HEA 200 vs HEB 200: Comparison
HEA 200 vs HEB 200 is a common selection dilemma in European structural steel design. Both are wide-flange H-beams with 200 mm flange width, but they differ significantly in depth, flange thickness, weight, and load-carrying capacity. The HEB 200 is the heavier, stronger section, while the HEA 200 offers a lighter alternative for moderate load requirements.
When to Choose HEA 200 vs HEB 200
HEA 200 is suitable for secondary beams, light-duty frames, and applications where minimizing steel weight is a priority. HEB 200 is the preferred choice for primary structural members, columns in low-rise buildings, and applications requiring higher bending resistance or axial load capacity. In pipe rack design, HEB 200 is commonly used for columns, while HEA 200 may serve as longitudinal struts.
HEA 200 vs HEB 200 Specifications Table
| Property | HEA 200 | HEB 200 | HEB Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height (h) | 190 mm | 200 mm | +5.3% |
| Flange width (b) | 200 mm | 200 mm | Same |
| Web thickness (tw) | 6.5 mm | 9.0 mm | +38% |
| Flange thickness (tf) | 10.0 mm | 15.0 mm | +50% |
| Fillet radius (r) | 18 mm | 18 mm | Same |
| Weight | 42.3 kg/m | 61.3 kg/m | +45% heavier |
| Cross-sectional area | 53.8 cm2 | 78.1 cm2 | +45% |
| Moment of inertia (Iy) | 3,692 cm4 | 5,696 cm4 | +54% |
| Moment of inertia (Iz) | 1,336 cm4 | 2,003 cm4 | +50% |
| Section modulus (Wy) | 388.6 cm3 | 569.6 cm3 | +47% |
| Section modulus (Wz) | 133.6 cm3 | 200.3 cm3 | +50% |
| Radius of gyration (iy) | 8.28 cm | 8.54 cm | +3.1% |
| Radius of gyration (iz) | 4.98 cm | 5.07 cm | +1.8% |
| Plastic modulus (Wpl,y) | 429.5 cm3 | 642.5 cm3 | +50% |
Dimensions and properties per EN 10034. Material: S235/S275/S355 per EN 10025.
Load Capacity Comparison
For a simply supported beam with a 5-meter span in S355 steel:
| Parameter | HEA 200 | HEB 200 |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic moment resistance (Mpl,Rd) | 152.5 kNm | 228.1 kNm |
| Maximum UDL (ultimate) | 48.8 kN/m | 73.0 kN/m |
| Deflection under 20 kN/m | 10.6 mm (L/472) | 6.9 mm (L/725) |
| Maximum span for L/250 deflection at 20 kN/m | 6.8 m | 8.0 m |
The HEB 200 provides 50% more bending resistance with 45% more weight. The strength-to-weight ratio is therefore slightly better for HEB 200 in bending-dominated applications.
For loads exceeding the capacity of HEB 200, consider stepping up to HEB 240 or to the HEM series, which provides the heaviest European wide-flange sections.
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