I-beams and H-beams are not the same type of steel. They belong to different categories of steel sections, but due to their similar cross-sectional shapes, they are often confused.
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I-beam steel
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H-shaped steel
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| Cross-sectional shape |
The cross-section is in an asymmetrical "L" shape. The flanges (the upper and lower edges) are relatively narrow and have uneven thickness. They are thicker near the web and thinner at the edges. |
The cross-section is in a symmetrical "H" shape, with a wide flange and uniform thickness. The web plate is vertically connected to the flange, and the radius of the arc at the transition is small. |
| Flange characteristics | The flange is narrow while the web is thick, and the moment of inertia of the section varies significantly in the strong axis and weak axis directions. | The flange is wide and the web is thin. The differences in inertia along the strong axis and weak axis are small, and the force distribution is uniform. |
| Production process |
Most are formed through one-step hot rolling, and the specifications are relatively fixed. |
It can be formed by both hot rolling and welding, with flexible specifications, and can produce large-sized and large-span products. |
| Load-bearing performance |
Mainly subjected to unidirectional bending moment load, with poor torsional resistance performance |
Can withstand both bidirectional bending moments and shear forces, with superior torsional and compressive resistance properties |
| Application scenario |
Suitable for building structures with smaller spans and lighter loads, such as secondary beams in factories and floor beams in civil buildings, etc. |
Suitable for large-span and heavy-load structures, such as the main beams of factories, bridges, steel structure frames, and the bases of tower cranes, etc. |
