It's no surprise that an I-beam is shaped like the letter "I". However, unlike an H-beam, an I-beam consists of two horizontal plates (also called flanges) connected by a vertical member (the web). The edges of an I-beam are also tapered, and the cross-sectional area is also slightly larger than the width of the flange.
An H-beam is shaped like a capital "H". It's no surprise that these beams have wider flanges, as some other structural steel manufacturers often refer to them as wide-flange beams.
What are I-beams used for?
I-beams have a variety of uses in structural steel manufacturing. Typically, I-beams are used as key support trusses or building frames. Structural steel beams are often used to provide structural support due to the steel's strength, durability, and resistance to rust (thanks to the steel's surface treatment).
Using an I-beam means that the number of additional support structures required is greatly reduced, which helps save cost and time while also ensuring greater structural stability. Universal beams can support a variety of loads when used horizontally, and universal columns can also support a variety of loads when used as vertical supports.
What are H-beams used for?
H shape steel beams are commonly used in the construction of buildings, but are also used in the construction of large trailers and bridges, among other things.
Due to a slightly different cross-sectional shape, a thicker center web, and wider flanges, steel beams can carry greater loads than I-beams. While both are excellent load-bearing structures, H-beams are more reliable for larger projects due to their greater spans. However, I-beams are lighter and still prove to be very effective in numerous applications.
