Rectangular Hollow Section (RHS)

What Is Rectangular Hollow Section (RHS)?

Rectangular Hollow Sections (RHS) are cold-formed or hot-finished steel profiles with different width and height, forming a precise rectangular cross-section. They belong to the family of hollow structural sections and are sometimes referred to as rectangular structural tubing or rectangular steel tube in international markets. Because the section has distinct major and minor axes, RHS steel profiles perform very well when used as beams, girders, columns and bracing members where directional stiffness is important.

Compared to open sections, RHS profiles offer improved torsional resistance and better energy absorption, which is particularly valuable for industrial buildings, long-span structures, seismic zones and dynamic loading conditions. The rectangular geometry also simplifies the design process and makes RHS easy to integrate into 3D modelling and BIM environments for structural engineers and architects.

RHS products can be produced as cold-formed (EN 10219) or hot-finished (EN 10210) hollow sections. Cold-formed RHS provide very cost-effective solutions with tight dimensional tolerances, while hot-finished RHS 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 RHS 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.

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

Selecting the correct RHS dimensions is a key step in designing a safe and economical steel structure. The table below presents example Rectangular Hollow Section (RHS) sizes, theoretical weights for 6-meter lengths and the available RHS steel grades. This RHS 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 RHS size charts, RHS weight per metre information and full dimensional data on request. For fast calculations of RHS weight per piece or per project, you may use our dedicated steel weight calculator , which supports many product groups including RHS, SHS, 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 RHS lengths, shot-blasted and primed surfaces or tight RHS tolerances, HL Metal can provide tailor-made production and processing solutions from its steel service center.

Manufacturing Standards and Specifications

Rectangular Hollow Sections (RHS) 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 RHS profile meets or exceeds the requirements of the specified standard.

All RHS 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 RHS 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 Rectangular Hollow Sections

RHS 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, rectangular hollow sections offer several technical and commercial advantages:

• Directional Structural Efficiency: The rectangular shape allows designers to orient the section to achieve excellent load distribution and bending resistance along the major axis, making RHS ideal for beams, girders, lattice structures and space frames.
• Aesthetic Appearance: The clean, straight lines of rectangular hollow structural sections support modern architectural concepts where steel remains visible as part of the design.
• Ease of Fabrication: RHS 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 RHS 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, RHS can achieve very long service lives in demanding environments.
• Sustainability: Steel is 100% recyclable. Using RHS supports sustainable construction strategies and can contribute to green building certifications when combined with responsible sourcing and lifecycle planning.

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

Common Applications of Rectangular Hollow Sections

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

When RHS 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.

Rectangular Hollow Sections vs. Square Hollow Sections (SHS)

Both RHS and SHS 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.

• 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.
• 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.

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

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

Rectangular Hollow Section Steel Grades

Rectangular Hollow Sections (RHS) 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 RHS S235JRH, RHS S275J0H and RHS 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 RHS Price Request

Rectangular Hollow Sections are supplied by manufacturers and exporters worldwide. Turkish steel suppliers, including HL Metal, are recognized for offering competitive RHS 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 RHS profiles with other steel products such as SHS, 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 RHS 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 rectangular 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 Rectangular Hollow Section (RHS), 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 RHS members in aggressive environments.

From a sustainability perspective, using RHS 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, RHS components can be dismantled, reused or recycled, fitting perfectly into circular economy concepts.