A steel section size tells you its shape and weight in one line. Take UB 203×133×25:
- UB is the shape: universal beam. Others are UC (universal column), PFC (parallel flange channel), SHS and RHS (square and rectangular hollow sections) and CHS (circular hollow section).
- 203 is the nominal depth in millimetres.
- 133 is the nominal flange width in millimetres.
- 25 is the mass in kilograms per metre.
So a 4 m length of 203×133×25 UB weighs about 100 kg. Our steel weight calculator does this for any length and quantity.
Beams versus columns
Universal beams are deep and narrow, which makes them efficient in bending. Universal columns are close to square, which makes them better under compression. Your engineer picks the section; we fabricate to it.
Grades
S275 and S355 are the common structural grades. The number is the minimum yield strength in N/mm². Never swap grades without the engineer agreeing.
