If you’re looking to build or construct a steel structure, chances are that you would be familiar with universal columns (UCs). UCs are integral load-bearing components that can be found in almost any major construction project. Their popularity comes from their versatility, strength and ease of use. However, if you’re new to the industry, you might be wondering if it is possible to customise UCs to your needs. In this post, we take a closer look at some of the common questions that people have when it comes to customising UCs for various applications.
Can Universal Columns Be Customised?
UCs can definitely be customised to suit the specific needs of your project. While UCs generally come in standardised sizes, there is a wide range of sizes that are available to accommodate different load-bearing requirements and designed. In addition, UCs can also be customised through various fabrication options including cutting to custom lengths, drilling precise holes for connections and welding attachments such as base plates or stiffeners.
Tips for Customising Universal Columns
Some things that you should bear in mind when customising your UCs to achieve the best results include:
- Load Requirements: It is crucial for you to ensure that the customised UC is still able to support the expected loads. This is especially if you are customising your UC in a way that changes its load-bearing capacity.
- Fabrication Tolerances: When customising UCs, it is also important to ensure that you are working with skilled and experienced fabricators who are able to adhere to strict tolerances. This will help you to ensure the integrity of holes, cuts and welds during the customisation process.
- Surface Treatment Needs: At the same time, you should also consider whether your UCs will require any additional surface treatments. These will be necessary if you foresee that your UCs will be exposed to moisture, chemical or fire risks. Applying the appropriate surface treatments, such as protective coatings, can help you ensure that your UCs are able to withstand the environmental conditions to which they are subjected.
Using High-Quality Universal Columns in Construction
Beyond customising your UCs based on your project specifications, it is also important to remember that the quality of your UCs can have a significant impact on the final structural integrity and lifespan of your build. Thus, it is important to ensure that you use high-quality UCs that meet industry standards if you want your build to perform well under pressure and have a long lifespan.
RW Steel is the number one supplier of steel in Melbourne, and we have an extensive catalogue of steel UCs that you can choose from, ranging from 100UC14.80 and 150UC37 to 200UC52.20 and 250UC72.90. We can also cut UCs to your exact needs and specifications at no additional cost, ensuring that you get the most value when you get your steel from us. Get a free quote from our website or contact us with any questions you might have today!