mineral / Metallic / Ferrous Structural

Square Hollow Sections (SHS), Grade 350, various sizes (Specified by size & wall thickness)

Cold-formed structural steel hollow sections with 350 MPa minimum yield strength, compliant with AS/NZS 1163:2016, offering excellent strength-to-weight ratio and torsional rigidity for structural applications

Atlas code
MIN-MET-FER-006
structural-steelSHSGrade-350AS/NZS-1163cold-formedhollow-sectionERW
Square Hollow Sections (SHS), Grade 350, various sizes (Specified by size & wall thickness)
At-a-glance signals

Cold-formed structural steel hollow sections with 350 MPa minimum yield strength, compliant with AS/NZS 1163:2016, offering excellent strength-to-weight ratio and torsional rigidity for structural applications

Overview
Executive summary

Square Hollow Sections (SHS) Grade 350 are cold-formed structural steel products manufactured through electric resistance welding (ERW) of steel strip. The material offers superior structural efficiency with constant external dimensions across weight variations, making it ideal for standardised architectural and structural details. Compliant with AS/NZS 1163:2016, these sections provide 350 MPa minimum yield strength with excellent weldability and formability characteristics.

Best when…
  • High strength-to-weight ratio optimising material efficiency
  • Excellent torsional rigidity and buckling resistance
  • Uniform external dimensions simplifying connections
  • Superior aesthetic appeal for exposed applications
  • Readily available across Australian markets
  • Compatible with standard Australian fabrication practices
  • Suitable for all climate zones including cyclonic regions
  • Excellent weldability with proper procedures
  • Can be hot-dip galvanised for corrosion protection
  • Recyclable with established recycling infrastructure
Top advantages
  1. 01 High strength-to-weight ratio optimising material efficiency
  2. 02 Excellent torsional rigidity and buckling resistance
  3. 03 Uniform external dimensions simplifying connections
  4. 04 Superior aesthetic appeal for exposed applications
  5. 05 Readily available across Australian markets
Top limitations
  1. 01 Susceptible to corrosion without protective coating
  2. 02 Requires fireproofing for fire-rated applications
  3. 03 Internal surfaces difficult to inspect and maintain
  4. 04 Connection details more complex than open sections
  5. 05 Higher cost per tonne than open sections
Technical
Physical ·9
Density
7850 kg/m³
Specific gravity
7.85
Porosity
0 %
Water absorption
0 %
Hardness
170
UV resistance
moderate // With appropriate coating systems
Chemical resistance
moderate // Varies with environment
pH tolerance
4-10
Surface roughness
3.2 µm
Mechanical ·7
Tensile strength
430 MPa
Compressive strength
350 MPa
Flexural strength
350 MPa
Shear strength
200 MPa
Poisson's ratio
0.3
Impact resistance
27
Creep resistance
excellent // Below 0.4 melting temperature
Sustainability & Health
Embodied carbon & energy ·7
Embodied carbon
2100 kgCO2e/tonne Value in kgCO2e/tonne = 2.10 kgCO2e/kg. A1-A3 cradle-to-gate for SHS sections.
Carbon footprint
2.1
Embodied energy
25 MJ/kg
Water footprint
45 L/kg
Recycled content
25 %
Renewable content
0 %
Circular score
85
Compliance & Fire
Fire performance ·5
Combustibility class
non-combustible // AS 1530.1
Fire resistance level
0-240 minutes // With appropriate protection
Flame spread index
0
Smoke dev. index
0
Heat release rate
0
Cost & Lifecycle
Capex & lead time ·6
Material cost (range)
$1200-$1800 // per tonne ex-mill
Material cost (per unit)
$1500/tonne // Average market price
Lead time
2-6 weeks // Standard sections
Lifecycle cost
$3500-5000/tonne // 50-year analysis
Annual maintenance
$5-15/m² // Protective coating maintenance
Market availability
high // Readily available
Service life & durability ·3
Expected lifespan
50-100 years // With maintenance
Maintenance interval
5-10 years // Inspection and coating
Warranty period
10-25 years // Coating dependent
Layer D

Where it's used

Structural columns in multi-storey buildings
Roof trusses and portal frames
Bridge components and pedestrian walkways
Industrial equipment frames and supports
Architectural features and exposed steelwork
Temporary structures and scaffolding systems
Mining and resource sector infrastructure
Agricultural buildings and storage facilities
Stadium and arena structures
Transmission towers and communication masts
MIN-MET-FER-006 · Materials Atlas · CLAD Atlas data is reference-only. Verify against manufacturer specifications and current standards before specifying.