A comparative analysis of H-Type steel under China’s GB/T 11263-2024 and Europe’s EN 10025-2 highlights a fundamental, critical distinction: the former is a product standard governing dimensional tolerances and sectional properties, while the latter is a material standard defining chemical composition and mechanical performance. These standards are not direct equivalents but are complementary in the process of material selection and specification. The table below succinctly captures this dichotomy, contrasting their scope, core content, and product classification.
| Comparative projects | National Standard (China) | European standard |
| Executive Standard | GB/T 11263-2024 | EN 10025-2、EN 10034 |
| Material Grade | Q235B（GB/T 700）、Q345B（GB/T 1591）、Q355B etc. corresponding to European grades S235, S355 series | S235JR、S275JR、S355JR、S355J0、S355J2 etc. |
| Section Classification | – H-shaped steel (Universal type): Classified into narrow flange, medium flange, and wide flange based on flange width (not explicitly labeled HN/HM/HW, distinguished by dimensions) – HK-shaped steel (Expanded type): For thick flanges specifically, e.g., HK1008X310X26X40 | – HEA (Narrow flange), HEB (Wide flange), HEM (Thick flange) – Numbers directly indicate section height (e.g., HEA100 height is 100mm) |
| Section Identification Method | H beam: Height × Width × Web Thickness × Flange Thickness (e.g., H596×199×10×15) HK beam: HK + Height × Width × Web × Flange (e.g., HK1008×310×26×40) | HEA/HEB/HEM: Series designation + Height (e.g., HEB200, height 200mm, width and thickness need to be checked in the corresponding specification table) |
| Specification Coverage | Wide (More specifications available) | Limited |
| Weight Tolerance | H beam：±4% / piece (batch); T beam: ±5% / piece (batch) | Typically ±3% to ±5%, specifically regulated by EN 10034 |
| Special Provisions | Custom specifications: Web/Flange thickness can be adjusted while keeping the web clear height (h₀) and flange outstand width (b₀) unchanged
| No custom design; strict production according to standard specifications is required |
