European Wide-Flange Beam Series
HEA and HEB are the two standard European wide-flange H beam series, defined in EN 10365 and rolled to the dimensional tolerances of EN 10034. Both have parallel flanges and a rectangular cross-section, which simplifies connection design and gives predictable section properties. HEA is the lighter series with thinner flanges; HEB carries thicker flanges and webs at the same nominal height for higher load capacity.
Section Range
HEA series - from HEA100 to HEA1000; nominal heights 96 mm to 990 mm, flange widths 100 mm to 300 mm.
HEB series - from HEB100 to HEB1000; nominal heights 100 mm to 1000 mm, flange widths 100 mm to 300 mm.
Mass ranges from about 16.7 kg/m for HEA100 to over 300 kg/m for the largest HEB sections.
Standard rolling lengths are 12 m and 15 m, with 6 m and 13 m options.
Steel Grades
HEA and HEB beams are hot rolled in the standard EN 10025-2 structural grades:
S235JR - minimum yield 235 MPa, tensile 360-510 MPa; the economical grade for lighter frames.
S355JR - minimum yield 355 MPa, tensile 470-630 MPa; the default grade for modern structures where weight saving matters.
S355J2 and S355K2 are available for cold climate and offshore duty with guaranteed impact at -20 °C.
Q355B and Q235B equivalents per GB/T can be certified for projects specified to Chinese codes.
Manufacturing Quality
Hot rolling on universal mills produces beams with fine grain structure, low residual stress and consistent section geometry. Each beam is straightened, inspected and marked with the grade, heat number and dimensions. Dimensional checks cover height, flange width, web and flange thickness, camber, sweep and length, all per EN 10034 tolerances.
Typical Applications
Building frames - columns and beams in commercial, industrial and residential steel buildings.
Bridges - main girders and cross beams for road and pedestrian bridges.
Portal frames - rafters and columns in warehouses, hangars and sports halls.
Heavy engineering - crane girders, turbine halls and offshore deck structures.
Supply and Certification
Beams are supplied cut to length, drilled and fabricated on request, with shot blasting, priming or hot-dip galvanizing per ISO 1461. Each delivery includes mill test certificates per EN 10204 type 3.1 stating the heat analysis and mechanical properties, and third-party inspection can be arranged before shipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between HEA and HEB?
At the same nominal height, HEB has thicker flanges and web, higher mass and higher load capacity; HEA is lighter and more economical at lower loads.
Q: Which grade should I order?
S355JR is the default for load-bearing frames; S235JR suits light structures and secondary members where cost is critical.
Q: What is the largest HEB section?
HEB1000 with a nominal height of 1000 mm is the largest standard series; larger members are built up by welding plates.
Q: Are HEA and HEB beams interchangeable with W sections?
No, W sections follow ASTM A6 imperial dimensions; metric HEA and HEB follow EN 10365, so design values differ.
Q: Can beams be supplied pre-fabricated?
Yes, cutting, drilling, end-plating, shot blasting and priming can be completed before delivery.
Q: What certificates are provided?
Mill test certificates per EN 10204 type 3.1 are standard, with 3.2 certificates on request.