CHS 406.4×16 vs CF CHS 406.4×16
CHS 406.4×16 is an CHS Hot-finished section from the UK Blue Book (SCI P363); CF CHS 406.4×16 is the closest equivalent in the UK Blue Book (SCI P363). They are close to interchangeable in bending: 2440 cm³ against 2440 cm³ of plastic modulus, a difference of 0.0%. They weigh essentially the same, 154 kg/m and 154 kg/m. Both are about 406 mm deep, so either fits the same construction zone.
| Property | CHS 406.4×16 CHS Hot-finished | CF CHS 406.4×16 CHS Cold-formed | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mass | 154 kg/m | 154 kg/m | same |
| Depth | 406.4 mm | 406.4 mm | same |
| Width | 406.4 mm | 406.4 mm | same |
| Web thickness | 0 mm | 0 mm | same |
| Flange thickness | 0 mm | 0 mm | same |
| Area | 196 cm² | 196 cm² | same |
| Second moment, major (Iy) | 37,400 cm⁴ | 37,400 cm⁴ | same |
| Plastic modulus, major (Wpl,y) | 2,440 cm³ | 2,440 cm³ | same |
| Elastic modulus, major (Wel,y) | 1,840 cm³ | 1,840 cm³ | same |
| Second moment, minor (Iz) | 37,400 cm⁴ | 37,400 cm⁴ | same |
| Plastic modulus, minor (Wpl,z) | 2,440 cm³ | 2,440 cm³ | same |
| Radius of gyration, minor (iz) | 13.8 cm | 13.8 cm | same |
| Torsion constant (It) | 74,900 cm⁴ | 74,900 cm⁴ | same |
CHS 406.4×16 to BS EN 10210-2:2006; CF CHS 406.4×16 to BS EN 10219-2:2006. Difference is expressed relative to CF CHS 406.4×16.
How to choose between them
On stiffness, CF CHS 406.4×16 has the larger second moment of area: 37,400 cm⁴ against 37,400 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 (15.8 against 15.8 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.