The H-beam steel and I-beam steel not only have a slight difference in shape but also differ much in weight, strength, flange design, and some other characteristics, as well as applications.
1. H-beam steel has a longer, wider, and heavier flange than I-beam steel, but it can be used interchangeably most times. The flange refers to the horizontal element at the top and bottom of a beam.
2. The section size of I-beam steel is relatively high and narrow, the inertia moment of the two main sleeves of the section has a large
difference. While H-beam steel has a more reasonable section shape, which makes it more effective and improves the bearing capacity.
3. H-Beams are relatively stronger than I-beams. H-beam steels have A thicker web, which refers to the height of the beam.
4. Welding H-beams is easier than I-beams. The H-beam steel looks like three pieces of metal constructed together, and I-beam is a piece of metal throughout. The flanges of H-beam steel are of equal thickness, including rolled sections and combined sections composed of 3 plates welded.
5. I-beams are generally lighter than H-beams.
6. I-beam steel can only be directly used for members bending in its web, so it is usually used in structural steel buildings, bridges, and other civil projects, while H-beam steels are great for platforms, bridges, and some residential and commercial buildings. I-beam steel can only be used for beams, while H-beam steel can only be used for load-bearing columns of structures.
7. H-beam steel can be mounted at any size or height, but I-beam is limited to the equipment.
