Steel box sections offer some surprising benefits when used in construction – and it’s not just about the overall strength of steel.
Of course that’s an important part, and the cross-section shapes of square box sections, rectangular box sections and circular box sections each carry their own advantages in terms of strength.
But there are plenty of other benefits to building with steel box sections, including:
Lightweight
Steel box sections are also known as ‘hollow structural sections’ (HSS) and that’s a hint as to why they are surprisingly lightweight for their strength characteristics.
Circular hollow sections (CHS) are among the most lightweight due to the ratio of the circumference to the diameter.
But square hollow sections (SHS) and rectangular hollow sections (RHS) are often used especially in applications where flat faces are preferable for easier welding and joining.
Workability
HSS are surprisingly easy to work with. Again this is thanks to the hollow cross-section, which means you only need to cut through a relatively thin steel section, rather than a solid bar or rod.
You can cut, weld, drill and shot-blast steel box sections, and much of this can be done off-site, allowing for very fast assembly once delivered on-site, even in confined spaces.
Weatherproof
Hollow structural steel is extremely weatherproof, even after long-term exposure to harsh conditions.
The inherent strength of steel, reinforced by the shape of the square, round or rectangular box section, can withstand huge pressures, allowing designs to incorporate significant extra strength in anticipation of extreme weather events in the future.
Eco-friendly
Steel itself is endlessly recycled, and recycled steel saves substantial energy compared with virgin processing from ore, making the metal already an eco-friendly option for construction.
But because HSS sections are hollow, they also use less steel. Even when they are made from recycled metal, this still makes hollow box sections more environmentally friendly, not to mention cost-effective – a win-win for budgets and for the climate.
Find out more
To find out more about steel box sections, what is right for your upcoming construction project, or to place an order for hollow structural steel sections today, contact James Dunkerley Steel and we will be happy to help.
