HEM Beam: Full Form and Specifications
The HEM beam is the heaviest series of European wide flange H-sections, defined by EN 10034. The full form of HEM is “H-beam European type M” (from the German “Mittelschwer,” though HEM actually represents the heaviest variant despite the historical naming). HEM beams feature the thickest flanges and webs in the HE profile family, providing maximum bending resistance and axial load capacity for heavily loaded structural applications.
When HEM Beams Are Used
HEM sections are specified when the design demands exceed the capacity of HEA and HEB beams. Typical applications include heavy-duty columns in industrial buildings, crane runway beams, transfer beams carrying multiple floors, foundations for heavy equipment, and main columns in multi-tier pipe racks supporting large-bore piping and heavy vessels. In offshore and petrochemical structures, HEM profiles serve as primary load-bearing members where structural steel weight is less critical than load capacity.
HEM Beam Dimensions and Weight Chart
| Size | Height (h) mm | Width (b) mm | Web (tw) mm | Flange (tf) mm | Weight kg/m |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HEM 100 | 120 | 106 | 12.0 | 20.0 | 41.8 |
| HEM 120 | 140 | 126 | 12.5 | 21.0 | 52.1 |
| HEM 140 | 160 | 146 | 13.0 | 22.0 | 63.2 |
| HEM 160 | 180 | 166 | 14.0 | 23.0 | 76.2 |
| HEM 180 | 200 | 186 | 14.5 | 24.0 | 88.9 |
| HEM 200 | 220 | 206 | 15.0 | 25.0 | 103 |
| HEM 220 | 240 | 226 | 15.5 | 26.0 | 117 |
| HEM 240 | 270 | 248 | 18.0 | 32.0 | 157 |
| HEM 260 | 290 | 268 | 18.0 | 32.5 | 172 |
| HEM 280 | 310 | 288 | 18.5 | 33.0 | 189 |
| HEM 300 | 340 | 310 | 21.0 | 39.0 | 238 |
| HEM 320 | 359 | 309 | 21.0 | 40.0 | 245 |
| HEM 340 | 377 | 309 | 21.0 | 40.0 | 248 |
| HEM 360 | 395 | 308 | 21.0 | 40.0 | 250 |
| HEM 400 | 432 | 307 | 21.0 | 40.0 | 256 |
| HEM 450 | 478 | 307 | 21.0 | 40.0 | 263 |
| HEM 500 | 524 | 306 | 21.0 | 40.0 | 270 |
| HEM 550 | 572 | 306 | 21.0 | 40.0 | 278 |
| HEM 600 | 620 | 305 | 21.0 | 40.0 | 285 |
| HEM 650 | 668 | 305 | 21.0 | 40.0 | 293 |
| HEM 700 | 716 | 304 | 21.0 | 40.0 | 301 |
| HEM 800 | 814 | 303 | 21.0 | 40.0 | 317 |
| HEM 900 | 910 | 302 | 21.0 | 40.0 | 333 |
| HEM 1000 | 1008 | 302 | 21.0 | 40.0 | 349 |
Dimensions per EN 10034. Material grades: S235, S275, S355 per EN 10025-2.
HEM beams are available in lengths up to 18 meters from European mills, with standard delivery in S355J2 for structural applications. For sizes above HEM 600, availability may be limited and lead times longer. Always confirm stock availability with the steel supplier before finalizing the design.
Leave a Comment
Have a question or feedback? Send us a message.