Home › Universal Beams › 305 x 165 x 46

The step up from the 40, typically specified when deflection rather than strength governs the design.

305 x 165 x 46 dimensions and weight

Approximate total weight by length — this is what determines how the beam is offloaded on site.

What is a 305 x 165 x 46 used for?

The 305 x 165 x 46 is the natural progression from the 305 x 165 x 40 and is most often specified on spans where the lighter section has adequate bending strength but too much deflection. On openings of 6 metres and beyond, deflection limits routinely govern domestic beam design, and the extra stiffness from the 46’s thicker 11.8mm flange is what resolves it. Typical applications are wide bi-fold openings on rear extensions, full-width structural wall removal in larger houses, and beams carrying both an upper floor and a roof over a long span. It is also seen in light commercial work such as shop-front alterations. At 46 kg per metre, a 6.5 metre length approaches 300kg, so lifting arrangements, temporary propping and the route into position all need to be worked out at design stage.

Indicative span

Under typical UK domestic loading, published load tables place the 305 x 165 x 46 in the region of 5.8m to 6.8m. That assumes a simply supported beam with an evenly distributed load, an imposed load of around 1.5 kN/m² and a dead load of 0.5–0.8 kN/m².

Grades, lengths and finishes

The 305 x 165 x 46 is normally supplied to BS EN 10025-2 in S275JR or S355JR. S355 is the higher strength grade and is increasingly the default across the supply network; if your calculations specify one grade, tell us, because the two are not interchangeable. Mill certificates can be supplied with the order on request.

Beams are supplied cut to your lengths rather than as standard mill lengths, and we can arrange:

• Cutting to size — supplied ready to install, no cutting on site
• Drilling, notching and holes to your engineer’s details
• Welded cleats, end plates and connections
• Painting and priming, including intumescent coatings
• Galvanising for external or exposed applications

Delivery

A 6m length of 305 x 165 x 46 weighs approximately 275kg. At that weight the beam needs mechanical offload at the kerb and, in most cases, mechanical assistance to get it into position. We deliver direct to site across London, the South and the Midlands, with HIAB lorry crane offload available on request. If access is restricted — a terraced street, a rear garden, limited headroom — tell us at quote stage rather than on the day, and we’ll plan the delivery around it.

Other sizes in the range

Also searched as: 305x165x46, 305 x 165 x 46 UB, UB 305x165x46, 305×165 UB46. The term “RSJ” is still widely used for universal beams, though strictly it refers to the older rolled steel joist section with tapered flanges.

• All universal beam sizes
• Universal columns (UC) — where the load is vertical rather than spanning
• RSJ beams
• PFC parallel flange channels

Common questions

Dimensional data shown is nominal and for guidance. Span figures are indicative and must not be used in place of structural calculations.