Rectangular Steel Pipe (RHS) from China Suppliers and Factory - High Strength and Versatile Structural Solutions
Detailed Description of Rectangular Steel Pipe (RHS)
Rectangular Hollow Sections (RHS), or rectangular steel pipes, are structural grade tubes with a rectangular cross-section. Similar to SHS, they are most commonly produced by ERW (Electric Resistance Welding) from steel strip, which is first formed into a round tube and then profiled into a rectangular shape. Hot forming is also a manufacturing method. RHS offers high strength in relation to its weight, particularly in bending along its major axis, making it an efficient material for beams and columns where load is primarily in one direction.
Key Parameters for Rectangular Steel Pipe
| Parameter | Details |
| Manufacturing Process | ERW (Cold Formed or Hot Formed), Seamless (less common for RHS) |
| Standards | ASTM A500 (Gr. A, B, C, D), EN10219 (S235JRH, S275J0H, S275J2H, S355J0H, S355J2H, S355K2H), EN10210 (S235JRH, S275J0H, S275J2H, S355J0H, S355J2H, S355NH, S355NLH), JIS G3466 (STKR400, STKR490), AS/NZS 1163 (C250, C350, C450) |
| Steel Grade | Q195, Q235, Q345 (Chinese Standards); Gr. A, B, C, D (ASTM A500); S235, S275, S355 (EN Standards); STKR400, STKR490 (JIS) |
| Size (Side A x Side B) | e.g., 20x30mm, 40x60mm, 50x100mm, up to 400x600mm or larger |
| Wall Thickness (WT) | 0.8mm to 25mm (varies with size and standard) |
| Length | Usually 6m or 12m; can be customized |
| Corner Radius | Typically 2T to 3T (T = Wall Thickness), varies by standard |
| Surface Treatment | Black (bare/self-color), Oiled, Galvanized (Hot-dip or Pre-galvanized), Painted/Powder Coated |
| Inspection | Dimensional Check, Tensile Test, Yield Strength, Elongation, Weld Test (for ERW), Chemical Analysis |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1
What is the difference between RHS and SHS steel sections?
RHS (Rectangular Hollow Section) has two different side dimensions (e.g., 50x100mm), while SHS (Square Hollow Section) has all four sides equal. RHS provides greater bending strength along its major (longer) axis, making it especially suitable for beams where loads act primarily in one direction, whereas SHS offers uniform strength in all directions.
Q2
What manufacturing methods are used to produce rectangular steel pipes?
The most common method is ERW (Electric Resistance Welding), where steel strip is cold-formed or hot-formed into a round tube and then shaped into a rectangular profile. Seamless manufacturing is less common for RHS but is available for specific applications requiring higher pressure resistance or superior surface quality.
Q3
Which international standards apply to rectangular hollow sections?
Rectangular steel pipes are produced under several major international standards, including ASTM A500 (North America), EN10219 and EN10210 (Europe), JIS G3466 (Japan), and AS/NZS 1163 (Australia/New Zealand). The applicable standard depends on the project location, engineering specification, and end-use requirements.
Q4
What surface treatment options are available for RHS steel pipes?
RHS steel pipes can be supplied with various surface treatments to suit different environments and applications. Common options include black (bare/self-color), oiled for short-term corrosion protection, hot-dip galvanized or pre-galvanized for long-term corrosion resistance, and painted or powder coated for decorative or specific protective requirements.
Q5
Can rectangular steel pipes be customized in length and size?
Yes. While standard lengths are typically 6 meters or 12 meters, RHS can be cut and supplied in custom lengths to meet specific project requirements. Sizes can also be produced beyond the standard range — from small sections like 20x30mm up to 400x600mm or larger — depending on the manufacturer's capabilities and order volume.
Q6
What quality inspections are performed on rectangular hollow sections?
Quality control for RHS typically includes dimensional checks (verifying outer dimensions, wall thickness, and straightness), mechanical testing (tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation), weld integrity testing for ERW products, and chemical composition analysis to confirm compliance with the specified steel grade and standard.








