The applications of Hot Rolled Structural Hollow Section

Hot-moulded structural hollow sections (HSS) are commonly used in architecture and construction due to their high bearing capacity and potential for slender and aesthetic structures, while offering good static resistance and versatility of use in various industries such as construction, mechanical engineering and furniture.

Circular Hollow Sections (CHS)

 Best used as: Columns, towers, tripod/chord structures, dynamically loaded members

 Advantages: Optimal strength-to-weight ratio, minimal wind resistance, no weak axis

 Aesthetics: Fluid, organic appearance; often left exposed in modern architecture

Square Hollow Sections (SHS)

  Best used as: Columns, truss chords, moment-resisting frames

  Advantages: Uniform strength in both axes, flat surfaces simplify connections

  Aesthetics: Clean, industrial look; preferred for orthogonal designs

Rectangular Hollow Sections (RHS)

  Best used as: Beams, columns, welded frames, furniture

  Advantages: Can orient for optimal bending resistance, flat connection surfaces

  Construction: Easier attachment of cladding, brackets, and other elements

Elliptical Hollow Sections (EHS)

   Emerging application: Exposed architectural structures

   Advantages: Aerodynamic shape, unique aesthetic profile, reduced visual mass

Commonly used Material Standards & Grades

· ASTM A500 Grade C, GB/T 4171: Q355B, JIS G31125:S355JR most common

· ASTM A847, GB/T 4171: Q355GNH: Weathering steel for corrosion resistance

Hot-rolled structural hollow sections represent a versatile, efficient, and aesthetically adaptable solution for modern steel construction. Their closed profiles deliver exceptional performance in compression, torsion, and multi-axis loading scenarios, making them particularly valuable for column design, long-span structures, and seismic-resistant frames. While wide-flange sections may offer superior bending efficiency for simple beam applications, HSS provides unmatched advantages in lateral-torsional buckling resistance and architectural expression.

The choice between CHS, SHS, RHS, and EHS should be driven by a balanced consideration of structural efficiency, connection detailing, and visual intent. For critical applications—particularly in high-seismic regions or exposed architectural conditions—specifying premium grades such as ASTM A1085 or EN 10210 S355J2H ensures enhanced toughness, tighter tolerances, and reliable performance.

References:

•CIDECT (International Committee for the Development and Study of Tubular Structures). Design Guide for Structural Hollow Section Column Connections. CIDECT Design Guide No. 9, 2000.

•  American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC). Steel Construction Manual, 15th Edition. Chapter 2: “Design of Structural Hollow Sections,” 2017.

•  European Committee for Standardization. EN 1993-1-1: Eurocode 3 – Design of Steel Structures – Part 1-1: General Rules and Rules for Buildings. CEN, Brussels, 2005 (with national annexes).

•  European Committee for Standardization. EN 1993-1-8: Eurocode 3 – Design of Steel Structures – Part 1-8: Design of Joints. CEN, Brussels, 2005 (with national annexes).

•  ASTM International. A500/A500M-21: Standard Specification for Cold-Formed Welded and Seamless Carbon Steel Structural Tubing in Rounds and Shapes. West Conshohocken, PA, 2021.

•  ASTM International. A1085/A1085M-15: Standard Specification for Cold-Formed Welded Carbon Steel Hollow Structural Sections (HSS). West Conshohocken, PA, 2015.

•  ASTM International. A847/A847M-20: Standard Specification for Cold-Formed Welded and Seamless High-Strength, Low-Alloy Structural Tubing with Improved Atmospheric Corrosion Resistance. West Conshohocken, PA, 2020.