Structural steel beams and columns from BlueScope Distribution

Universal steel beams and columns

Universal beams and columns are used for many types of construction and are designed to provide structural support. They have an I or H shape and are available in a range of sizes with a variety of section and flange depths as well as different thicknesses and radii. Typical uses for Universal steel beams and columns include residential building, civil construction, non-residential building, mining, and general manufacturing applications. 

Welded steel beams and columns

Welded beams and columns manufactured by BlueScope are used in a range of heavy engineering applications. Our BlueScope Distribution team can supply welded beams and columns for a variety of projects in the engineering construction, building, mining infrastructure, or transport sectors. Structural applications for our welded beams and columns often include office buildings, shopping centres, stadiums, car parks, and bridges.

Channels

BlueScope Distribution supplies a range of structural channels to meet a range of engineering and construction needs across all sectors. Channels are typically used in residential building, civil construction, non-residential building, mining, and general manufacturing applications.

Structural angles

BlueScope Distribution offers a range of structural angles, available in both equal and unequal configurations. Structural angles are typically used in residential building, civil construction, non-residential building, mining, and general manufacturing applications.

Through our network, our team  can offer plasma cut beamline processing services including square cut and mitre cutting, notches, bolt holes, merchant bar profiling, and more. In addition, we can provide cut-to-length processing, which allows our customers to utilise steel beams of a range of lengths outside of the standardised offerings as required.

Through offering these processing services, we empower our customers to realise increased efficiencies in their own businesses. By allowing access to structural steel products of specifications that meet the needs of each project, our clients can receive delivery of their structural steel products in a timely fashion and deploy these materials immediately.

To learn more about our range of steel processing services, please visit our processing page.

We are familiar with the variety of challenges that can be faced by the businesses we serve, and for this reason we strive not just to provide reliable supply and processing solutions, but also tailored logistical support services that enable our customers to truly get the most out of their structural steel supply chain. 

In order to fully leverage the capacities that we offer, speak to our friendly staff in any of our branches across regional and metropolitan Australia, or contact us online. We are always ready and willing to discuss how our fully integrated steel solutions can help to improve outcomes for your business, and for all stakeholders across the steel product value chain.

Structural steel beams and columns, commonly referred to as universal beams and columns, are fundamental components in construction. They are engineered to provide robust structural support, making them indispensable in a wide array of building applications. Their inherent strength is matched by a significant degree of versatility, allowing them to be adapted to meet the unique challenges of nearly any construction project.

This adaptability is crucial in sectors where architectural and structural demands vary widely, from large-scale industrial complexes to intricate architectural designs. Structural steel is favoured for its ability to span long distances, providing open, unobstructed spaces required in commercial and residential buildings. Moreover, its ease of integration with other building materials and systems simplifies construction processes, enhancing overall project efficiency.

Welded beams and columns are also commonly used for construction projects due to their size and strength. They are ideal for supporting heavy loads in critical projects such as bridges, high-rise buildings, car parks, stadiums, and mining infrastructure.

BlueScope Distribution’s welded beams and columns are comprised of steel sections produced using two flanges and a web. BlueScope Distribution offers both universal beams and columns and welded beams and columns in a wide range of sizes and grades.

Structural steel beams and columns or universal beams and columns, commonly known as I-beams or H-beams, are manufactured through a process that involves rolling steel at high temperatures, known as hot rolling. This process allows the steel to be shaped into various sizes and lengths to meet specific construction needs.

Our welded beams and columns are manufactured from BlueScope’s XLERPLATE® steel. A fully automatic submerged arc-welding process is implemented to ensure quality and consistency. BlueScope Distribution provides customers with the technical know-how and access to a complete range of structural steel beam products.

At BlueScope Distribution, we offer tailored solutions for structural steel beam product requirements and provide a comprehensive range of processing services designed to meet specific construction needs. These include:

• Cut-to-length: Delivering beams and columns cut to precise project specifications.
• Drilling: Facilitating easy assembly and secure installations with accurately placed bolt holes and other features.
• Mitre and Square Cuts: Ensuring clean, sharp angles for seamless connections and joints.
• Oxy, Stitch, and Slot Cutting: Offering detailed and complex cutting options for custom shapes and fits.
• Bevelling: Preparing beams for perfect joints and welds, enhancing structural integrity.
• Penetrations, Notches, and Flange Thinning: Modifying beams for utility integration, assembly ease, and weight optimisation.
• Stamping and Text Scribing: Providing clear and durable marking for identification and alignment during assembly.
• Merchant Bar Profiling and Four-Sided Processing: Ensuring precision in smaller profiles and comprehensive processing of all beam sides.
• Weld Prep: Optimising edges for welding to guarantee strong and durable joints.
• Centre Marks and Pop Marks: Aiding in precise drilling, cutting, and assembly through accurate marking.

At BlueScope Distribution, ensuring the highest quality and compliance with industry standards is paramount. Our welded beams and columns are accredited under:

• ACRS (Australasian Certification Authority for Reinforcing and Structural Steels) accreditation—Certificate No.120802: Ensures quality and adherence to Australian standards.
• ATIC10 accreditation: A testament to our ongoing commitment to quality assurance processes.

All our welded products are locally manufactured in Port Kembla by BlueScope in strict accordance with AS/NZS 3679.2:2016, utilising plate material that meets AS/NZS 3678:2016 standards. These products boast a nominal yield strength of 300MPa, and the steel grade 300L15 guarantees impact performance at temperatures as low as -15°C, ensuring durability and safety under challenging conditions.

Structural steel universal beams are widely utilised across various industries due to their strength and versatility. Some of the most common industries using structural steel beams include:

• Engineering construction: For infrastructure such as bridges, platforms, and towers that need to withstand environmental stress.
• Residential construction: Used in frameworks for houses and high-rise buildings, providing support and flexibility.
• Non-residential construction: Essential for commercial structures like shopping centres, offices, educational facilities, and other modern commercial environments, warehouses and distribution centres.
• Mining infrastructure: Provides the structural integrity required in harsh mining environments to withstand vibration and resist corrosion.
• Transport and storage: Used in the construction of warehouses, freight terminals, and docks to create large open spaces.
• Manufacturing: For facilities requiring robust structures capable of supporting heavy machinery and dynamic loads.

Understanding the complexities and timing sensitivities of construction projects, BlueScope Distribution offers tailored logistics solutions. Our just-in-time delivery ensures that materials are provided precisely when needed, reducing on-site storage requirements and helping to streamline project timelines. Additionally, our consignment stock options offer the flexibility to have immediate access to essential steel products, further enhancing project efficiency and cost management.

By handling logistics and project coordination, we allow our clients to focus on the critical aspects of construction and be confident in the timely and efficient supply of high-quality structural steel.