203 x 203 UC71 S355J0 Steel Column – Cut to Size
203 x 203 UC71 S355J0 Steel Column – Cut to Size
203 x 203 x 71 kg/m Heavy Universal Column – S355J0 Structural Steel
This 203 x 203 UC71 (British Standard designation UC71) is a heavy-section universal column rolled to BS EN 10025-2 in grade S355J0 and cut to your exact length. With a 215.8 mm depth, 206.4 mm width, 17.3 mm flange thickness and a 71.0 kg/m linear weight, the section steps up from the standard UC60 and is specified where loading, spans or effective lengths push the lighter columns out of capacity.
The S355J0 grade carries Charpy impact testing at 0°C and a 355 N/mm² minimum yield, putting this column firmly in the modern UK structural specification bracket.
Section Properties – 203 x 203 x 71 UC
- Designation: 203 x 203 x 71 UC
- Linear weight: 71.0 kg/m
- Steel grade: S355J0 to BS EN 10025-2
- Section depth: 215.8 mm
- Section width: 206.4 mm
- Web thickness: 10.0 mm
- Flange thickness: 17.3 mm
- Root radius: 10.2 mm
- Cross-sectional area: 90.4 cm²
- Finish: Plain mill finish
- Cut-to-size: 1m to 12m
Where the UC71 Earns Its Keep
The 203 UC 71 is the column engineers reach for when a domestic loft conversion or load-bearing wall removal lands a heavier point load on the column than a UC60 can comfortably absorb. Typical specifications include central posts taking the reaction of two long-span flush steel beams, columns supporting a roof ridge or trimmer beam where a UC60 was undersized in calculation, light commercial frames where bolt-group capacity matters, and mezzanine support columns under heavy storage loads. The increased flange thickness (17.3 mm versus 14.2 mm on the UC60) also improves connection capacity for plated end-plate or fin-plate connections.
Cut Lengths to Spec
Order any length between 1 and 12 metres. Columns are sawn square on a precision cold saw before dispatch, eliminating site cutting and the related risks of overheating end-plate welds or losing tolerance. Quote one length, several different lengths, or pair with matching universal beams from the Rackerman range.
Delivery
UK mainland delivery in 5–10 working days on a flat-bed lorry. Offloading is the customer's responsibility — at 71.0 kg/m, a 5m length weighs around 355 kg and requires mechanical lifting (telehandler, crane or rated forklift). Confirm vehicle access ahead of dispatch.
Collapsible content
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When should I step up from UC60 to UC71?
The step from UC60 to UC71 is normally triggered by one of three things: (1) a higher concentrated load from beam reactions above; (2) a longer effective length that makes the slimmer UC60 prone to buckling; (3) a connection design where the thicker 17.3 mm flange is needed to take the bolt-group forces. Your structural engineer's calculation will confirm.
What is the cross-sectional area of a 203x203x71 UC?
The cross-sectional area is 90.4 cm² (9,040 mm²). This compares with 76.4 cm² on the UC60 and 110 cm² on the UC86, giving a clear progression through the family.
Can I bolt this column directly to a concrete pad without a base plate?
Columns are normally connected to a concrete base via a base plate welded to the column foot, then bolted through holding-down bolts cast into the pad or resin-anchored after the fact. The base plate spreads the load — you would not bolt the column section directly through its flanges to concrete. Get a base plate detail specified on the structural drawings.
What primer should I use before installation?
For interior columns that will be boxed in or fire-encased, no primer is normally required. For exposed columns, a single coat of red oxide primer or a zinc phosphate primer is the standard pre-installation treatment. For external columns, a galvanised finish or a full multi-coat system to BS EN ISO 12944 is recommended.
Is the UC71 suitable for a single-storey extension?
It can be — and is often overspecified for small-to-medium domestic extensions where a UC46, UC52 or UC60 would do the job. The UC71 comes into its own on extensions with very long flush beams, two-storey extensions where the column carries first-floor and roof loads, or where a slim section is needed but the lighter sizes fail in compression or buckling.
Do you supply matching steel beams to pair with this column?
Yes. The full Rackerman universal beam range is cut to size in matching S355J0 grade, including 254x146, 305x165, 356x171 and larger UB sections. Order beams and columns together to keep your steel package on one delivery.
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Here at Rackerman, we take customer satisfaction very seriously. If you are unsatisfied with the quality of your product, please email us info@rackerman.co.uk or give us a call: 01665 497513 and we will make it right.
SHIPPING
It should take no longer than 1-2 business day to process your order, then 3-5 working days (5-10 working days on RSJs + Chippings) to then receive your order from us after dispatch.
If you haven't received your items in this time frame, please contact us.
RETURNS
If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, that's completely fine! We offer a 30 day money back guarantee to all customers, no questions asked! Please contact us to arrange a return.
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