Yes, American W-shapes (ASTM A6) can substitute for China's GB HN (Narrow Flange) H-beams, but with design considerations for their dimensional differences:
Dimensional Comparison: W-shapes have wider flanges than HN beams for the same depth. For example:
W6x25 (ASTM): Depth 6.38 inches (≈162 mm), flange width 6.52 inches (≈166 mm), web thickness 0.320 inches (≈8.1 mm), weight 25 lbs/ft (≈37.3 kg/m).
HN 160x88 (GB): Depth 160 mm, flange width 88 mm, web thickness 5 mm, weight 19.7 kg/m.W6x25's wider flanges (166 mm vs. 88 mm) provide greater lateral stability, while HN 160x88's narrower flanges reduce weight and material cost.
Substitution Feasibility: W-shapes are suitable substitutes for HN beams in light-load applications (e.g., secondary framing, mezzanine supports) where lateral stability is critical. For example, a W6x25 A992 beam can replace a HN 160x88 Q355B beam in a retail store mezzanine, as its higher weight (37.3 kg/m vs. 19.7 kg/m) still falls within typical floor load limits (2.4 kN/m²), and its wider flanges reduce the need for additional bracing.
Design Adjustments: Engineers must adjust for flange width when designing connections. For example, a bolted connection designed for HN 160x88's 88 mm flange width may need longer bolts (e.g., M16 vs. M12) to fit W6x25's 166 mm flange. Additionally, section modulus calculations should use W-shape properties (e.g., W6x25 ≈ 29.1 in³) instead of HN properties (HN 160x88 ≈ 123 cm³ ≈ 7.5 in³) to ensure sufficient bending capacity.
While not a "narrow-flange" match, W-shapes offer superior stability and can be substituted for HN beams with minor connection and load calculation adjustments.