What Wide Flange Beams Are
A wide flange beam is a rolled steel section whose flanges are nearly as wide as the section is deep. The parallel inner and outer flange faces make it easy to connect and to fit into a frame. The European families HEA, HEB and IPE are listed in EN 10365, which gives the full dimensional and mass table for each size. Because the flanges are wide, the section resists both bending and compression well, so the same families are used for beams and for columns. This makes them the default choice for industrial buildings and for framed structures of all kinds.
Standard Dimensions and Mass
The table below gives representative sizes across the range up to 300 mm depth.
| Section | Depth mm | Width mm | Mass kg/m |
| IPE 200 | 200 | 100 | 22.4 |
| IPE 300 | 300 | 150 | 42.2 |
| HEA 200 | 190 | 200 | 42.3 |
| HEA 300 | 290 | 300 | 88.3 |
| HEB 200 | 200 | 200 | 61.3 |
| HEB 300 | 300 | 300 | 117.0 |
Mass increases steeply with the HEB family, so the section is chosen by calculation rather than by visual similarity. Substituting HEB for HEA increases dead load and changes the connection geometry.
Grade and Toughness Selection
A36 is the traditional structural grade with a minimum yield of 250 MPa, S235JR offers 235 MPa and S275JR offers 275 MPa under EN 10025-2, and SS400 offers 245 MPa under JIS G 3101. The JR suffix in the European grades indicates a Charpy impact test at 20 degrees Celsius with a minimum energy of 27 J, and J0 and J2 versions are available for zero degrees Celsius and minus 20 degrees Celsius. Where a project specification requires a lower carbon content or a tighter sulphur limit, the more controlled grades should be ordered rather than relying on the mill default. This is especially important for structures that will be galvanized or welded with high restraint.
Fabrication and Quality Checks
Beams are cut to length by saw or thermal process, and the cut ends should be ground where they will be welded. Holes are drilled or punched depending on thickness and the tolerance required by the connection. Inspection before delivery should cover section dimensions, length, straightness, camber and the identity of the heat number. Certificates should record the chemical composition and the mechanical properties of each heat and, where ordered, the impact test results.
Typical Applications
Primary beams and columns in industrial buildings.
Portal frame rafters and legs.
Crane runway beams and monorail supports.
Bridge cross frames and temporary works.
Racking and mezzanine structures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does wide flange mean?
It means the flange width is nearly equal to the section depth, which gives good stability in compression and makes connections easier to detail.
Q: Which standard lists the beam dimensions?
EN 10365 lists the dimensions and masses of the European IPE, HEA, HEB and related sections.
Q: What does the JR suffix mean in S275JR?
The JR suffix indicates that the steel has been Charpy impact tested at 20 degrees Celsius with a minimum absorbed energy of 27 J.
Q: Can wide flange beams be galvanized?
Yes. Vent and drain holes should be designed so that molten zinc can reach internal surfaces and no air is trapped during dipping.
Q: How do I choose between IPE and HEA?
Choose IPE when the beam is loaded mainly in bending about the strong axis, and HEA when the wider flange is needed for lateral stability or for larger connection forces.