H-Beam vs I-Beam | What Is H-Beam | What Is I-Beam (2024)

I Beam

An l -beam is shaped like an I. The I beam consists of two horizontal planes, known as flanges, connected by one vertical component, or the web. I-beam has tapered edges and it gets its name from the fact that it looks like a capital I when you see it from its cross section. With an I-beam, the height of the cross section is higher than the width of its flange.

H-Beam

H-beams are shaped like an H. H-beam is a structural beam made of rolled steel. It is incredibly strong. It gets its name because it looks like a capital H over its cross-section.

H Beam Vs I Beam

H beamsare made of rolled steel, and they get their name because the cross section resembles a capitalH. Compared to an Ibeam, theH beamconsists of longer flanges and a thicker centre web. The flanges on an Ibeamare tapered.

Difference Between H Beam and I Beam

H–beam: TheH–beam looks like one piece of metal but it has a bevel where three pieces of metal come together. I-beam: An I-beamis not made by welding or riveting sheets of metal together and is only one piece of metal throughout.

I Beam vs W Beam

An I-beamhas tapered flangeswitha narrower flange than most wide flangebeams, making it a lighter building material. A wide flangebeam,withwider flanges and web than theI-beam, can handle more weight, but this makes it heavier overall.

Construction Beams

Different types ofbeamsare used in theconstructionof buildings and structures. These are horizontal structural elements that withstand vertical loads, shear forces, and bending moments.Beams transfer loads that imposed along their length to their endpoints such as walls, columns, foundations, etc.

Which Is Stronger H Beam or I-Beam?

H-beam: An H-beam has a thicker center web, which means it is often stronger. I-beam: An I-beam often has a thinner center web, which means it is often not able to take as much force as an h-beam

What Are I Beams Used For?

I beams have a variety of important uses in thestructural steel construction industry. They are often used as critical support trusses, or the main framework, in buildings. Steel I beams ensure a structure’s integrity with relentless strength and support.

What Is the Strongest Beam Shape?

This structure reduces the danger of lateral buckling as each beam finds the shortest unbraced path within the structure. Also loads are distributed evenly at each tetrahedral joint.A tessellation of hexagons is the strongest isotropic geometry when considering only two dimensions.

What Is the Strongest Beam Design?

I-Beam is the quintessential beam profile. The design is super strong in the vertical direction, yet has a uniform and equal response to other forces. It has the best strength to weight ratio (vertical) making it a great DIY beam profile — for Cranes, and for the main beams of big and/or long trailers.

Is C Channel Stronger Than I-Beam?

C-section channel overcomes this by moving the web out to one edge of the flanges, changing the cross-section from an “I” to a “C” in the process. C-section thus has three flat surfaces for mounting to.It’s still strong, although this geometry does give up a little of the rigidity of the I-beam.

What Type of Steel Is I Beam?

I-Beams are commonly made ofstructural steel but can be formed out of aluminum. I-beams are most widely used in construction and can have an application for use in both beams as well as columns. Infra-Metals offers many different sizes, lengths, and specifications for I-beams.

What Is the Main Disadvantage of I-Beam?

A huge disadvantage to the I-beam is thatit’s very susceptible to heat. If it gets heated up it can bend and fail causing a huge problem. I-beams are usually insulated to protect them from the heat because of this fact.

What Is the Main Advantage of I-Beam?

I beams are the choice shape for structural steel builds because of their high functionality. The shape of I beams makes them excellent forunidirectional bending parallel to the web. The horizontal flanges resist the bending movement, while the web resists the shear stress.

What Is the Main Disadvantage of H-Beam?

Steel beams are strong and versatile, but they do have some disadvantages when compared to wood beams. Steel beams make skyscrapers possible. Steelbeams have a high cost, are heavy, will rust over time and pollute the environment.

What Is the Main Advantage of H-Beam?

Due to their slightly different cross-section shape, thicker central web and wider flanges, H beamscan bear larger loads than I beams. While both are advantageous load-bearing structures, due to how long H beams can span for, they are more reliable for larger-scale projects.

What Is Stronger H Beam or I Beam?

H-beam: An H-beam has a thicker center web, which means it is often stronger. I-beam: An I-beam often has a thinner center web, which means it is often not able to take as much force as an h-beam.

Which Way Is I Beam Stronger?

The section modulus for an I-beam, when compared to a solid rectangular beam of the same cross sectional area is much higher. This is because more fibres are distributed away from the neutral axis.

Who Invented the I Beam?

The world’s first steel building, the Rand McNally building of 1889, gave the I-beam the perfect moment to show its strength.Halbou invented the I-beam, but an English engineer named Henry Grey perfected it.

What Size I Beam Do I Need?

Determining the appropriate size of an I-beam depends on several factors, including the load it needs to support, the span of the beam, and the building codes and regulations in your area.

Is Square Tubing Stronger Than I-Beam?

Rectangular tube with the longest dimension vertical is next and square is worst because the I for regular sections depends on the third power of the vertical dimension.Tube is stronger.

What Is the Purpose of an I Beam?

I beams are the choice shape forstructural steel builds because of their high functionality. The shape of I beams makes them excellent for unidirectional bending parallel to the web. The horizontal flanges resist the bending movement, while the web resists the shear stress.

What Are I Beams Made Of?

I-Beams, also known as H-Beams have and I or H cross-section. I-Beams are commonly made of structural steel but can be formed out of aluminum. I-beams are most widely used in construction and can have an application for use in both beams as well as columns.

What Is H Beam Used For?

H Beams are commonly used inthe 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 H Beam Sizes?

Classification (Height × Flange width)	Standard cross-section dimensions (mm)
Classification (Height × Flange width)	H×B	r
100×100	*100×100	8
125×125	125×125	8
150×150	150×150	8
175×175	175×175	13
200×200	200×200	13
200×200	*200×204	13
250×250	*244×252	13
	250×250	13
	*250×255	13
300×300	*294×302	13
	300×300	13
	*300×305	13
350×350	*344×348	13
	*344×354	13
	350×350	13
400×400	400×400	22

Why Do We Use I Beams?

I beams are the choice shape for structural steel builds because oftheir high functionality. The shape of I beams makes them excellent for unidirectional bending parallel to the web. The horizontal flanges resist the bending movement, while the web resists the shear stress.

What Is the Longest Steel Beam?

Spans in excess of20 m can be achieved (for the purposes of this article the definition of long span is taken as anything in excess of 12 m). Generally long spans result in flexible, column-free internal spaces, reduce substructure costs, and reduce steel erection times.

Is Standard H Beam?

Beamsor columns under thestandardhave nominal flange width same as depth up to nominalbeamdepth 300 mm.Beam depth larger than 300 mm have nominal flange width 300 to 400 mm. Beamsand columnsection are manufactured with heavy, medium and light flange and web thickness.

What Is the Weight of an I Beam?

Ordinary Hot Rolled I Beam Sizes & Weight Chart

Specifications	Height (mm)	Theoretical Weight (kg/m)
10	100	11.261
12.6	126	14.223
14	140	16.890
16	160	20.513
18	180	24.143
20a	200	27.929
20b	200	31.069
22a	220	33.070
22b	220	36.524
25a	250	35.105
25b	250	42.030
28a	280	43.492
28b	280	47.888
32a	320	52.717
32b	320	57.741
32c	320	62.765
36a	360	60.037
36b	360	65.689
36c	360	71.341
40a	400	67.598
40b	400	73.878
40c	400	80.158
45a	450	80.420
45b	450	87.485
45c	450	94.550
50a	500	93.654
50b	500	101.504
50c	500	109.354
56a	560	106.316
56b	560	115.108
56c	560	123.900
63a	630	121.407
63b	630	131.298
63c	630	141.189

What Is I Beam Sizes?

Steel I-Beam Sizes (Wide Flange)

Name	Depth	Weight lbs/ft
W 27 x 178	27.80	178
W 27 x 161	27.60	161
W 27 x 146	27.40	146
W 27 x 114	27.30	114
W 27 x 102	27.10	102
W 27 x 94	26.90	94
W 27 x 84	26.70	84
W 24 x 162	25.00	162
W 24 x 146	24.70	146
W 24 x 131	24.50	131
W 24 x 117	24.30	117
W 24 x 104	24.10	104
W 24 x 94	24.10	94
W 24 x 84	24.10	84
W 24 x 76	23.90	76
W 24 x 68	23.70	68
W 24 x 62	23.70	62
W 24 x 55	23.60	55
W 21 x 147	22.10	147
W 21 x 132	21.80	132
W 21 x 122	21.70	122
W 21 x 111	21.50	111
W 21 x 101	21.40	101
W 21 x 93	21.60	93
W 21 x 83	21.40	83
W 21 x 73	21.20	73
W 21 x 68	21.10	68
W 21 x 62	21.00	62
W 21 x 57	21.10	57
W 21 x 50	20.80	50
W 21 x 44	20.70	44
W 18 x 119	19.00	119
W 18 x 106	18.70	106
W 18 x 97	18.60	97
W 18 x 86	18.40	86
W 18 x 76	18.20	76
W 18 x 71	18.50	71
W 18 x 65	18.40	65
W 18 x 60	18.20	60
W 18 x 55	18.10	55
W 18 x 50	18.00	50
W 18 x 46	18.10	46
W 18 x 40	17.90	40
W 18 x 35	17.70	35
W 16 x 100	16.97	100
W 16 x 89	16.75	89
W 16 x 77	16.52	77
W 16 x 67	16.33	67
W 16 x 57	16.43	57
W 16 x 50	16.26	50
W 16 x 45	16.13	45
W 16 x 40	16.01	40
W 16 x 36	15.86	36
W 16 x 31	15.88	31
W 16 x 26	15.69	26
W 14 x 132	14.66	132
W 14 x 120	14.48	120
W 14 x 109	14.32	109
W 14 x 99	14.16	99
W 14 x 90	14.02	90
W 14 x 82	14.31	82
W 14 x 74	14.17	74
W 14 x 68	14.04	68
W 14 x 61	13.89	61
W 14 x 53	13.92	53
W 14 x 48	13.79	48
W 14 x 43	13.66	43
W 14 x 38	14.10	38
W 14 x 34	13.98	34
W 14 x 30	13.84	30
W 14 x 26	13.91	26
W 14 x 22	13.74	22
W 12 x 136	13.41	136
W 12 x 120	13.12	120
W 12 x 106	12.89	106
W 12 x 96	12.71	96
W 12 x 87	12.53	87
W 12 x 79	12.38	79
W 12 x 72	12.25	72
W 12 x 65	12.12	65
W 12 x 58	12.19	58
W 12 x 53	12.06	53
W 12 x 50	12.19	50
W 12 x 45	12.06	45
W 12 x 40	11.94	40
W 12 x 35	12.50	35
W 12 x 30	12.34	30
W 12 x 26	12.22	26
W 12 x 22	12.31	22
W 12 x 19	12.16	19
W 12 x 16	11.99	16
W 12 x 14	11.91	14
W 10 x 112	11.36	112
W 10 x 100	11.10	100
W 10 x 88	10.84	88
W 10 x 77	10.60	77
W 10 x 68	10.40	68
W 10 x 60	10.22	60
W 10 x 54	10.09	54
W 10 x 49	9.98	49
W 10 x 45	10.10	45
W 10 x 39	9.92	39
W 10 x 33	9.73	33
W 10 x 30	10.47	30
W 10 x 26	10.33	26
W 10 x 22	10.17	22
W 10 x 19	10.24	19
W 10 x 17	10.11	17
W 10 x 15	9.99	15
W 10 x 12	9.87	12
W 8 x 67	9.00	67
W 8 x 58	8.75	58
W 8 x 48	8.50	48
W 8 x 40	8.25	40
W 8 x 35	8.12	35
W 8 x 31	8.00	31
W 8 x 28	8.06	28
W 8 x 24	7.93	24
W 8 x 21	8.28	21
W 8 x 18	8.14	18
W 8 x 15	8.11	15
W 8 x 13	7.99	13
W 8 x 10	7.89	10
W 6 x 25	6.38	25
W 6 x 20	6.20	20
W 6 x 16	6.28	16
W 6 x 15	5.99	15
W 6 x 12	6.03	12
W 6 x 9	5.90	9
W 5 x 19	5.15	19
W 5 x 16	5.01	16
W 4 x 13	4.16	13

What Is a Standard I-Beam?

The standard I-Beam is namedfor their distinctive shape, similar to a capital letter “I”. The horizontal pieces are known as flanges, and the vertical piece is called the web. This shape is very efficient for carrying loads of weight without bending.

What Is the Smallest Size I Beam?

3 inch was the smallest I have found. Furthermore, what is the standard size of beam? The standard size of beam is 9″x12″, which is usually used in many of the residential building.

What Is the Difference Between an I Beam and an H Beam?

H-beam: The H-beam looks like one piece of metal but it has a bevel where three pieces of metal come together. I-beam: An I-beam is not made by welding or riveting sheets of metal together and is only one piece of metal throughout.

What Is the Standard Size of a Beam for Building?

In a residential building is9 ʺ × 12 ʺ or 225 mm × 300 mm according to the (IS codes). The minimum size of the RCC beam should not be less than the 9 ʺ× 9 ʺ or 225mm × 225mm with the addition of slab thickness which is 125mm.

How Do I Choose Beam Size?

To calculate the necessary depth of abeam, divide the span (in inches) by 20. For example, a 25′ span would be 25×12 / 20 = 15”. The width of this beam would be between 1/3 and ½ the depth. The dimensions of a girder would be the same, but the flange would be thicker.

How Far Can I Span a Beam?

When supporting joists that span12 feet with no overhang beyond the beam, a double ply beam can span in feet a value equal to its depth in inches. A double 2×12 beam can span 12 feet; a (2) 2×10 can span 10 feet and so on.

How Far Can a Steel I-Beam Span Without Support?

You can get a tall enough steel I-beam that will span25 feet with no columns. When supporting joists that span 12 feet with no overhang beyond the beam, a double ply beam can span in feet a value equal to its depth in inches.

How Far Can an H Beam Span?

Spansin excess of 20 m can be achieved (for the purposes of this article the definition of long span is taken as anything in excess of 12 m). Generally long spans result in flexible, column-free internal spaces, reduce substructure costs, and reduce steel erection times.

How Much Does a Steel H Beam Cost?

H-beams cost$11 to $16 per linear foot on average, and are stronger than I-beams, but weigh more at 13 to 15 pounds per foot. H-beams, also called W-beams, are for columns and longer beam spans up to 300 feet due to their weight-bearing capacity.

How Much Does an I-Beam Cost?

Installing steel beams costs $3,104 on average, with most homeowners payingbetween $1,426 and $5,068 (including labor). Prices could run anywhere from $300 to $9,000, depending on the type of project. Expect a higher project quote if you need to replace a load-bearing wall.

How Much Weight Will a Steel Beam Hold?

If you have a beam of steel which has a basic permissible bending stress of about 23000 lbs per square inch, by the time you make allowances for the span and the lack of restraint, the actual bending stress that the beam can handle is down toabout 6100 lbs per square inch under these conditions.

How Do I Identify an I-Beam?

In Canada and the United States, steel I-beams are commonly specified usingthe depth (in inches) and weight of the beam (in pounds per foot). For example, a “4 x 13” I-beam is approximately 4 inches in depth (the measurement taken from the outer face of the first flange, to the outer face of the opposite flange).

How Much Is a Steel Beam Cost?

Steel Structural Beam Prices vs. Other Materials

Type of Beam	Average Cost Range Per Linear Foot*
Steel	$6 – $20
Wood	$5 – $30
LVL	$3 – $12
Aluminum	$13 – $30

How Do You Find the Area of an H Beam?

Thecross-sectional area is the breadth times the depth of the structure. For example, if you have a rectangular beam spans 6m with 450mm X 600mm beam size, then the length of the beam will be 6000mm and the cross-sectional area will be 450X600 = 270000 mm².

How Do You Find the Unit Weight of an H Beam?

For haunches, theweightiscalculatedas follows: G = Lh * mweight, where Lh = S –h/ 2 * tan(a) S is the saw length of thebeam.his the profile height. a is the largest angle formed by a saw plane with thebeam web (less than PI/2).

How Strong Is a Steel I Beam?

Ranges of yield strength: A36: 36,000 psi (250 MPa)A572: 42,000–60,000 psi (290–410 MPa), with 50,000 psi (340 MPa) the most common.

How Do You Size an I-Beam?

To calculate the necessary depth of a beam,divide the span (in inches) by 20. For example, a 25′ span would be 25×12 / 20 = 15”. The width of this beam would be between 1/3 and ½ the depth.

How Do I Choose a Beam?

Specify the loading details of the steel I-beam.
Draw the diagram for the bending moment based on the given details. Thus, you’ll be able to find the maximum value of the bending moment.
Choose the estimated size of the steel I-beam.
Find out the area moment of inertia of the steel I-beam.
Find out the beam depth.

How Big of an I-Beam Do I Need?

To calculate the necessary depth of a beam,divide the span (in inches) by 20. For example, a 25′ span would be 25×12 / 20 = 15”. The width of this beam would be between 1/3 and ½ the depth. A beam overhang can be a maximum of 3/8 of the supported span.

How Strong Is an Aluminum I Beam?

I-beams are of 6061-T6. Which has ayield strength of 40 ksi. The two section modules I found were 2.81 cubed inches for the lighter and 3.36 inches cubed for the heavier. The lighter having a web thickness of 0.15in and a flange thickness of.

How Do You Read an I-Beam Size?

In the United States, steel I-beams are commonly specifiedusing the depth and weight of the beam. For example, a “W10x22” beam is approximately 10 in (25 cm) in depth (nominal height of the I-beam from the outer face of one flange to the outer face of the other flange) and weighs 22 lb/ft (33 kg/m).

How Do I Know What Size Steel Beam I Need?

To calculate the necessary depth of a beam,divide the span (in inches) by 20. For example, a 25′ span would be 25×12 / 20 = 15”. The width of this beam would be between 1/3 and ½ the depth. The dimensions of a girder would be the same, but the flange would be thicker.

How Do I Know What Size Beam I Need?

The distance across the center of the beam for which the irradiance (intensity) equals1/e2 of the maximum irradiance (1/e2 = 0.135) is defined as the beam diameter. The spot size (w) of the beam is defined as the radial distance (radius) from the center point of maximum irradiance to the 1/e2 point.

How Do I Order Steel Beams?

Locate thebeamyou wish toorderon yoursteel drawing plans and turn to the general instructions at the front of your building plans.
Note down on your piece of paper the type of flange of thebeam.
Note the measurements of the flange.
Write down the weight per foot of thebeam.
Write down the overall length of the beam.
Turn to the detail page in your steel beam installation drawings and your building plans that shows the types of connections for your beam.

How Far Can a Steel Beam Span Without Support?

How Much Does a Structural Beam Cost?

The average cost to install a steel beam is$1,200 to $4,200 or between $100 and $400 per foot, which includes a structural engineer’s inspection, permits, the beam, delivery, and installation.

Type	Per Foot Installed	Total Cost Installed
LVL Beam	$50 – $200	$800 – $2,500
Steel I-Beam	$100 – $400	$1,200 – $4,200
Steel I-Beam (Complex)	$500+	$6,000 – $10,000

How Much Load Can a Beam Support?

What Are Aluminum I-Beams Used For?

I-beams are the standard shape for aluminum beams usedin floor and ceiling joists, to ensure that a structure will be physically sound.

Are Aluminum Beams as Strong as Steel?

Even with the possibility of corrosion,steel is harder than aluminum. Steel is strong and less likely to warp, deform or bend underweight, force or heat. Nevertheless, the strength of steel’s tradeoff is that steel is much heavier/much denser than aluminum. Steel is typically 2.5 times denser than aluminum.

Is 7075 Aluminum Stronger Than Steel?

7075 is able to match most steel alloys in terms of strength. On the other hand, 7075 is one of the strongest aluminum alloys available. While 7075 is less workable than 6061, if your greatest consideration is strength, then 7075 is probably the better choice.

What Are the Dimensions of an I-Beam?

Standard Steel I-Beam Sizes, Dimensions and Section Properties Chart

Designation	Nom.Weight, lb/ft	Web Thickness tw, in
S15 x 50	50.00	0.550
S15 x 42.9	42.90	0.411
S12 x 50	50.00	0.687
S12 x 40.8	40.80	0.462
S12 x 35	35.00	0.428
S12 x 31.8	31.80	0.350
S10 x 35	35.00	0.594
S10 x 25.4	25.40	0.311
S8 x 23	23.00	0.441
S8 x 18.4	18.40	0.271
S7 x 20	20.00	0.450
S7 x 15.3	15.30	0.252
S6 x 17.25	17.25	0.465
S6 x 12.5	12.50	0.232
S5 x 14.75	14.75	0.494
S5 x 10	10.00	0.214
S4 x 9.5	9.50	0.326
S4 x 7.7	7.70	0.193
S3 x 7.5	7.50	0.349
S3 x 5.7	5.70	0.170

Is Standard H Beam Sizes?

H-beams are widely used in the construction industry and are available in a variety of standard sizes. H-beams may be used both as beams and as columns. Gunung Garuda’s hot rolled H-Beam comes with standard size range from100×100 up to 350×350.

How Do You Calculate H Beam Volume?

First,multiply the thickness times height times length for the central part of the I-beam to get its volume in cubic inches. Performing this step for example used above leads to 3 inches times 15 inches times 130 inches, or 5,850 cubic inches.

What Is an H-Beam Used For?

H-beam gets its name because over its cross-section it looks like a capital H and has a wider flange(s). Often referred to as WF or wide flange beams, H-beams are used inthe bridge construction, buildings, cranes, truck trailers and in a wide variety of other applications.

Is H Beam Stronger Than I Beam Connecting Rods?

H-beam rods are more difficult to machine, so they are often more expensive. I-beam rods are easier to produce and can sometimes be lighter than H-beams. All other variables being equal, H-beam rods are the strongest design.

Structural Steel Beams

Beam is amain structural steel shape used in many applications, including bridges, buildings, skids, structures, and general fabrication.

Which Is Stronger H Beam or I Beam?

How to Measure H Beam?

Raise the length of each of the H-beam’s flanges to the power of 3. For example, if each flange is 6 inches long: 6^3 = 216 in^3. Multiply this answer by the width of a flange. For example, if each flange is 2 inches thick: 216 × 2 = 512 in^4.

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.

How Long Can a Steel I Beam Span?

The maximum possible span of a steel beam as a 1.5–2m of a length after yhe shear capacity and bearing capacity are maximum.

What Is an I Beam?

I-beams are commonly used in construction and engineering as load-bearing members in buildings, bridges, and other structures. The design of the I-beam allows it to resist bending and twisting forces, making it an ideal choice for structures that need to withstand heavy loads and stress.

H Section Steel

H-section steel is used in a wide range of construction and engineering applications, including building frames, bridges, towers, and industrial structures. It is preferred over other types of structural steel because of its high strength-to-weight ratio and the ability to span longer distances.

H Section

H-sections are commonly used in construction and engineering as load-bearing members in buildings, bridges, and other structures. The design of the H-section allows it to resist bending and twisting forces, making it an ideal choice for structures that need to withstand heavy loads and stress.

H Beam Steel

H-beam steel, also known as H-section steel, is a type of structural steel beam with a cross-sectional shape resembling the letter “H.” It is commonly used in construction and engineering as load-bearing members in buildings, bridges, and other structures.

H Steel Beam

The H-steel beam consists of two horizontal flanges, or wide members, and a vertical web, or central member, that connects the flanges. The wide flanges provide greater stability and support, while the thin web allows for efficient use of materials without adding unnecessary weight.

H Beam Dimensions

H Beam Size Chart

However, here are some standard sizes of H-beam steel commonly used in construction:

H-Beam Size: 100x100mm to 900x300mm
Flange Width: 100mm to 300mm
Flange Thickness: 6mm to 25mm
Web Width: 100mm to 900mm
Web Thickness: 5mm to 20mm
Length: 6m, 9m, 10m, 12m, or customized

I Beam Steel

The I-beam steel consists of two horizontal flanges, or wide members, and a vertical web, or central member, that connects the flanges. The flanges are thicker and wider than the web, providing greater stability and support. The thin web allows for efficient use of materials without adding unnecessary weight.

H-beam

H-beam, also known as I-beam or W-beam, is a structural steel beam with an H-shaped cross-section. It is commonly used in construction and engineering to support heavy loads over long spans. The H-beam gets its name from the fact that its cross-section resembles the letter “H”.

H Section Beam

H section beam, also known as H-beam or I-beam, is a type of structural steel beam that has an H-shaped cross-section. The H-section beam gets its name from its shape, which resembles the letter “H”. It is made by rolling steel through a series of dies to form the H-shape.