SHS 51x51x3 is a cold-formed welded square steel hollow section. This reference page brings together its listed dimensions, corner radii, sectional area, unit weight, applicable standard context, and a DWG resource for drafting use.
Use the information below when identifying the section, checking drawing annotations, or comparing it with other square hollow sections. Section data and CAD geometry should still be checked against the governing project documents before being used for design, fabrication, or construction.
SHS 51x51x3
Cold Formed Welded Square Steel Tubes
refer to : EN 10219-2
the European standard that specifies tolerances, dimensions, and sectional properties for cold-formed welded structural hollow sections made of non-alloy and fine grain steels. It complements EN 10219-1, which covers technical delivery conditions.
Dimension : 51x51x3
Depth : 51 mm
Width : 51 mm
Thickness : 3 mm
Outer Corner Radius : 6 mm
Inner Corner Radius : 3 mm
Sectional Area : 5.53 cm2
Unit Weight : 4.3 kg/m
How to read the SHS designation
The SHS abbreviation identifies a square hollow section. In the designation SHS 51x51x3, the matching depth and width describe the square outside profile, while the remaining value identifies the listed wall thickness. The section has a depth of 51 mm, a width of 51 mm, and a thickness of 3 mm.
Corner radii and hollow-section geometry
Cold-formed square tubes have rounded corners rather than perfectly sharp intersections between the faces. This section lists an outer corner radius of 6 mm and an inner corner radius of 3 mm. These radii matter when preparing close-fitting plates, locating welds, checking clearances, or representing the profile accurately in a detail.
A simplified square outline may be sufficient for some general-arrangement drawings, but fabrication-oriented work often requires closer attention to the wall and corner geometry. Avoid treating the section as four flat plates joined at sharp corners.
Sectional area and unit weight
The listed sectional area is 5.53 cm2. Sectional area describes the amount of steel in the cross-section and is used in several engineering calculations, but it is not a load capacity by itself.
The listed unit weight is 4.3 kg/m. Unit weight is useful for material takeoffs and preliminary mass calculations. Total mass can be estimated by multiplying the unit weight by the required member length, with project-specific allowances handled separately.
EN 10219-2 reference context
The source identifies this section with EN 10219-2, which addresses dimensions, tolerances, and sectional properties for cold-formed welded structural hollow sections. It is used alongside EN 10219-1, which addresses technical delivery conditions. The applicable product documentation and project specification should be reviewed when confirming compliance.
Using the DWG in a drafting workflow
The provided DWG can support section identification, profile placement, and detail development. After opening or importing it, verify the drawing units, scale, layer organization, insertion point, and displayed geometry before incorporating it into another file.
For connection detailing, pay particular attention to corner clearances and the relationship between the hollow section and plates, bolts, welds, caps, or adjacent members. A reference drawing does not replace connection design, fabrication review, or verification against the specified product.
Related reference topics
- Square hollow sections: terminology, shape identification, and section comparison.
- Section properties: how area and other geometric properties are used in structural calculations.
- Steel unit weight: practical use in quantity and mass estimates.
- HSS and SHS detailing: corner geometry, weld access, end closures, and connection clearances.
- Steel CAD resources: unit checks, layer review, and responsible reuse of profile drawings.
Frequently asked questions
What does SHS 51x51x3 mean?
SHS identifies a square hollow section. The listed profile has a depth of 51 mm, a width of 51 mm, and a thickness of 3 mm.
What is the unit weight of SHS 51x51x3?
The listed unit weight is 4.3 kg/m. It can be used with the member length to estimate mass for takeoffs, subject to the requirements of the specific project.
What is the sectional area?
The listed sectional area is 5.53 cm2. This is a geometric section property and should not be interpreted as a standalone statement of structural capacity.
Why are inner and outer corner radii listed?
The radii describe the rounded corners created by the forming process. They help drafters and detailers represent the profile and assess local clearances more accurately. The listed outer radius is 6 mm, and the listed inner radius is 3 mm.
Can the DWG be used directly for fabrication?
The file can serve as a drafting reference, but its units, geometry, scale, and compatibility with the project requirements should be verified first. Fabrication information should also be checked by the responsible design and detailing professionals.
