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Major Difference between H-beam and I-beam

Both H-beams and I-beams are structural steel materials that civil engineering experts commonly utilize in the construction sector. Both of these components may appear similar to a novice. The flanges are the horizontal elements of I and H beams, whereas the web is the vertical element. The web resists shear forces, and the flanges are designed to withstand the majority of the bending moments experienced by the beam.

In general, the design of I-beams and H-beams is determined by the following criteria:

  • Deflection: The goal should be to minimize deformation.
  • Vibration: based on the vibration tendency, stiffness and mass should be determined.
  • Bending yielding failure
  • Bending failure due to lateral torsional buckling
  • Bending failure due to local buckling
  • Local yield as a result of the high magnitude of concentrated loads
  • Shear failure
  • Buckling or yielding of the component 

However, both are not the same. In this post, we will look at the fundamental differences between I-beam and H-beam.

What exactly is an H-beam?

The H-beam is a very strong structural steel element. This beam is known as an H-beam because its cross-section resembles the capital letter “H.” 

H-beams have almost the same thickness on both parallel flanges and no taper on the inside surface. H-beams are split into three types based on their height and flange width. They’re

  • Narrow Flange Series H-beam
  • Medium Flange Series H-beam
  • Wide Flange Series H-beam

What exactly is an I-beam?

I-beams are structural steel components with cross-sections that look like the capital letter “I.” An I-beam has a slope on the inner surface of the flanges and is made up of two flanges and one web. I-beam sections are available in a variety of weights, flange widths, sections, depths, and web thicknesses, depending on the application.

Common Standards for Beam

The following are common standards that specify the shape and tolerance of structural beam sections:

  • AS/NZS 3679.1
  • EN 10024
  • EN 10034
  • EN 10162
  • AISC Manual
  • IS 808
  • ASTM A6,
  • DIN 1025
  • BS 4-1

Distinction between H-beam and I-beam

  • Dimensions and Weight of H-beam and I-beam
  1. An H-beam has a much thicker web than an I-beam.
  2. An I-beam typically has a flange slope of 1:6 to 1:10, whereas an H-beam has a uniform flange.
  3. An H-beam weighs more than an I-beam.
  4. The distance between the flanges on an H-beam section can be adjusted as needed, but it is fixed on an I-beam.
  5. The moment of inertia for each beam is different.
  6. In an I-beam, the web is larger than the flange, but in an H-beam, this may not be the case.
  • Mechanical Properties of H-beam and I-beam
  1. The I-beam cross-section is less resistant to twisting than the H-beam cross-section.
  2. In general, H-beams are more robust and can carry a greater load than I-beams.
  3. H-beams are utilized as columns, while I-beams are used as beams.
  • Manufacturing of H-beam and I-beam
  1. An I-beam is made entirely of a single piece of metal, whereas an H-beam is usually made by welding three pieces of metal together.
  2. An H-beam can be made to any size and height, but I-beams are restricted by the capacity of the milling machine.

 

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