Standard American Beams – Also known as Junior Beams, S Beam, or I Beams have tapered flanges for increased strength of the flanges.
Wide Flange Steel Beams - Also known as W Beams or H Beams have non-tapered flanges that are wider than the standard S or I beams.
I- and H- beams are widely used in the construction industry to provide support for buildings and load-bearing walls. They are available in a variety of standard sizes and selected based on the applied load for the required application. I-beams may be used both as beams and as columns.
Applications for I-beams include:
Construction support beams for commercial and residential construction
Support frames and columns for trolley ways, lifts and hoists
Mezzanines and platforms
Trailer and truck bed framing