« H20 Timber Beams: Specifications, Load Capacity & Formwork Guide » n'est pas encore disponible en Français

H20 timber beams are 20 cm tall engineered wood I-beams used as primary and secondary joists in wall, slab, and column formwork. They distribute concrete load from the formwork face (typically film faced plywood) into the vertical supports or props below.

Standard H20 beams are commonly rated around 11 to 14 kN bending capacity and 5 to 6 kN shear capacity, depending on the manufacturer and timber species. Always follow the specific beam supplier's load table and local engineering approval when designing formwork.

Spacing depends on slab thickness, plywood face thickness, and concrete load. For an 18 mm film faced plywood face and a typical 20–25 cm slab, secondary H20 beams are often placed at 40–60 cm centres, with primary beams and props designed to match. Always verify with a formwork engineer.

With proper storage and careful handling, H20 beams can be reused across many projects. End caps, protective coatings, and avoiding water exposure significantly extend their service life. Beams with cracks, delamination, or damaged flanges should be removed from service.