How does an ASTM W10x49 H-beam compare dimensionally to a GB HW 250x250 H-beam?

Nov 28, 2025

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The ASTM W10x49 (W-shape) and GB HW 250x250 (wide-flange H-beam) are functionally comparable for medium-load applications but differ in key dimensions-requiring targeted adjustments for substitution:

 

Dimensional Breakdown (Metric Conversions)

Dimension ASTM W10x49 GB HW 250x250 (GB/T 11263) Variance
Depth (d) 10.09 inches = 256.3 mm 250 mm +6.3 mm
Flange Width (bf) 8.00 inches = 203.2 mm 250 mm -46.8 mm
Web Thickness (tw) 0.345 inches = 8.76 mm 10 mm -1.24 mm
Flange Thickness (tf) 0.570 inches = 14.48 mm 13 mm +1.48 mm
Weight (w) 49 lbs/ft = 73.1 kg/m 71.8 kg/m +1.3 kg/m
Section Modulus (Sx) 49.1 in³ = 805 cm³ 812 cm³ -7 cm³

Practical Implications for Substitution

Fitment: The W10x49's narrower flange (203.2 mm vs. 250 mm) means it cannot directly replace HW 250x250 in brackets designed for wide flanges. To resolve this, use adapter plates (10 mm thick, 250 mm wide) to match the GB bracket width, ensuring full contact with the W-shape's flange.

Load Capacity: The section modulus is nearly identical (805 cm³ vs. 812 cm³), so bending capacity is comparable. A W10x49 A992 beam (345 MPa yield) supports ~278 kN·m (805 cm³ × 345 MPa), while the HW 250x250 Q355B (355 MPa yield) supports ~288 kN·m-only a 3.6% difference, offset by design load factors (1.6 for live loads).

Shear Capacity: The W10x49's thinner web (8.76 mm vs. 10 mm) reduces shear capacity by ~12% (112 kN vs. 127 kN). For high-shear applications (e.g., beam supports), add web stiffeners (100x10 mm plates) at 1-meter intervals to meet GB shear requirements.

Despite dimensional variances, the W10x49 can substitute the HW 250x250 with minor modifications, making it a viable option for projects with limited GB material availability.