HEA vs HEB Beam: Which to Choose

HEA vs HEB beam is a fundamental selection decision in European structural steel design. Both are wide flange H-sections defined by EN 10034, sharing the same nominal widths but differing in height, web thickness, flange thickness, and weight. The HEA series is the lighter option, while HEB provides greater load capacity and stiffness. Choosing between HEA and HEB depends on the structural demand, weight constraints, and cost targets of the project.

HEA vs HEB Beam: How They Differ

The core difference is that HEB beams have thicker flanges and webs than HEA beams of the same nominal size. This gives HEB higher moment of inertia, section modulus, and axial capacity. HEA beams are approximately 25-35% lighter but have 30-50% less bending resistance than the corresponding HEB size.

HEA vs HEB Comparison Table (Common Sizes)

Property	HEA 200	HEB 200	HEA 300	HEB 300
Height (h)	190 mm	200 mm	290 mm	300 mm
Flange width (b)	200 mm	200 mm	300 mm	300 mm
Web thickness (tw)	6.5 mm	9.0 mm	8.5 mm	11.0 mm
Flange thickness (tf)	10.0 mm	15.0 mm	14.0 mm	19.0 mm
Weight	42.3 kg/m	61.3 kg/m	88.3 kg/m	117 kg/m
Moment of inertia (Iy)	3,692 cm4	5,696 cm4	18,263 cm4	25,166 cm4
Section modulus (Wy)	388.6 cm3	569.6 cm3	1,260 cm3	1,678 cm3
Radius of gyration (iy)	8.28 cm	8.54 cm	12.74 cm	13.08 cm
Plastic modulus (Wpl,y)	429.5 cm3	642.5 cm3	1,383 cm3	1,869 cm3

Properties per EN 10034. Material: S235/S275/S355 per EN 10025.

Selection Criteria

Choose HEA when:

• Weight optimization is a priority (e.g., mezzanine platforms, light-duty frames)
• The structural member is a secondary beam with moderate loads
• Deflection limits are not critical (short spans)
• Cost per meter of steel must be minimized

Choose HEB when:

• The member is a primary beam or column carrying significant loads
• Deflection limits govern the design (long spans, sensitive equipment support)
• The section will act as a column with significant axial load
• Lateral-torsional buckling resistance is a concern
• The structure supports heavy piping or equipment in industrial applications

Cost consideration: HEB is heavier and costs more per meter, but using HEB may reduce the total number of beams required (wider spacing), resulting in lower overall fabrication and erection costs. A full cost comparison should consider material, fabrication, and erection costs together.

Common Mistake

Selecting HEA over HEB based solely on weight savings without checking the serviceability limit state. HEA beams have significantly lower stiffness (moment of inertia), which may lead to excessive deflection under service loads. In European practice per Eurocode 3, the deflection limit for beams supporting brittle finishes is L/250, and for beams supporting machinery it can be as restrictive as L/500. Always verify both strength and deflection.

For heavier loads exceeding HEB capacity, consider the HEM beam series, which provides the heaviest European wide flange sections with flange thicknesses up to 46 mm.

Read the full guide to HEA and HEB beams