Hollow Section Steel (RHS, SHS, CHS): A Complete Buyer's Guide

Hollow structural sections (HSS) — encompassing Rectangular Hollow Sections (RHS), Square Hollow Sections (SHS), and Circular Hollow Sections (CHS) — are among the most efficient structural forms available to engineers and fabricators. Their closed profile provides excellent strength-to-weight ratios and torsional rigidity, making them a preferred choice across construction, infrastructure, and machine manufacturing.
  • What Are Hollow Sections?
Hollow sections are steel tubes with a fully enclosed cross-section. They are manufactured by hot forming or cold forming a steel strip into a tubular profile and welding the seam longitudinally (ERW process), or by seamless extrusion. They are classified by their cross-section shape: Square Hollow Section (SHS) — equal width and height; Rectangular Hollow Section (RHS) — unequal width and height; Circular Hollow Section (CHS) — round profile. Sizes are designated by external dimensions and wall thickness (e.g., 100x100x5 SHS, 200x100x6 RHS, 168.3×8 CHS).
  • Standards & Grades
In India, hollow sections are produced to IS 4923 (SHS/RHS) and IS 1161 (CHS/tubes). International equivalents include EN 10219 (cold-formed), EN 10210 (hot-formed), ASTM A500, and AS/NZS 1163. Common steel grades are S275, S355, E250, and E350. Grade selection depends on design loads and environmental exposure. Always specify the standard, grade, and tolerance class in your procurement enquiry.
  • Structural Advantages
Hollow sections offer several engineering advantages over open sections: uniform strength in all directions (especially CHS for torsion), high stiffness with less material, clean aesthetics with no exposed flanges or lips, ease of sealing for corrosion protection, excellent performance under compression (less susceptibility to local buckling), and efficient use in 3D truss and space frame structures.
  • Applications of RHS
Rectangular hollow sections are ideal for beams, lintels, columns in light structures, handrails and balustrades, furniture and display frames, vehicle chassis rails, conveyor frames, agricultural equipment, and industrial racking. Their flat surfaces simplify connections and cladding attachment
  • Applications of SHS
Square hollow sections are commonly used in columns and posts, gate and fence fabrication, sign and billboard support structures, modular building systems, mechanical and architectural frameworks, and as chord members in trusses. Their symmetrical profile simplifies design and connection detailing.
  • Applications of CHS
Circular hollow sections are the preferred choice for primary structural members in trusses and space frames, handrail and barrier systems, piling and foundation tubes, offshore and marine structures, utility poles and lighting masts, and decorative architectural elements. Their aerodynamic profile also reduces wind loading.
  • Conclusion
Hollow sections combine structural efficiency with design versatility — making them a valuable product in any steel buyer’s toolkit. Whether you need SHS for columns, RHS for beams, or CHS for trusses, Global Steel Industries offers a comprehensive range of hollow sections in IS, EN, and ASTM grades. Contact our team for sizes, availability, and bulk pricing.

Ready to source premium steel? Contact Global Steel Industries at globalsteelind.com or call 9324799893 / 9920397998

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