What Is RHS, SHS & CHS?

In the world of engineering and construction, the acronyms RHS, SHS and CHS are often used.  This is most common in the United Kingdom and associated countries, including Australia and New Zealand.

The term RHS stands for Rectangular Hollow Section. RHS is the most prevalent term and is also generally accepted for describing square tube as well, which is technically incorrect. RHS can be used alongside SHS when building frames or structures.

SHS stands for Square Hollow Section and is the correct term for square tube. Having four equal sides and a flat surface makes it easy to join or weld as there is minimal edge preparation needed.

Less used is the term CHS, which stands for Circular Hollow Section. This is most commonly known as tube or pipe when applied to Stainless Steel. 

These terms are mostly used to describe mild steel; however, they can also be translated for stainless steel and aluminium engineering and construction by engineers who are familiar with the terminology.

Other common terms used include Box Section, Extrusion and Profile. Box Section can refer to either rectangle tube or square tube. Extrusion and Profile are terms that can be used in place of ‘Section’; however, this is more applicable to material which has been particularly configured or shaped rather than rectangle, square or circular hollow tube. 

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