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CoreMet Steel
Structural Steel I-Beam Supplier UK & Global
CoreMet Steel is a trusted steel I-beam supplier serving the UK and global markets, providing precision-rolled universal beams (UBs) for construction, infrastructure, and industrial projects.
We supply structural steel I-beams (universal beams – UB) for construction, infrastructure, fabrication, and engineering projects across global markets. Additionally, our structural I-beams are manufactured to EN10025 standards and offered in S275 and S355 grades, ensuring exceptional strength, reliability, and consistent performance for load-bearing structures.
What Is an I-Beam?
An I-beam is a structural steel beam with an I-shaped cross-section, consisting of two horizontal flanges connected by a vertical web. This shape provides excellent strength-to-weight efficiency, allowing I-beams to support heavy loads over long spans while minimising material usage.
I-beams are commonly supplied as Universal Beams (UBs) in the UK and are widely used in structural frameworks, load-bearing construction, and civil engineering projects where high bending strength and rigidity are required.
Due to their design, I-beams offer superior resistance to bending and deflection, making them ideal for beams, columns, and primary structural members in commercial, industrial, and infrastructure applications.
Why Choose CoreMet Steel for I-Beams?
✅ Certified Structural Grades: Our I-beams are available in S275 and S355 grades, fully certified and traceable to meet UK and international standards.
✅ Custom Cut-to-Size Service: We provide accurate cutting, drilling, and fabrication options to match project requirements.
✅ Fast Global Delivery: With global logistics, we deliver I-beams promptly to construction and fabrication sites.
✅ Global Export Expertise: We handle export documentation and shipping to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa with full quality assurance.
Steel I-Beam Specifications
CoreMet Steel supplies structural I-beams (Universal Beams – UBs) in accordance with internationally recognised standards, ensuring consistent mechanical performance, dimensional accuracy, and full compliance with UK and global construction requirements. CoreMet Steel supplies universal beams (UB / I-Beams) in S235, S275, and S355 structural steel grades.
Common Standards
- EN 10025 – S275JR, S355JR
- BS EN 10365 – Hot rolled steel sections for structural use
- ASTM A36 / A572 (on request for export projects)
I-Beam Technical Specifications
- Section type: Universal Beams (UB / I-Beams)
- Depth range: approx. 127 mm – 914 mm across standard universal beam (UB) sizes
- Flange width: varies by section size
- Weight range: approx. 13 kg/m – 305 kg/m
- Lengths: 6 m, 12 m, or cut-to-length
- Surface condition: As rolled (black)
- Tolerances: Manufactured to EN standards for straightness and dimensional accuracy
Material certification and mill test certificates are available on request.
Typical Steel I-Beam Sizes
| UB Section | Depth (mm) | Flange Width (mm) | Weight (kg/m) | Typical Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UB 127×76 | 127 | 76 | 13 | 6 m / 12 m |
| UB 152×89 | 152 | 89 | 16 | 6 m / 12 m |
| UB 203×102 | 203 | 102 | 23 | 6 m / 12 m |
| UB 254×146 | 254 | 146 | 31 | 6 m / 12 m |
| UB 305×165 | 305 | 165 | 40 | 6 m / 12 m |
Applications of Structural I-Beams
CoreMet Steel’s I-beams (Universal Beams) are widely used across:
- Steel frame buildings and warehouses
- Bridge and civil engineering projects
- Industrial platforms and mezzanine floors
- Agricultural sheds and support structures
- Commercial fabrication and framework assemblies
Benefits of I-Beams
✅ Superior load-bearing strength and rigidity
✅ Compatible with a wide range of construction applications
✅ Excellent weldability and dimensional accuracy
✅ Weather and corrosion-resistant grades available
✅ Fully compliant with UK Building Regulations and Eurocodes
I-Beam vs H-Beam – Key Differences
I-beams and H-beams are both structural steel sections designed for load-bearing applications, but they differ slightly in shape, proportions, and typical use cases.
I-Beams (Universal Beams – UBs):
- Narrower flanges relative to depth
- Optimised for bending loads
- Commonly used in UK construction and steel frameworks
- Excellent strength-to-weight ratio
- Standard choice for beams, floors, and frames
H-Beams (Universal Columns – UCs):
- Wider, thicker flanges
- More uniform cross-section
- Better suited for vertical load-bearing (columns)
- Often used where compressive strength is critical
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose I-Beams (UBs) for horizontal beams, spans, and structural frameworks
- Choose H-Beams (UCs) for columns, supports, and heavy vertical loads
If you’re unsure which section is right for your project, CoreMet Steel can help select the most suitable beam based on load requirements, span length, and structural design.
| Feature | I-Beam (UB) | H-Beam (UC) |
|---|---|---|
| Flange width | Narrower | Wider |
| Typical use | Horizontal beams | Columns |
| Load type | Bending loads | Vertical compression |
| Structure use | Floors, frames | Structural columns |
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I-Beam FAQ
Steel I-beams are widely used in building frames, bridges, warehouses, industrial structures, and civil engineering projects due to their high load-bearing capacity.
Common grades include S275 and S355 structural steel, manufactured according to EN 10025 standards for structural applications.
An I-beam refers to the shape of the steel section, while Universal Beams (UB) are the standard structural steel I-beam sections used in the UK and many international construction projects.
Steel I-beams (Universal Beams – UBs) are available in a wide range of sizes, typically from 127 mm to over 900 mm depth, with standard stock lengths of 6 m and 12 m.
For technical data and steel design standards, visit SteelConstruction.info for more guidance on steel section applications in the UK.
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