks, cranes and other heavy machinery.

Industrial Platforms and Mezzanines: Multi-level work platforms require a strong and stable support to be provided to the work floor and the storage area.

Your Steel Solutions Partner of Strength

The selection of the appropriate H-beam, including type, size and material, is a significant matter to the project integrity and success. We are not only a supplier of H-beams, but also your strategic partner. We provide an entire scope of quality H-beams and other structural steel items to fit the exact requirements of your tasks in the power, railway, automotive, construction, and others.

Build on a solid foundation. Today, contact us and see the solution of your next project, the H-beam.