What is the weight per meter of steel hollow sections?

Nov 24, 2025

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David Lee
David Lee
As an environmental engineer at Tianjin Brisk Metalwork Co., Ltd, I focus on sustainable practices in steel production. My work involves developing eco-friendly solutions and technologies to minimize our environmental impact while still delivering top-tier metal products for infrastructure and renewable energy projects.

What is the weight per meter of steel hollow sections? This is a question that often comes up in the construction, manufacturing, and engineering industries. As a supplier of steel hollow sections, I'm here to shed some light on this topic and provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions.

Understanding Steel Hollow Sections

Steel hollow sections are tubular structures made from steel. They come in various shapes, including square, rectangular, and circular, and are used in a wide range of applications. Their versatility, strength, and durability make them a popular choice for structural frameworks, fencing, machinery, and more.

The weight per meter of steel hollow sections is a crucial factor in many projects. It affects the overall load-bearing capacity of a structure, transportation costs, and installation requirements. Therefore, accurately determining this weight is essential for both designers and contractors.

Factors Affecting the Weight per Meter

Several factors influence the weight per meter of steel hollow sections. The primary factors include the cross-sectional shape, the wall thickness, and the type of steel used.

  • Cross - sectional shape: Different shapes have different cross - sectional areas. For example, a circular hollow section with the same outer diameter as a square hollow section will have a different cross - sectional area. This difference in area directly affects the weight per meter. Circular sections are often used in applications where strength is required in all directions, while square and rectangular sections are more suitable for applications where flat surfaces are needed for connection or attachment.
  • Wall thickness: The thicker the wall of the hollow section, the greater the weight per meter. Wall thickness is typically specified based on the design requirements of the project. Thicker walls can provide higher strength and better resistance to external forces, but they also increase the cost and weight of the structure.
  • Type of steel: Different types of steel have different densities. Common types of steel used for hollow sections include carbon steel, stainless steel, and alloy steel. Carbon steel is the most widely used due to its relatively low cost and good mechanical properties. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is preferred in applications where corrosion resistance is a major concern, such as in marine environments or food processing facilities.

Calculating the Weight per Meter

The weight per meter of steel hollow sections can be calculated using specific formulas. Here are the formulas for the three most common shapes:

Circular Hollow Sections

The formula for calculating the weight per meter (W) of a circular hollow section is:
[W=\pi\times t\times(D - t)\times\rho]
where (t) is the wall thickness, (D) is the outer diameter, and (\rho) is the density of the steel. The density of carbon steel is approximately (7850\ kg/m^{3}).

For example, if we have a circular hollow section with an outer diameter (D = 100\ mm=0.1\ m) and a wall thickness (t = 5\ mm = 0.005\ m), using the density of carbon steel (\rho = 7850\ kg/m^{3}), we can calculate the weight per meter as follows:
[W=\pi\times0.005\times(0.1 - 0.005)\times7850]
[W=\pi\times0.005\times0.095\times7850\approx11.78\ kg/m]

Square Hollow Sections

The formula for calculating the weight per meter of a square hollow section is:
[W = 4\times t\times(a - t)\times\rho]
where (t) is the wall thickness, (a) is the outer side length, and (\rho) is the density of the steel.

For instance, if we have a square hollow section with an outer side length (a = 100\ mm = 0.1\ m) and a wall thickness (t = 5\ mm=0.005\ m), using the density of carbon steel (\rho = 7850\ kg/m^{3}), we get:
[W = 4\times0.005\times(0.1 - 0.005)\times7850]
[W = 4\times0.005\times0.095\times7850\approx14.91\ kg/m]

Rectangular Hollow Sections

The formula for calculating the weight per meter of a rectangular hollow section is:
[W = 2\times(t\times(a + b-2t))\times\rho]
where (t) is the wall thickness, (a) is the outer long side length, (b) is the outer short side length, and (\rho) is the density of the steel.

Importance of Accurate Weight Calculation

Accurate calculation of the weight per meter of steel hollow sections is vital for several reasons:

  • Structural design: Engineers need to know the weight of the components to ensure that the overall structure can support the load. Overestimating or underestimating the weight can lead to structural failures or unnecessary over - design, which increases costs.
  • Transportation: The weight of the steel hollow sections affects the transportation costs. Heavier sections require more powerful vehicles and may also be subject to weight restrictions on roads and bridges.
  • Installation: Knowing the weight per meter helps in planning the installation process. It allows contractors to determine the appropriate lifting equipment and manpower required for the job.

Our Product Range

As a supplier of steel hollow sections, we offer a wide range of products to meet the diverse needs of our customers. Our product portfolio includes API 5L PSL2 X56 Line Pipe, which is suitable for high - pressure oil and gas transportation. We also provide API5l Seamless Steel Pipe, known for its excellent mechanical properties and high - quality finish. In addition, our AS/NZS 1163 HOLLOW SECTIONS comply with the Australian and New Zealand standards, ensuring reliability and performance.

Contact Us for Procurement

If you are in the market for steel hollow sections, we invite you to contact us for procurement. Our team of experts can assist you in selecting the right products based on your specific requirements. Whether you need help with weight calculations, product specifications, or pricing, we are here to support you every step of the way.

API5L SEAMLESS STEEL PIPEAPI5L SEAMLESS STEEL PIPE

References

  • "Steel Designers' Manual", The Steel Construction Institute
  • "Handbook of Steel Construction", American Institute of Steel Construction
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