General

Edcon Steel can supply all your structural Universal Columns ('UCs") for your next job.  Edcon Steel specialises in custom fabricated and cut to size structural steel Universal Columns.  Structural Steel UCs are made from Hot Rolled Steel, they are H-shaped using mild steel grade 300 plus.  Similar in most respects to a Structural Beams or UB, UCs will have a flange width equal to the height of the beam. There is also more steel in the cross sectional area ie. stronger than UBs for the same size. We are proud to say where ever possible we will stock Australian made Structural Steel Parallel Flange Channels.  All our stocked PFCs are made to AS/NZS 3679.1 and can be certified to this standard where requested prior to your order.

Characteristics

Sizes, dimensions and weight information, as well as mechanical properties and yield strengths for Structural Steel Universal Columns are available from the manufactures guide to Hot Rolled Structural Steel Products.

Common Applications

Structural Steel universal columns are a versatile solution for buildings for

Structural Columns

Posts

Strutting Beams

Floor Bearer Beams

Verandah Beams

Lintel Beams

Rafters.  

Please check out our blog about Builders Steel.   There is also a guide for builders and owner builders to use to get assistance with design and sizing and applications of Structural Steel Parallel Flange Channels for Domestic and House Building.

Edcon Steel Tips

If you have limited head room or head height in your building and require a narrower steel beam to span the distance then Universal Columns may be an option for you. Due to the increased steel cross-section the smaller beams may be used - check with your engineer or builder.

All steel UCs can be cut to your sizes and delivered to your site (subject to our delivery options).  Please review our sizes here and all items can be customised and quoted online 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Unfortunately, we cannot stock all the manufactured sizes of Universal Columns, so our range is limited to  100UC14 to 150UC37 size range (around 4 sizes) there are more sizes available and these can be called in form bulk storage for individual customer requirements.  

Edcon Steel also specialises in structural steel Universal Column fabrication where you job calls for holes, bolted connections and/ or welding of cleats or plates send us your sketches or drawings and we can quote to manufacture your custom made structural steel channels.  Download an order form and email this to our sales team.

Surface Preparation and Coatings

In order to comply with NCCC (BCA) and Australian Standards you will need to consider industrial protective coatings to help prevent atmospheric corrosion (rust).  There guidelines in the Australian Building Codes that cover steel coatings and you, as the customer or user of structural steel beams should be aware of these requirements. 

For further guidance on Coatings of Structural Steel Beams speak to your designer or certifier.  AS/NZS 2312 Guide to the protection of structural steel against atmospheric corrosion by the use of protective coatings.  This standard is in two parts, Part 1 : Paint coatings and Part 2 : Hot Dip Galvanizing.

You may also like to check out a articles The importance of steel protection and How to choose the right steel coating for the job