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How to Make the Most of Metal Hollow Sections for Lightweight Structures

Given their many benefits and potential uses, metal hollow sections are the most efficient and versatile form for mechanical applications as well as construction applications such as lightweight structures. In fact, hollow sections play a key role in some of the world’s most impressive and strongest structures.

What is a hollow section?

Also known as hollow structural sections (HSS), steel hollow sections are a metal profile type. In most cases, they’re made from cold-rolled steel that is formed into tubular hollow sections. This profile results in a gaping unfilled edge that extends right through the entire bar.

Types of hollow sections

The three main forms of structural steel hollow sections include rectangular (RHS), square (SHS), and circular (CHS). Other forms include I/W/H-shape, C-shape, L-shape, and T-shape. Each form has unique properties, benefits, and purposes.

Rectangular hollow sections

Rectangular metal hollow sections are usually used for construction, mechanical, and structural purposes. These are the more economical and structurally sound choice for some construction applications, especially when extensive joining and welding is to be done. Their clean shape and sleek form also make RHS suitable for architectural aesthetics.

Square hollow sections

Square structural steel hollow sections are somewhere in between RHS and CHS, as far as aesthetics, mechanical properties, and structural behaviour are concerned. These sections are known for having a symmetrical appearance and a flat surface which requires very little, if any, edge preparation. SHS are ideal for welding and joining. They’re also an excellent choice if you’re looking for hollow steel sections for structural use that offer a good balance between aesthetic appeal, functionality, and strength.

Circular hollow sections

The first type of hollow metal sections ever made, circular steel hollow sections have clean, consistent lines, superior smoothness, and no protruding or sharp edges. These sections are often used for construction, mechanical, and structural purposes.

Other types of hollow sections

  • I/W/H-Shape: The profile shapes of these sections resemble the letters I, W, or H, with W-shape being the most common among them. This metal hollow section is used for all load combination types except pure rotation. These sections are commonly used for beams or girders and columns in buildings and bridges.
  • C-Shape/Channels: This section’s shape profile resembles the letter C. These steel hollow sections usually are used for uniformly distributed load applications with small moment/bending. These sections are also incredibly efficient for use as secondary structural members where the loading is transferred onto primary structural members. C-shape sections are commonly used as purlins for roof trusses, wall framing studs, floor-supporting transverse joints, and supporting members for ceiling assemblies.
  • L-Shape: The shape profile of these hollow steel sections for structural use resembles the letter L. Also known as Angle sections, these sections are excellent for accommodating angular connections. They’re also a good choice for point load applications to resist compression, shear, and tension. These sections are commonly used as connections between I and/or other shapes, as well as for battens, chords, and/or laces for built-up members, bridge girder diaphragm systems, I-shape section web-stiffening elements, and bracing in truss members.
  • T-Shape: The shape profile of T-shape steel hollow sections resembles the letter T. These sections are separated from standard I-shape sections by removing the bottom flange. Offering significant flexural capacity on the flange side, these sections can be used for load applications, connection members between I-shapes and other shapes, truss chord members, bridge girder system end diaphragm members, and secondary beam members (lintels).
Uses of hollow sections There are many uses for hollow sections in structural applications. Often used in welded steel frames, columns, and support beams due to their immense strength, steel hollow sections were key elements in the construction of iconic structures such as JCB Dieselmax, the Emirates Stadium, and the London Eye. Due to their high strength to weight ratio, as well as their economy and simplicity when compared to other products, steel hollow sections can be used for a wide range of uses. Among these uses are lightweight structures such as: Bridges Cranes and other heavy machinery Furniture and architectural designs Gates Guardrails and fencing Hydraulic platforms Platforms and decking Scaffolding Staircases Storage facilities and other storage solutions Trusses

Uses of hollow sections

There are many uses for hollow sections in structural applications. Often used in welded steel frames, columns, and support beams due to their immense strength, steel hollow sections were key elements in the construction of iconic structures such as JCB Dieselmax, the Emirates Stadium, and the London Eye.

Due to their high strength to weight ratio, as well as their economy and simplicity when compared to other products, steel hollow sections can be used for a wide range of uses. Among these uses are lightweight structures such as:

  • Bridges
  • Cranes and other heavy machinery
  • Furniture and architectural designs
  • Gates
  • Guardrails and fencing
  • Hydraulic platforms
  • Platforms and decking
  • Scaffolding
  • Staircases
  • Storage facilities and other storage solutions
  • Trusses

The best steel hollow sections

Strong, economical, and versatile, steel hollow sections are one of the heroes of today’s construction and design industries. Choose premium quality metal hollow sections for your project. Contact Pulman Steel for a quote or for more information about how we can help you.

Posted by Verkeer
23rd August 2023

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