Universal steel columns are one of the most common types of supports used in structural engineering and they can be found in countless different construction applications. When using universal columns in your building or construction project, choosing the right size is essential for ensuring the structural integrity and efficiency of your finished structure. In this post, we take a look at some of the different factors that you should take into consideration to help you choose the right universal column size for your project.
Load-Bearing Capacity
The load-bearing capacity required for your project is often the most important factor to consider when determining the ideal size of a universal column for your needs. Load-bearing capacity refers to the maximum amount of load that a structural element can support without failure and determining the load-bearing capacity often involves precise calculations involving both static or permanent loads as well as dynamic loads. Generally, a project that requires greater load-bearing capacity will need larger universal columns. If you are ever in doubt, it is always better to err on the side of caution and engage a professional structural engineer to assist with your calculations.
Standard Universal Column Sizes
Generally, universal columns also come in several standard sizes and having a custom size would potentially involve significant additional costs. Thus, it is often a good idea to choose from the various standard UC sizes that are offered by steel suppliers. When choosing from these sizes, you can also utilise design tables and software to streamline the selection process by matching size to load requirements. This may be especially beneficial in larger or more complex projects where there may be varying load-bearing capacities required.
Potential Expansions and Future Load Increases
Another consideration that you might want to take into account is a potential expansion or future load increase. If such a scenario is a possibility, you would want to ensure that your structure’s support beams can handle a higher load. This might involve choosing a larger universal column size than may be necessary at present.
Budget and Cost Considerations
While ensuring safety and compliance is of utmost importance, it is also important to take budget and cost considerations into account in any project. Higher-grade steel and larger universal column sizes may also increase material costs and may not always be the best solution. Thus, when choosing a universal column size, opt for one that balances operational requirements with cost-effectiveness.
Universal Columns in All Sizes
No matter the size of the universal column you require, RW Steel has you covered. We are Melbourne’s leading supplier of steel for construction and building projects and we stock a variety of universal column sizes for all needs, including 100UC14.8, 150UC23.4, 150UC30, 150UC37.2, 200UC46.2, 200UC52, 200UC59.9, 250UC72.9 and more. We also complimentary cutting to any size with our on-site bandsaw and we can provide custom brackets depending on your needs. Contact us today for more information or a free consultation!