HEB 600 and HEA 600 Compared
HEB 600 and HEA 600 are two wide-flange H sections of the European series, both 300 mm wide but with different internal proportions. Under EN 10365, HEB 600 has a height of 600 mm, a web thickness of 15.5 mm, a flange thickness of 30 mm and a nominal mass of 171 kg per metre. HEA 600 has a height of 590 mm, a web thickness of 13 mm, a flange thickness of 25 mm and a nominal mass of 128 kg per metre. Both share a root radius of 27 mm.
| Parameter | HEB 600 | HEA 600 |
|---|---|---|
| Height h | 600 mm | 590 mm |
| Flange width b | 300 mm | 300 mm |
| Web thickness tw | 15.5 mm | 13 mm |
| Flange thickness tf | 30 mm | 25 mm |
| Root radius r | 27 mm | 27 mm |
| Mass | 171 kg/m | 128 kg/m |
The heavier HEB section carries markedly more bending moment for the same depth, while HEA offers a lighter member at similar height. Because the flanges of both sections are thicker than 16 mm, the design yield strength must be taken for the relevant thickness range rather than for the nominal grade value.
S355J0 Grade Requirements
S355J0 is defined in EN 10025-2. The maximum carbon content is 0.20% and manganese is limited to 1.60%, with phosphorus and sulphur each held to 0.030%. The minimum yield strength is 355 MPa for thickness up to 16 mm and 335 MPa for thickness over 16 mm up to 40 mm. The tensile strength range is 470-630 MPa, and the J0 suffix requires a Charpy V-notch impact energy of 27 J at a test temperature of 0 degrees C.
For a 30 mm flange, as in HEB 600, the applicable minimum yield strength is therefore 335 MPa rather than 355 MPa. Applying the thinner-section value to a heavy beam overstates the capacity of the member, which is a common error in preliminary sizing.
| Property | S355J0 |
|---|---|
| Carbon, max. | 0.20% |
| Silicon, max. | 0.55% |
| Manganese, max. | 1.60% |
| Phosphorus, max. | 0.030% |
| Sulphur, max. | 0.030% |
| Yield strength, 16-40 mm | min. 335 MPa |
| Tensile strength | 470-630 MPa |
| Impact test | 27 J at 0 degrees C |
Ordering, Handling and Fabrication
Heavy wide-flange sections are normally ordered to a fixed length with mill test certificates for each heat. Handling requires crane capacity matched to the 171 kg per metre mass of HEB 600, and storage should avoid point loading that can twist the flanges.
Welding thick flanges calls for a qualified procedure with controlled heat input and, where restraint is high, a preheat check. Splices are commonly made with full-penetration flange welds and a web bolted or welded connection designed for the shear. Because the sections are supplied in the as-rolled condition, no post-weld heat treatment is needed unless the design code or the client specification demands it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between HEB 600 and HEA 600?
A: HEB 600 is 600 mm high with a 15.5 mm web, 30 mm flange and 171 kg per metre; HEA 600 is 590 mm high with a 13 mm web, 25 mm flange and 128 kg per metre.
Q: What does S355J0 mean?
A: A steel with a minimum yield strength of 355 MPa, tested for Charpy V-notch impact energy at 0 degrees C.
Q: Which yield strength applies to a 30 mm flange?
A: 335 MPa, because EN 10025-2 reduces the minimum yield value for thickness above 16 mm and up to 40 mm.
Q: What impact energy is required for S355J0?
A: A minimum of 27 J Charpy V-notch at a test temperature of 0 degrees C.
Q: Which dimensional standard covers these sections?
A: EN 10365, which gives the height, width, thickness and mass tolerances for the HEA and HEB ranges.