Australian Steel Traders
Steel Beams
Australian Steel Traders can provide you with a range of flat rolled products for your building and production needs. Our products are utilised in a range of industries, and are sourced from reputable suppliers all around the world.
Types Of Steel Beams: UB, UC, PFC And More Explained
The main structural steel beam types are Universal Beams (UB, for horizontal load-bearing spans), Universal Columns (UC, for vertical compressive loads), Parallel Flange Channels (PFC, secondary support and lintels), Equal Angle (EA, lateral bracing) and Tapered Flange Beams (TFB, efficient load distribution at reduced weight).
Steel Beams To Build Your Project Up
Depending on what sort of construct or infrastructure you intend to build, you will need a steel beam that fits your profile. There are a number of types of steel beams out there, with the following being among the most widely used.
Universal Beams
Also known as I-beams, H-beams or RSJs depending on who you’re talking to, UBs are deeper than they are wide and built to carry horizontal loads across a span, floors, roof structures, load-bearing walls. If you’re replacing a wall with a beam, this is almost certainly what your engineer is specifying. See our RSJ Steel Australia page for current stock and pricing.
Universal Columns (UC)
Where a UB is deeper than it is wide, a UC has near-equal depth and width, built for vertical compressive loads rather than horizontal spans. That’s the real distinction, not just “narrower flange,” a UC’s whole profile is shaped to carry weight straight down through it. Used as vertical supports, posts and mezzanine columns.
Parallel Flange Channels (PFC)
A C-shaped profile with parallel flanges, sized down from a full universal beam. PFCs work as secondary support beams, lintels over door and window openings, edge beams, stair stringers and purlins for roofing and cladding, anywhere you need structural support without the full depth of a UB.
Equal Angle (EA)
Two equal-length sides at a 90-degree angle. Not a primary load-bearing beam, this is for lateral support and bracing, holding a structure square and stable rather than carrying the main load itself.
Tapered Flange Beams (TFB)
A symmetrical I-shape with tapered rather than parallel flanges, giving a better strength-to-weight ratio. Where reducing structural weight matters, without giving up load capacity, TFB is the profile to ask about.
Getting The Right Beam For Your Job
Your structural engineer specifies the profile and size based on span and load, our job is making sure that spec is in stock or quickly sourced. We supply the full range above through an extensive network of manufacturers worldwide, tested to Australian standards before it reaches you. Browse our full product range or get a quote on your specification.
International network
We source our steel from a wide range of reputable Australian and international companies. We have fantastic relationships with our suppliers, and strive to enhance efficiency, capacity and quality at every turn.
Quality Materials & Products
We have access to a vast number of suppliers that manufacture top-quality steel for the Australian market. We supply Line pipe, Seamless pipe, Galvanized pipe, SSAW, LSAW pipe, Steel plates, flat rolled sheets, coils, reinforcing steel, merchant bars, structural sections and more.
1 point of contact
Dealing with multiple steel manufacturers and finding the best products for your project can be overwhelming. Thankfully, AST is your one-stop steel shop, with you from sourcing through to delivery.
All your steel needs in one place.