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What is the difference between HEA h type beam and IPE beam steel?

May 09, 2025 Leave a message

1. Cross-Section Design

Feature HEA (H-Type Beam) IPE (I-Type Beam)
Flange Width Wider, parallel flanges Narrower, tapered flanges
Web Thickness Thicker (better shear resistance) Thinner (lighter but weaker in shear)
Profile Shape "H" shape (square-like) "I" shape (tall and slender)
Height-to-Width Ratio Balanced (~1:1) Taller (height > flange width)

 

2. Mechanical properties
(1) Bending strength
HEA h beam structure is stronger: wider flanges provide higher moments of inertia, making it ideal for long span structures (e.g. beams in industrial plants).

(2) Axial load (compression)
HEA h type beam is better: thicker web and flanges resist buckling, suitable for columns.
IPE h beam steel structure is less effective: narrow flanges require stiffeners or larger cross-sections when subjected to high compression forces.

(3) Shear strength
HEA steel beam h is better: thicker webs can withstand shear forces (e.g. near supports).
IPE may need reinforcement under concentrated loads.

(4) Weight and cost
IPE h steel profile is lighter: about 15-30% lighter than HEA of the same height (more economical for light load applications).
HEA steel beam is heavier but stronger: higher load capacity per unit length.

 

3. Applications

Application HEA (H-Type) IPE (I-Type)
Long-span beams Ideal (e.g., factories, bridges) Limited to shorter spans (≤6m)
Columns Excellent (high stability) Rarely used (prone to buckling)
Dynamic loads Cranes, heavy machinery Not recommended
Lightweight structures Overkill Floors, roofs, small frames
Cost-sensitive projects Expensive Economical

 

4. Standard Dimensions (Example: 200mm Height)

Parameter HEA200 h beam profile IPE200 structural h beam
Flange Width 200 mm 100 mm
Web Thickness 9.0 mm 5.6 mm
Weight per Meter 42.3 kg/m 22.4 kg/m

 

5. Key Selection Criteria

Choose HEA if:

High loads/long spans (e.g., warehouse beams).

Compression-dominated (e.g., building columns).

Dynamic or cyclic loads (e.g., crane rails).

Choose IPE if:

Lightweight design is priority (e.g., residential steel frames).

Short spans/low costs (e.g., secondary beams).

Easy installation (standardized sections).

 

6. Additional Notes

Corrosion Protection: HEA's larger surface area may require more coating.

Connections: IPE's tapered flanges may need special fittings (e.g., shim plates).

Standards:

Europe: EN 10025 (material), EN 10365 (dimensions).

China: GB/T 11263 (H-beams), GB/T 706 (I-beams).

 

 

GNEE is an H beam supplier with 18 years of production experience. The h type beam we provide is strictly produced in accordance with standards, has passed quality certification, can provide quality certificates, and accept third-party testing. We are always ready to help you with all your structural h beam needs.

 

Model Number

Q235B/C/D Q345B/C/D/E Q390B/C/D/E Q420B/C/D/E Q460/C/D/E Q500/C/D/E

SS400 SM490A/B SN400A/B SN490B

S235JR/J0 S275JR/J0/J2 S355JR/J0/J2 S355K2 S450J0 S355M/L S460M

S355J0WP/J2WP S355J0W/J2W/K2W

Application Industry/Chemical Equipment
Welding Line Type Welding
Processing Service Bending, Punching, Cutting, Moulding
Length 6000mm 9000mm 12000mm or Customized
Technique Hot Rolled Cold Rolled
Payment terms L/C T/T (30%DEPOSIT)
Process method Standard

 

steel h profile

 

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