SHS 150×150×5 vs CF SHS 150×150×5
SHS 150×150×5 is an SHS Hot-finished section from the UK Blue Book (SCI P363); CF SHS 150×150×5 is the closest equivalent in the UK Blue Book (SCI P363). They are close to interchangeable in bending: 156 cm³ against 153 cm³ of plastic modulus, a difference of 2.0%. They weigh essentially the same, 22.6 kg/m and 22.3 kg/m. Both are about 150 mm deep, so either fits the same construction zone.
| Property | SHS 150×150×5 SHS Hot-finished | CF SHS 150×150×5 SHS Cold-formed | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mass | 22.6 kg/m | 22.3 kg/m | +1.3% |
| Depth | 150 mm | 150 mm | same |
| Width | 150 mm | 150 mm | same |
| Web thickness | 0 mm | 0 mm | same |
| Flange thickness | 0 mm | 0 mm | same |
| Area | 28.7 cm² | 28.4 cm² | +1.1% |
| Second moment, major (Iy) | 1,000 cm⁴ | 982 cm⁴ | +1.8% |
| Plastic modulus, major (Wpl,y) | 156 cm³ | 153 cm³ | +2.0% |
| Elastic modulus, major (Wel,y) | 134 cm³ | 131 cm³ | +2.3% |
| Second moment, minor (Iz) | 1,000 cm⁴ | 982 cm⁴ | +1.8% |
| Plastic modulus, minor (Wpl,z) | 156 cm³ | 153 cm³ | +2.0% |
| Radius of gyration, minor (iz) | 5.9 cm | 5.89 cm | +0.2% |
| Torsion constant (It) | 1,550 cm⁴ | 1,550 cm⁴ | same |
SHS 150×150×5 to BS EN 10210-2:2006; CF SHS 150×150×5 to BS EN 10219-2:2006. Difference is expressed relative to CF SHS 150×150×5.
How to choose between them
On stiffness, SHS 150×150×5 has the larger second moment of area: 1,000 cm⁴ against 982 cm⁴, a difference of 1.8%. 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 (6.9 against 6.9 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.