Rectangular Hollow Section (RHS) Weight Calculator

🔳 RHS Weight Calculator

Calculate the weight of Rectangular Hollow Steel Sections with precision. Enter dimensions, select material, and get instant results with PDF export capability.

📊 Calculation Results

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Weight per Meter
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Total Weight
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Material Density
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Cross-sectional Area

📚 Complete Guide to Rectangular Hollow Section (RHS) Weight Calculation

🧠 What is a Rectangular Hollow Section (RHS)?

A Rectangular Hollow Section (RHS) is a structural steel tube with a rectangular cross-section. These hollow sections are manufactured by forming flat steel strips into rectangular tubes through various processes including cold forming, hot forming, or welding. RHS tubes are characterized by their outer dimensions (width and height), wall thickness, and material grade.

RHS sections are widely used in construction, engineering, and architectural applications due to their excellent strength-to-weight ratio, uniform load distribution capabilities, and aesthetic appeal. The hollow design provides structural efficiency while reducing material usage compared to solid rectangular sections.

🔍 Common Sizes and Standards

RHS sections are manufactured according to various international standards:

  • IS 4923 (Indian Standard): Covers hollow steel sections for structural use
  • ASTM A500: American standard for cold-formed welded structural tubing
  • EN 10210: European standard for hot finished structural hollow sections
  • AS/NZS 1163: Australian/New Zealand standard for structural steel hollow sections

Common RHS sizes range from small sections like 20x10mm to large structural sections exceeding 400x200mm, with wall thicknesses typically ranging from 1.6mm to 25mm depending on the application and structural requirements.

⚙️ How RHS Weight Is Calculated

The weight calculation for RHS involves determining the cross-sectional area of the steel material and multiplying by the length and material density. The calculation considers the outer dimensions minus the hollow interior space.

RHS Weight Formula:
Weight = (Outer Area – Inner Area) × Length × Density

Where:
Outer Area = Width × Height
Inner Area = (Width – 2×Thickness) × (Height – 2×Thickness)
Cross-sectional Area = Outer Area – Inner Area

📐 Why Wall Thickness Matters

Wall thickness is a critical parameter in RHS weight calculation and structural performance. Thicker walls provide:

  • Higher Load Capacity: Increased resistance to bending, compression, and torsion
  • Better Buckling Resistance: Reduced tendency for local buckling under load
  • Increased Weight: Proportional increase in material volume and weight
  • Cost Implications: Higher material costs with increased thickness

The relationship between wall thickness and weight is not linear due to the reduction in internal hollow area. Engineers must balance structural requirements with weight and cost considerations.

🏗️ Applications of RHS in Construction and Design

RHS sections find extensive use across various industries:

  • Building Frames: Primary and secondary structural members in steel frame construction
  • Roof Trusses: Lightweight yet strong truss members for large span roofing
  • Architectural Features: Exposed structural elements with aesthetic appeal
  • Industrial Structures: Equipment supports, platforms, and machinery frames
  • Infrastructure: Bridge components, sign structures, and utility supports
  • Furniture Design: Modern furniture frames and decorative elements

📊 Density Values for Different Materials

Material density significantly affects the final weight calculation:

  • Mild Steel: 7850 kg/m³ (0.284 lb/in³) – Most common structural steel
  • Stainless Steel: 8000 kg/m³ (0.289 lb/in³) – Corrosion-resistant applications
  • Aluminum: 2700 kg/m³ (0.098 lb/in³) – Lightweight applications
  • Carbon Steel: 7850 kg/m³ (0.284 lb/in³) – High-strength applications

🔄 Metric vs Imperial Conversion

Understanding unit conversions is essential for international projects:

  • Length: 1 meter = 3.28084 feet = 39.3701 inches
  • Weight: 1 kilogram = 2.20462 pounds
  • Density: 1 kg/m³ = 0.0624 lb/ft³
  • Area: 1 m² = 10.764 ft² = 1550 in²

🛠️ RHS vs SHS vs CHS Comparison

Understanding the differences between hollow section types:

  • RHS (Rectangular): Best for bending in one direction, architectural applications
  • SHS (Square): Equal strength in both directions, versatile applications
  • CHS (Circular): Optimal for torsion and compression, pipeline applications

📦 Real-life Use Case Examples

Example 1: Office Building Frame
A 10-story office building uses 200x100x8mm RHS sections for secondary beams. With 500 meters total length, the steel weight would be approximately 6,280 kg, requiring careful consideration for transportation and installation planning.

Example 2: Warehouse Roof Truss
A warehouse roof truss system using 150x75x5mm RHS members spanning 30 meters. The total RHS weight of 2,355 kg per truss affects the foundation design and construction methodology.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate RHS weight manually?

To calculate RHS weight manually: (1) Calculate outer area = width × height, (2) Calculate inner area = (width – 2×thickness) × (height – 2×thickness), (3) Find cross-sectional area = outer area – inner area, (4) Multiply by length and material density. Always ensure consistent units throughout the calculation.

What material density should I use?

Use 7850 kg/m³ for standard structural steel, 8000 kg/m³ for stainless steel, and 2700 kg/m³ for aluminum. These are standard values, but always verify with your material supplier for exact specifications, especially for specialized alloys or grades.

How accurate are the calculated results?

The calculator provides theoretical weights based on nominal dimensions and standard material densities. Actual weights may vary by ±2-5% due to manufacturing tolerances, material variations, and surface treatments. For critical applications, always verify with actual weighing or manufacturer specifications.

Can I use this for fabrication planning?

Yes, this calculator is excellent for preliminary fabrication planning, material ordering, and cost estimation. However, always add appropriate safety factors and consult with structural engineers for load-bearing applications. Consider additional factors like welding, cutting waste, and handling requirements.

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📖 External References