American Standard H-Beam

1. The flanges of H-beams are parallel or nearly parallel on the inside and outside, with the flange ends forming right angles, hence the name Parallel Flange I-Beam.

2. The web thickness of H-beams is smaller than that of ordinary I-beams with the same web height, while the flange width is larger, giving it the name Wide Flange I-Beam.

3. Due to its shape, the section modulus, moment of inertia, and corresponding strength of H-beams are significantly superior to ordinary I-beams of the same weight.

4. When used in various metal structures, whether under bending moments, compressive loads, or eccentric loads, H-beams demonstrate excellent performance. They can greatly increase load-bearing capacity compared to ordinary I-beams, saving 10% to 40% of metal. With their wide flanges, thin webs, and versatile specifications, H-beams can save 15% to 20% of metal in various truss structures.

5. The parallel inner and outer flanges and right-angled ends make H-beams easy to assemble into various components, saving approximately 25% of welding and riveting work. This significantly speeds up construction and shortens project timelines.

Summary: Due to the above advantages, H-beams are widely used in:

• Various civil and industrial building structures.

• Large-span industrial plants and modern high-rise buildings, especially in earthquake-prone areas and high-temperature industrial environments.

• Large bridges requiring high load-bearing capacity, cross-sectional stability, and long spans.

• Heavy equipment.

• Highways.

• Ship skeletons.

• Mine support.

• Foundation treatment and dam engineering.

• Various machine components.

H-beams come in many specifications and can be classified in the following ways:

1. By Flange Width:

• Wide Flange H-Beam: Flange width (b) is greater than or equal to the web height (h).

• Medium Flange H-Beam: Flange width (b) is greater than or equal to the web height (h).

• Narrow Flange H-Beam: Flange width (b) is approximately half the web height (h).

2. By Application:

• H-Beam for Beams: Typically narrow flange H-beams.

• H-Beam for Columns: Typically wide flange H-beams.

• H-Beam for Piles.

• H-Beam with Extra-Thick Flanges.

• Parallel leg channel steel and parallel flange T-beams are sometimes also classified as H-beams.

3. By Production Method:

• Welded H-Beam.

• Rolled H-Beam.

4. By Size:

• Large H-Beam: Web height (h) greater than 700 mm.

• Medium H-Beam: Web height (h) between 300 mm and 700 mm.

• Small H-Beam: Web height (h) less than 300 mm.

• As of the end of 1990, the largest H-beam had a web height of 1200 mm and a flange width of 530 mm.