310 UC 96.8 Dimensions
🔎 What is 310 UC 96.8?
Universal Columns (UC), or “H-beams,” feature nearly equal flange width and section depth, making them ideal for column applications where balanced strength against twisting is critical 48. The 310 UC 96.8—weighing 96.8 kg/m—is a mid-range UC widely used in commercial construction, bridges, and industrial frames across Australia.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Depth (h) | 308 mm |
| Flange Width (b) | 305 mm |
| Flange Thickness (tf) | 15.4 mm |
| Web Thickness (tw) | 9.9 mm |
| Root Radius (r) | 16.5 mm |
| Depth Between Flanges (D) | 277 mm |
📏 Key Dimensions & Tolerances
Every millimeter counts in structural engineering. Here’s the breakdown:
| Parameter | Value | Tolerance (Typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Depth | 308 mm | ±2 mm |
| Flange Width | 305 mm | ±3 mm |
| Flange Thickness | 15.4 mm | ±0.8 mm |
| Web Thickness | 9.9 mm | ±0.5 mm |
| Root Radius | 16.5 mm | ±1.5 mm |
| Depth Between Flanges | 277 mm | – |
⚙️ Critical Section Properties
Beyond basic dimensions, these engineering properties dictate load capacity:
- Cross-Sectional Area: 12,400 mm²
- Moment of Inertia (X-X): 223 million mm⁴ (resists bending parallel to flanges)
- Moment of Inertia (Y-Y): 72.9 million mm⁴
- Torsion Constant (J): 928,000 mm⁴
- Plastic Modulus (Yp): 725,000 mm³ (critical for seismic design)
🏗️ Applications: Where This UC Excels
Its near-square profile (308mm × 305mm) offers equal strength in both axes, preventing buckling under vertical loads. Common uses:
- Building Columns: Multi-story offices, warehouses.
- Steel Lintels: Over doors/windows in masonry walls.
- Bracing Frames: In high-wind or seismic zones.
💡 Pro Tip: For sections >8m, specify Grade G300 steel (AS/NZS 3679.1) for enhanced weldability and corrosion resistance.
⚠️ Design Pitfalls to Avoid
- Thin-Web Buckling: Web thickness (9.9 mm) requires stiffeners if axial loads exceed 1,200 kN.
- Asymmetric Connections: Bolt flanges symmetrically—eccentric loads amplify stress on the narrower web.
- Ignoring Camber: For beams >6m, order pre-cambered sections to offset deflection under load.
💰 Procurement Guide
- Standard Lengths: 9m, 12m, 15m.
- Price Range: $2,683–$3,057 (ex-GST) for 9m sections.
✅ Key Checks Before Installation
- Material Test Certs: Verify AS/NZS 3679.1 compliance.
- Straightness Tolerance: Max bow = L/1,000 over length (e.g., 9mm in 9m beam).
- Corrosion Protection: Unpainted sections rust rapidly.
🔄 Alternatives for Heavy-Duty Use
For higher loads, consider:
- 310 UC 118 (18.7 mm flange thickness).
- 310 UC 137 (21.7 mm flange, 13.8 mm web).
💎 The Takeaway
The 310 UC 96.8 strikes a sweet spot between strength and economy. Its dimensions—optimized for dual-axis stability—make it Australia’s #1 choice for mid-rise columns. Always pair specs with rigorous site measurements: a 2mm depth variance can alter load capacity by 5%!