1. Understanding the HEA, HEB and IPE Series
The HEA, HEB and IPE designations come from the European section system and are now produced by mills worldwide. IPE beams are I sections with parallel flanges and a relatively deep web, giving the most efficient bending section for a given weight. HEA and HEB are wide flange H sections with thicker webs and flanges; HEA is the lighter series of the two, while HEB has heavier flanges and is used for columns and high load beams. A further HEM series is heavier still and is specified only for very high loads.
2. Typical Sections in the 200 to 300 mm Range
| Section | Nominal Depth and Flange | Unit Weight kg/m |
| IPE200 | 200 x 100 mm | about 22.4 |
| IPE300 | 300 x 150 mm | about 42.2 |
| HEA200 | 190 x 200 mm | about 42.3 |
| HEA300 | 290 x 300 mm | about 88.3 |
| HEB200 | 200 x 200 mm | about 61.3 |
| HEB300 | 300 x 300 mm | about 117.0 |
All of these sections are produced to the dimensional tolerances of EN 10034, and the exact depths, flange widths and section properties are published in the standard shape tables.
3. Material Grades and Mechanical Properties
Beams in this range are supplied in A36, Q235B, S275JR and S355JR grades. A36 and Q235B have minimum yield strengths of 250 and 235 MPa, S275JR raises this to 275 MPa and S355JR to 355 MPa, which is the most common grade for structural steelwork in Europe. The higher strength grades allow the use of a lighter section for the same design moment, reducing steel tonnage, welding and transport cost on large projects.
4. Fabrication and Tolerances
Hot rolled beams are cut to length, drilled, welded and bolted with standard procedures. The straightness, camber and sweep are controlled by EN 10034, and the beam ends are sawn square unless a special preparation is requested. For outdoor service the beams can be hot-dip galvanized or painted, and for composite floors shear studs are welded onto the top flange of the beam on site.
5. Typical Structural Applications
Primary and secondary beams in portal frame buildings.
Columns and rafters of industrial halls and warehouses.
Mezzanine floors, platforms and access structures.
Bridge girders for short and medium spans.
Machine support frames and crane runway beams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between HEA and HEB sections? HEB has thicker flanges and a heavier unit weight than HEA of the same nominal depth, so HEB carries higher loads while HEA is more economical for lighter frames.
Q: Is an IPE beam the same as an I-beam? IPE is a specific European I section series with parallel flanges and a deep web; the general term I-beam covers this and other similar series.
Q: Which grade is normally specified for steel structures in Europe? S355JR is the most common grade for hot rolled beams and columns, and S275JR is used where the loads are light and economy is the priority.
Q: How is the correct section size chosen? The section is selected from the shape tables by checking the bending moment, shear and deflection against the section properties, following the design code of the project.
Q: Can these beams be galvanized? Yes, hot rolled beams are regularly hot-dip galvanized for outdoor structures, and the coating is specified to the project standard with the surface prepared before dipping.