SHS 160×160×5 vs CF SHS 160×160×5
SHS 160×160×5 is an SHS Hot-finished section from the UK Blue Book (SCI P363); CF SHS 160×160×5 is the closest equivalent in the UK Blue Book (SCI P363). They are close to interchangeable in bending: 178 cm³ against 175 cm³ of plastic modulus, a difference of 1.7%. They weigh essentially the same, 24.1 kg/m and 23.8 kg/m. Both are about 160 mm deep, so either fits the same construction zone.
| Property | SHS 160×160×5 SHS Hot-finished | CF SHS 160×160×5 SHS Cold-formed | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mass | 24.1 kg/m | 23.8 kg/m | +1.3% |
| Depth | 160 mm | 160 mm | same |
| Width | 160 mm | 160 mm | same |
| Web thickness | 0 mm | 0 mm | same |
| Flange thickness | 0 mm | 0 mm | same |
| Area | 30.7 cm² | 30.4 cm² | +1.0% |
| Second moment, major (Iy) | 1,230 cm⁴ | 1,200 cm⁴ | +2.5% |
| Plastic modulus, major (Wpl,y) | 178 cm³ | 175 cm³ | +1.7% |
| Elastic modulus, major (Wel,y) | 153 cm³ | 150 cm³ | +2.0% |
| Second moment, minor (Iz) | 1,230 cm⁴ | 1,200 cm⁴ | +2.5% |
| Plastic modulus, minor (Wpl,z) | 178 cm³ | 175 cm³ | +1.7% |
| Radius of gyration, minor (iz) | 6.31 cm | 6.29 cm | +0.3% |
| Torsion constant (It) | 1,890 cm⁴ | 1,900 cm⁴ | -0.5% |
SHS 160×160×5 to BS EN 10210-2:2006; CF SHS 160×160×5 to BS EN 10219-2:2006. Difference is expressed relative to CF SHS 160×160×5.
How to choose between them
On stiffness, SHS 160×160×5 has the larger second moment of area: 1,230 cm⁴ against 1,200 cm⁴, a difference of 2.5%. 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 (7.4 against 7.4 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.