Heidelberg Lintels supplies RHS and SHS in Melbourne, delivering premium quality hollow steel sections for lintels, columns, and structural projects.
Structural steel is essential in modern construction, providing strength, durability, and design flexibility. RHS and SHS are among the most widely used hollow steel sections for both lintels and columns. Understanding the specific benefits of these profiles allows builders, engineers, and contractors to select the right solution for structural performance and compliance with Australian standards.
What RHS and SHS Offer in Structural Design
Rectangular hollow sections (RHS) and square hollow sections (SHS) are both engineered to strict tolerances for consistent strength and performance. RHS has a rectangular profile that provides greater strength along one axis, making it ideal for spanning openings or supporting distributed loads. This profile is commonly used where directional strength and stability are critical in structural applications.
SHS features equal dimensions on all sides, offering balanced strength and stability, which makes it well-suited for columns and framing systems. Both hollow section types are manufactured to AS/NZS 1163, ensuring compliance with Australian construction standards. Their closed shapes provide excellent torsional resistance and efficient weight-to-strength ratios, making them versatile for commercial, industrial, and residential projects.
Lintel Applications for RHS and SHS
Lintels act as horizontal structural members above openings like doors and windows, transferring loads to surrounding walls or supports. In many projects, rectangular and square hollow steel sections are incorporated into custom lintel designs to meet specific span and load requirements. Selecting the correct lintel profile depends on several factors:
• Load type and magnitude (dead and live loads)
• Span length between supports
• Wall thickness and material compatibility
• Corrosion protection requirements, such as hot-dip galvanising
• Compliance with Australian Standards
Column Use of RHS and SHS
Columns provide vertical support for buildings, bearing compressive loads and sometimes lateral forces. Rectangular and square hollow sections are widely used for columns due to their efficient load distribution and clean, symmetrical profiles. SHS, in particular, offers equal strength in both directions, making it suitable for frames and exposed architectural elements.
Key benefits of using rectangular hollow and square hollow steel sections for columns include:
• High compressive strength with material efficiency – Provides exceptional load-bearing capacity while reducing steel usage and overall weight.
• Smooth, uniform surfaces – Offers a clean, professional finish suitable for both structural and architectural applications.
• Versatile fabrication and connection methods – Supports welding, bolting, and other assembly techniques for flexible construction.
• Resistance to local buckling – Maintains structural stability under heavy axial and lateral loads for long-term durability.
• Cost-effective performance – Delivers strength and reliability at an economical price point, optimising project budgets.
These characteristics make hollow sections a reliable choice for structural columns in warehouses, high-rise buildings, and infrastructure projects.
Choosing the Right Hollow Section for Your Project
The decision to use RHS and SHS for lintels or columns depends on structural requirements, budget, and site conditions. Collaboration with steel fabricators and engineers ensures the selected profiles meet both performance and compliance standards. Accurate material selection reduces installation issues, optimises costs, and guarantees long-term durability.
At Heidelberg Lintels, we provide precision-engineered rectangular hollow and square hollow steel sections, offering customised solutions for both standard and complex construction projects. By selecting the appropriate hollow sections, builders achieve safe, efficient, and compliant outcomes for every build.
Contact us to find the right RHS and SHS profiles for your lintels, columns, and structural projects.
Related Blog Article: Rectangular (RHS) and Square (SHS) Hollow Sections: Ideal Steel Columns and Frames