H-Beam, And S-Beam: What’s The Difference

H-Beam, and S-Beam: What's the Difference

H-Beam

This type of beam is very similar to the W-beam in that it has wide flanges that create a cross-section resembling an H. The difference is how they are manufactured.

H-beams are normally built up from three lengths of steel-two flanges and a web-that are welded together along the junction. The welding process is done either manually or by rolling the three lengths of steel through a die that holds them in place and a weld is made across the entire length of the beam.

Welded beams are considered to be up to 20% stronger than a drawn beam.

S-Beam

The American Standard S-beam is a structural steel beam that is very similar to an I-beam with one big difference. The flanges are tapered-a 1:10 inclination-with a thicker cross-section towards the center where the flange (horizontal) meets the web (vertical). This makes for a lightweight member that has high load bearing capacity.

They are very resistant to bending and shear loads which is why they are often used in crane manufacture. The tapered flange provides higher wheel load capabilities for the trolley meaning that it can lift heavier loads than a hoist built using an I-beam.

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