UB 1016×305×437 vs HE 1000 x 438
UB 1016×305×437 is an UB section from the UK Blue Book (SCI P363); HE 1000 x 438 is the closest equivalent in the European (Continental) range. They are close to interchangeable in bending: 20800 cm³ against 20800 cm³ of plastic modulus, a difference of 0.0%. They weigh essentially the same, 437 kg/m and 438 kg/m. Both are about 1026 mm deep, so either fits the same construction zone.
| Property | UB 1016×305×437 UB | HE 1000 x 438 HE | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mass | 437 kg/m | 438 kg/m | -0.2% |
| Depth | 1026.1 mm | 1026 mm | same |
| Width | 305.4 mm | 305 mm | +0.1% |
| Web thickness | 26.9 mm | 26.9 mm | same |
| Flange thickness | 49 mm | 49 mm | same |
| Area | 557 cm² | 556 cm² | +0.2% |
| Second moment, major (Iy) | 910,000 cm⁴ | 909,000 cm⁴ | +0.1% |
| Plastic modulus, major (Wpl,y) | 20,800 cm³ | 20,800 cm³ | same |
| Elastic modulus, major (Wel,y) | 17,700 cm³ | 17,700 cm³ | same |
| Second moment, minor (Iz) | 23,400 cm⁴ | 23,400 cm⁴ | same |
| Plastic modulus, minor (Wpl,z) | 2,470 cm³ | 2,460 cm³ | +0.4% |
| Radius of gyration, minor (iz) | 6.49 cm | 6.48 cm | +0.2% |
| Torsion constant (It) | 3,190 cm⁴ | 3,180 cm⁴ | +0.3% |
UB 1016×305×437 to BS EN 10365:2017; HE 1000 x 438 to EN 10365 · Continental Steel. Difference is expressed relative to HE 1000 x 438.
How to choose between them
On stiffness, UB 1016×305×437 has the larger second moment of area: 910,000 cm⁴ against 909,000 cm⁴, a difference of 0.1%. This matters more often than the strength comparison, because on normal floor spans deflection rather than bending capacity sets the beam size - so if the two are close on modulus but apart on inertia, the stiffer one is usually the better answer even when it is not the stronger one.
Measured as bending capacity per kilogram, the two are equally efficient (47.6 against 47.5 cm³ per kg/m), so on a pure steel-tonnage basis there is nothing to choose between them. The decision comes down to availability, connection detailing and what the rest of the frame uses.
These come from different catalogues, so treat the swap as a design change rather than a like-for-like substitution. UB sections are specified to BS EN 10365:2017 and HE to EN 10365 · Continental Steel; the steel grades, tolerances and available lengths differ, connection details and bolt gauges are set out differently, and the two are rarely both stocked in the same market. Check availability before changing a section on a drawing to save a marginal amount of weight.
In short, these two are genuine equivalents. Pick whichever your supplier stocks and the rest of the frame already uses.