With an almost identical shape, a layperson could easily mix up retaining wall steel H beams and I beams. So how exactly do these two differ from each other? And when should you choose one over the other?
The Purpose of Steel Beams
Before we delve into the differences between retaining wall steel H beams and I beams, it’s important to examine exactly why these supports are necessary. Basically, structural beams are used to add strength to walls. The shape of the beam resists shear force, which lessens the likelihood of tearing apart. Steel beams guarantee the integrity of a structure, adding stability and strength.
Retaining Wall H Beams Versus I Beams
The difference in the shape between retaining wall H beams and I beams may be subtle, but it is there. H beams are made of rolled steel, and they get their name because the cross section resembles a capital H. Compared to an I beam, the H beam consists of longer flanges and a thicker centre web. The flanges on an I beam are tapered.
Mechanical Differences Between Retaining Wall H Beams and I Beams
- Retaining wall H beams are more mechanically straightforward and are therefore quicker and cheaper to manufacture. H beams are easier to weld than I beams because the outer flanges are straight.
- The cross section of the H beam is stronger than the cross section of the I beam, meaning it can bear a greater load. In comparison, the cross section of an I beam can bear direct load and tensile but cannot resist twisting because the cross section is so narrow. This means that it can only bear force in one direction.
- Retaining wall H beams are heavier than I beams, so they can bear a greater load
- The way that they are manufactured means that H beams can be produced up to 330 feet long, whereas I beams can only be produced up to 100 feet due to their complex shape and dimensions
Which Is Better?
At first glance, retaining wall H beams seem like a better option, as they are cheaper and quicker to manufacture, and they generally have a greater load bearing capacity. However, as with most choices in life, the ultimate decision depends on the situation.
Steel has been the material of choice in the construction industry for many years because it is strong, lightweight and easily erected. It is also widely manufactured and durable. With a superior strength to weight ratio, retaining wall H beams are commonly used as supports for bridges, platforms and mezzanines. They are also frequently used as support columns in residential building projects.
On the other hand, I beams have high tensile strength. This means they are excellent at bearing load under direct pressure. I beams are often used in the construction of steel framed buildings and bridges.
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FAQs
The thicker the web, the stronger the beam. I beams usually feature a much thinner centre web, which means they're more suitable for lighter loads. In contrast, H beams feature a much thicker web, so they can provide stronger support.
What is the difference between H-beam and I-beam span? ›
Beam Height and Weight
I-beams are lighter and thinner than H-beams, and only span between 33 to 100 feet due to their complex shape. H-beams can span to 300 feet, making them the obvious choice for very tall structures.
What is the weight difference between I-beam and H-beam rods? ›
“When it comes to design and weight considerations it's easier to make an H-beam rod lighter than an I-beam rod. Some of our H-beam rods are a straight beam, while others are a tapered beam. A tapered beam means you don't have as much weight on the pin end of the rod.
What are H beams used for? ›
What are H Beams used for? H Beams are commonly used in the construction of buildings as well but also large trailers and bridges, among others. Due to their slightly different cross-section shape, thicker central web and wider flanges, H beams can bear larger loads than I beams.
What is the difference between H-beam and W beam? ›
Similar to W beams, H beams have inner and outer flange surfaces that run parallel. However, in H beams the width of the flanges is approximately equal with the beam depth. The beam also displays an even thickness throughout. Beams serve as the basis for support in many constructions and engineering projects.
What is the difference between a steel I-beam and a steel H-beam? ›
Steel H and I beams are both types of rolled steel joist. The two types differ in shape and design, construction, weight, spans, centre web, strength and resistance. H beams are suitable for supporting larger constructions, whilst I beams are suitable for construction applications where space is restricted.
What is the advantage of H-beam? ›
- Efficiency and Load Capacity: H-beams offer higher load-bearing capacity and economic design due to their cross-sectional shape. - Manufacturing Processes: H-beams are roll-formed with uniform thickness flanges, while I-beams have sloped flanges and are roll-formed sections.
Why is an I-beam so strong? ›
Because an i-beam is rolled into that “I” shape, the i-beam will have more flange surface area than a solid beam. For the same amount of steel used and the same overall weight, you'll get a higher load-bearing capacity and a high moment of inertia with an i-beam because of its ability to redistribute that weight.
What are the strongest connecting rods? ›
Then youll want to know that titanium rods offer the highest strength-to-mass ratio of them all. A well-designed titanium rod is about 20 percent lighter than a comparable steel rod.
Are steel I-beams stronger than wood beams? ›
Structural steel is a material with a very high strength to weight ratio, meaning that beams made from this metal can withstand higher amounts of stress than alternative materials (such as wood and stone) without any fractures occurring.
Although I-beams are usually preferred because of the additional flange, T-beams are still considered one of the strongest structural shapes for load-bearing needs.
What grade of steel is used in H-beams? ›
Steel h-pile beams and steel wide flange beams come in eight ASTM standards, including A36, A572-Grade 50, A588, A690, A709, A913-Grade 50, A913-Grade 65, and A992. ASTM A36 mainly applies to carbon structural steel.
How strong is an H-beam? ›
An H-beam's durability comes from its strength-to-weight ratio in the cross-section. This optimized design means that these beam types have more strength against heavier loads. An H-beam can also be easier to weld, and because it has a large surface area in its cross-section, it earns a high strength rating.
Which is better H beam or I-beam rods? ›
Based on this the H beam design was supposedly better suited to the high combustion pressures associated with forced induction and the I beam was better suited for high revving naturally aspirated engines since it is lighter.
What is the difference between I-beam and W beam? ›
As you might have guessed, W-beams have flanges that are wider than your standard I-beam, and this is the main difference between the two. Because of this, W-beams can often hold more weight and resist higher forces than I or H-beams.
What is the difference between I-beam and regular beam? ›
I-beams feature thinner webs and tapered flanges for a more lightweight construction. The I-beam's shorter length makes it compatible with spans between 33 and 100 feet. Where wide flange beams come in three connected metal components, I-beam steel comes in a single metal piece.
What is the maximum span of H beam? ›
H beams, which can span up to 330 feet, work best in buildings with larger footprints. H beams are made with thicker webs and wide flanges for maximum strength in all directions.
What is the difference between I-beam and LVL beam? ›
Laminated veneer lumber (LVL), composed of several layers of glued plywood comes pre-made from a factory but still costs less than structural steel I-beams. Also, attaching your other components to wood of either type is easy compared to steel.
What is the difference between span and beam? ›
Length of the beam is simply total length of the member and span is center to center distance between the two supports.
What is the difference between I-beam and wide flange beam? ›
An I-beam has tapered flanges with a narrower flange than most wide flange beams, making it a lighter building material. A wide flange beam, with wider flanges and web than the I-beam, can handle more weight, but this makes it heavier overall.
With an almost identical shape, a layperson could easily mix up retaining wall steel H beams and I beams. So how exactly do these two differ from each other? And when should you choose one over the other?
At first glance, retaining wall H beams seem like a better option, as they are cheaper and quicker to manufacture, and they generally have a greater load bearing capacity. However, as with most choices in life, the ultimate decision depends on the situation.