Hollow structural section

A hollow structural section (HSS) is a type of metal profile with a hollow tubular cross section. In some countries they are referred to instead as a structural hollow section (SHS).

Most HSS are of circular or rectangular section, although other shapes are available, such as elliptical. HSS is only comprised from structural steel per code.

HSS is sometimes mistakenly referenced as hollow structural steel. Rectangular HSS are also called tube steel or structural tubing. Circular HSS are sometimes mistakenly called steel pipe though true steel pipe is actually dimensioned and classed differently than HSS. The corners of HSS are heavily rounded, or chamfered, at radii approximately twice the wall thickness. The wall thickness is uniform around the section.

Use in structures

HSS, especially rectangular sections, are commonly used in welded steel frames where members experience loading in multiple directions. Square and circular HSS have very efficient shapes for this multiple-axis loading as they have uniform geometric and thus uniform strength characteristics along two or more cross-sectional axes; this makes them good choices for columns. They also have excellent resistance to torsion.

HSS can also be used as beams, although wide flange or I-beam shapes are in many cases a more efficient structural shape for this application. However, the HSS has superior resistance to lateral torsional buckling.

The flat square surfaces of rectangular HSS can ease construction, and they are sometimes preferred for architectural aesthetics in exposed structures, although elliptical HSS are becoming more popular in exposed structures for the same aesthetic reasons.

HSS is commonly available in mild steel, such as [A500 steel|A500 grade B] .

Manufacture

Square HSS is made the same way as pipe. During the manufacturing process flat steel plate is gradually changed in shape to become round where the edges are presented ready to weld. The edges are then welded together to form the mother tube. During the manufacturing process the mother tube goes through a series of shaping stands and cold forms the round HSS (mother tube) into the final round, square, or rectangular shape. Most American manufacturers adhere to the ASTM A500 standard, while Canadian manufacturers follow both ASTM A500 and CSA G40.21. European hollow sections are generally in accordance with the EN 10210 standard.

Filled HSS

HSS is often filled with concrete to improve fire rating, as well as robustness. When this is done, the product is referred to as a lolly column but lally column is the preferred spelling, since it got its name from the Lally Column Company. For example, barriers around parking areas, bollards, made of HSS are often filled, to at least bumper height, with concrete. This is an inexpensive (when replacement costs are factored in) way of adding compressive strength to the bollard, which helps prevent unsightly denting and bending.

External links

* [http://wearcam.org/digifest/ais_tent_onstage/ Architectural AISthetics (Opening Keynote Address for digifest 2004)]
* [http://www.alvinindustrial.com/ AIS clamps (structural pipe fittings)]