Universal Columns (UC), Grade 300, various sizes (Specified by size designation)
Hot-rolled structural steel H-sections manufactured to AS/NZS 3679.1:2016 with 300 MPa minimum yield strength, used primarily as columns in construction and engineering applications
Hot-rolled structural steel H-sections manufactured to AS/NZS 3679.1:2016 with 300 MPa minimum yield strength, used primarily as columns in construction and engineering applications
Universal Columns (UC) are H-shaped structural steel sections with approximately equal depth and width dimensions, manufactured from 300PLUS® steel in Australia. Designed for column applications requiring equal strength in both axes and torsional resistance, these sections are produced in sizes from 100UC to 310UC with standardised weight designations. The Grade 300 designation indicates a minimum yield strength of 300 MPa, suitable for general structural applications in buildings, bridges, and industrial facilities.
- Equal strength properties in both major axes
- Excellent buckling resistance under compression
- High torsional rigidity preventing twisting
- Readily available in Australian market
- Consistent quality from local production
- Excellent weldability with controlled carbon equivalent
- 90% recyclability at end-of-life
- ACRS certification available
- Compatible with Australian construction practices
- Wide range of standard sizes available
- 01 Equal strength properties in both major axes
- 02 Excellent buckling resistance under compression
- 03 High torsional rigidity preventing twisting
- 04 Readily available in Australian market
- 05 Consistent quality from local production
- 01 Higher material cost compared to timber alternatives
- 02 Requires fire protection for rated assemblies
- 03 Susceptible to corrosion without protection
- 04 Thermal bridging in building envelopes
- 05 Skilled labour required for installation
- Density
- 7850 kg/m³
- Specific gravity
- 7.85
- Porosity
- 0 %
- Water absorption
- 0 %
- Hardness
- 140
- UV resistance
- High // Steel unaffected by UV
- Chemical resistance
- Moderate // Susceptible to corrosion in aggressive environments
- pH tolerance
- 4-12
- Surface roughness
- 12.5 µm
- Tensile strength
- 440 MPa
- Compressive strength
- 300 MPa
- Flexural strength
- 300 MPa
- Shear strength
- 180 MPa
- Poisson's ratio
- 0.3
- Impact resistance
- 27
- Creep resistance
- High below 400°C // Temperature-dependent
- Embodied carbon
- 1710 kgCO2e/tonne Value in kgCO2e/tonne = 1.71 kgCO2e/kg. A1-A3 cradle-to-gate for UC sections.
- Carbon footprint
- 1.71
- Embodied energy
- 20100 MJ/kg
- Water footprint
- 28 L/kg
- Recycled content
- 15 %
- Renewable content
- 0 %
- Circular score
- 82
- Combustibility class
- Non-combustible per AS 1530.1 // Steel substrate classification
- Fire resistance level
- Unprotected: 15-30 min; Protected: up to 240 min // Depends on section factor and protection
- Flame spread index
- 0
- Smoke dev. index
- 0
- Heat release rate
- 0
- Material cost (range)
- $1800-2800 AUD/tonne // Indicative range subject to market fluctuations
- Material cost (per unit)
- $250-450 AUD/m // Varies by section size (100UC-310UC)
- Lead time
- Ex-stock to 4 weeks // Depending on size and quantity
- Lifecycle cost
- $400-700 AUD/m // 50-year analysis including maintenance
- Annual maintenance
- $5-15 AUD/m² // Protective coating maintenance
- Market availability
- Readily available // Stock items at major suppliers
- Expected lifespan
- 100+ years // With appropriate maintenance
- Maintenance interval
- 5-10 years
- Warranty period
- Manufacturer: 10-25 years on coating systems