Overview

Whether you call them H-beams, RSJs or Universal Columns,

              
they are simply brilliant with railway sleepers!

1) What length of steel H beam do I need?
The length of steel beam you need depends on:
a) how deep below the ground it will go.
b) how far above the ground it will go. 
Some landscapers or builders say 'one third in the ground, and two thirds out', whilst others say 'half in the ground, and half out'. It's up to you.
Examples:
1) If the railway sleeper wall is 1.0m high, and you decide to put the H beam 0.6m into the ground, you will need a 1.6m length steel beam.
2) If the railway sleeper wall is 1.0m high, and you decide to put the H beam 1.0m into the ground, you will need a 2.0m length steel beam.
The depth you place the steel H beam in the ground depends on
a) the pressure or force of the ground you are holding back
b) the type of soil / ground you are going into, e.g. sand, rock, clay etc..
c) the amount of concrete you are planning to use
We have a large range of lengths of H beams (and U beams) on the website, however if you need a size of H beam (or U beam) that is not listed, please email or ring us, and we will give you a price.

2) What width or thickness of steel H beams do I need?
See diagram below
The exact size of steel H beam you need depends on the THICKNESS of the railway sleepers you are planning to slot into them.
1) 100mm-125mm thick railway sleepers can slot into the 152 x 152 H beams, with an internal width of 125mm (approx) and a depth of about 75mm to prevent the railway sleepers from falling out.
2) 100mm-160mm thick railway sleepers can slot into the 203 x 203 H beams, with an internal width of 160mm (approx) and a depth of about 100mm to prevent the railway sleepers from falling out.

It can also depend on the STRENGTH that you need. If the wall or bridge needs to meet a specific load-bearing or structural requirement, then it makes sense to consult a structural surveyor who will advise. If the project is more straightforward, then the two choices we supply online should be sufficient. If in doubt choose the heavier duty 203 x 203 H beam which is stronger and thicker than the 152 x 152 H beam.
We have a large range of sizes on the website, however if you need a thickness or length of H beam that is not listed, please email or ring us, and we will give you a price. The technical term for a U beam is a PFC (Parallel Flange Channels).

3) Do I need U beams at the end of my railway sleeper wall?
You CAN complete the end of a run of steel H-beams with a U beam rather than another H beam. It's not structurally essential but it is seen as a neater and more aesthetic way of capping off the end, rather than leaving an exposed 'half used' H-beam.
1) 100mm-135mm thick railway sleepers can slot into a 180 x 75 U beam, with an internal width of 135mm (approx) and a depth of about 70mm to prevent the railway sleepers from falling out.
2) 100mm-160mm thick railway sleepers can slot into the 200 x 75 U beams, with an internal width of 160mm (approx) and a depth of about 70mm to prevent the railway sleepers from falling out.
It can also depend on the STRENGTH that you need. If the wall or bridge needs to meet a specific load-bearing or structural requirement, then it makes sense to consult a structural surveyor who will advise. If the project is more straightforward, then the two choices we supply online should be sufficient. If in doubt choose the heavier duty 200 x 75 U beam which is stronger and thicker than the 150 x 75 U beam.
We have a large range of sizes on the website, however if you need a thickness or length of U beam that is not listed, please email or ring us, and we will give you a price.

4) Bare steel or red oxide painted?

BARE STEEL: If you want to leave the untreated steel H beams to naturally oxidise and weather to a richly coloured rusty red, then choose the bare steel option.
RED OXIDE: If you plan to paint the H beams with metal paint, then choose the red oxide option as a useful undercoat. If you leave it unpainted it will eventually start to rust through the red oxide.

HAMMERITE PAINT: If you plan to use Hammerite 'Direct to Rust' Paint, it should be applied directly to bare steel or rusted surfaces, (not red oxide painted steel) as it is a self-priming paint which does not require an undercoat. It is a durable, corrosion resistant decorative coating for steel, that is available in 12 popular colours, and can be applied directly onto rusty metal by roller or brush.

5) How heavy are steel H beams?
To find out the weight of your steel beam, simply times the overall length by the kg per metre rate.
152 x 152 H beam is 23 kg per metre.
202 x 203 H beam is 46 kg per metre.
Examples:
1) A 2.4m H beam in 152 x 152 profile is 55.2kg
2) A 2.1m H beam in 203 x 203 profile is 96.6 kg 

6) What railway sleeper are best with H beams?
Have a look at our What railway sleepers are best? page, which will tell you ALL about the different types of our railway sleepers.
In reality you can use any type of railway sleeper, so long as it is straight enough and regular enough in length to slide into the H beam. Which type do you choose? Ultimately it comes down to:
a) the look you want.
b) the longevity and strength you need.
c) your need for treated or untreated railway sleepers
d) the budget you've got.

7) How do I build with H beams and railway sleepers?
There are so many projects that you can create with H beams and railway sleepers. 
1) For practical help and clear advice have a look at our How to build with RSJ or H beams.
2) For project examples using H beams have a look at our H beam project section.  

8) Pros and Cons of H beams?
PROS:
1) Very easy to construct with. 
2) Very strong & longlasting, epecially with high walls. 
3) Easy installation & replacement of railway sleepers. 
4) Very rigid.
5) Good for the planet. Made from 100% recyclable steel. 

CONS:
1) Can be expensive to buy. 
2) Heavy to lift. 
3) They can rust over the years.
4) Can look industrial.  

GOLDEN RULES:
DON'T BE TEMPTED to concrete in the steel beams until you've received & measured the railway sleepers and worked out the correct spacing sizes

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