mineral / Metallic / Ferrous Structural

Parallel Flange Channels (PFC), Grade 300, AS/NZS 3679.1

Hot-rolled structural steel C-sections with parallel flanges, manufactured to AS/NZS 3679.1 Grade 300, providing 280 MPa minimum yield strength for structural framing applications

Atlas code
MIN-MET-FER-003
structural-steelAS/NZS-3679.1Grade-300hot-rolledPFCC-section300PLUS
Parallel Flange Channels (PFC), Grade 300, AS/NZS 3679.1
At-a-glance signals

Hot-rolled structural steel C-sections with parallel flanges, manufactured to AS/NZS 3679.1 Grade 300, providing 280 MPa minimum yield strength for structural framing applications

Overview
Executive summary

Parallel Flange Channels are hot-rolled structural steel sections featuring a vertical web and horizontal flanges with parallel inner and outer surfaces. Manufactured from Grade 300 steel to AS/NZS 3679.1, they offer consistent mechanical properties, excellent weldability, and versatile structural performance. Available in sizes from 75×40mm to 380×100mm with standard lengths up to 18 metres.

Best when…
  • Excellent strength-to-weight ratio
  • Parallel flanges simplify connections
  • Consistent mechanical properties
  • High weldability (CEV ≤0.44)
  • 100% recyclable
  • Available in long lengths (up to 18m)
  • Australian manufactured (300PLUS)
  • Suitable for composite construction
  • Good fatigue resistance
  • Predictable structural behaviour
Top advantages
  1. 01 Excellent strength-to-weight ratio
  2. 02 Parallel flanges simplify connections
  3. 03 Consistent mechanical properties
  4. 04 High weldability (CEV ≤0.44)
  5. 05 100% recyclable
Top limitations
  1. 01 Requires fire protection for FRL ratings
  2. 02 Susceptible to corrosion without protection
  3. 03 Lateral-torsional buckling considerations
  4. 04 Thermal bridging in building envelope
  5. 05 Higher initial cost than timber
Technical
Physical ·9
Density
7850 kg/m³
Specific gravity
7.85
Porosity
0 %
Water absorption
0 %
Hardness
150
UV resistance
High with appropriate coating
Chemical resistance
Moderate - requires protection in aggressive environments
pH tolerance
5-11 (with coating)
Surface roughness
12.5 µm
Mechanical ·7
Tensile strength
440 MPa
Compressive strength
280 MPa
Flexural strength
280 MPa
Shear strength
162 MPa
Poisson's ratio
0.29
Impact resistance
27
Creep resistance
Negligible below 400°C
Sustainability & Health
Embodied carbon & energy ·7
Embodied carbon
1.74
Carbon footprint
1740
Embodied energy
20100 MJ/kg
Water footprint
3.3 L/kg
Recycled content
15 %
Renewable content
0 %
Circular score
85
Compliance & Fire
Fire performance ·5
Combustibility class
Non-combustible
Fire resistance level
Requires protection for FRL
Flame spread index
0
Smoke dev. index
0
Heat release rate
0
Cost & Lifecycle
Capex & lead time ·6
Material cost (range)
1200-1800 // AUD/tonne (raw material)
Material cost (per unit)
1500 // AUD/tonne (average)
Lead time
2-6 weeks
Lifecycle cost
4500-6000 // AUD/tonne (50-year analysis)
Annual maintenance
20-50 // AUD/tonne (coating maintenance)
Market availability
Excellent - locally manufactured
Service life & durability ·3
Expected lifespan
100+ // years (with maintenance)
Maintenance interval
5-10 // years (inspection/recoating)
Warranty period
10-25 // years (coating dependent)
Layer D

Where it's used

Portal frame construction
Floor and roof beams
Machinery support frames
Conveyor structures
Crane runway beams
Vehicle chassis
Structural bracing
Composite floor systems
Industrial mezzanines
Bridge components
MIN-MET-FER-003 · Materials Atlas · CLAD Atlas data is reference-only. Verify against manufacturer specifications and current standards before specifying.