MATERIAL DATA SHEET

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

Ferrous Structural
mineral › Metallic › Ferrous Structural
mineralmetallicstructural-steelgrade-300universal-beamnon-combustiblerecyclableaustralian-standardhot-rolled
ATLAS CODE
MIN-MET-FER-001
Universal Beams (UB), Grade 300, various sizes (Specified by size designation)
Category mineral
Material Family Metallic
Regulatory Status non-combustible
Density
7850 kg/m³
Carbon (A1-A5)
25.9 kgCO₂e
Fire Class
non-combustible
Lifespan
50-100+ years yrs
Description

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.

Primary Sectors
[Transport & Infrastructure][Industrial]
Typical Uses
  • 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
Recycled Content 82
Renewable Content 0
Recyclability 98
Embodied Carbon 25.9 kgCO₂e
Embodied Energy 38.8 MJ/kg
EPD Available Yes
Advantages
High strength-to-weight ratio (300 MPa minimum yield)98% recyclable with infinite recyclabilityNon-combustible - suitable for all BAL zonesConsistent quality with ACRS certificationReadily available from multiple Victorian suppliersEstablished design standards (AS 4100:2020)Long service life (50-100+ years)Excellent weldability without preheatingLocally manufactured reducing transport emissionsCompatible with modular construction methods
Cautions
Requires fire protection for FRL ratingsThermal bridging requires mitigationCorrosion protection essential in all environmentsSkilled labour required for welding and erectionNo inherent acoustic propertiesHigh thermal conductivity (50-60 W/m·K)Initial cost volatility with global steel marketsHeavy sections require mechanical handlingSusceptible to buckling under compressionMaintenance of protective coatings required
TECHNICAL DATA: PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES MIN-MET-FER-001
Density (Dry) 7850 kg/m³
Specific Gravity 7.85
Porosity 0 %
Water Absorption 0 %
Hardness 160
Surface Roughness 12.5 μm
UV Resistance high
Chemical Resistance moderate
pH Tolerance 4-10
Compressive Strength 440 MPa
Tensile Strength 440 MPa
Flexural Strength 300 MPa
Shear Strength 180 MPa
Elastic Modulus 200000 GPa
Yield Strength 300 MPa
Impact Resistance high J/m
Bearing Capacity 450 kN/m²
Poisson's Ratio 0.3
Creep Resistance excellent
Abrasion Resistance high
Thermal Conductivity 55 W/mK
Thermal Resistance 0.00018 m²K/W
Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kgK
Thermal Expansion 0.000012 μm/m·K
Melting Point 1500 °C
Noise Reduction Coeff. (NRC) 0.03
Optical
Light Transmittance 0 %
Light Reflectance (LRV) 25 %

Universal Beams evolved from traditional I-beams in the 1960s with the introduction of parallel flanges, improving fabrication efficiency and connection design. Australian production commenced in the 1970s with the establishment of major steel mills at Whyalla and Port Kembla. The Grade 300 designation was standardised under AS/NZS 3679.1, replacing earlier British specifications. InfraBuild's 300PLUS brand, introduced to exceed minimum requirements, has become the de facto standard in Australian construction. Recent developments include high-strength grades (Grade 400) and improved coating systems for enhanced durability.

SAFETY, ECOLOGY & INSTALLATION MIN-MET-FER-001
Flame Spread Index 0
Smoke Developed Index 0
Combustibility Class non-combustible
Fire Resistance Rating 0-240 minutes hours
Heat Release Rate 0 kW/m²
Toxicity of Combustion none
Embodied Carbon (A1-A3) 25.9 kgCO₂e/kg
Embodied Energy 38.8 MJ/kg
EPD Available Yes
Recycled Content 82%
Renewable Content 0%
LEED Points 3
Circular Economy Score 95 /100
Skill Level skilled trade
Crew Size 3
Installation Time 50-100 kg/hour hr/m²
Temperature Range -10 to 40°C °C
Humidity Range 0-95% RH %
Required Tools
Bandsaw or cold sawPlasma or oxy cutting equipmentMIG/stick welding equipmentMagnetic drilling equipmentCrane or mechanical handlingTorque wrenches for bolting
Certifications Required
AS 1796 welder certificationStructural steel erector licenceDogman/rigger certification
Weather Limitations
No welding in rainWind limits for crane operationsTemperature limits for coating application
COMMERCIAL, LOGISTICS & REGULATORY MIN-MET-FER-001
Material Cost $1800-2200/tonne
Installation Cost $150-300/tonne
Annual Maintenance $5-15/m²
Lifecycle Cost (50yr) $2500-3500/tonne
Market Availability excellent
Lead Time 1-3 days stock, 2-4 weeks custom weeks
Design Life 50-100+ years years
Warranty Period 12 months materials years
Maintenance Interval Annual inspection, 5-20 year recoating months
Service Temp Range -40 to 400°C °C
Freeze/Thaw Resistance excellent
Dimensional Stability excellent
Certifications Held
ACRS certificationMill test certificates to AS/NZS 3679.1ResponsibleSteelISO 14001EPD Australasia generic EPDsSafe Work Australia compliantWHS Regulations
Fire Code Compliance
AS 1530.1 Non-combustibleAS 3959:2018 BAL-FZ compliant
Standards Compliance
NCC 2022 Volume OneDeemed-to-Satisfy via AS 4100ASTM A36 equivalentISO 630 Grade E275ISO 14001 certified productionEN 10025 S275 equivalent

DISCLAIMER: This specification document is generated from the CLAD Materials Atlas Database. Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Values are typical and may vary by batch, manufacturer, and production run. Verify suitability for specific project applications independently.

ID: MIN-MET-FER-001 Schema: v3.0