CHS 139.7×5 vs CF CHS 139.7×5
CHS 139.7×5 is an CHS Hot-finished section from the UK Blue Book (SCI P363); CF CHS 139.7×5 is the closest equivalent in the UK Blue Book (SCI P363). They are close to interchangeable in bending: 90.8 cm³ against 90.8 cm³ of plastic modulus, a difference of 0.0%. They weigh essentially the same, 16.6 kg/m and 16.6 kg/m. Both are about 140 mm deep, so either fits the same construction zone.
| Property | CHS 139.7×5 CHS Hot-finished | CF CHS 139.7×5 CHS Cold-formed | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mass | 16.6 kg/m | 16.6 kg/m | same |
| Depth | 139.7 mm | 139.7 mm | same |
| Width | 139.7 mm | 139.7 mm | same |
| Web thickness | 0 mm | 0 mm | same |
| Flange thickness | 0 mm | 0 mm | same |
| Area | 21.2 cm² | 21.2 cm² | same |
| Second moment, major (Iy) | 481 cm⁴ | 481 cm⁴ | same |
| Plastic modulus, major (Wpl,y) | 90.8 cm³ | 90.8 cm³ | same |
| Elastic modulus, major (Wel,y) | 68.8 cm³ | 68.8 cm³ | same |
| Second moment, minor (Iz) | 481 cm⁴ | 481 cm⁴ | same |
| Plastic modulus, minor (Wpl,z) | 90.8 cm³ | 90.8 cm³ | same |
| Radius of gyration, minor (iz) | 4.77 cm | 4.77 cm | same |
| Torsion constant (It) | 961 cm⁴ | 961 cm⁴ | same |
CHS 139.7×5 to BS EN 10210-2:2006; CF CHS 139.7×5 to BS EN 10219-2:2006. Difference is expressed relative to CF CHS 139.7×5.
How to choose between them
On stiffness, CF CHS 139.7×5 has the larger second moment of area: 481 cm⁴ against 481 cm⁴, a difference of 0.0%. This matters more often than the strength comparison, because on normal floor spans deflection rather than bending capacity sets the beam size - so if the two are close on modulus but apart on inertia, the stiffer one is usually the better answer even when it is not the stronger one.
Measured as bending capacity per kilogram, the two are equally efficient (5.5 against 5.5 cm³ per kg/m), so on a pure steel-tonnage basis there is nothing to choose between them. The decision comes down to availability, connection detailing and what the rest of the frame uses.
In short, these two are genuine equivalents. Pick whichever your supplier stocks and the rest of the frame already uses.