Square Hollow Sections

What Is Square Hollow Section (SHS)?

Square Hollow Sections (SHS) are cold-formed or hot-finished steel profiles with equal width and height, forming a precise square cross-section. They belong to the family of hollow structural sections and are sometimes referred to as square structural tubing or square steel tube in international markets. Because the section is symmetrical, SHS steel profiles perform very well when used as columns, beams, bracing members and architectural elements.

In comparison to open sections, SHS profiles offer improved torsional resistance and better energy absorption, which is particularly valuable for high-rise buildings, seismic zones and dynamic loading conditions. The uniform geometry also simplifies the design process and makes SHS easy to integrate into 3D modelling and BIM environments for structural engineers and architects.

SHS products can be produced as cold-formed (EN 10219) or hot-finished (EN 10210) hollow sections. Cold-formed SHS provide very cost-effective solutions with tight dimensional tolerances, while hot-finished SHS are often chosen for critical structural applications that require superior toughness and impact resistance. HL Metal can supply both options depending on project requirements and the targeted design codes.

For projects combining SHS with open profiles such as beams, angles and channels, you can also visit our IPE – HEA – HEB Steel Beams and Steel Angle Bar pages to create a complete structural steel package from one supplier.

SHS Sizes, SHS Dimensions, SHS Weight Chart and Steel Grades

Selecting the correct SHS dimensions is a key step in designing a safe and economical steel structure. The table below presents example Square Hollow Section (SHS) sizes, theoretical weights for 6-meter lengths and the available SHS steel grades. This SHS weight chart helps engineers and buyers estimate total tonnage, weight per meter and structural performance at an early design stage.

HL Metal can provide additional SHS size charts, SHS weight per metre information and full dimensional data on request. For fast calculations of SHS weight per piece or per project, you may use our dedicated steel weight calculator , which supports many product groups including SHS, RHS, circular hollow sections and open profiles.

Note: Weights are theoretical for 6-meter lengths and may vary according to production tolerances defined in EN 10219 and EN 10210. For precise design calculations, please refer to the official data in our Mill Test Certificates or contact our technical department.

For projects with special requirements such as fixed SHS lengths, shot-blasted and primed surfaces or tight SHS tolerances, HL Metal can provide tailor-made production and processing solutions from its steel service center.

Manufacturing Standards and Specifications

Square Hollow Sections (SHS) supplied by HL Metal are produced in accordance with well-established international standards which guarantee consistent quality, mechanical properties and weldability. Selecting the correct standard is crucial when designing load-bearing structures, complying with local regulations and obtaining necessary approvals.

• EN 10219: Cold-formed welded structural hollow sections
• EN 10210: Hot-finished structural hollow sections
• ASTM A500: Cold-formed carbon steel structural tubing (North America)
• AS/NZS 1163: Structural steel hollow sections (Australia / New Zealand)

These standards define the permitted dimensional tolerances, minimum yield and tensile strengths, impact values, and chemical composition limits. HL Metal works with certified mills and quality-approved production lines to ensure that every SHS profile meets or exceeds the requirements of the specified standard.

All SHS products can be delivered with EN 10204 3.1 or 2.2 Mill Test Certificates, which include heat numbers, chemical analysis and mechanical test results. CE marking is available for structural applications within the European Union, ensuring full traceability from steelmaking to final delivery.

For customers who need assistance in aligning SHS specifications with local building codes, HL Metal’s technical team can provide guidance on standard selection, grade equivalence and cross-references between EN, ASTM and other national standards.

Advantages of Using Square Hollow Sections

SHS profiles have become a preferred choice in modern steel construction because they combine mechanical performance, design freedom and cost optimization. Compared to open sections or non-optimized shapes, square hollow sections offer several technical and commercial advantages:

• Structural Efficiency: The uniform square shape ensures excellent load distribution and torsional resistance, making SHS ideal for columns, beams, lattice structures and space frames.
• Aesthetic Appearance: The clean, sharp lines of square hollow structural sections support modern architectural concepts where steel remains visible as part of the design.
• Ease of Fabrication: SHS sections are easy to cut, drill and weld. Their regular shape simplifies jig design and speeds up workshop production, reducing labour costs per tonne.
• High Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Hollow sections use material more efficiently than many open profiles, providing high stiffness and strength with relatively low weight – advantageous for transport and installation.
• Optimized Connection Detailing: Because SHS have flat faces and constant wall thickness, bolted and welded connections are easier to design and repeat across a project, improving quality and repeatability.
• Corrosion Protection Options: When combined with galvanization, duplex systems or high-quality industrial coatings, SHS can achieve very long service lives in demanding environments.
• Sustainability: Steel is 100% recyclable. Using SHS supports sustainable construction strategies and can contribute to green building certifications when combined with responsible sourcing and lifecycle planning.

Thanks to these characteristics, Square Hollow Section (SHS) steel is used in everything from small architectural details to large industrial plants and infrastructure projects.

Common Applications of Square Hollow Sections

Square Hollow Sections (SHS) have an extremely wide application range. They are found wherever designers and engineers need a combination of strength, stiffness, aesthetics and fabrication efficiency:

• Building & Civil Engineering: Structural frames, columns, transfer beams, bracing systems, pedestrian bridges and building façades frequently use SHS as primary or secondary members.
• Industrial & Process Plants: Pipe racks, equipment platforms, access towers, mezzanine floors and maintenance walkways are often built with SHS frames for rigidity and clean detailing.
• Architectural Design: Modern canopies, pergolas, façade grids, handrails and interior steel features utilize SHS for their minimalist, square-edged appearance.
• Mechanical & General Engineering: Machine frames, conveyor supports, special steel structures and test rigs benefit from the uniform geometry of SHS profiles.
• Furniture & Interior Design: Industrial style furniture, shop fittings, shelving and partition systems rely on SHS for both strength and an attractive industrial look.
• Transport & Automotive: Trailer frames, truck bodies, agricultural machinery and handling equipment often include SHS members due to their robustness and easy weldability.

When SHS are combined with other products such as angles, I-beams, hollow circular sections and plates, HL Metal can deliver a complete package tailored to your project. Our steel service center services – including cutting, drilling and surface preparation – help reduce fabrication time and on-site assembly costs.

Square Hollow Sections vs. Rectangular Hollow Sections (RHS)

Both SHS and RHS are integral members of the hollow structural section family, but their shapes influence performance and typical usage areas. Understanding these differences helps engineers choose the most efficient profile for each element in a structure.

• SHS (Square Hollow Section): Provides uniform stiffness about both principal axes. This makes SHS ideal for columns and members subjected to loads from multiple directions or where symmetry is required.
• RHS (Rectangular Hollow Section): Offers different moments of inertia in the major and minor axes. This property is often used in beams and girders where one direction of bending dominates, allowing efficient optimization of material usage.

In many projects, SHS profiles are used for columns and vertical elements, while RHS are utilized for beams and horizontal members. HL Metal can assist in selecting the right balance between SHS and RHS according to structural analysis results, architectural requirements and cost targets.

For more detailed information on rectangular alternatives, please visit our RHS – Rectangular Hollow Sections product page, where you will find dimensions, weights and grades similar to the SHS range.

Square Hollow Section Steel Grades

Square Hollow Sections (SHS) are produced in a wide variety of steel grades to meet different mechanical requirements, design codes and environmental conditions. Choosing the correct grade ensures adequate strength, toughness and weldability for the intended use.

European Standards (EN Grades)

• S235: Standard structural steel grade with good weldability and moderate strength; commonly used for light to medium structures, secondary members and non-critical components.
• S275: Higher strength than S235; suitable for general construction, industrial structures and light fabrication where additional capacity is required.
• S355: High-strength structural steel with excellent toughness and weldability; ideal for heavy-duty and load-bearing applications such as industrial buildings and infrastructure projects.
• S420 / S460: Very high strength structural steels used in bridges, offshore platforms and specialized engineering projects that demand high performance from the steel.
• S235JRH / S275J0H / S355J2H: Dedicated hollow section grades according to EN 10219, providing guaranteed impact properties and improved toughness at specified test temperatures.

ASTM and Other International Grades

• ASTM A500 Grade A, B, C: Cold-formed carbon steel structural tubing widely used in North American markets for columns, braces and architectural steelwork.
• AS/NZS 1163 Grades: Commonly used in Australian and New Zealand projects, particularly in structural and infrastructure applications.

HL Metal routinely supplies SHS S235JRH, SHS S275J0H and SHS S355J2H for export projects, supported by 3.1 or 2.2 certificates and CE marking when required. On request, we can assist in mapping equivalent grades between EN, ASTM and other standards to ensure compatibility with your local codes and design practices.

Global Supply, Export Solutions and SHS Price Request

Square Hollow Sections are supplied by manufacturers and exporters worldwide. Turkish steel suppliers, including HL Metal, are recognized for offering competitive SHS steel prices, flexible production programs and consistent quality. We provide EXW, FOB, CFR and CIF quotations tailored to the needs of each customer, with reliable logistics solutions to Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and overseas destinations.

As a steel service center and trading company, HL Metal can consolidate SHS profiles with other steel products such as RHS, circular hollow sections, beams, angles, plates and coils in a single shipment. This reduces administrative work, optimizes freight costs and makes HL Metal a practical long-term partner for distributors, fabricators and end users.

Quality Assurance and Documentation

Every SHS product supplied by HL Metal can be accompanied by:

• EN 10204 3.1 or 2.2 Mill Test Certificates (MTC)
• Certificates of Conformity (CoC) where required by project specifications
• CE marking for structural applications within the European Economic Area

These documents confirm that the square hollow structural sections meet the specified mechanical and chemical properties, dimensional tolerances and quality requirements of the selected standard.

Maintenance, Durability and Sustainability

To ensure a long service life for structures built with Square Hollow Section (SHS), it is important to plan appropriate corrosion protection and maintenance strategies. Regular inspections, prompt repair of coating damage and avoidance of trapped moisture will significantly extend the lifespan of SHS members in aggressive environments.

From a sustainability perspective, using SHS contributes to resource-efficient construction. Steel is 100% recyclable, and a large proportion of the input material used in structural hollow sections already comes from recycled scrap. At the end of a building’s life, SHS components can be dismantled, reused or recycled, fitting perfectly into circular economy concepts.