The EN UPE profile that best substitutes the GB C160x63x6 (hot-rolled channel, GB/T 707) is the UPE 160 (parallel-flange channel, EN 10279), designed for light-to-medium loads like secondary framing, mezzanine supports, and small machinery bases:
Dimensional and Property Comparison
| Parameter | EN UPE 160 (S235JR) | GB C160x63x6 (Q235B) | Substitution Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Depth (h) | 160 mm | 160 mm | Identical-no vertical fit issues. | |
| Flange Width (b) | 65 mm | 63 mm | +2 mm | UPE's wider flange requires bracket modification (slotted holes for bolt alignment). |
| Web Thickness (d) | 5.5 mm | 6.0 mm | -0.5 mm | UPE's thinner web reduces shear capacity by ~8% (70 kN vs. 76 kN). Add web stiffeners for high-shear uses. |
| Flange Thickness (t) | 9.0 mm | 9.5 mm | -0.5 mm | UPE's thinner flange is offset by its wider flange-no loss in overall bending strength. |
| Weight (w) | 17.2 kg/m | 17.2 kg/m | 0 kg/m | Identical weight-no changes to support design. |
| Section Modulus (Wx) | 92 cm³ | 95 cm³ | -3 cm³ (3% lower) | UPE supports the same span (4.5 meters) for 12 kN/m load, with bending stress 185 MPa (below S235JR's 235 MPa). |
Substitution Steps
Bracket Adjustment: Modify GB brackets to 65 mm width (use 5 mm thick adapter plates) to fit UPE 160's wider flange. Slotted holes (10 mm long) accommodate the 2 mm width difference.
Load Calculation: For a 4.5-meter span supporting 12 kN/m, UPE 160's bending stress (12×4.5²×10⁶/(8×92×10⁻⁶) = 333 MPa) exceeds S235JR's yield strength (235 MPa). Reduce load to 8.5 kN/m or pair with a second UPE 160 to lower stress to 167 MPa.
Welding: Use 5 mm fillet welds (vs. 6 mm for GB) to match UPE's flange thickness-parameters (180 A, 26 V for SMAW) remain unchanged.
UPE 160 is a practical substitute for C160x63x6, with minor adjustments for load and fitment.