Hollow section tubes, also known as Hollow Structural Sections (HSS), are metal profiles with a hollow, tubular cross-section widely used in construction, engineering, and manufacturing. They offer a high strength-to-weight ratio, which makes them an efficient and economical alternative to solid steel sections.
Common Shapes
Hollow section tubes are available in three primary shapes:
Circular Hollow Sections (CHS): Round cross-sections, favored for their uniform strength distribution, excellent torsional resistance, and aesthetic appeal in applications like columns and pipelines.
Square Hollow Sections (SHS): Square cross-sections with equal sides and rounded corners. They provide balanced strength for multi-directional loading and flat surfaces that simplify welding and connections.
Rectangular Hollow Sections (RHS): Rectangular cross-sections, which offer higher strength and a greater moment of inertia in one direction. Their flat faces make them a practical and economical solution for beams, frames, and girders that require strength in a single plane.
Special Shapes: Other shapes like elliptical, hexagonal, or triangular are available for specific architectural or engineering requirements.