W Beam

An I-beam has tapered flanges with a narrower flange than most wide flange beams, making it a lighter building material. A wide flange beam, with wider flanges and web than the I-beam, can handle more weight, but this makes it heavier overall.Similar to W-beams, H-beams have inner and outer flange surfaces that run parallel. However, in H-beams the width of the flanges is approximately equal with the beam depth. The beam also displays an even thickness throughout. Beams serve as the basis for support in many constructions and engineering projects.