Universal Beam

Known in Australia as universal beams (UB) and universal columns (UC) but also commonly referred to as I beams and H beams, these are named after the I and H-shaped appearance of their cross-section.

The vertical middle section of the beam is known as the 'web' and the horizontal components are called 'flanges'. These beams are designed to support a lot of weight in one direction. UBs used in floors will support more force vertically than a standard square beam, but are weaker against horizontal movement and do not react well to twisting. They are used as a component in floor framing and can be used with other beams and joists where extra load-bearing capacity is required.

Various Dimensions
One of the primary advantages of universal beams is their versatility in terms of dimensions and sizes. True to their name, universal beams are available in an extensive range of weights, section depths, flange widths, and web thicknesses. This variety allows for precise customization to meet the specific requirements of different projects. Whether it's a small residential structure or a massive industrial complex, there is an I-beam size that suits every application.

Even Weight Distribution
They are designed to handle uniform loads across the beam length, with the maximum deflection falling on the center of the beam. This increases the tension on the sides of the beam. With the weight applied on the flange, the entire mass is distributed evenly, causing less stress to pass through the web.

Bears High Loads
The design of beams makes them capable of bending, rather than buckling, under high stress. Steel universal beams can withstand enormous loads of structures. The strength of steel in the I-beam shape can also help to reduce the need for numerous other support structures, which can help to save time in the construction.

Helps In Custom Steel Fabrication
Universal steel beams are very versatile and can be used in various structural steel construction projects. Steel fabrication involves cutting, bending, and shaping of steel, and steel beam fabrication is one of the most efficient processes for fulfilling orders and meeting the deadlines of a project. It’s easier to use I beams during custom structural steel fabrication and welding processes for all types of construction.

Recyclable And Cost-Effective
Steel products can be recycled numerous times. What’s superb is that their strength is never compromised the longer they are used. Recycling structural steel can also help to reduce costs, saving on production expenses, materials, time and energy.

Even Weight Distribution
Universal beams are engineered to handle uniform loads efficiently. The design of these beams ensures that the maximum deflection occurs at the centre of the beam, resulting in even weight distribution along the sides. By evenly distributing the weight, universal beams reduce stress on the web and enhance the overall structural stability.

Construction
Universal Beams are used all the time in construction. They are used in new-build properties where the steel structure supports the new building, or when renovating a property where an existing building is being altered or extended. They are also commonly used when removing internal walls. If the wall to be removed is load-bearing, a beam will be needed to replace that support.

Transport
Around 16% of the steel produced worldwide is used in the transport industry, whether that’s in motor vehicles, trains, ships shipping containers, or aircraft. It’s also used in transport infrastructures such as roads, bridges, tunnels, and rail tracks and large buildings like ports, airports, and train and fuelling stations. Structural steel is a popular choice because of its elasticity, tensile strength, cost-effectiveness, and malleability. In vehicles, it’s used in many internal elements, as well as to protect the engine.

Bridges
Structural steel beams are of paramount importance when building bridges because of their high-yield strength. Structural steel comes in certain grades, and these are used for specific builds as each steel grade offers a different tension, strength, shear level, and compression. What’s more, structural steel is strong and sturdy enough to support the exceptionally heavy loads bridges have to hold.

Manufacturing
Steel is used in manufacturing all the time. Most of the things we use on a daily basis are made from, or with, steel. Mobile phones, cars, fridges, tools and machinery, construction and agricultural equipment are all made from steel. Even plastic or glass bottles are manufactured using steel tools.

Art
In addition to their structural uses, universal beams are also used in artistic and decorative applications. They can be used as decorative features in building facades or as sculptures in public spaces. The clean lines and modern aesthetic of beams make them a popular choice for contemporary design.

How They’re Made
These steel beams require precise manufacturing processes that include either milling or rolling. Due to its tapered flanges, I-beams are typically less straightforward than H-beams.
H-beams, meanwhile, are made of rolled steel and require metal to be welded together. The flanges are welded to the web to create its H shape.

Beam Thickness
I-beam webs are thinner than H-beam webs, which means they can’t hold as much weight but are typically lighter. This makes I-beams suitable for smaller projects like residential buildings, whereas H-beams are ideal for larger and taller structures like bridges. H-beam flanges are also wider, longer, and heavier than I-beams.

Beam Cross-sections
The cross-section of a H-beam has greater strength per unit area than the I-beam. This makes the H-beam an overall stronger beam with a decent strength-to-weight ratio. As H-beams have large surface areas, they’re great for carrying heavy loads.
I-beams, on the other hand, have cross-sections that are higher than the width of their flanges. This makes the steel beams ideal against local buckling, where individual parts and plate elements of the beam are put under extreme pressure.

Beam Height and Weight
I-beams are lighter and thinner than H-beams, and only span between 33 to 100 feet due to their complex shape. H-beams can span to 300 feet, making them the obvious choice for very tall structures. However, due to the I-beams being relatively lightweight, they are more suited for shorter spans and projects that require less weight bearing.

Beam Resistance Against Loads
Both beams have enough strength to withstand direct and tensile loads. However, H-beams are better at withstanding twisting loads as their cross-sections are larger and broader. As such, torsional deformation is less likely to occur when using H-beams.

Beam Practical Uses in Structures
I-beams are better as support frames and columns, typically used for elevators, trailers, houses and structural steel buildings. H-beams, meanwhile, withstand compression and tension and are used to support vertical loads like girders, and cables.