Determining the quantity of EN 10219 hollow sections needed for a project is a crucial step that requires a comprehensive understanding of various factors. As a supplier of EN 10219 HOLLOW SECTIONS, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges that project managers and engineers face when it comes to accurately estimating the required quantity. In this blog post, I will share some insights and practical steps to help you determine the quantity of EN 10219 hollow sections needed for your project.
Understanding EN 10219 Hollow Sections
EN 10219 is a European standard that specifies the technical delivery conditions for cold - formed welded structural hollow sections of non - alloy and fine grain steels. These hollow sections come in various shapes, such as square, rectangular, and circular, and are widely used in construction, machinery, and other industries due to their high strength - to - weight ratio, excellent corrosion resistance, and aesthetic appeal.
Step 1: Define the Project Requirements
The first step in determining the quantity of EN 10219 hollow sections is to clearly define the project requirements. This includes understanding the design specifications, such as the dimensions (length, width, height, and thickness) of the hollow sections, the load - bearing capacity, and the environmental conditions in which the sections will be used.
For example, if you are working on a building project, you need to know the structural design of the building, the number of floors, and the expected loads (e.g., dead loads, live loads, wind loads). Based on these requirements, you can select the appropriate size and grade of EN 10219 hollow sections.
Step 2: Create a Detailed Bill of Materials
Once you have defined the project requirements, the next step is to create a detailed bill of materials (BOM). The BOM should list all the EN 10219 hollow sections required for the project, including their dimensions, quantities, and any special requirements.
To create an accurate BOM, you can use computer - aided design (CAD) software or engineering drawings. These tools can help you visualize the project and identify all the hollow sections needed. You can also break down the project into smaller components and calculate the quantity of hollow sections for each component separately.
Step 3: Account for Waste and Over - Ordering
When calculating the quantity of EN 10219 hollow sections, it is important to account for waste and over - ordering. Waste can occur during the cutting, welding, and installation processes. A general rule of thumb is to add an additional 5% - 10% to the calculated quantity to account for waste.
Over - ordering can also be beneficial in some cases. It can help you avoid delays in the project due to shortages of materials. However, you should be careful not to over - order too much, as this can lead to increased costs and storage issues.
Step 4: Consider the Availability of Standard Sizes
EN 10219 hollow sections are available in standard sizes. When determining the quantity, it is advisable to consider the availability of these standard sizes. Using standard sizes can reduce costs and lead times, as they are more readily available in the market.
If the required dimensions do not match the standard sizes, you may need to order custom - made hollow sections. However, custom - made sections usually have longer lead times and higher costs.
Step 5: Evaluate the Connection Methods
The connection methods used in the project can also affect the quantity of EN 10219 hollow sections. Different connection methods, such as welding, bolting, or riveting, may require additional material for joint reinforcement.
For example, if you are using welding as the connection method, you may need to add extra length to the hollow sections to account for the weld beads. Similarly, if you are using bolts, you need to ensure that there is enough space for the bolt holes and the associated hardware.


Step 6: Consult with a Structural Engineer
If you are unsure about any aspect of determining the quantity of EN 10219 hollow sections, it is advisable to consult with a structural engineer. A structural engineer can review the project design, perform load calculations, and provide expert advice on the appropriate quantity and size of hollow sections.
Example Calculation
Let's assume we are working on a small - scale steel frame structure for a storage shed. The shed has a rectangular floor plan with dimensions of 6 meters by 4 meters and a height of 3 meters. We will use square hollow sections for the columns and rectangular hollow sections for the beams.
For the columns, we select HOT FORMED SQUARE HOLLOW SECTIONS with a size of 80mm x 80mm x 3mm. The height of each column is 3 meters. Since there are 4 columns in the shed, the total length of the square hollow sections for the columns is 4 x 3 = 12 meters.
For the beams, we choose Mild Steel Hollow Sections with a size of 100mm x 50mm x 3mm. The length of the longer beams is 6 meters, and there are 2 of them. The length of the shorter beams is 4 meters, and there are 2 of them. So, the total length of the rectangular hollow sections for the beams is (2 x 6)+(2 x 4)= 20 meters.
Adding an additional 10% for waste, the total length of square hollow sections for the columns becomes 12 x 1.1 = 13.2 meters, and the total length of rectangular hollow sections for the beams becomes 20 x 1.1 = 22 meters.
Conclusion
Determining the quantity of EN 10219 hollow sections needed for a project requires careful planning, accurate calculations, and consideration of various factors. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can ensure that you order the right quantity of materials for your project, which can help you avoid delays, reduce costs, and ensure the success of your project.
If you are in need of high - quality EN 10219 hollow sections for your project, we are here to assist you. Our company offers a wide range of AS/NZS 1163 C350/C450 HOLLOW STRUCTURAL SECTION and other related products. We have a team of experts who can provide you with professional advice and support throughout the procurement process. Contact us today to discuss your project requirements and start the procurement process.
References
- EN 10219:2006 - Cold - formed welded structural hollow sections of non - alloy and fine grain steels
- Construction Steel Design Manuals
- Engineering textbooks on structural design and steel construction