Universal Beams (UB)
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Send your sizes and quantity on WhatsApp +971 56 227 5722 or through the quote request form, and you get a figure back with a lead time. Cut to length included, mill test certificates with the material, delivery to all seven emirates.
Universal beams, usually called UB or I beams on site, are the British standard hot rolled I sections used across UAE construction. The section name says everything: depth, width and weight per metre. A 305 x 127 x 42 is roughly 305 mm deep, 127 mm wide and weighs 42 kg per metre. Seen Steel supplies universal beams from 127 x 76 up to 610 x 305, in S275 and S355, cut to length and delivered to all seven emirates.
Sizes and weights
The commonly ordered serial sizes. Most sizes also come in lighter and heavier weights within the same depth, so ask if you need a specific one.
| Section (mm x mm x kg/m) | kg per metre | kg per 12 m length |
|---|---|---|
| 127 x 76 x 13 | 13 | 156 |
| 152 x 89 x 16 | 16 | 192 |
| 178 x 102 x 19 | 19 | 228 |
| 203 x 102 x 23 | 23.1 | 277 |
| 203 x 133 x 30 | 30 | 360 |
| 254 x 102 x 25 | 25.2 | 302 |
| 254 x 146 x 37 | 37 | 444 |
| 305 x 102 x 33 | 32.8 | 394 |
| 305 x 127 x 42 | 41.9 | 503 |
| 356 x 127 x 39 | 39.1 | 469 |
| 356 x 171 x 51 | 51 | 612 |
| 406 x 140 x 46 | 46 | 552 |
| 406 x 178 x 60 | 60.1 | 721 |
| 457 x 152 x 60 | 59.8 | 718 |
| 457 x 191 x 74 | 74.3 | 892 |
| 533 x 210 x 92 | 92.1 | 1105 |
| 610 x 229 x 113 | 113 | 1356 |
| 610 x 305 x 149 | 149 | 1788 |
For channels, angles and other sections, see the steel weight chart.
Reading the section name
In 457 x 191 x 74, the 457 is the nominal depth in mm, the 191 is the nominal flange width, and the 74 is the weight in kg per metre. Within one serial size the depth changes slightly as the weight goes up, because the mill rolls thicker flanges rather than a different shape. That matters when you are fitting a beam into a tight opening: a 457 x 191 x 98 is a few millimetres deeper than a 457 x 191 x 67.
Beam or column
Universal beams are deeper than they are wide, which makes them efficient at spanning. Universal columns (UC) are roughly square in profile and better at carrying vertical load without buckling. Using a UB as a column is common on light structures, but check the buckling capacity rather than assuming.
Grades and standards
- Dimensions: BS 4-1 serial sizes
- Material: EN 10025-2, S275JR or S355JR, with J0 and J2 on request
- Tolerances: EN 10034
S355 is increasingly specified because it allows a lighter section for the same load. Our guide to steel grades covers the comparison.
If your drawing uses another system
For IPE, HEA and HEB sections, see European beams. For American W shapes, see wide flange beams. For Japanese sections, see JIS wide flange. Equivalents across systems are never exact, so send the drawing reference with the enquiry and we will confirm what is a genuine match.
Common applications
- Portal frames, warehouses and workshops
- Floor beams and mezzanine structures
- Lintels and transfer beams
- Crane girders and runway beams
- Temporary works, props and shoring
- Pipe supports and plant steelwork
Cutting and delivery
We supply 12 m standard lengths, 6 m, or cut to your list. Deliveries go to workshops and sites across all seven emirates, including Al Quoz, Jebel Ali, Mussafah, Sajaa, Ajman Industrial and Al Hamra. Mill test certificates are supplied with the material.
What to send for a quote
- Full section designation, for example 305 x 127 x 42
- Grade, for example S275JR
- Number of lengths and the length required
- Delivery location
Working across systems? Our guide to steel beam sizes compared sets IPE, HEA, universal beams, W shapes and JIS H beams side by side by depth and weight.
Frequently asked questions
What does 203 x 133 x 30 mean?
Nominal depth 203 mm, nominal flange width 133 mm, weight 30 kg per metre.
What is the weight of a 254 x 146 x 37 beam?
37 kg per metre, so about 444 kg for a 12 m length.
What is the difference between a universal beam and a universal column?
A beam is deeper than it is wide and suits spanning. A column is roughly square and suits vertical load.
Can you supply S355?
Yes, subject to availability in the section. Tell us at enquiry stage, because S355 and S275 are not always stocked in the same sizes.
Do you supply mill test certificates?
Yes, MTCs are issued with the material.
Send your universal beam requirement through the steel quote request form or on WhatsApp at +971 56 227 5722.