MATERIAL DATA SHEET

Universal Columns (UC), Grade 300, various sizes (Specified by size designation)

Ferrous Structural
mineral › Metallic › Ferrous Structural
mineralmetallicstructural-steelUCGrade-300AS-3679hot-rolledcolumns300PLUS
ATLAS CODE
MIN-MET-FER-002
Universal Columns (UC), Grade 300, various sizes (Specified by size designation)
Category mineral
Material Family Metallic
Regulatory Status Non-combustible per AS 1530.1
Density
7850 kg/m³
Carbon (A1-A5)
1710 kgCO₂e
Fire Class
Non-combustible per AS 1530.1
Lifespan
100+ years yrs
Description

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.

Primary Sectors
[Transport & Infrastructure][Industrial]
Typical Uses
  • Primary structural columns in multi-storey buildings
  • Bridge piers and supports
  • Industrial facility frameworks
  • Mining infrastructure supports
  • Portal frame columns
  • Crane runway columns
  • Transmission tower structures
  • Marine wharf piles
  • Temporary works and formwork supports
  • Composite steel-concrete columns
Recycled Content 15
Renewable Content 0
Recyclability 90
Embodied Carbon 1710 kgCO₂e
Embodied Energy 20100 MJ/kg
EPD Available Yes
Advantages
Equal strength properties in both major axesExcellent buckling resistance under compressionHigh torsional rigidity preventing twistingReadily available in Australian marketConsistent quality from local productionExcellent weldability with controlled carbon equivalent90% recyclability at end-of-lifeACRS certification availableCompatible with Australian construction practicesWide range of standard sizes available
Cautions
Higher material cost compared to timber alternativesRequires fire protection for rated assembliesSusceptible to corrosion without protectionThermal bridging in building envelopesSkilled labour required for installationHeavy sections require crane handlingLimited aesthetic appeal without claddingEmbodied carbon from primary steel production
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TECHNICAL DATA: PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES MIN-MET-FER-002
Density (Dry) 7850 kg/m³
Specific Gravity 7.85
Porosity 0 %
Water Absorption 0 %
Hardness 140
Surface Roughness 12.5 μm
UV Resistance High
Chemical Resistance Moderate
pH Tolerance 4-12
Compressive Strength 300 MPa
Tensile Strength 440 MPa
Flexural Strength 300 MPa
Shear Strength 180 MPa
Elastic Modulus 200000 GPa
Yield Strength 300 MPa
Impact Resistance 27 J/m
Bearing Capacity 450 kN/m²
Poisson's Ratio 0.3
Creep Resistance High below 400°C
Abrasion Resistance Moderate
Thermal Conductivity 50 W/mK
Thermal Resistance 0.02 m²K/W
Specific Heat Capacity 480 J/kgK
Thermal Expansion 12 μm/m·K
Melting Point 1510 °C
Noise Reduction Coeff. (NRC) 0.05
Optical
Light Transmittance 0 %
Light Reflectance (LRV) 25 %

Universal Columns evolved from early cast iron columns in the 1850s to rolled steel sections by the 1880s. The H-shape profile was optimised through the 20th century for efficient material use and fabrication ease. Australian production commenced in the 1920s at Newcastle and Port Kembla steelworks. The current AS/NZS 3679.1 standard series began in 1974, with Grade 300 becoming the standard structural grade replacing Grade 250 for improved strength-to-weight ratios. Modern 300PLUS® steel introduced enhanced weldability and toughness properties whilst maintaining traditional section geometries compatible with existing design practices.

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SAFETY, ECOLOGY & INSTALLATION MIN-MET-FER-002
Flame Spread Index 0
Smoke Developed Index 0
Combustibility Class Non-combustible per AS 1530.1
Fire Resistance Rating Unprotected: 15-30 min; Protected: up to 240 min hours
Heat Release Rate 0 kW/m²
Toxicity of Combustion None
Embodied Carbon (A1-A3) 1710 kgCO₂e/kg
Embodied Energy 20100 MJ/kg
Water Footprint 28 L/kg
EPD Available Yes
Recycled Content 15%
Renewable Content 0%
LEED Points 2
Circular Economy Score 82 /100
VOC Emissions 0 g/L
Skill Level Licensed riggers, certified welders to AS/NZS 2980
Crew Size 4
Installation Time 0.5-2 hours/column hr/m²
Curing Time 0 hours
Setting Time 0 min
Temperature Range -10 to 40°C °C
Humidity Range 0-100% %
Required Tools
Mobile crane (capacity per section weight)Welding equipment (AS/NZS 1554 compliant)Torque wrenches for bolted connectionsAngle grinders and cutting equipmentSurveying equipment for alignmentSafety equipment (harnesses, barriers)
Certifications Required
Structural welders (AS/NZS 2980)Riggers license for crane operationsWorking at Heights certification
Weather Limitations
Wind speed >30 km/h restricts crane operationsWet conditions affect welding qualityExtreme heat (>40°C) requires additional safety measures
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COMMERCIAL, LOGISTICS & REGULATORY MIN-MET-FER-002
Material Cost $1800-2800 AUD/tonne
Installation Cost $150-300 AUD/m
Annual Maintenance $5-15 AUD/m²
Lifecycle Cost (50yr) $400-700 AUD/m
Market Availability Readily available
Lead Time Ex-stock to 4 weeks weeks
Design Life 100+ years years
Warranty Period Manufacturer: 10-25 years on coating systems years
Maintenance Interval 5-10 years months
Service Temp Range -40 to 400°C °C
Freeze/Thaw Resistance Excellent
Dimensional Stability Excellent below 100°C
Certifications Held
ACRS Product Certification SchemeISO 9001:2015 certified millsThird-party mill certificates to AS/NZS 3679.1EPD to ISO 14025 and EN 15804ResponsibleSteel™ certification (selected producers)ACRS Sustainability SchemeSafe Work Australia complianceNo hazardous substances in base material
Fire Code Compliance
AS 1530.4 - Fire-resistance testsAS 4100 Section 12 - Fire resistance requirements
Standards Compliance
NCC 2022 - Deemed-to-Satisfy provisionsBCA Class 1-10 buildings approvedEquivalent to ASTM A36 (Grade 250)Similar to ASTM A572 Grade 42ISO 630-2 - Structural steelsISO 9001 - Quality management systemsComparable to EN 10025 S275EN 1090 - Execution of steel structures

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-002 Schema: v3.0
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