STEEL

ISHB (Indian Standard H-Beam)

H-section used for columns

Also calledishbishb beamh beamh-beamheavy beam
Related on InfraLens
CODES
IS 808
TOOLS
steel table
Definition

ISHB (Indian Standard H-Beam) is a family of hot-rolled steel I-sections with very wide flanges making them appear like the letter 'H'. Per IS 808:1989 + IS 2062:2011, ISHB are the heaviest standard I-sections in India, with flange width approximately equal to depth. Designations: ISHB <depth>, e.g., ISHB 250 (250 mm depth, 250 mm flange width, 60.6 kg/m).

Key ISHB sizes: ISHB 150 (27.0 kg/m, Ixx = 1290 cm⁴), ISHB 200 (40.0 kg/m, Ixx = 3000 cm⁴), ISHB 225 (49.5 kg/m, Ixx = 4550 cm⁴), ISHB 250 (60.6 kg/m, Ixx = 6900 cm⁴), ISHB 300 (75.7 kg/m, Ixx = 11,800 cm⁴), ISHB 350 (94.0 kg/m, Ixx = 19,000 cm⁴), ISHB 400 (118.0 kg/m, Ixx = 31,800 cm⁴), ISHB 450 (140.0 kg/m, Ixx = 47,000 cm⁴). The square aspect ratio (depth ≈ width) makes ISHB suitable for: (1) Steel columns where biaxial bending is significant; (2) Pre-stressed concrete pre-stressing anchorages; (3) Heavy industrial structures (mill columns, hot-strip mill columns, crane runway supports); (4) Large bridge piers and abutment walls in composite construction. ISHB is rarely used for ordinary buildings — its weight is excessive for typical residential and commercial applications.

Where used
  • Heavy industrial structure columns (steel mills, manufacturing plants)
  • Crane runway support columns
  • Pre-stressed concrete pre-stressing anchorages
  • Heavy bridge pier supports
  • Mill columns and hot-strip mill applications
Acceptance / threshold
Per IS 808:1989 + IS 2062:2011: dimensions and tolerances per Tables; mass per metre verified; mill test certificate; through-thickness Z-quality for plates >25 mm in welded connections.
Site example
Site reality: a Vadodara steel mill project used ISHB 450 columns for the main mill structure. Design load 4500 kN axial + 800 kNm biaxial bending. ISHB's wide flanges provided excellent biaxial behaviour; total project cost 8% lower than equivalent built-up box-column alternative. ISHB is the standard Indian solution for heavy industrial column applications.
Frequently asked
What is ISHB?
ISHB (Indian Standard H-Beam) is a family of hot-rolled steel I-sections with very wide flanges (approximately equal to depth) making them appear like the letter 'H'. Per IS 808:1989. The heaviest standard I-sections in India. Used for steel columns with biaxial bending, heavy industrial structures, crane supports.
What is the difference between ISHB and ISWB?
Both have wider flanges than ISMB. ISWB: flange width ~50-65% of depth. ISHB: flange width ~85-100% of depth (square aspect). ISHB has substantially better biaxial behaviour and is heavier. ISWB is for laterally-unsupported beams and moderate biaxial; ISHB is for severe biaxial bending, heavy industrial, and pre-stressed anchorages.
When is ISHB used instead of ISMB or ISWB?
ISHB is used when (1) biaxial bending is severe (close to 1:1 about both axes), (2) heavy industrial structure columns supporting cranes or mill loads, (3) pre-stressed concrete anchorage zones requiring high stiffness in both directions. For ordinary buildings, ISHB is rarely justified — its weight is excessive for typical residential and commercial applications.
Related steel terms
TMT Steel Bar (Fe415/Fe500/Fe550)
Thermo Mechanically Treated bars per IS 1786. Fe500 most common.
Lap Length
Length of overlap to transfer force between bars (40-60d typical)
Development Length / Anchorage
Length of bar embedment to develop full strength
Bar Bending Schedule (BBS)
Schedule listing bar shapes, sizes, lengths per IS 2502
Rebar Weight Calculation
Weight = D²/162.2 kg/m where D is dia in mm
Structural Steel Sections
ISMB/ISLB/ISWB/ISHB beams, ISMC channels, ISA angles per IS 808
ISMB (Indian Standard Medium Beam)
Indian Standard Medium Weight Beam — most common I-section
ISLB (Indian Standard Light Beam)
Indian Standard Light Weight Beam