And due to its larger surface area in the cross-section, it is considered to have a high strength rate. This makes welding the H-beams relatively simpler than that of the I-beams. The H-beams are made of economically sectioned steel, with a more optimized cross-sectional distribution area and a reasonable strength-to-weight ratio, which means it can provide more strength per unit weight. 1-beams, on the other hand, have thin webs and conical flanges.Īlso, read: What Is Rebar | Why use Reinforcement in Concrete | Types of Steel Reinforcement Bars B-beam and B-beam: Strength The height of a beam is the web, which is thicker in H beams, which makes them relatively stronger than I beams. In terms of design, H beams have longer, wider and heavier flanges than I beams, but both terms H beam and I beam can be used interchangeably most of the time and are commonly called laminated steel beams (RSJ) The horizontal element at the top and bottom of a beam is called a flange, which is usually narrower on I-beams, but is almost equally wide as such. It is basically a beam of rolled steel or a beam with a cross-section in the form of the capital letter I.Īlso, read: Detail of Beam Connection | Simple Framing Connection | Semi-Rigid Framing Connection | Rigid Frame Connection H-Beam and I-Beam: Projects I beam, on the other hand, is also known as an H beam, but it looks like an ‘I’ of the cross-section. It looks like an ‘H’ over the cross-section and is incredibly strong and has a larger surface area in the cross-section of the beam. It is one of the most used structural members in the United States. The H beam, as the name suggests, is an H-shaped structural member made of rolled steel and is known as a wide flange beam. Difference Between H-Beam and I-Beam H-Beam and I-Beam: Basics of With an I- beam, the height of the cross-section is greater than the width of its flange. I-beam has tapered edges and gets its name because it looks like a capital letter when you see it through the cross-section. The I- beam consists of two horizontal planes, known as flanges, connected by a vertical component or the weft. The H beam tends to be heavier than the I beam, which is why some say it is better than the I beam, but this is subjective, as the H beam is generally heavier.Īlso, read: Tension Vs Compression | What Is Tension & Compression What Is I-Beam?Īn I-beam is shaped like an I. The difference between the H and I beams is the flange per band ratio. Is H Beam Stronger Than I Beam Connecting Rods?.How Far Can a Steel Beam Span Without Support?.How Do I Know What Size Steel Beam I Need?.How Do You Find the Unit Weight of an H Beam?.How Much Weight Will a Steel Beam Hold?.How Far Can a Steel I-Beam Span Without Support?.What Is the Standard Size of a Beam for Building?.What Is the Difference Between an I Beam and an H Beam?.What Is the Main Disadvantage of H-Beam?.What Is the Main Disadvantage of I-Beam?.