H-beam is pivotal in providing structural support and stability, as well as for bearing heavy loads and withstanding environmental stress. They are known for their H-shaped cross-section, which offers superior strength and stability for high-rise construction applications. The H-beams unique geometric structure makes it ideal for providing both horizontal and vertical strength to the structure. H-beams can support wide spans and distribute weight evenly. They are considered the cornerstone of modern construction projects. This Brick & Bolt blog explains the types, characteristics, applications, processes, and materials used in h-beams in detail.
What is H Beam?
It is a type of structural beam that is composed of horizontal and vertical layouts. Due to its supporting nature, it is mostly used in constructing homes, commercial buildings, residential buildings, floors, roofs, bridges, etc. Depending on the project requirement, it can be available in variable sizes.
The flange and web are the main components in defining the type of steel beam. H-beams are used in construction when there is unstable ground or for bridges that need to bear heavy loads.
Types of H Beams
Due to their strength and stability in spanning long distances in construction work, H beams are used in various construction applications. H beam is commonly divided into three types as follows:
- Wide Flange H-Beams
- Narrow Flange H-Beams
- Medium Flange H-Beams
Wide Flange H Beams
In wide flange H-shaped steel beams, the dimensions of the flanges and web vary depending on design requirements. These beams are primarily used as steel core columns in reinforced concrete frame structures for added strength and load-bearing capacity.
Narrow Flange H-Beams
These beams are specifically designed for load-bearing capacity and feature a narrower flange compared to wide flange beams.
Medium Flange H-Beams
One type of steel structure that is commonly used in construction and engineering projects. This type of H-beam features medium-wide flanges and is positioned perpendicular to each other.
Here is a tabular differentiated based on the flange width as below:
| S.No | H-beam Types | Flange Width (B) | Web Height (H) | Relationship between flange width and web height |
| 1. | Wide Flange H-beam | Greater than or equal to web height | Equal to or less than the flange width | B ≥ H |
| 2. | Medium Flange H-beam | Greater than or equal to web height | Equal to or less than the flange width | B ≥ H |
| 3. | Narrow Flange H-beam | Equal to one-half of the web height | Twice the flange width | B =½ H |
Application of H beam
H-beam steels are mainly used in industrial and civil structures. The different applications of H-beam steels are as follows:
- H beams are frequently used in bridge construction, which supports roadways and resist lateral loads induced by vehicular traffic.
- It can be used in the construction of cranes, which are essential for lifting bearing loads and supporting stable machinery.
- In the automotive industry, H-beams are used in the manufacturing of vehicles, including cars and trucks. H-beams provide structural support and reduce the weight of the vehicle.
- Likewise, it provides the same structural support for constructing aircraft and other aerospace vehicles. It simultaneously reduces the weight of the vehicles.
- Military vehicles like tanks and armored personnel carriers are constructed using H-beams for their structural support and protection against ballistic attack.
- In building construction, H-beams are used as load-bearing elements in frames, floors, walls, and roofs, including residential, commercial, and industrial structures.
- It is ultimately helpful in constructing vehicles and transportation structures such as train stations, airports, and road overpasses.
Key Characteristics of H-beam Steel
Load-Bearing Capacity
H-beam is known for its high load-bearing capacity. The vertical web and horizontal flanges make it an ideal structure for bearing hefty structures with large stress on both sides.
Structural Stability
The wide flanges are responsible for high resistance to bending and stressing. This structure provides strong integral support for large buildings that are required to bear heavy loads.
Versatility in Construction
H-beams are always flexible in the construction process. According to the requirements of each project, it can be altered. H-beams can be designed into many sizes that fit each construction project.
Efficient Weight Distribution
H-beams are efficient in distributing weight across their length. It stops concentrated stress in one place and distributes the weight to the overall structure of the h-beam. It increases the overall strength of the steel structure.
Cost-Effective
H-beams are always considered economical because of their availability in all places. It reduces the use of more materials needed for construction and lowers transportation costs. It provides strong support for steel structures that require high load-bearing capacity.
Durable and Long-Lasting
As h-beams are made of steel, they are durable and long-lasting. Even though it is less corrosion-resistant, you need to maintain it regularly. It will add some maintenance costs.
The Price of H-beam Steel
In India, the price of the h-beam varies from place to place. The factors included in the price of the h-beam steel, such as the minimum order requirement, type of h-beam, and place where the construction site is located. The average price of the h-beams starts at Rs. 50 per kilogram. You can buy in bulk quantity, mentioning your requirement size and shape of the steel.
Process of Manufacturing and Rolling H-Pile Beams
Rolling is a primary method used to manufacture h-beams. A uniform length of steel is taken and heated into pliable material, which can be easily molded shape without cracking. Then it is passed into a universal mill, which contains horizontal and vertical rolls to get the desired H-shaped cross-section shape of h-beams.
Materials Used in H-Pile Beams
The two important materials that can be used in the manufacturing of h-beams are as follows:
- New steel
- Recycled steel
Some misconception is that h-beams manufactured from scraps are low quality in nature. But this is not true. Steel is a 100% environment-friendly and recyclable material that has always had its unique property of bearing high load capacity at any cost.
H-Pile Beam Sizes
H-piles are dimensionally square structural beams. This specified design allows H-piles to transfer structural loads to deeper layers of the soil. They are commonly available in 8″, 10″, 12″, and 14″ lengths. However, 16” and 18” piles can also be found.
The individual piles can support a weight of up to 1,000 tons. These piles offer excellent pile resistance in dense soil. H-piles are considered a good option for constructing a pile system on rock.
Conclusion
On the whole, h-beams are widely used for building high-rise construction projects as well as structures that need heavy load-bearing capacity. The flexible property of h-beams makes it a wonderful opportunity to fit every project requirement.