EN 10219 cold-formed hollow sections: RHS, SHS and CHS explained
EN 10219 is the European standard for cold-formed welded structural hollow sections. It covers rectangular (RHS), square (SHS) and circular (CHS) hollow sections in weldable structural grades such as S235JRH, S275J2H and S355J2H. This guide explains what EN 10219 covers, the section types and grades, the mechanical and impact properties, how it differs from the hot-finished EN 10210, and how to order hollow sections and structural steel from ULAMEX.
What EN 10219 covers
EN 10219 specifies the technical delivery conditions for cold-formed welded structural hollow sections made from non-alloy and fine-grain structural steels. The section is formed from steel strip at room temperature and then welded along the seam, which gives a clean, economical product with tight dimensional control. The standard has two parts: EN 10219-1 sets the technical delivery conditions (grades, properties), and EN 10219-2 sets the tolerances on dimensions and form.
Hollow sections are efficient structural members: a closed section resists bending and torsion well for its weight, which is why RHS, SHS and CHS are used for frames, trusses, columns, carport and canopy structures, and architectural steelwork. The cold-formed route makes EN 10219 the economical choice for static and secondary structures.
Section types: RHS, SHS and CHS
| Section | Shape | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| RHS | Rectangular hollow section | Beams, frames, purlins, members loaded mainly in one axis |
| SHS | Square hollow section | Columns, posts, frames, members loaded equally both axes |
| CHS | Circular hollow section | Columns, trusses, handrails, architectural and exposed steelwork |
A hollow section is described by its outside dimensions and wall thickness: an RHS as height x width x wall (for example 100 x 50 x 4), an SHS as side x wall (for example 60 x 60 x 4), and a CHS as outside diameter x wall.
Why hollow sections: structural behaviour
A closed hollow section uses its material efficiently. Compared with an open section of the same weight, a hollow section resists torsion far better and buckles less under compression, because the material is distributed around a closed perimeter. That makes SHS and CHS especially efficient as columns and compression members.
Hollow sections also have practical advantages on site: a smaller external surface area means less paint or coating, and a clean closed profile has fewer dirt and water traps. The trade-off is the connection detail, as bolted connections to a closed section need end plates or cleats rather than direct bolting through a flange.
EN 10219 grades and the H suffix
The grade names follow the EN 10025 structural steel system with an added H for hollow. The number is the minimum yield strength, and the letters before the H give the impact (Charpy) class. The common grades are S235JRH, S275J0H, S275J2H, S355J0H, S355J2H and S355K2H.
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| S | Structural steel |
| 235 / 275 / 355 | Minimum yield strength in MPa |
| JR / J0 / J2 / K2 | Charpy impact class (test temperature and energy) |
| H | Hollow section |
Mechanical properties
The values below are the minimums to EN 10219-1 for wall thickness up to 16 mm; they reduce slightly for thicker walls. The exact figures for a delivered batch appear on the EN 10204 3.1 certificate.
| Grade | Yield strength ReH (min.) | Tensile strength Rm | Elongation (min.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| S235JRH | 235 MPa | 360 to 510 MPa | 24 percent |
| S275J2H | 275 MPa | 430 to 580 MPa | 20 percent |
| S355J2H | 355 MPa | 510 to 680 MPa | 20 percent |
Impact toughness (Charpy)
The letter class after the yield number sets the temperature at which the steel guarantees a minimum Charpy V-notch impact energy. For outdoor and cold-service structures, the J2 and K2 classes give the low-temperature toughness a structural designer needs.
| Class | Impact energy | Test temperature |
|---|---|---|
| JRH | 27 J | +20 degrees C |
| J0H | 27 J | 0 degrees C |
| J2H | 27 J | -20 degrees C |
| K2H | 40 J | -20 degrees C |
Higher-strength and fine-grain grades
Beyond the common JR, J0 and J2 grades, EN 10219 also covers fine-grain structural steels for higher strength and better toughness: the normalised N grades (for example S275NH, S355NH and the low-temperature NLH variants) and the thermomechanically rolled M grades (S275MH, S355MH, up to S420MH and S460MH). Weathering grades such as S355J2WH are available where atmospheric corrosion resistance is needed without coating. These grades are specified where the design needs more strength per kilogram or guaranteed low-temperature performance; for a standard structure, the S235 to S355 range in JR to J2 covers most needs.
EN 10219 versus EN 10210
The two hollow-section standards differ by manufacturing route. EN 10219 sections are cold-formed and welded; EN 10210 sections are hot-finished. The practical differences guide the choice.
| Aspect | EN 10219 (cold-formed) | EN 10210 (hot-finished) |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | Cold-formed from strip, welded | Hot-finished |
| Corner radii | Smaller, sharper corners | Larger corner radii |
| Properties | Some work hardening from forming | More uniform, fewer residual stresses |
| Best for | Static and secondary structures, economical | Dynamic, fatigue and harsh environments |
| Typical sizes | Small to medium, thinner walls | Medium to large, thicker walls |
For most static structural and architectural work, EN 10219 is the economical choice. Where members see dynamic or fatigue loading, or the project specifies hot-finished sections, EN 10210 is the call. State the standard on the drawing so the supply matches the design.
How to specify a hollow section
A complete specification has four parts, and giving all four with a quote request returns an accurate price and lead time.
| Specify | Example |
|---|---|
| Section type and dimensions | RHS 100 x 50 x 4 |
| Standard | EN 10219 |
| Grade and impact class | S355J2H |
| Length | 6,000 mm standard |
Applications of hollow sections
Hollow sections suit any structure that benefits from a strong, light, clean closed section. SHS and CHS make efficient columns and posts because they carry load equally in both axes; RHS suits beams, purlins and frame members loaded mainly in one direction. CHS is also the architectural favourite for exposed steelwork, trusses and handrails where appearance matters. Carports, canopies, mezzanines, agricultural buildings, machine frames and balustrades all use hollow sections, often alongside open sections and plate on the same project.
Hollow sections versus open sections
Hollow sections (RHS, SHS, CHS) and open sections (IPE, HEB, HEA, UPN) solve different problems. Hollow sections win on torsion, on compression buckling and on appearance, which is why they suit columns, trusses, exposed steelwork and architectural frames. Open sections win on connection simplicity, since a beam can be bolted directly through its flange or web, and they remain the default for floor beams and moment frames.
Many structures use both: hollow-section columns and bracing with open-section beams. Because ULAMEX supplies both families, a frame that mixes RHS columns with IPE beams can be sourced on one order. For the open structural sections and grades, see our guide to structural steel S235JR, S275JR and S355J2.
Welding and fabrication
The structural grades used for EN 10219 hollow sections are weldable, with S235 grades offering the best weldability thanks to low carbon content and S355 grades fully weldable, with preheat advisable on thicker walls. Follow EN 1011 welding guidance. Hollow sections are commonly joined by welded end connections, gusset plates and bolted cleats; CHS trusses use profiled (saddle) end cuts. As with all structural steelwork, fabrication to EN 1090 with the matching execution class keeps the finished structure compliant and traceable.
CE marking, Eurocode and execution class
Structural hollow sections used in load-bearing construction in Europe are designed to the Eurocodes (EN 1993 for steel structures, with EN 1993-1-8 for joints) and fabricated to EN 1090. EN 1090 defines four execution classes, EXC1 to EXC4, set by the consequences of failure and the loading, and most building steelwork is EXC2. ULAMEX operates EN 1090-1 EXC2 and ISO 3834-2, and supplies structural steel with CE marking and the Declaration of Performance where applicable, plus the EN 10204 3.1 inspection certificate on request, so the traceability chain from mill to delivery is complete.
Corrosion protection and galvanizing
Hollow sections for outdoor use are usually protected by hot-dip galvanizing to EN ISO 1461 or by a paint system. Galvanizing a hollow section needs vent and drain holes so the zinc can flow through and out of the closed profile, which the fabricator plans into the connection detail. For exposed architectural steelwork, a galvanised and then powder-coated or painted (duplex) system gives both durability and finish. Where a coating is not wanted, a weathering grade such as S355J2WH develops a protective patina in the atmosphere.
Hollow sections and structural steel from ULAMEX
ULAMEX has supplied structural steel to professional buyers since 1988, more than 38 years in the trade. The core stock covers structural steel grades S235JR, S235J2, S275JR, S355J2 and S355K2 as open sections (IPE, HEB, HEA, UPN, angles and channels), bars and plate. For hollow sections to EN 10219 or EN 10210, send the section, grade and quantity with a quote request and the export desk will confirm availability and lead time.
| What you get | Detail |
|---|---|
| Grades | S235JR, S235J2, S275JR, S355J2, S355K2 (further EN 10025 grades on request) |
| Certification | EN 1090-1 EXC2 and ISO 3834-2; 3.1 certificate per EN 10204 on request, batch-traceable |
| Lead time | Typically 2 to 7 working days on stocked lines; hollow sections confirmed on quote |
| Service | Sections, bars and plate on one order |
| Single source | Carbon steel with stainless steel and aluminium on one delivery, one invoice |
For the open structural grades in detail, see our guide to structural steel S235JR, S275JR and S355J2. Need hollow sections or structural steel for a project? Contact the export desk at [email protected] or +48 504 424 761. For our full range, certification and quote process, see steel and aluminium supply capabilities for a non-binding quotation.
Frequently asked questions
What is EN 10219?
EN 10219 is the European standard for cold-formed welded structural hollow sections. It covers rectangular (RHS), square (SHS) and circular (CHS) sections in weldable structural grades such as S235JRH, S275J2H and S355J2H, with EN 10219-1 setting the delivery conditions and EN 10219-2 the tolerances.
What is the difference between EN 10219 and EN 10210?
EN 10219 sections are cold-formed and welded, with smaller corner radii, and are the economical choice for static and secondary structures. EN 10210 sections are hot-finished, with larger corner radii and more uniform properties, preferred for dynamic, fatigue and harsh-environment use.
What do RHS, SHS and CHS mean?
RHS is a rectangular hollow section, SHS a square hollow section and CHS a circular hollow section. SHS and CHS make efficient columns because they carry load equally in both axes, while RHS suits beams and members loaded mainly in one direction.
What does the H mean in S355J2H?
The H stands for hollow section. The rest follows the EN 10025 system: S is structural steel, 355 is the minimum yield strength in MPa, and J2 is the Charpy impact class (27 J at -20 degrees C).
What grade should I use for an outdoor hollow-section structure?
For outdoor or cold-service structures, choose a J2 or K2 impact class (for example S355J2H), which guarantees impact toughness at -20 degrees C. JR grades are tested at room temperature and suit indoor or non-critical work.
Does ULAMEX supply hollow sections?
ULAMEX supplies structural steel including hollow sections to EN 10219 and EN 10210 on request. Send the section type, dimensions, grade and quantity with a quote request and the export desk will confirm availability and lead time, alongside open sections, bars and plate from stock.
Can ULAMEX supply a 3.1 certificate for hollow sections?
Yes. An EN 10204 Type 3.1 inspection certificate is available on request, confirming chemical composition and mechanical properties, batch-traceable per shipment. ULAMEX operates EN 1090-1 EXC2 and ISO 3834-2 for structural supply.
What lengths do hollow sections come in?
Structural long products are typically supplied in 6,000 and 12,000 mm lengths. Confirm the exact lengths with your quote request.
Can EN 10219 hollow sections be galvanised?
Yes. Hollow sections are commonly hot-dip galvanised to EN ISO 1461 for outdoor use. Vent and drain holes are added so the zinc can flow through the closed profile, and a galvanised plus painted (duplex) system gives both durability and finish.