CHS 244.5×5 vs CF CHS 244.5×5
CHS 244.5×5 is an CHS Hot-finished section from the UK Blue Book (SCI P363); CF CHS 244.5×5 is the closest equivalent in the UK Blue Book (SCI P363). They are close to interchangeable in bending: 287 cm³ against 287 cm³ of plastic modulus, a difference of 0.0%. They weigh essentially the same, 29.5 kg/m and 29.5 kg/m. Both are about 245 mm deep, so either fits the same construction zone.
| Property | CHS 244.5×5 CHS Hot-finished | CF CHS 244.5×5 CHS Cold-formed | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mass | 29.5 kg/m | 29.5 kg/m | same |
| Depth | 244.5 mm | 244.5 mm | same |
| Width | 244.5 mm | 244.5 mm | same |
| Web thickness | 0 mm | 0 mm | same |
| Flange thickness | 0 mm | 0 mm | same |
| Area | 37.6 cm² | 37.6 cm² | same |
| Second moment, major (Iy) | 2,700 cm⁴ | 2,700 cm⁴ | same |
| Plastic modulus, major (Wpl,y) | 287 cm³ | 287 cm³ | same |
| Elastic modulus, major (Wel,y) | 221 cm³ | 221 cm³ | same |
| Second moment, minor (Iz) | 2,700 cm⁴ | 2,700 cm⁴ | same |
| Plastic modulus, minor (Wpl,z) | 287 cm³ | 287 cm³ | same |
| Radius of gyration, minor (iz) | 8.47 cm | 8.47 cm | same |
| Torsion constant (It) | 5,400 cm⁴ | 5,400 cm⁴ | same |
CHS 244.5×5 to BS EN 10210-2:2006; CF CHS 244.5×5 to BS EN 10219-2:2006. Difference is expressed relative to CF CHS 244.5×5.
How to choose between them
On stiffness, CF CHS 244.5×5 has the larger second moment of area: 2,700 cm⁴ against 2,700 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 (9.7 against 9.7 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.