Roymech engineering encyclopedia

Steel Section Tables – Dimensions, Properties and British Standards (UB, UC, Channels, Angles)




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The tables below provide dimensions and mechanical properties for a wide range of standard steel sections used in structural engineering design. These include universal beams, columns, channels, angles and hollow sections.

Steel section properties such as second moment of area, section modulus and radius of gyration are used to calculate bending stress, deflection and buckling resistance in beams and columns.

Steel sections are widely used in structural engineering for buildings, bridges and mechanical applications where strength and stiffness are critical design factors.

Types of Steel Sections

  • Universal Beams (UB)
  • Universal Columns (UC)
  • Channels
  • Equal and Unequal Angles
  • Joists
  • Hollow Sections

Torsion Factors are only included in the tables below for the hollow sections.
For UB/UC/Joists/Channels and some Tee sections Torsion/Bucking/ or Warp Factors are available on webpages linked from Torsion

Steel Section Tables and Standards

The tables below provide links to steel section dimensions and properties based on British Standards (BS) and European standards (EN). These are commonly used for structural design and engineering calculations.

The data provided is for general reference. For detailed design, engineers should refer to the latest relevant standards and manufacturer data.

Universal Beams Universal Beam (BS 4-1:1971) Dimensions Universal Beam (BS 4-1:1971) Properties. BS 4-1:1971(Superseded by BS 4:-1  2005)
Universal Beams Universal Beam (BS 4 Part 1: 2005)Dimensions/Properties   BS 4 Part 1: 2005
Equal Angles (Imperial) Dimensions Properties. BS 4-1:1971
(Superseded by BS 4: 1993)
Equal Angles(Metric) Dimensions/Properties   BS 4848-4 :1972
(Superseded by BS EN 10056-1:1999)
Equal Angles(Metric) Dimensions/Properties   BS EN 10056-1:1999
Unequal Angles(Imperial) Dimensions....... Properties. BS 4-1:1971
(Superseded by BS 4: 1993)
Unequal Angles(Metric) Dimensions/Properties   BS 4848-4 :1972
(Superseded by BS EN 10056-1:1999)
Unequal Angles(Metric) Dimensions/Properties   BS EN 10056-1:1999
Channels Dimensions Properties BS 4-1:1971
(Superseded by BS 4: 1993)
Channels Dimensions/Properties   BS 4: 1993
Joists Dimensions Properties BS 4-1:1971
(Superseded by BS 4:-1 2005)
Joists Dim_Properties   BS 4-1:2005
Universal Columns Dimensions Properties BS 4-1:1971
(Superseded by BS 4:-1 2005)
Universal Columns Dimensions_Properties   BS 4:Part 1 2005
Universal Bearing Piles Dimensions_Properties   BS 4:Part 1 2005
Tee Sections Dimensions Properties BS 4-1:1971
(Superseded by BS 4: 1993)
L.S. Tee Sections Dimensions Properties BS 4-1:1971
(Superseded by BS 4: 1993)
Tee Bars Dimensions Properties BS 4-1:1971
(Superseded by BS 4: 1993)
Tees cut from U.Beams Dim_Properties   BS 4:Part 1 2005
Tees cut from U.Columns Dim_Properties   BS 4:Part 1 2005
Tees cut from Joists) Dim_Properties   BS 4: 1993-
(Superseded)
Hollow Square Section - Cold Formed Dimensions/Properties   BS EN 10219:1997
Hollow Rectangular Section - Cold Formed Dimensions/Properties   BS EN 10219:1997
Hollow Square Section - Hot Formed Dimensions/Properties   BS EN 10210:1997
Hollow Rectangular Section - Hot Formed Dimensions/Properties   BS EN 10210:1997
Parallel Flange Channel Dimensions/Properties   BS 4 part 1:2005
Round Bar Round bar Properties    
Square Bar Square bar Properties    
Rectangular Bar Rectangular bar Properties    
Cold Formed Circular Sections Dimensions/Properties   BS EN 10219 part 2:2006

For dimensions of recommended bolt back marks and bolt centres in section - refer to Bolt centres

Using Steel Section Properties

Steel section properties such as second moment of area, section modulus and radius of gyration are used in structural design to calculate bending stress, deflection and buckling resistance.

Related Structural Engineering Topics

Further information can be found on related pages including beam theory, bending stress, torsion and structural design calculations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are steel section tables used for?

Steel section tables provide standard dimensions and properties used in structural engineering design, including bending stress, deflection and load calculations.

What is the difference between UB and UC sections?

Universal Beams (UB) are typically used for bending applications, while Universal Columns (UC) have more equal flange and web dimensions for load-bearing column applications.

What properties are included in steel section tables?

Typical properties include section dimensions, second moment of area, section modulus, radius of gyration and weight per metre.

Are these steel section tables based on British Standards?

Yes, the data is based on British Standards (BS) and equivalent European standards (EN) used in structural engineering design.

Links to sites with steel section dimensions/properties
  1. Tata Steel (ex Corus)... This site provides all the information you need for structural design
  2. xcalcs... Section information and Calculations
  3. Technouk...Various Spreadsheet Downloads- including comprehensive section properties tables
  4. Cadoss...A site dedicated to structural design - includes downloads and CD's