HEA Beam

The HEA beam (also written HEAA in some references) is a European wide flange steel section defined by EN 10034. The full form of HEA is “H-beam European type A,” representing the lightest series in the HE range of wide flange profiles. HEA beams are characterized by wide, parallel flanges and a proportionally thinner web and flanges compared to the HEB (type B) and HEM (type M) series. They are widely used in building frames, industrial structures, pipe racks, and mezzanine platforms.

When HEA Beams Are Used

HEA sections are selected when the design requires a wide flange profile with moderate load capacity and reduced weight. Common applications include secondary beams in floor systems, purlins, wind bracing, light columns, and structural framing in industrial facilities. In oil and gas, HEA beams serve as longitudinal runners in pipe racks, equipment support beams, and platform framing where the full strength of HEB is not required.

HEA Beam Dimensions and Weight Chart

Size	Height (h) mm	Width (b) mm	Web (tw) mm	Flange (tf) mm	Weight kg/m
HEA 100	96	100	5.0	8.0	16.7
HEA 120	114	120	5.0	8.0	19.9
HEA 140	133	140	5.5	8.5	24.7
HEA 160	152	160	6.0	9.0	30.4
HEA 180	171	180	6.0	9.5	35.5
HEA 200	190	200	6.5	10.0	42.3
HEA 220	210	220	7.0	11.0	50.5
HEA 240	230	240	7.5	12.0	60.3
HEA 260	250	260	7.5	12.5	68.2
HEA 280	270	280	8.0	13.0	76.4
HEA 300	290	300	8.5	14.0	88.3
HEA 320	310	300	9.0	15.5	97.6
HEA 340	330	300	9.5	16.5	105
HEA 360	350	300	10.0	17.5	112
HEA 400	390	300	11.0	19.0	125
HEA 450	440	300	11.5	21.0	140
HEA 500	490	300	12.0	23.0	155
HEA 550	540	300	12.5	24.0	166
HEA 600	590	300	13.0	25.0	178
HEA 650	640	300	13.5	26.0	190
HEA 700	690	300	14.5	27.0	204
HEA 800	790	300	15.0	28.0	224
HEA 900	890	300	16.0	30.0	252
HEA 1000	990	300	16.5	31.0	272

Dimensions per EN 10034. Fillet radius varies by size (12-30 mm). Material grades: S235, S275, S355 per EN 10025.

Common Mistake

Confusing the nominal size with the actual height. For HEA profiles up to HEA 300, the actual height is less than the nominal designation (e.g., HEA 200 is 190 mm high, not 200 mm). From HEA 320 onward, the flange width remains constant at 300 mm while the height increases, and the naming convention uses the approximate height. Always use the actual dimensions from the table above for design calculations.

For section properties (moment of inertia, section modulus, radius of gyration) and a detailed comparison with HEB profiles, refer to the full guide.

Read the full guide to HEA and HEB beams