IPE vs HEA vs HEB: How to Choose the Right European I-Beam
IPE, HEA, HEB or HEM? A practical guide to choosing European I-sections: strong-axis efficiency, columns, lateral-torsional buckling and connections.
ReadVerified section properties, practical articles and tools for structural engineers. Every value traceable to the standard or to an exact computation.
IPE, HEA, HEB or HEM? A practical guide to choosing European I-sections: strong-axis efficiency, columns, lateral-torsional buckling and connections.
ReadWhat EC3 cross-section classes 1–4 mean, how to classify with c/t and ε limits, and which resistance model (Wpl, Wel, effective section) each class uses.
ReadEN 10210 vs EN 10219 hollow sections: corner radii, residual stresses, buckling curves, weldability and cost, and when to specify each.
ReadA required section modulus, a design moment or a depth limit. You get candidates across all families, sorted from the lightest.
Find the lightest section| Section | kg/m | Wpl,y | Reserve |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPN 280 | 41.8 | 532 | +6 % |
| IPN 260 | 41.9 | 514 | +3 % |
| IPE 300 | 42.2 | 628 | +26 % |
| RHS 300×150/6.3 | 42.2 | 517 | +3 % |
IPE 160 · S235 · Lcr 5 000 mm · buckling governs
Bending, shear and compression with flexural buckling per EN 1993-1-1. Enter the loads, see the utilisation. No sign-up.
Try it on IPE 160