SHS Steel vs. CHS Steel: Which is Stronger?

Hollow steel sections (HSS) can be divided into square tubes (SHS steel) and round tubes (CHS steel) according to their shapes. The main difference between square and round tubes lies in their shape and application.

In comparison, square tubes are stronger. However, in some specialized fields, such as fluid transport, round pipes offer higher transport efficiency and better transport effects. The appropriate steel pipe should be selected based on the application requirements. Let's examine the differences between round and square tubes.

SHS Steel Advantages

1. Structural Integrity

Square tubes possess excellent rigidity and bending resistance, making them ideal for structural applications requiring load-bearing capacity.

2. Ease of Machining

The flat surface of square tubes facilitates easy processing, allowing for precise cutting, welding, and joining.

3. Stability

Due to their shape, square tubes offer stable support, making them ideal for buildings and machinery where stability is critical.

4. Industrial Appeal

Square tubes' robust appearance makes them suitable for industrial applications requiring a robust and durable look.

CHS Steel Advantages

1. Durability

Round tubes, due to their uniform stress distribution, are ideal for high-pressure and high-stress applications.

2. Efficient Fluid Flow

The circular shape of round tubes allows for efficient flow of liquids and gases, reducing resistance and minimizing pressure drop.

3. Versatility

Round tubes have a wide range of applications, from piping and automotive to furniture and industrial.

4. Aesthetics

The smooth, flowing appearance of round tubes adds a modern and stylish touch to any project, making them a popular choice for design and decorative applications.

SHS Steel vs. CHS Steel

1. Properties

SHS steel: Square hollow cross-section

CHS steel: Circular hollow cross-section

2. Shape

SHS steel: Square cross-section (4 straight sides, 90° angles)

CHS steel: Circular (smooth, curved perimeter).

3. Common Size

SHS steel sizes: Typically 20×20 mm to 500x500 mm.

CHS steel sizes: Typically diameters from 20 mm to over 600 mm.

4. Strength and Load Distribution

SHS steel: Due to its rigid corner design, it can withstand higher bending and torsional loads. Under impact or cyclic loading, stress concentrates at the corners.

CHS steel: Suitable for axial (compressive/tensile) loads and uniform pressure (e.g., fluid transport). Its smooth shape evenly distributes stress, reducing stress concentration.

5. Aerodynamics and Flow

SHS steel: Due to its angular shape, it has higher wind resistance. Not suitable for fluid flow (e.g., ducts).

CHS steel: Lower wind resistance (ideal for aerodynamic designs). Commonly used for ducts, columns, or structures exposed to wind/water environments (e.g., offshore platforms).

6. Manufacturing

SHS steel manufacturing: Connections require beveling, fillet welding, or special connectors. Corner deformation is easily caused when bending.

Manufacturing of CHS steel: Easier to bend or shape (maintaining a round shape). Connections can be simpler (e.g., socket welding, flange connections).

7. Applications

SHS steel applications: Structural beams, columns, and supports in buildings; machinery frames, agricultural equipment, and fencing; architectural features (e.g., square railings, decorative elements).

CHS steel applications: High-pressure pipelines (water, gas); offshore structures, wind turbines, and offshore towers; automotive exhaust systems, bicycle frames, and scaffolding.

SHS Steel vs. CHS Steel: Which is stronger?

1. Bending Strength

Because each section of a round tube has equal strength, it resists forces applied from any direction better, providing better overall strength.

Square tubes are more stable under longitudinal loads because they bend at smaller angles than round tubes.

2. Compressive Strength

For the same steel weight, round tubes have approximately 20% higher compressive strength than square tubes.

Square tubes have a more uniform strength distribution, making them superior to round tubes in longitudinal stress.

3. Tensile Strength

Due to the structural differences between square and round tubes, they also differ significantly in tensile strength.

The strength of a round tube is mainly concentrated around its perimeter, while a square tube possesses tensile strength in all four directions.

Therefore, square tubes are more suitable than round tubes for longitudinal or transverse tension.

SHS Steel vs. CHS Steel: How to Choose?

1. Choose Square Tubes

Square tubes may be the better choice if your application requires:

High structural stability (e.g., building beams, columns, mechanical supports);

Easy weldable and easy-to-install structural connections;

A clean appearance or geometric design.

2. Choose Round Tubes

Round tubes may be the better choice if your application requires:

Fluid transport systems or pressure vessels;

Exposure to wind and water, requiring low resistance and uniform stress;

Dynamically stressed structures, such as towers, scaffolding, and vehicle structural components.

FAQ

1. What are The Properties of CHS Steel?

CHS steel has uniform stress distribution and strong compressive, tensile, and torsional resistance.

It has low wind resistance, high fluid flow efficiency, and an aesthetically pleasing appearance, making it commonly used in pipelines, towers, scaffolding, and automotive structures.

2. How is SHS Steel Made?

SHS steel is typically manufactured through cold forming and welding or hot rolling processes.

Steel strip is first rolled into a round tube, welded, and then pressed into a square cross-section.

Hot-rolled SHS has higher strength, while cold-formed SHS offers more precise dimensions.

Summary

In summary, square and round tubes differ in strength. Generally, square tubes offer better stability and tensile strength under longitudinal or transverse loads, while round tubes are more suitable for compressive loads. Therefore, selecting the appropriate pipe material requires consideration of the specific application scenario and load-bearing requirements.

Read more: SHS steel meaning or What is the difference between square tube and rectangular tube?