MATERIAL DATA SHEET

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

Ferrous Structural
mineral › Metallic › Ferrous Structural
structural-steelSHSGrade-350AS/NZS-1163cold-formedhollow-sectionERWAustralian-standardstructural-tubecarbon-steel
ATLAS CODE
MIN-MET-FER-006
Square Hollow Sections (SHS), Grade 350, various sizes (Specified by size & wall thickness)
Category mineral
Material Family Metallic
Regulatory Status non-combustible
Density
7850 kg/m³
Carbon (A1-A5)
2100 kgCO₂e
Fire Class
non-combustible
Lifespan
50-100 years yrs
Description

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.

Primary Sectors
[Transport & Infrastructure][Industrial]
Typical Uses
  • 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
Recycled Content 25
Renewable Content 0
Recyclability 100
Embodied Carbon 2100 kgCO₂e
Embodied Energy 25 MJ/kg
EPD Available Yes
Advantages
High strength-to-weight ratio optimising material efficiencyExcellent torsional rigidity and buckling resistanceUniform external dimensions simplifying connectionsSuperior aesthetic appeal for exposed applicationsReadily available across Australian marketsCompatible with standard Australian fabrication practicesSuitable for all climate zones including cyclonic regionsExcellent weldability with proper proceduresCan be hot-dip galvanised for corrosion protectionRecyclable with established recycling infrastructure
Cautions
Susceptible to corrosion without protective coatingRequires fireproofing for fire-rated applicationsInternal surfaces difficult to inspect and maintainConnection details more complex than open sectionsHigher cost per tonne than open sectionsLimited availability in remote regionsPotential for internal condensation in some applicationsRequires skilled welders certified to AS/NZS 1554Size limitations for very large structural membersCold-formed corners may affect local stress distribution
TECHNICAL DATA: PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES MIN-MET-FER-006
Density (Dry) 7850 kg/m³
Specific Gravity 7.85
Porosity 0 %
Water Absorption 0 %
Hardness 170
Surface Roughness 3.2 μm
UV Resistance moderate
Chemical Resistance moderate
pH Tolerance 4-10
Compressive Strength 350 MPa
Tensile Strength 430 MPa
Flexural Strength 350 MPa
Shear Strength 200 MPa
Elastic Modulus 200000 GPa
Yield Strength 350 MPa
Impact Resistance 27 J/m
Bearing Capacity 525 kN/m²
Poisson's Ratio 0.3
Creep Resistance excellent
Abrasion Resistance moderate
Thermal Conductivity 50 W/mK
Thermal Resistance 0.02 m²K/W
Specific Heat Capacity 450 J/kgK
Thermal Expansion 12 μm/m·K
Melting Point 1510 °C
Noise Reduction Coeff. (NRC) 0.05
Optical
Light Transmittance 0 %
Light Reflectance (LRV) 25 %

Square Hollow Sections emerged in Australian construction during the 1960s with the development of continuous electric resistance welding technology. The introduction of AS 1163 in 1981 standardised these products for the Australian market. Grade 350 became prevalent in the 1990s as design methods evolved to utilise higher strength steels efficiently. The 2009 revision of AS/NZS 1163 introduced impact property grades (L0), enhancing reliability for critical applications. Modern Australian production utilises automated manufacturing with inline quality control, producing consistent products meeting stringent standards. The material has become fundamental to Australian construction, particularly in multi-storey buildings, industrial facilities, and infrastructure projects across diverse climate zones from tropical Queensland to temperate Tasmania.

SAFETY, ECOLOGY & INSTALLATION MIN-MET-FER-006
Flame Spread Index 0
Smoke Developed Index 0
Combustibility Class non-combustible
Fire Resistance Rating 0-240 minutes hours
Heat Release Rate 0 kW/m²
Toxicity of Combustion none
Embodied Carbon (A1-A3) 2100 kgCO₂e/kg
Embodied Energy 25 MJ/kg
Water Footprint 45 L/kg
EPD Available Yes
Recycled Content 25%
Renewable Content 0%
LEED Points 2
Circular Economy Score 85 /100
Skill Level qualified-tradesperson
Crew Size 3
Installation Time 20-40 tonnes/week hr/m²
Curing Time 0 hours
Setting Time 0 min
Temperature Range -10 to 40°C °C
Humidity Range 0-95% RH %
Required Tools
MIG/TIG welding equipmentAngle grinders and cutting toolsMagnetic drilling equipmentTorque wrenches for bolted connectionsLifting equipment (cranes/hoists)Measuring and levelling instruments
Certifications Required
AS/NZS 1554.1 or 1554.5 welder qualificationWhite Card (construction induction)Working at Heights certificationDogging/Rigging licenses for installation
Weather Limitations
No welding in rain without shelterWind speed limits for crane operationsTemperature limits for special coatings
COMMERCIAL, LOGISTICS & REGULATORY MIN-MET-FER-006
Material Cost $1200-$1800
Installation Cost $800-$1500/tonne
Annual Maintenance $5-15/m²
Lifecycle Cost (50yr) $3500-5000/tonne
Market Availability high
Lead Time 2-6 weeks weeks
Design Life 50-100 years years
Warranty Period 10-25 years years
Maintenance Interval 5-10 years months
Service Temp Range -40 to 400°C °C
Freeze/Thaw Resistance excellent
Dimensional Stability excellent
Certifications Held
AS/NZS ISO 9001 Quality ManagementACRS Certification (Australian Certification)ISO 14001 Environmental ManagementEnvironmental Product Declaration (EPD)No health certifications required - inert material
Fire Code Compliance
AS 1530.4 Fire resistance testsAS 4100 Section 12 Fire requirements
Standards Compliance
NCC 2022 (National Construction Code)AS 4100:2020 Steel StructuresAS/NZS 1170 Structural Design ActionsASTM A500/A500M (equivalent specification)ISO 630-2 Structural steelsEN 10219 Cold formed hollow sections

DISCLAIMER: This specification document is generated from the CLAD Materials Atlas Database. Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Values are typical and may vary by batch, manufacturer, and production run. Verify suitability for specific project applications independently.

ID: MIN-MET-FER-006 Schema: v3.0