mineral / Metallic / Ferrous Structural

Universal Beams (UB), Grade 300, various sizes (Specified by size designation)

Hot-rolled universal beam structural steel section, Grade 300 minimum yield strength, suitable for primary and secondary beams, columns and general structural applications in Australian construction

Atlas code
MIN-MET-FER-001
mineralmetallicstructural-steelgrade-300universal-beamnon-combustiblerecyclable
Universal Beams (UB), Grade 300, various sizes (Specified by size designation)
At-a-glance signals

Hot-rolled universal beam structural steel section, Grade 300 minimum yield strength, suitable for primary and secondary beams, columns and general structural applications in Australian construction

Overview
Executive summary

Universal Beams (UB) are hot-rolled structural steel sections with an I-shaped cross-section featuring parallel flanges. Grade 300 designates a minimum yield strength of 300 MPa under AS/NZS 3679.1:2016. These sections are manufactured in Australia by InfraBuild and BlueScope through continuous casting and hot-rolling processes at approximately 1200°C. The '300PLUS' brand commonly used exceeds minimum requirements by typically 20%. UB sections range from 150UB14.0 to 610UB125 designations, where the first number indicates nominal depth in millimetres and the second indicates mass per metre.

Best when…
  • High strength-to-weight ratio (300 MPa minimum yield)
  • 98% recyclable with infinite recyclability
  • Non-combustible - suitable for all BAL zones
  • Consistent quality with ACRS certification
  • Readily available from multiple Victorian suppliers
  • Established design standards (AS 4100:2020)
  • Long service life (50-100+ years)
  • Excellent weldability without preheating
  • Locally manufactured reducing transport emissions
  • Compatible with modular construction methods
Top advantages
  1. 01 High strength-to-weight ratio (300 MPa minimum yield)
  2. 02 98% recyclable with infinite recyclability
  3. 03 Non-combustible - suitable for all BAL zones
  4. 04 Consistent quality with ACRS certification
  5. 05 Readily available from multiple Victorian suppliers
Top limitations
  1. 01 Requires fire protection for FRL ratings
  2. 02 Thermal bridging requires mitigation
  3. 03 Corrosion protection essential in all environments
  4. 04 Skilled labour required for welding and erection
  5. 05 No inherent acoustic properties
Technical
Physical ·9
Density
7850 kg/m³
Specific gravity
7.85
Porosity
0 %
Water absorption
0 %
Hardness
160
UV resistance
high // Inorganic material
Chemical resistance
moderate // pH 4-10 stable
pH tolerance
4-10
Surface roughness
12.5 µm
Mechanical ·7
Tensile strength
440 MPa
Compressive strength
440 MPa
Flexural strength
300 MPa
Shear strength
180 MPa
Poisson's ratio
0.3
Impact resistance
high
Creep resistance
excellent // Below 400°C
Sustainability & Health
Embodied carbon & energy ·6
Embodied carbon
25.9
Carbon footprint
1.85
Embodied energy
38.8 MJ/kg
Recycled content
82 %
Renewable content
0 %
Circular score
95
Compliance & Fire
Fire performance ·5
Combustibility class
non-combustible // AS 1530.1
Fire resistance level
0-240 minutes // With protection systems
Flame spread index
0
Smoke dev. index
0
Heat release rate
0
Cost & Lifecycle
Capex & lead time ·6
Material cost (range)
$1800-2200/tonne // January 2025
Material cost (per unit)
$43-45/m // 150UB14.0 example
Lead time
1-3 days stock, 2-4 weeks custom
Lifecycle cost
$2500-3500/tonne // 50-year analysis
Annual maintenance
$5-15/m²
Market availability
excellent // Multiple suppliers
Service life & durability ·3
Expected lifespan
50-100+ years
Maintenance interval
Annual inspection, 5-20 year recoating
Warranty period
12 months materials
Layer D

Where it's used

Primary and secondary structural beams
Building columns and posts
Portal frame construction
Multi-storey steel frames
Bridge girders and supports
Industrial buildings and warehouses
Mining infrastructure
Mezzanine floors
Cantilever structures
Composite floor systems
MIN-MET-FER-001 · Materials Atlas · CLAD Atlas data is reference-only. Verify against manufacturer specifications and current standards before specifying.