There are slight differences between I-beams and beams that appear to have all the same characteristics, including H-piles, Universal beams (UB), W-beams, and wide flange beams. While they all have an I-shaped cross section, and the term “universal” hints at its widespread usefulness, there are some slight differences worth noting.
I-beams: Ibeams have parallel flanges. Sometimes, these flanges taper. The legs are more narrow on I-beams than they are for H-piles and W-beams/wide flange beams. As a result, they can tolerate less weight and are available in shorter lengths — up to 100 feet versus H-piles and W-beams which can span up to 330 feet. I beams are a type of S beam.
H-piles: H-piles are also known as bearing piles, and they look nearly identical to ibeams, but they’re heavier. They both have parallel flange surfaces, but H-piles have wider legs. Importantly, H-piles are designed with equal thicknesses across all sections of the beam and are able to withstand greater vertical loads as a result. H beams are a type of wide flange beam.
W-beams / wide flange beams: Similar to H-piles, W-beams have wider legs than the standard I-beam. However, they do not necessarily have equal web and flange thicknesses.
