Universal columns are similar in appearance to universal beams, but typically have a wider flange or fillet.
Universal columns are structural steel columns used in a vertical position. Their I-shaped cross-section is similar to that of universal beams, but a steel column flange is usually wider than that of a beam.
There are several elements that combine to define universal column sizes. This includes the depth and width of the steel section, the thickness of its web and flanges, the root radius and the depth between the fillets.
For full details of all the universal column sizes we supply, please consult our universal column table, which specifies characteristics like plastic modulus, elastic modulus, torsional index and more.
Universal Steel Columns
A steel support column is normally positioned vertically, for example to reinforce a concrete pillar, or to support a ceiling or upper storey.
The cross-section of universal columns is shaped like a capital I or H, with several key characteristics:
- The central span of the cross-section is the web
- Each of the four ‘wings’ at right-angles to this span is a flange
- Each pair of flanges (forming a T-shape with the web) is a fillet
Knowing these basic 2-3 elements gives rise to a number of parameters when specifying universal steel columns:
- h is the depth of the section (the full height of the I-shape including the fillets)
- b is the width of the section (the full width across the tips of the flanges)
- s is the thickness of the web (the central span that connects the fillets)
- t is the thickness of the flanges (measured across the flat section of the flange)
- r is the root radius (the inner curve of the right angle where the flanges join the web)
- d is the depth between fillets (the depth of the section minus the thickness of the flanges)
All of these parameters come into play when calculating universal column sizes. Our handy universal column table shows what’s available, along with some practical values like the cross-sectional area and the mass per metre.