HEB Beams-H Shape Steel Structure

European Structural Steel Beams (Excluding HEB): A Practical Buyer’s Guide

This page focuses on major European steel beam families other than HEB. You will find a concise yet practical overview of HEA and HEM wide-flange sections, IPE and IPN I-shapes, and UPN/UPE channel profiles. We also summarize welded girders, composite strategies, coatings, export logistics, pricing dynamics, and sourcing tips. Use the internal links to jump to what you need, or skim the comparison table to shortlist profiles for your project.

Standards referenced include EN 10365 (dimensions), EN 10025 (steel grades), EN 10204 (inspection certificates) and related European norms.

HEA Beams — Lightweight Wide-Flange Efficiency

HEA beams are wide-flange shapes optimized for lower mass compared to heavier wide-flange families. With thinner flanges and generally smaller mass per meter, HEA is an excellent choice where structural efficiency and a lean weight budget are important. Engineers often specify HEA for secondary beams in buildings, mezzanines, platforms, and structures where gravity loads are moderate and serviceability criteria dominate over extreme bending capacity.

When to Choose HEA

• Weight-sensitive designs where dead load reduction is beneficial
• Secondary framing, purlins, and moderate-span floor systems
• Projects targeting cost-per-meter savings without sacrificing code compliance

Design Notes

Verify flange compactness for bending class checks, and evaluate lateral torsional buckling for slender spans. For vibration-critical floors (labs, offices), pair preliminary sizing with dynamic serviceability checks early.

HEM Beams — High-Capacity Wide-Flange Workhorses

HEM beams represent the heavy end of the European H-series. With thicker flanges and greater mass per meter, these sections provide robust bending resistance and stiffness. HEM members are commonly used as primary beams, transfer girders, and crane runway beams, especially where high moments, low deflections, or fatigue considerations apply.

When to Choose HEM

• Primary beams for long spans and heavy gravity loads
• Industrial settings with concentrated loads or dynamic actions
• Where deflection limits are stringent and stiffness is paramount

Design Notes

Heavier members can improve vibration performance. Check stability under combined bending and compression. For fabrication economy, consider stock lengths and splice strategy early to avoid waste and on-site delays.

IPE Beams — Slim Web, Versatile Applications

IPE (European I-section) shapes combine a relatively slim web with proportioned flanges, making them versatile for floor beams, frames, and architectural applications. Their geometry eases detailing and commonly fits standardized connection libraries. IPE is widely available in multiple grades and lengths, with broad compatibility across EU markets.

Advantages

• Good availability and cost-effective supply chains
• Balanced stiffness for floor systems and light-to-medium spans
• Efficient for mixed-use buildings and commercial fit-outs

Design Notes

Confirm shear capacity in deep webs under heavy loads, and account for openings or service penetrations during coordination with MEP. For composite slabs, coordinate shear connector pitch and stud clearance.

IPN Beams — Tapered-Flange Tradition

IPN sections feature tapered flanges and a more traditional “I” geometry. While modern projects often favor wide-flange shapes for fabrication convenience, IPN remains useful in refurbishment, matching existing members, and for specific aesthetic or detailing preferences. Availability can vary; confirm rolling programs and stock lists early during procurement.

Use Cases

• Refurbishment to match existing sections
• Projects with specific heritage or aesthetic requirements
• Economical solutions where tapered geometry is acceptable

UPN Channels — Classic U-Shape for Frames & Bracing

UPN channels are hot-rolled U-shaped sections with tapered flanges. They are common in frames, bracing, lintels, and assemblies where open sections simplify bolting, cladding interfaces, or service routing.

Advantages

• Open geometry for easy connections and service access
• Useful as edge members, lintels, and secondary frames
• Broad availability in standard lengths

UPE Channels — Parallel Flanges for Modern Detailing

UPE channels offer parallel flanges (unlike UPN’s taper), improving ease of connection and plate interfaces. They are well-suited for modular buildings, equipment skids, and frames that benefit from consistent flange thickness for bolted plates, gussets, or slide-in assemblies.

Use Cases

• Skid frames and equipment bases
• Modular structures and prefabricated assemblies
• Architectural trims where neat flange lines are preferred

Welded Girders & Tapered Members — Custom Strength Where You Need It

When catalog shapes cannot meet geometry or capacity requirements, welded plate girders unlock custom depths, flange widths, and thicknesses. Tapered members concentrate material where bending is highest while conserving mass elsewhere. This approach is excellent for long spans, irregular grids, and bridges. Coordinate weld procedures (WPS/PQR), NDT, and cambering with the fabricator, and ensure inspection classes match project specifications.

Key Checks

• Section classification and local buckling checks
• Weld throat sizes and fatigue detailing for cyclic loads
• Transport, lifting points, and site splice planning

Composite Beams — Steel + Concrete for Efficient Floors

Composite design pairs a steel beam with a concrete slab connected via shear studs. The result is improved stiffness and bending capacity, often enabling smaller steel sections or longer spans. This method is common with IPE or wide-flange members in offices, hospitals, and car parks. Detail shear connector spacing per design codes, verify fire protection strategy, and coordinate deck profiles and penetrations with the slab designer.

Benefits

• Higher efficiency and reduced deflection
• Potential weight and cost savings over non-composite solutions
• Simplified installation with standardized stud welding

Finishes & Corrosion Protection — From Primer to Galvanizing

Surface preparation and coating extend service life. Shot-blasting with a zinc-rich primer supports indoor dry environments, while hot-dip galvanizing is favored for outdoors, coastal atmospheres, or industrial settings. Duplex systems (galvanizing plus paint) can achieve longer maintenance cycles. For fire performance, integrate intumescent coatings or boards, and verify dry film thickness (DFT) against the required resistance period.

Documentation

• Coating system data sheets and DFT reports
• EN 10204 inspection certificates (2.2 or 3.1) for traceability
• Marking plans for bundles and piece IDs

Export & Logistics — Smarter Shipping for Global Projects

For international deliveries, coordinate Incoterms early (EXW, FCA, FOB, CFR, CIF, DAP, DDP) and align on documentation: commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and mill certs. Optimize bundles for crane capacity and container loading; standard 12-meter lengths fit well in 40’ equipment, while special lengths or heavy welded girders may require break-bulk or open-top options. Moisture-resistant packaging and edge protection reduce corrosion and transit damage risk.

Practical Tips

• Confirm port pair transit times and sailing frequency
• Reserve space for mixed loads (beams + channels + plates)
• Share unloading plan with site teams to accelerate off-load

Pricing & Sourcing — Getting the Best Value

Steel pricing reflects mill schedules, grade, size, finish, and logistics. For competitive quotes, standardize your RFQ: define section family (HEA, HEM, IPE, IPN, UPN, UPE), sizes and lengths, steel grade (e.g., S235JR, S355JR, S355J2), tolerances, finish (as-rolled, shot-blast + prime, galvanized), and delivery terms. Comparing like-for-like specs avoids hidden cost shifts. If lead time is critical, prioritize stock sections and service-center cutting with clear tolerances.

Checklist for RFQs

• Section type and designation list with lengths and quantities
• Grade and certificates required (EN 10204)
• Surface treatment and packaging requirements
• Incoterms, destination, and latest acceptable delivery date

Closing Notes

Selecting the right beam family is about balancing capacity, stiffness, availability, and total installed cost. Use HEA for lightweight efficiency, HEM when strength and stiffness lead, IPE for versatile building frames, IPN for heritage compatibility, and UPN/UPE channels where open-section detailing pays dividends. For anything outside the catalog envelope, welded girders and composite strategies deliver custom performance with proven constructability.