The different kinds of beams used to make things — have you ever spared a thought because I sure do. H beam and I beam are two of the most common beams used in construction. Both of those beams are steel that is very strong material. However, how is it different than the other? So, time to get familiar with both h beams and I beams!
H beam and I beam are also called wide-flange beam and universal beam, respectively. From the side, H beams are what they sound like: the shape of an H. Each I-beam features two horizontal portions known as flanges (the top and bottom of the H): The portion is long and wide than the flange which allows it to support greater loads. Conversely, the I beams appear in cross-section as an actual letter I The other way is that they still have two horizontal flanges but connected together in the middle by a vertical web.
Throughout the construction industry, h beams and I beams play an important role in supporting a majority of the weight from buildings and various structures. We cannot construct strong buildings, bridges, and tall structures without these beams. These beams contribute a lot when supported by floors, roofs, and walls to make these structures stable and secure.
And so are a greater surface area the H beams do help disperse the weight of whatever get constructed on top of it. That means they can carry more load, which is great for large buildings that require additional support. I beams, on the other hand, are made to bear weight, allowing bridges and taller buildings the structural fortification they need to keep standing [PDF]. Each beam has its advantages and disadvantages, meaning the right kind depends on what you are constructing.
H beams and I beams; both are some of the most common type of installation options, but when they have to be used really depends on your construction needs. Keep in mind the construction of the beams are in weight and size. Beams that are too heavy or too large may be impractical to transport to the site of the building, resulting in added transportation costs. Furthermore, if the beam that is too small, it consider economical also not able to support the weight of structure properly which will incur more expenditure later.
But it is necessary to use H beams and I beams, which are steel components that are widely used in making strong and stable buildings. Being made of fine and durable steel quality they are pretty much durable, weather-resistant, earthquake resistant, etc. This stability is very important to prevent the deterioration of buildings over time.
Cost is another consideration when choosing H beams versus I beams. Generally speaking, I beams cost more than H beams. It is this difference in price which sometimes makes it difficult to source the materials necessary for projects. That being said, this additional cost is definitely not an automatic loss cause I beams can hold more weight than H beams depending on the type of structure that may be built and the budget of a project.