KWARA STATE UNIVERSITY, MALETE
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
CES 822 ASSIGNMENT 5
COMPILED BY
SUBMITTED TO
PROF. A.A. ADEDEJI
Q: What type of steel profile member should be designed for:
i.
ii.
Universal Beam
Universal Column
The type of steel profile member that should be designed for depends on the specific
application.

Universal beams are typically used to support loads that are applied in one direction, such
as the weight of a floor or roof. They are also used to resist bending moments. Universal
beams have an I-shaped cross-section, with the flanges (the horizontal parts) being wider
than the web (the vertical part). This shape makes them strong in bending.

Universal columns are typically used to support loads that are applied in the vertical
direction, such as the weight of a building. They are also used to resist buckling. Universal
columns have an H-shaped cross-section, with the flanges being equal to or greater than
the width of the web. This shape makes them strong in compression.
In general, universal beams are more versatile than universal columns and can be used
in a wider range of applications. However, universal columns are stronger in compression
and are therefore better suited for applications where this is a major concern.
Table 1.0 below summarizes the key differences between universal beams and universal
columns
Table 1.0: Key differences between Universal beams and universal columns
Feature
Universal Beam
Universal Column
Cross-section
I-shaped
H-shaped
Strength
Strong in bending
Strong in compression
Versatility
More versatile
Less versatile
Typical
Supporting loads in one direction,
applications
resisting bending moments
Supporting loads in the
vertical direction, resisting
buckling
Ultimately, the best type of steel profile member to use will depend on the specific
requirements of the application. A structural engineer can help you determine the best
choice for your project.
Here are some additional considerations that may affect the choice of steel profile
member:

The magnitude of the loads that need to be supported

The direction of the loads

The need for resistance to bending or buckling

The available space

The cost of the different options