What does SHS mean in steel terms?

The acronym "SHS" stands for square tube, a type of metal fabrication primarily used in steel structures. SHS steel is made from flat steel plates which are then welded together to form hollow shells or tubes. It is an extremely versatile and cost-effective product suitable for a wide range of applications in residential, commercial and industrial buildings; framing; cladding; lintels; and balconies, to name a few. In general, it can be used in almost any application that requires strength and durability.

Basics of Steel

To better understand SHS, we must first review some basic facts about steel. Steel has been the material of choice for centuries because of its strength, durability, recyclability and cost-effectiveness.

Steel is alloyed iron with a small amount of carbon added, usually up to 2%. Therefore, it has greater strength and resistance than pure iron. Steel comes in many grades and shapes, each designed for a specific purpose.

Hollow Steel Sections Definition

These products are pieces of cold-rolled steel that are formed into a hollow, tubular section. They get the names of box section and hollow section due to the fact that at the edges, there is a gaping hollow edge going throughout the whole steel bar. 

Steel hollow sections are categorised into three primary shapes. Each of these sections has its own attributes, benefits and specific uses.

The main types of steel tube are:
Square Hollow Section (SHS)
Rectangular Hollow Section (RHS)
Circular Hollow Section (CHS)
Before we explore the common uses for these steel sections, it’s important to understand exactly what separates these sections, other than their shape.

SHS Meaning

Steel is one of the most widely used materials in modern construction, so it is often abbreviated in technical terms. The acronym SHS refers to a specific type of steel called "square hollow section". Structural hollow sections are steel members designed for structural framing.

This type of steel is usually made from hot-rolled and cold-rolled steel plates that are cut, welded and formed into hollow cylinders or tubes. These tubes are then further divided into smaller components that can be assembled into complex frames or structures.

 

SHS Features

1. High strength and stability

The advantage of SHS steel over other alloys is its ability to be formed into various shapes and to withstand large loads without buckling or bending. This makes the hollow profile very stable and reliable.

 

2. Corrosion resistant

Since it is made of hot-rolled and cold-rolled steel sheets, SHS is highly corrosion-resistant, so it is less prone to rust and deterioration over time.

SHS is available in different grades, some of which are heat treated for strength and corrosion resistance. The most commonly used grades in construction are S355 and S235.

 

3. Flexible processing

Since SHS tubes are hollow and can be of different sizes and dimensions, they can be easily constructed into complex shapes. This makes them ideal for a range of architectural and engineering applications such as: curved beams, columns and columns, spandrels, arch spans, balconies, stairs, window frames, door frames, box girders and many more.

SHS is made from a steel strip that is passed through a series of rolls to form it into the desired shape. The strips are then welded together to form the desired hollow cross-sectional shape. This process produces a high strength-to-weight ratio while reducing material waste.

4. Excellent thermal performance

SHS also has excellent thermal properties. This means it retains heat, which makes it ideal for load-bearing applications in climates that experience temperature extremes. In some cases, SHS steel can also serve as an insulating medium, helping to reduce energy consumption.

5. Bonding properties

Due to its strong bonding properties, SHS steel is known for its high level of safety and security. This makes it ideal for protecting structures in hazardous environments such as mass transit, petrochemical plants and nuclear power plants.

6. Economical, efficient and environmentally friendly

Economically, SHS is very cost-effective as it is a cost-effective solution compared to traditional methods such as steel girders. Its light weight means that less material is required in construction, reducing costs.

In addition, SHS's production process enables large-scale production, which saves more costs for customers.

In terms of environmental benefits, SHS is 100% recyclable and does not require painting or any other coating before installation.

SHS Material

1. Carbon Structural Steel

Carbon structural steel is a common material for square tubes due to its high strength, good toughness, ease of processing, and relatively low cost. It is widely used in construction, machinery, and automotive industries.
However, carbon structural steel is prone to corrosion and oxidation, requiring frequent protective treatments.

2. Low-Alloy High-Strength Steel

Low-alloy high-strength steel is a new type of square tube material, widely used due to its high strength, corrosion resistance, heat resistance, and fatigue resistance.
Common steel grades include Q345B and 16Mn, mainly used in bridges, ships, and pipelines. ASTM A500 is a commonly used standard for this type of steel.

3. Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a material made of chromium and nickel, possessing extremely strong corrosion resistance.
Due to its rust-free, corrosion-free, and non-deformable properties, stainless steel is often used in industries with high requirements for hygiene, high temperature resistance, and corrosion resistance, such as construction, medical, and food processing.

4. Aluminum Alloy

Aluminum alloy square tubes are lightweight, high-strength, and corrosion-resistant, making them widely used in various fields.

They also possess good wear resistance and electrical conductivity, making them popular in light industry and high-end construction.

Standard SHS Steel Dimensions

Most regions, including Australia, Europe, and Asia, use metric units (millimeters). However, in the U.S. and some parts of the Middle East, imperial units like inches are still in use. For example:

2” x 2” SHS = ~50mm x 50mm

4” x 4” SHS = ~100mm x 100mm

Always confirm units when ordering steel internationally to avoid mismatches.

SHS steel is manufactured in a wide range of standard sizes to suit different structural and architectural needs. While exact availability may vary by country and supplier, common sizes in millimeters include:

Outside Width (mm)	Wall Thickness (mm)	Common Uses
25 x 25	1.6 – 2.5	Fencing, furniture, light frames
50 x 50	2.0 – 3.0	Gates, posts, small structures
75 x 75	2.5 – 4.0	Residential frames, support beams
100 x 100	3.0 – 5.0	Commercial structures, columns
150 x 150	4.0 – 6.0	Industrial beams, large load supports
200 x 200	6.0 – 10.0	Heavy-duty columns, warehouse frameworks
250 x 250	6.0 – 16.0	Infrastructure, high-load structures

SHS Steel Production Process

The production process behind SHS steel is both precise and carefully controlled to ensure structural reliability, dimensional accuracy, and surface quality. Whether used in residential fencing or large industrial frameworks, every piece goes through a series of standardized steps designed to meet strict performance requirements.

1. Raw Steel Preparation

Hot rolled coil steel is used as the starting material.

2. Cold Forming

The coil is shaped into a square form through roll forming processes.

3. Welding (for ERW SHS)

Edges are joined using Electric Resistance Welding.

4. Sizing and Straightening

The square tube is sized to precise dimensions.

5. Surface Finishing

SHS steel can be hot-dip galvanized, powder-coated, or left as raw steel depending on the desired finish.

6. Cutting and Packaging

Final products are cut to length and bundled for delivery.

SHS Application

Hollow profiles vary in shape and size according to the purpose and design of the structure they support.

 

In general, SHS pipe and profiles are used anywhere in engineering, architectural, construction and manufacturing applications where strength and quality are critical factors.

 

1. Due to its strong physical properties, SHS is an excellent choice for structural engineering such as bridges, buildings, towers and other tall structures.

 

2. It's also a popular material choice for industrial infrastructure like pipes and railings, and residential projects like decks and porches.

FAQ

1. What is the difference between SHS and RHS?

SHS (Square Hollow Section) refers to a square hollow section, while RHS (Rectangular Hollow Section) refers to a rectangular hollow section.

The main difference between the two lies in their cross-sectional shape: SHS has equal sides and is suitable for symmetrical load-bearing structures; RHS has unequal lengths and widths and is often used in beams or supporting structures to improve load-bearing efficiency.

 

2. What is the difference between SHS and CHS?

CHS (Circular Hollow Section) is a circular hollow section, while SHS is square.

CHS offers better compression and torsion resistance and is suitable for structures such as columns, masts, and towers.

SHS, on the other hand, has straight edges and corners, making it easier to join and weld, making it more suitable for frames and beam-column structures.

 

3. What are the commonly used steel grades for SHS?

The most common SHS steel grades include S235, S275, and S355. Among them, S355 SHS is widely used in construction and engineering projects due to its high strength, good weldability and corrosion resistance.