Square HSS Tubing: High-Strength Structural Solutions for Axial & Flexural Load Systems
Square Hollow Structural Sections (HSS) deliver superior load-bearing capacity and aesthetic consistency for modern construction. Certified to ASTM A500 (Grade B/C) and ASTM A1085, these cold-formed welded tubes achieve 18–22% higher compressive strength than I-beams of equivalent weight. Available in sizes from ½”×½” to 12″×12″ with wall thicknesses up to 0.5″, they excel in seismic bracing, modular frameworks, and architectural columns.
Key Technical Specifications & Compliance
Material Properties by Standard:
Standard | Yield Strength (MPa) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Dimensional Tolerances |
---|---|---|---|
ASTM A500 Gr. B | ≥315 | 400–550 | ±1% width, ±10% wall thickness |
ASTM A1085 | ≥365 | 455–620 | ±0.75% width, ±5% wall |
EN 10219 S355J2H | ≥355 | 510–680 | ±1.2% width, ±8% wall |
Dimensional Range & Weight:
Size (inches/mm) | Thickness (inches/mm) | Weight (lbs/ft/kg/m) | Section Modulus (in³/cm³) |
---|---|---|---|
1×1 / 25.4×25.4mm | 0.125″ / 3.18mm | 1.35 / 2.01 | 0.12 / 1.97 |
4×4 / 101.6×101.6mm | 0.250″ / 6.35mm | 12.21 / 18.17 | 7.15 / 117.2 |
8×8 / 203.2×203.2mm | 0.375″ / 9.53mm | 37.69 / 56.09 | 54.3 / 889.8 |
Certifications: ISO 9001:2015, CE Marking, AWS D1.1 welding compliance, and LEED v4.1 recyclability credits.
Engineering Advantages Over Competing Profiles
- Uniform Stress Distribution: Symmetrical geometry reduces torsional buckling risk by 30–40% vs. rectangular HSS.
- Architectural Versatility: 90° corners enable seamless integration with glass/metal cladding (Ra ≤1.6μm surface finish).
- Corrosion Resistance: Hot-dip galvanizing (610 g/m²) or 3-coat epoxy systems (280μm DFT).
- Cost Efficiency: 10–12% material savings vs. built-up box columns in high-rise cores.
Critical Applications & Project Case Studies
Square HSS is ideal for these demanding scenarios:
- Commercial: High-rise building cores (8″×8″, ASTM A1085, 0.313″ wall).
- Transportation: Pedestrian bridge piers (6″×6″, S355J2H, galvanized).
- Industrial: Robotic arm supports (2″×2″, 0.188″ wall, powder-coated).
- Energy: Solar farm mounting systems (3″×3″, ASTM A500 Gr. C).
Project Highlight: In Toronto’s SkyTower, 10″×10″ HSS (Grade 50) achieved 450 MPa axial load capacity while reducing column weight by 19% vs. reinforced concrete.
Customization & Quality Assurance
Processing Options:
- Ends: Copied, notched, or slotted (ANSI/AISC 360-16).
- Coatings: Interior zinc-rich primer (75μm) for HVAC ducts.
- Lengths: Standard 20’–40’; custom-extruded up to 80’ (24.4m).
Testing Protocols:
- Eddy Current Testing: Detects surface flaws ≥0.3mm deep.
- Hardness Testing: 150–220 HBW (Brinell scale).
- Squareness Verification: ±0.5° angle tolerance via laser alignment.
Why Choose Our Square HSS?
Our tubes provide 800–4,200 MPa·mm³ flexural rigidity and 0.98–1.02 squareness ratios for precision assembly. The EN 10219-compliant mill ensures ±0.15mm wall uniformity, while AISC 360-22 certification guarantees North American code compliance.
Download our free HSS load table to compare compression (P/A) and bending (M/S) capacities. Request a corrosion protection guide tailored to your environment (C3 urban to C5 industrial).
Packaging: Plastic end caps + steel banding; 40ft container holds 22–28 tons.
Lead Time: 30–50 days for stock sizes; 70–90 days for custom-coated orders.