When you walk past a new building site, a warehouse frame, or even a farm fence, chances are you’re looking at hollow steel pipe without realizing it. It’s one of those materials that quietly shows up everywhere – strong enough to hold up heavy structures but light enough to make construction easier and faster. Builders, engineers, and even DIY fabricators love it because it balances strength, cost, and versatility. Whether it’s round, square, or rectangular, hollow steel pipe is a go-to option whenever reliability and efficiency are needed.

What is a Hollow Steel Pipe?

A hollow steel pipe or hollow section is a tubular section made from steel, widely used in construction, engineering, and manufacturing. Unlike solid steel bars, hollow pipes are lighter in weight while still offering excellent strength and durability. They are produced in different shapes such as circular, square, and rectangular, depending on the design and structural needs.

Because of their high load-bearing capacity, cost efficiency, and versatility, hollow steel pipes are an essential material across industries like construction, fabrication, infrastructure, automotive, and mechanical engineering.

Common Sizes of Hollow Steel Pipe

Hollow steel pipes come in a wide range of diameters and wall thicknesses to suit different structural and fabrication requirements. Here are some commonly used dimensions:

Circular Hollow Steel Pipe (CHS)

• Ø 21.3 mm × 2.0 mm thickness
• Ø 26.9 mm × 2.3 mm thickness
• Ø 33.7 mm × 3.0 mm thickness
• Ø 42.4 mm × 3.0 mm thickness
• Ø 48.3 mm × 3.2 mm thickness
• Ø 60.3 mm × 3.6 mm thickness
• Ø 76.1 mm × 4.0 mm thickness
• Ø 88.9 mm × 4.5 mm thickness
• Ø 114.3 mm × 5.0 mm thickness
• Ø 139.7 mm × 6.0 mm thickness
• Ø 168.3 mm × 6.0–8.0 mm thickness
• Ø 219.1 mm × 8.0–10.0 mm thickness
• Ø 273 mm × 10–12 mm thickness

Square Hollow Steel Pipe (SHS)

• 20 × 20 mm × 1.6 mm thickness
• 25 × 25 mm × 2.0 mm thickness
• 30 × 30 mm × 2.0 mm thickness
• 40 × 40 mm × 2.5 mm thickness
• 50 × 50 mm × 3.0 mm thickness
• 65 × 65 mm × 3.5 mm thickness
• 75 × 75 mm × 4.0 mm thickness
• 100 × 100 mm × 5.0–6.0 mm thickness
• 125 × 125 mm × 6.0–8.0 mm thickness
• 150 × 150 mm × 8.0–10.0 mm thickness
• 200 × 200 mm × 10.0–12.0 mm thickness

Rectangular Hollow Steel Pipe (RHS)

• 40 × 20 mm × 2.0 mm thickness
• 50 × 25 mm × 2.0 mm thickness
• 75 × 50 mm × 3.0 mm thickness
• 100 × 50 mm × 3.0 mm thickness
• 120 × 60 mm × 4.0 mm thickness
• 150 × 100 mm × 5.0 mm thickness
• 200 × 100 mm × 6.0 mm thickness
• 250 × 150 mm × 8.0 mm thickness
• 300 × 200 mm × 10.0 mm thickness

Key Applications of Hollow Steel Pipe

1. Construction and Infrastructure

Hollow steel pipe is a staple in the construction industry. Its high strength-to-weight ratio makes it ideal for building frameworks, columns, beams, and trusses that need to handle heavy loads without adding unnecessary weight. In residential projects, smaller sizes are used for railings, staircases, and pergolas. In larger commercial and industrial projects, bigger sections provide reliable support for bridges, warehouses, factories, and stadiums. Its uniform surface also makes it easier to paint or coat for long-term durability.

2. Fabrication and Engineering

Fabricators and engineers value hollow steel pipe for its adaptability. It can be cut, welded, bent, or drilled into custom shapes, which makes it perfect for creating machinery frames, agricultural equipment, or support systems. In the furniture industry, hollow steel pipes are widely used to produce modern tables, chairs, racks, and shelving units. Their clean lines and durability allow designers to create products that are both functional and stylish.

3. Automotive and Transport

The transport sector depends heavily on hollow steel pipes for structural safety. They are often used in chassis, roll cages, and protective structures in cars, trucks, and buses. In trailers and shipping containers, hollow steel pipe provides a lightweight yet sturdy frame. Railway and metro systems also incorporate hollow pipes for overhead structures, handrails, and support sections. Their durability ensures they can withstand vibration, pressure, and long-term use.

4. Fencing, Gates, and Outdoor Structures

For fencing and gates, hollow steel pipe provides excellent security while maintaining a professional, clean look. It is commonly used in residential properties, commercial perimeters, and industrial facilities. Beyond fencing, these pipes are also used for signposts, shade structures, and even greenhouses. When galvanised, they offer outstanding resistance against rust and weathering, making them perfect for outdoor applications.

5. Oil, Gas, and Water Pipelines

Circular hollow steel pipes are indispensable in fluid and gas transport. They are used in oil and gas pipelines, water supply systems, and sewage infrastructure. Their ability to withstand internal pressure while maintaining structural integrity makes them a cost-effective choice for these critical applications. Depending on the project, pipes can be coated internally or externally to enhance corrosion resistance and extend their service life.

6. Renewable Energy and Power Projects

In the renewable energy sector, hollow steel pipes are used to manufacture wind turbine towers, solar panel frames, and hydroelectric plant components. Their strength and adaptability make them ideal for handling environmental loads such as wind pressure and vibration. They also play an important role in electrical transmission towers, helping carry heavy cables across long distances.

7. Scaffolding and Temporary Structures

Construction sites around the world rely on hollow steel pipes for scaffolding. Their uniform strength and lightweight design make them safe, easy to assemble, and reusable across multiple projects. From small residential repairs to large-scale infrastructure works, hollow steel pipe scaffolding provides the flexibility and safety that workers need.

8. Agriculture and Rural Applications

Farmers and agricultural industries use hollow steel pipes for irrigation systems, protective enclosures, greenhouses, and livestock pens. They offer a durable solution that can handle exposure to soil, water, and weather conditions while still being easy to install and maintain.

Advantages of Hollow Steel Pipe

• Strength with Less Weight – Provides structural strength without the bulk of solid steel.
• Cost-Effective – Reduced material usage makes it more affordable.
• Versatility – Available in multiple shapes and sizes.
• Durability – Resistant to bending, pressure, and heavy loads.
• Ease of Fabrication – Can be cut, welded, and shaped to fit project needs.

How to Choose the Right Hollow Steel Pipe

When selecting hollow steel pipe, consider these factors:

• Load requirements – Determine wall thickness based on the structural load.
• Shape (CHS, SHS, RHS) – Choose according to application (aesthetics, strength, or fluid transport).
• Corrosion protection – For outdoor projects, consider galvanised hollow steel pipes.
• Compliance with standards – Always check if the pipe meets ASTM, AS/NZS, or BS standards.

Conclusion

A hollow steel pipe is one of the most versatile steel products used across industries. With its wide range of sizes, durability, and adaptability, it offers builders, fabricators, and engineers a reliable material for countless applications. Whether you need circular, square, or rectangular hollow pipes, choosing the right dimension and finish ensures maximum performance and cost efficiency for your project.

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