Structural Characteristics Comparison

H-beams feature parallel flanges with uniform thickness, creating a more balanced load distribution. According to ASTM A6 standards, the flange-to-web thickness ratio typically ranges from 1.2:1 to 1.4:1. In contrast, I-beams have tapered flanges (14° slope per ANSI B4.1) that concentrate stress near the web junction. The wider flange width of H-beams (up to 400mm in European HE series) provides 18-22% greater moment of inertia than equivalent-weight I-beams.

Key Measurement Parameters

Load-Bearing Performance Analysis

Under vertical loading conditions, H-beams demonstrate 15-30% higher bending resistance due to their optimized section modulus (Z-values). Our laboratory tests on S355JR grade steel show:

• H200×200×8×12 beam: Ultimate load = 428kN/m
• I200×100×5.5×8 beam: Ultimate load = 367kN/m

For lateral torsion buckling resistance, H-beams' rectangular section provides 2.3× better stability according to Eurocode 3 calculations.

Material Selection Guidelines

Construction Applications

High-rise building frames prioritize H-beams (especially in seismic zones) for their:

1. Better weldability with square edges
2. Higher stiffness-to-weight ratio
3. Easier bolt connections through standard flange holes

Industrial Machinery

I-beams remain preferred for conveyor systems and crane rails due to:

• Lower material cost (≈12-15% savings)
• Simplified machining of tapered edges
• Historical design compatibility

Other Structural Steel Profiles

Channel vs. C-Purlin

While both have C-shaped cross-sections, channels (UPE/UPN standards) feature thicker webs (5-11mm) for load-bearing walls, whereas C-purlins (Z120-Z350 grades) use thinner galvanized steel (1.5-3mm) for roofing systems.

Angle Steel Dimensions

Equal angles (L50×5 to L200×20) dominate in truss structures, while unequal angles (L60×40×5 to L200×150×18) serve specialized bracketing needs. Our warehouse stocks 86% of ASTM A36 standard sizes with 48-hour cutting service.

Why Choose Ruilian Metal

With decade-long partnerships with Shougang Group and HBIS, we guarantee:

• Mill-direct pricing (5-8% below market average)
• ISO 9001-certified quality control
• 72-hour emergency delivery nationwide
• CNC precision cutting (±0.5mm tolerance)

FAQ Section

Q: Can I-beams replace H-beams with reinforcement?

A: Only for spans <6m with added stiffener plates (increases weight by 20-25%), making H-beams more economical long-term.

Q: Minimum order quantity for customized sizes?

A: 3 metric tons for standard profiles, 8 tons for special dimensions. Request a quotation with your technical drawings.