MATERIAL DATA SHEET

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

Ferrous Structural
mineral › Metallic › Ferrous Structural
structural-steelAS/NZS-3679.1Grade-300hot-rolledPFCC-section300PLUS
ATLAS CODE
MIN-MET-FER-003
Parallel Flange Channels (PFC), Grade 300, AS/NZS 3679.1
Category mineral
Material Family Metallic
Regulatory Status Non-combustible
Density
7850 kg/m³
Carbon (A1-A5)
1.74 kgCO₂e
Fire Class
Non-combustible
Lifespan
100+ yrs
Description

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.

Primary Sectors
[Industrial][Transport & Infrastructure]
Typical Uses
  • 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
Recycled Content 15
Renewable Content 0
Recyclability 100
Embodied Carbon 1.74 kgCO₂e
Embodied Energy 20100 MJ/kg
EPD Available Yes
Advantages
Excellent strength-to-weight ratioParallel flanges simplify connectionsConsistent mechanical propertiesHigh weldability (CEV ≤0.44)100% recyclableAvailable in long lengths (up to 18m)Australian manufactured (300PLUS)Suitable for composite constructionGood fatigue resistancePredictable structural behaviour
Cautions
Requires fire protection for FRL ratingsSusceptible to corrosion without protectionLateral-torsional buckling considerationsThermal bridging in building envelopeHigher initial cost than timberRequires skilled fabrication and erectionLimited acoustic damping propertiesConnection complexity for moment frames
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TECHNICAL DATA: PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES MIN-MET-FER-003
Density (Dry) 7850 kg/m³
Specific Gravity 7.85
Porosity 0 %
Water Absorption 0 %
Hardness 150
Surface Roughness 12.5 μm
UV Resistance High with appropriate coating
Chemical Resistance Moderate - requires protection in aggressive environments
pH Tolerance 5-11 (with coating)
Compressive Strength 280 MPa
Tensile Strength 440 MPa
Flexural Strength 280 MPa
Shear Strength 162 MPa
Elastic Modulus 200000 GPa
Yield Strength 280 MPa
Impact Resistance 27 J/m
Bearing Capacity 420 kN/m²
Poisson's Ratio 0.29
Creep Resistance Negligible below 400°C
Abrasion Resistance Moderate
Thermal Conductivity 50 W/mK
Thermal Resistance 0.02 m²K/W
Specific Heat Capacity 450 J/kgK
Thermal Expansion 11.7 μm/m·K
Melting Point 1510 °C
Noise Reduction Coeff. (NRC) 0.05
Optical
Light Transmittance 0 %
Light Reflectance (LRV) 35 %

Parallel Flange Channels evolved from traditional tapered flange channels in the mid-20th century. The parallel flange design, standardised in Australia through AS/NZS 3679.1, simplified connection design and improved structural efficiency. Australian production predominantly uses 300PLUS steel, developed by BlueScope (formerly BHP) specifically for Australian conditions, offering enhanced weldability and consistent properties. The Grade 300 designation replaced earlier Grade 250 specifications, reflecting improvements in steel making technology and structural design requirements.

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SAFETY, ECOLOGY & INSTALLATION MIN-MET-FER-003
Flame Spread Index 0
Smoke Developed Index 0
Combustibility Class Non-combustible
Fire Resistance Rating Requires protection for FRL hours
Heat Release Rate 0 kW/m²
Toxicity of Combustion None
Embodied Carbon (A1-A3) 1.74 kgCO₂e/kg
Embodied Energy 20100 MJ/kg
Water Footprint 3.3 L/kg
EPD Available Yes
Recycled Content 15%
Renewable Content 0%
LEED Points 2
Circular Economy Score 85 /100
Skill Level Qualified steel fabricator/erector
Crew Size 3-5 persons
Installation Time 20-40 tonnes/week hr/m²
Curing Time 0 hours
Setting Time 0 min
Temperature Range -20 to 45 °C
Humidity Range 0-95 %
Required Tools
Welding equipment (AS/NZS 1554)Cutting tools (oxy, plasma, saw)Drilling equipmentCrane/lifting equipmentTorque wrenches for boltingMeasuring instruments
Certifications Required
AS/NZS 1554 welding qualificationAS/NZS 5131 fabrication certificationWhite Card (construction induction)
Weather Limitations
No welding in rainWind limits for crane operationsTemperature limits for coating application
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COMMERCIAL, LOGISTICS & REGULATORY MIN-MET-FER-003
Material Cost 1200-1800
Installation Cost 3000-4000
Annual Maintenance 20-50
Lifecycle Cost (50yr) 4500-6000
Market Availability Excellent - locally manufactured
Lead Time 2-6 weeks weeks
Design Life 100+ years
Warranty Period 10-25 years
Maintenance Interval 5-10 months
Service Temp Range -40 to 400 °C
Freeze/Thaw Resistance Excellent
Dimensional Stability Excellent
Certifications Held
AS/NZS ISO 9001ACRS CertificationNATA test certificatesResponsibleSteel™ISO 14001EPD to ISO 14025AS/NZS 4801ISO 45001
Fire Code Compliance
AS 1530.4 Fire testsAS 4100 Section 12 Fire
Standards Compliance
NCC 2022 Volume One & TwoAS 4100 Steel StructuresAS/NZS 1170 Loading StandardsEquivalent to ASTM A36ISO 630-2 Structural steelsComparable to EN 10025 S275

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-003 Schema: v3.0
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