Your project calls for beams, but you are not sure of whether to get I or H-Beams (H-beams also referred to as wide flange). Today we will discuss the differences and the telltale signs that you have an I-beam or an H-beam. Visit our site today and there are charts that help you in deciding what beam will be best for your next project!
I-Beam
Our customers often tell us that the beams they have seen look like an I or an H when set on its side. How can you tell if you are looking at an I-beam over an H-beam? The differences in how they look are subtle, so knowing what to look for and how you plan to use it is beneficial. Typically, I-beams are used to support trusses and in the framework of buildings. Beams, in general, are structural supports and ensure structural integrity as they provide tremendous strength.
When you are looking at these two types of beams on their side, an I-beam has smaller flanges and tapered edges. An I-beam that is S8 @ 18.4# will have a depth of section that is 8 inches with a flange width of 4.001 inches with a web thickness of .271 (a little more than a ¼ of an inch). And it weighs 18.4 pounds per foot. I-Beams are limited in their available sizes, whereas the H-beam is available in hundreds of sizes.
Spirit Metals offers I-beams in carbon and stainless steel, as well as aluminum and Corten. Your structural plans will call out the right beams for your project, so contact us today for a comprehensive quote.
H-Beam
An H-beam gets its name because over its cross-section it looks like a capital H and has a wider flange(s). Often referred to as WF or wide flange beams, H-beams are used in the bridge construction, buildings, cranes, truck trailers and in a wide variety of other applications. Like the I-beam, H-beams are measured very similarly, and it is crucial to know what your load capacity is. Knowing the depth of section and pounds per foot is an essential element when requesting a quote for any beam. Wide flange beams come in a variety of sizes, lengths, and pounds per foot.
Beams are offered in A572*, A588, A709, and A992, all of which should be called out in your plan’s structural notes. The standard when ordering these WF beams will almost always be A992
*A572 is a multi-grade that covers a variety of alloys and grades
H-Pile Beam
H-piles are used in bridge construction, heavy highway repair and builds, marine, and other deep foundation applications. These beams are dimensionally square and add support and stiffness to sheet pile walls and foundations. If you are looking for H-pile, I or H beams, be assured Spirit Metals has what you are looking for!
Beams are an essential part of how we build. Whether you are making a crane hoist or constructing a building, Spirit Metals can help! Our primary goal is to understand the needs of your business, project, and budget; to partner with you to achieve those goals. Call us today at 813-444-2022 or email, and one of our dedicated team members will assist you!
I-Beam
Our customers often tell us that the beams they have seen look like an I or an H when set on its side. How can you tell if you are looking at an I-beam over an H-beam? The differences in how they look are subtle, so knowing what to look for and how you plan to use it is beneficial. Typically, I-beams are used to support trusses and in the framework of buildings. Beams, in general, are structural supports and ensure structural integrity as they provide tremendous strength.
When you are looking at these two types of beams on their side, an I-beam has smaller flanges and tapered edges. An I-beam that is S8 @ 18.4# will have a depth of section that is 8 inches with a flange width of 4.001 inches with a web thickness of .271 (a little more than a ¼ of an inch). And it weighs 18.4 pounds per foot. I-Beams are limited in their available sizes, whereas the H-beam is available in hundreds of sizes.
Spirit Metals offers I-beams in carbon and stainless steel, as well as aluminum and Corten. Your structural plans will call out the right beams for your project, so contact us today for a comprehensive quote.
H-Beam
An H-beam gets its name because over its cross-section it looks like a capital H and has a wider flange(s). Often referred to as WF or wide flange beams, H-beams are used in the bridge construction, buildings, cranes, truck trailers and in a wide variety of other applications. Like the I-beam, H-beams are measured very similarly, and it is crucial to know what your load capacity is. Knowing the depth of section and pounds per foot is an essential element when requesting a quote for any beam. Wide flange beams come in a variety of sizes, lengths, and pounds per foot.
Beams are offered in A572*, A588, A709, and A992, all of which should be called out in your plan’s structural notes. The standard when ordering these WF beams will almost always be A992
*A572 is a multi-grade that covers a variety of alloys and grades
H-Pile Beam
H-piles are used in bridge construction, heavy highway repair and builds, marine, and other deep foundation applications. These beams are dimensionally square and add support and stiffness to sheet pile walls and foundations. If you are looking for H-pile, I or H beams, be assured Spirit Metals has what you are looking for!
Beams are an essential part of how we build. Whether you are making a crane hoist or constructing a building, Spirit Metals can help! Our primary goal is to understand the needs of your business, project, and budget; to partner with you to achieve those goals. Call us today at 813-444-2022 or email, and one of our dedicated team members will assist you!
