If you are planning an extension or loft conversion to your home or business, you may ask how universal beams are used in construction. Universal beams, often called I beams, H beams, UBs or RSJ, are essential in many construction projects. These steel beams provide strength and support across buildings and bridges. They help a structure carry heavy loads and keep it stable over time.
What Is A Universal Beam?
A universal beam is a structural steel product with a shaped cross section that looks like a capital I or H. The two horizontal parts are the flanges and the vertical centre is the web. This simple form gives a high strength to weight ratio. It means the beam can resist bending and deflection while keeping the overall weight low. Engineers use this shape to provide reliable load bearing capacity in many applications.
Why The Shape Matters
The wide flanges place most of the steel at the top and bottom of the section, where bending stresses are highest. The web joins the flanges and resists shear forces. This arrangement gives good resistance to buckling, good stability, and lower deflection under heavy loads. The result is strong weight distribution and improved structural integrity, allowing long spans and fewer columns in both commercial and domestic structures.
Where Universal Beams Are Used
Universal steel beams are widely used across the construction industry. In homes, they support openings in load bearing walls, loft floors, roof structures and garage openings. In larger projects, they form primary beams and columns in frames for buildings, warehouses and bridge construction. They are also ideal for mezzanine floors, plant decks and walkways. In each case, the beam is chosen to match the structural requirements of the project.
Sizes, Lengths And Dimensions
Universal beams come in a wide range of sizes, lengths, depths and weights. Each size has set dimensions for flange width, web thickness and overall section depth. This variety lets engineers pick the exact beam needed to carry the planned loads while controlling deflection and vibration. Standard rolled steel sections are listed by weight per metre, which helps with design, handling and ordering.
Materials And Quality
Most universal beams are made from quality steel grades designed for building work. These high quality structural steel products are durable and keep their strength for many years. Steel is also recyclable, so beams can be reused or re-fabricated without losing durability. This makes steel an ideal choice for modern construction where both strength and sustainability matter.
Advantages For Your Project
Using a universal beam can reduce the number of supports, making more versatility in the layout. The strength to weight ratio means you can achieve long spans without large, bulky members. Beams offer good resistance to bending in the strong axis, ensuring a stable frame that can support heavy loads. The simple section also makes site work faster, making installation easier and helping the build finish on time.
Design Factors Engineers Consider
When engineers design a beam for a construction project, they look at several factors. They assess the span, the type of structure, expected loads, deflection limits, and the difference between using a deeper beam with a lower weight, or a shallower beam with a higher weight.
They check lateral restraints to stop buckling, connection details at the ends, and whether the beam will act with a slab to increase stability. All of this helps ensure the chosen universal beam meets the structural requirements.
RSJ, UB and UC Explained
People often use the term RSJ to mean any steel beam. In practice, a universal beam (UB) has wide flanges and is mainly used as a beam.
A universal column (UC) has a similar cross section but is closer to square and is often used as a column.
Both are structural steel sections. Knowing the difference helps you choose the right products for the job.
Installation And Handling
On site, safe working methods are vital. Beams are lifted with suitable gear and set on prepared bearings. Installers check level, pack the bearings, and fix the connections.
Proper bracing stops twist during lifting. This careful process helps ensure the beam performs as designed once the rest of the structure is complete. For small domestic jobs, compact lifters can raise a beam to height, allowing accurate placement without damage to nearby walls.
Custom Steel Fabrication
Many construction projects need cut-to-length steel beams, notches, holes or welded plates. Steel fabrication shops can drill, cut and weld to suit various applications.
Because universal beams have a simple, shaped cross section, they are easy to work with in the workshop. Fabrication speeds up the build by delivering ready-to-fit products, ensuring consistent quality and saving time on site.
Bridges And Other Heavy Work
For bridges and industrial structures, universal beams are part of larger assemblies and h beams may be used where very high loads apply.
The load bearing role can include composite action with concrete slabs to boost load bearing capacity. Correct detailing limits deflection and protects against corrosion, which keeps the structure durable over its life.
Choosing A Supplier
When you select a company to supply steel beams, look for clear information on sizes, weights and dimensions, fast ordering, and reliable delivery.
A good supplier will discuss your project, help you understand the best category of section for the span, and provide mill certificates to confirm high quality materials. Many suppliers also offer a newsletter with updates on stock and new products.
Check their website for guidance notes and a simple ordering page. You will often see a notice such as rights reserved on the site footer, which is standard for content use rights.
Building Regulations And Site Practice
Any construction that alters load bearing parts of a building needs proper design and approval. A qualified engineer should size the beam, set the bearing details and check bending and deflection.
Site teams must follow safety rules and protect walls and finishes during the work. Good experience on site will ensure a clean fit and a safe structure.
Maintenance And Life Cycle
Steel beams need basic care. Keep them dry during storage, treat cut ends, and paint or protect as specified. With the right finish, steel beams remain durable and stable for decades. If the project changes in the future, beams can be modified or replaced due to the flexible nature of structural steel.
How Universal Beams Are Used In Construction: Summary
Universal beams are widely used because they combine strength, stability and versatility. Their shaped cross section and strong flanges and web give excellent weight control and resistance to bending. From small domestic alterations to large commercial frames and buildings bridges, a universal beam provides support where it matters, ensuring safe, efficient and high quality results in modern construction today.
Are you looking for RSJ steel beam suppliers in London and the surrounding areas? Follow the link below to discuss your project.