H-Shapes and I-Beams Steel Structural Shapes
Steel structural shapes play a critical role in the construction, architecture, engineering and other industries. They’re used to build, reinforce and even beautify aesthetically pleasing buildings, bridges, homeowners and all other kinds of structures. Two of the most common shapes are H-shapes (also referred to as wide flange beams) and I-beams (also known as “American Standard Beams” or “S-Shapes).
H-Shapes:
H-shapes are characterized by a wide, flat web on one side of the cross section that is connected to two tracks of equal height on the other side of the cross section. The tracks are connected together in an H-shaped configuration and can vary in width and height, depending on the requirements of the structural application. The width of the web can vary too, depending on the specific structural needs.
The width of the web of an H-shape beam is always greater than its flanges (the vertical pieces of the beam). Its flanges are also subject to more stress, whereas the web is typically used for support and resistance.
There are various types of H-shapes available, ranging from standard H-beams to wide-flange beams (W-shapes). The main differentiating factor between standard H-shapes and W-shapes is their width and depth; for example, a W8x15 is 8 inches deep and 15 inches wide.
H-Shapes are measured both horizontally (across the flanges) and vertically (height along the web). Structural H-shapes can be used in many different applications and are designed to support the construction of houses, buildings, bridges, and other structures. They are also used to support horizontal spans along roofs and bridges.
I-Beams:
I-beams, also known as American Standard Beams, are similar to H-shapes in that they are characterized by a wide, flat web connected to two tracks of equal height. However, I-beams differ in that their web join the two flanges at their midpoint, whereas H-shapes join the two flanges at their top and bottom.
Unlike H-shapes, which have a width greater than their flange height, I-beams have an equal flange height and width. These beams are designed to support loads along the vertical axis, and are designed to support weight applied vertically—not horizontally. They are often used to provide support for large structures such as bridges or footings. The web of an I-beam gives the beam greater stiffness and strength because it resists compression and tension with respect to the vertical axis. In comparison, H-shapes can carry tensile and compression forces along the horizontal axis.
I-beams are measured in the same way as the H-shapes in terms of width and height, and are also subject to the same differentiating factors. They can also come in various sizes, ranging from standard I-beams to wide-flange beams (W-shapes).
Conclusion:
H-shapes and I-beams are two of the most important steel structural shapes used in construction and engineering. While they look similar and have similar shapes, they differ in terms of their width and weight bearing capacity. H-shapes are suited for supporting loads along the horizontal axis, while I-beams are more suited for supporting loads along the vertical axis. Both shapes can come in standard sizes and wide-flange sizes, and are available in a variety of materials and finishes.
