UB 762×267×147 vs IPE 750 x 147
UB 762×267×147 is an UB section from the UK Blue Book (SCI P363); IPE 750 x 147 is the closest equivalent in the European (Continental) range. They are close to interchangeable in bending: 5160 cm³ against 5110 cm³ of plastic modulus, a difference of 1.0%. They weigh essentially the same, 146.9 kg/m and 147 kg/m. Both are about 754 mm deep, so either fits the same construction zone.
| Property | UB 762×267×147 UB | IPE 750 x 147 IPE | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mass | 146.9 kg/m | 147 kg/m | -0.1% |
| Depth | 754 mm | 753 mm | +0.1% |
| Width | 265.2 mm | 265 mm | +0.1% |
| Web thickness | 12.8 mm | 13.2 mm | -3.0% |
| Flange thickness | 17.5 mm | 17 mm | +2.9% |
| Area | 187 cm² | 188 cm² | -0.5% |
| Second moment, major (Iy) | 169,000 cm⁴ | 166,000 cm⁴ | +1.8% |
| Plastic modulus, major (Wpl,y) | 5,160 cm³ | 5,110 cm³ | +1.0% |
| Elastic modulus, major (Wel,y) | 4,470 cm³ | 4,410 cm³ | +1.4% |
| Second moment, minor (Iz) | 5,460 cm⁴ | 5,290 cm⁴ | +3.2% |
| Plastic modulus, minor (Wpl,z) | 647 cm³ | 631 cm³ | +2.5% |
| Radius of gyration, minor (iz) | 5.4 cm | 5.31 cm | +1.7% |
| Torsion constant (It) | 159 cm⁴ | 157 cm⁴ | +1.3% |
UB 762×267×147 to BS EN 10365:2017; IPE 750 x 147 to EN 10365 · Continental Steel. Difference is expressed relative to IPE 750 x 147.
How to choose between them
On stiffness, UB 762×267×147 has the larger second moment of area: 169,000 cm⁴ against 166,000 cm⁴, a difference of 1.8%. 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 (35.1 against 34.8 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 IPE 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.