The European standard H-beam types HEA and HEB have significant differences in cross-sectional shape, size and application.
HEA series
HEA is a hot-rolled wide-flange H-beam in European standard, with an “H”-shaped cross-sectional shape, two parallel working faces (webs) and two flange plates. HEA type H-beam is characterized by narrow flanges and large height, which makes it suitable for occasions with large bending moments, such as bridges, high-rise buildings, etc.1. Specifically, HEA series steels are usually used for structures that require high strength and stiffness, such as building frames that perform well under both vertical and horizontal loads.
HEB series
In contrast, HEB type H-beam is also a hot-rolled ribbed wide-flange H-beam under European standard, but its characteristics are different from HEA. The cross-sectional area of HEB type H-beam may be slightly smaller than that of HEA, but its flange width is wider and the web is thicker, which gives HEB type H-beam better compressive performance and is suitable for application scenarios that require greater flange stiffness2. This means that in some cases, although the cross-sectional area of HEB is smaller, it can provide stronger support due to its wider flange and thicker web.
1. Cross-sectional dimensions and geometric characteristics
•HEA series (lightweight H-beam)
▪Narrow and thin flanges (flanges) and thin webs (middle vertical plates).
▪Light weight per unit length and small cross-sectional area.
▪Relatively low moment of inertia (bending resistance) and section modulus, suitable for medium load scenarios.
•HEB series (standard H-beam)
▪Wider and thicker flanges and thicker webs.
▪Higher unit weight and significantly increased cross-sectional area.
▪Higher moment of inertia and section modulus, stronger bending and compression resistance, suitable for heavy-load structures
3. Mechanical properties and application scenarios
HEA
▪Suitable for light to medium loads, such as light plant frames, small platforms or non-load-bearing structures.
▪Good economy, saving material costs.
HEB
▪Used in heavy-load scenarios, such as bridge main beams, high-rise building columns or heavy machinery supports.
▪Higher stiffness and strength, but higher material costs.
4. Other European H-beam series
▪HEM series: thicker flanges and webs, designed for extreme loads (such as heavy industrial equipment bases).
▪IPN/IPE series: Similar to HEA/HEB, but with parallel flange design (no slope on the inner side of the flange).
Application areas
Due to the differences in the above characteristics, the application of HEA and HEB type H-beams in actual engineering also focuses on different aspects. HEA H-beam is more suitable for places that require high rigidity and high strength, such as the foundation support system of large buildings or the core tube of high-rise buildings. HEB H-beam, due to its larger flange width and thicker web, performs particularly well when subjected to large pressure loads. Therefore, it is often used in the foundation structure of heavy machinery or industrial plants with higher requirements for bearing capacity.