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Steel Pipe vs Hollow Section
Round pipe and circular hollow section look alike but are specified and used differently.
| Steel Pipe | Hollow Section (CHS) | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Conveying fluids/gas; also structural | Structural members |
| Sizing | Nominal Bore (NB) + Schedule | OD × wall thickness |
| Standards | API 5L, ASTM A53/A106 | EN 10219/10210, ASTM A500 |
| Design basis | Pressure rating | Section modulus / buckling |
Use pipe for pressure/fluid duty (specify NB + schedule); use CHS hollow section for structural columns and frames (specify OD × wall). We supply steel pipe and hollow sections.
Frequently asked questions
Is CHS the same as pipe?
Dimensionally similar but specified differently — CHS is a structural product (OD × wall, EN 10219); pipe is specified by nominal bore and schedule for pressure duty.
Can I use pipe structurally?
Yes, but structural hollow section is the correct product for framing; confirm the grade and standard with the engineer.
Which is stronger?
Depends on wall thickness and grade — compare section properties, not the label.
Need mill-certified steel in bulk?
Steel Pro Rebar Germany Gmbh exports rebar, mesh, structural steel, coil and plate worldwide with EN 10204 3.1 MTCs.
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