SHS (Square Hollow Section)
A square hollow section is a metal steel tube with a square cross-section and hollow interior.Square hollow section (SHS), also known as structural square tube, box section, square steel pipe, and hollow structural section (HSS)
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| Black Shs Square Hollow Section | Galvanised Steel Square Tube |
Hollow square tubes are divided into seamless and welded seams. Seamless square tubes are made by perforating and extruding seamless round tubes. Welded square tubes are rolled from strip steel through process treatment. Generally, the strip steel is unpacked, flattened, curled, and welded to form a round tube. The round tube is then rolled into a square tube and then cut to the required length.
Classification of Square Tubes:
Shs steel tubes are divided according to the production process: hot-rolled seamless square tubes, cold-drawn seamless square tubes, extruded seamless square tubes, and welded square tubing.
CHS (Circular Hollow Section)
A circular hollow section is a steel tube with a circular cross-section, often referred to as a round steel tube or hollow structural section (HSS).
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| Black Chs Circular Hollow Section | Galvanized Round Hollow Section Tubing |
Classification of Circular Tubes:
Chs steel tubes are divided according to the production process: seamless carbon steel round tubes, welded chs round tubing, ERW (Electric Resistance Welded) chs round tubing, and SAW (Submerged Arc Welded) welded round tubing.
Similarities Between SHS and CHS
- Basic Structural Purpose
Both are hollow sections used in construction, engineering, and manufacturing for structural support, load-bearing applications, and framework design.
Ideal for achieving a high strength-to-weight ratio, used to reduce weight while maintaining structural integrity.
- Material Options
Carbon steel (mild, high-strength).
Stainless steel (corrosion-resistant grades like 304, 316).
Aluminum (lightweight, corrosion-resistant).
- Manufacturing Processes
Both can be produced as seamless (extruded/pierced from solid billets) or welded (ERW or SAW).
Surface treatments like galvanizing, painting, or powder coating are applied similarly for corrosion protection and aesthetics.
- Structural Applications
Used in construction, architecture, and machinery.
Comply with international standards (API, ASTM, EN, BS, JIS).
Differences Between SHS and CHS
| Feature | SHS (Square Hollow Section) | CHS (Circular Hollow Section) |
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| Shape | Square cross-section (4 straight sides, 90° angles) | Circular (smooth, curved perimeter). |
| Common Sizes | Typically 20×20mm to 500×500mm | Typically 20mm to 600mm+ diameter |
| Strength and Load Distribution | Strong in bending and torsional loads due to rigid corners. Stress concentrates at corners under impact or cyclic loading. |
Optimal for axial (compression/tension) loads and uniform pressure (e.g., fluid transport). Smooth shape distributes stress evenly, reducing stress concentrations. |
| Aerodynamics and Flow | Higher wind resistance due to angular shape. Not suitable for fluid flow (e.g., pipes). |
Lower wind resistance (ideal for aerodynamic designs). Common for pipes, columns, or structures exposed to wind/water (e.g., offshore platforms). |
| Fabrication | Requires mitre cuts, corner welding, or specialized connectors for joints. Difficult to bend without distorting corners. |
Easier to bend or curve (maintains circular shape). Joints can be simpler (e.g., socket welding, flanged connections). |
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