The 254×146×31 designation is a modern UB section label. It does not establish a safe span for a floor, roof or masonry wall.
Verified section properties
| Property | Listed value |
|---|---|
| Actual depth | 251.4 mm |
| Actual flange width | 146.1 mm |
| Mass per metre | 31.1 kg/m |
| Major-axis second moment of area Iₓ | 4413 cm⁴ |
Source: British Steel Universal Beams datasheet, 21 July 2026. The shared section table and methodology lists the exact inputs used by our tools. These properties are not safe load ratings.
Weight and ordering example
An illustrative 4.3 m cut length has a theoretical mass of 31.1 × 4.3 = 133.73 kg before plates, welds and finish. The cutting length must come from the approved detail, not from adding a generic bearing to an opening. Plan handling from the full fabricated weight and site access; this article does not specify a safe manual lift.
Why there is no single safe-span table here
A section may see different load widths, concentrated loads or restraint conditions at the same span. Previous unsourced capacity and project-price tables have been removed. Use the load and deflection calculator only to explore an explicitly stated uniform-load model.
Getting a comparable quote
Send the supplier the full section and steel grade, quantity, cutting length, fabrication details and required coating. Ask for net price, VAT, delivery and validity separately. Enter those figures in the quote calculator; we do not have a verified current selling price for this section.
What still needs a design check
A calculated deflection is only one part of a design. Load combinations, steel grade, buckling restraint, shear, connections, bearings, masonry, vibration and fire resistance also matter. Point loads, cantilevers and continuous beams require a different model. The engineer must establish the effective span and loads from the actual building; a clear opening measurement is not sufficient.
Structural work must be designed by a chartered structural engineer and receive the applicable Building Control approval. This article has not received an independent engineering review.