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How to Choose the Right Section for Your Project

From the London Eye to the world’s fastest streamliner car, hollow sections are used in the construction of just about everything. Not only are sections used in commercial construction, but they’re also used to build fences, decks, and handrails, and to provide support to a myriad of other structures. Additionally, you’ll find them available in different shapes and sizes, including rectangular hollow sections, square hollow sections, and steel channel sections.

Read on to find out which section will suit your project.

What is a hollow section?

A hollow section or hollow structural section (HSS) is commonly made from rolled steel shaped into a tubular section with a hollow middle. The profile of a hollow section has an unfilled edge that stretches down the steel bar, creating a gap or box section. The structure of an HSS has flexibility and form, and it’s designed to handle and distribute weight evenly, making it a versatile component in construction use.

You’ll find round square and rectangular hollow sections that lend themselves to use in specific projects based on their shape.

Types of hollow section and which you should choose for your project

Square hollow sections (SHS), rectangular hollow sections (RHS), and circular hollow sections (CHS) are the most common steel sections. Each section has its own properties and advantages and is designed for use in various applications.

Circular Hollow Section CHS are steel channel sections that have no protruding or sharp edges. Their smooth appearance makes them aesthetically appealing, but they’re also extremely strong and durable. Circular hollow sections have numerous applications and may also be referred to as steel tubes. They are designed not to fail and have no weak points due to their circular shape.

Circular Hollow Section

CHS are steel channel sections that have no protruding or sharp edges. Their smooth appearance makes them aesthetically appealing, but they’re also extremely strong and durable. Circular hollow sections have numerous applications and may also be referred to as steel tubes. They are designed not to fail and have no weak points due to their circular shape.

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Rectangular Hollow Section Rectangular hollow sections have flat surfaces, which makes them ideal for certain construction applications, especially where joining or welding is required. You’ll find different rectangular hollow section sizes to suit a myriad of projects, as these sections are easy to cut straight and join to other pieces as required. Like CHS, RHS have a clean form and sleek shape, so they’re suited to architectural aesthetics too.

Rectangular Hollow Section

Rectangular hollow sections have flat surfaces, which makes them ideal for certain construction applications, especially where joining or welding is required. You’ll find different rectangular hollow section sizes to suit a myriad of projects, as these sections are easy to cut straight and join to other pieces as required.

Like CHS, RHS have a clean form and sleek shape, so they’re suited to architectural aesthetics too.

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Square Hollow Section Square hollow sections are the middle ground between circular and rectangular hollow sections. They have a flat surface that makes joining and welding easy and they require very little, if any, edge preparation. SHS is often considered the best option due to the fact that they provide an ideal balance of aesthetic appeal, functionality, strength and durability. SHS have high carrying characterises and this reduces the amount of curvature in the steel, making them a common choice in commercial construction.

Square Hollow Section

Square hollow sections are the middle ground between circular and rectangular hollow sections. They have a flat surface that makes joining and welding easy and they require very little, if any, edge preparation. SHS is often considered the best option due to the fact that they provide an ideal balance of aesthetic appeal, functionality, strength and durability.

SHS have high carrying characterises and this reduces the amount of curvature in the steel, making them a common choice in commercial construction.

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What is a structural section?

The clue is in the name. Structural sections are used in the construction of heavy structures that require support. These steel channel sections come in a variety of sizes and shapes to provide ample strength and stability.

Types of structural section and which you should choose for your project

Depending on your project, you’ll need to choose the type of steel structural section to provide the most stability, while considering aesthetics too.

Universal Beams Universal beams form a building block in a steel framework that ensures structural integrity. They can support heavy loads and distribute weight evenly across them.

Universal Beams

Universal beams form a building block in a steel framework that ensures structural integrity. They can support heavy loads and distribute weight evenly across them.

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Universal Columns Used in the support of floor joists or stairs, universal columns provide structural support. They’re not used as beams as they have a C shape that doesn’t work in the same way as a beam in distributing and handling weight.

Universal Columns

Used in the support of floor joists or stairs, universal columns provide structural support. They’re not used as beams as they have a C shape that doesn’t work in the same way as a beam in distributing and handling weight.

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Parallel Flange Channels Parallel flange channels (PFC) are also called C sections due to their c-shape. These steel channels are used for load bearing support in floor beams, columns, and portal frames and are made from durable hot-rolled steel.

Parallel Flange Channels

Parallel flange channels (PFC) are also called C sections due to their c-shape. These steel channels are used for load bearing support in floor beams, columns, and portal frames and are made from durable hot-rolled steel.

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The best section for the job

Not only is steel one of the strongest materials, but it’s also non-combustible. This makes it ideal for use in construction. Steel channel sections are long lasting, durable, and available in different shapes and sizes, ensuring that they can provide the necessary support to just about every project.

Posted by Craig Silvain
19th July 2023

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