SHS 200×200×5 vs CF SHS 200×200×5
SHS 200×200×5 is an SHS Hot-finished section from the UK Blue Book (SCI P363); CF SHS 200×200×5 is the closest equivalent in the UK Blue Book (SCI P363). They are close to interchangeable in bending: 283 cm³ against 279 cm³ of plastic modulus, a difference of 1.4%. They weigh essentially the same, 30.4 kg/m and 30.1 kg/m. Both are about 200 mm deep, so either fits the same construction zone.
| Property | SHS 200×200×5 SHS Hot-finished | CF SHS 200×200×5 SHS Cold-formed | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mass | 30.4 kg/m | 30.1 kg/m | +1.0% |
| Depth | 200 mm | 200 mm | same |
| Width | 200 mm | 200 mm | same |
| Web thickness | 0 mm | 0 mm | same |
| Flange thickness | 0 mm | 0 mm | same |
| Area | 38.7 cm² | 38.4 cm² | +0.8% |
| Second moment, major (Iy) | 2,450 cm⁴ | 2,410 cm⁴ | +1.7% |
| Plastic modulus, major (Wpl,y) | 283 cm³ | 279 cm³ | +1.4% |
| Elastic modulus, major (Wel,y) | 245 cm³ | 241 cm³ | +1.7% |
| Second moment, minor (Iz) | 2,450 cm⁴ | 2,410 cm⁴ | +1.7% |
| Plastic modulus, minor (Wpl,z) | 283 cm³ | 279 cm³ | +1.4% |
| Radius of gyration, minor (iz) | 7.95 cm | 7.93 cm | +0.3% |
| Torsion constant (It) | 3,760 cm⁴ | 3,760 cm⁴ | same |
SHS 200×200×5 to BS EN 10210-2:2006; CF SHS 200×200×5 to BS EN 10219-2:2006. Difference is expressed relative to CF SHS 200×200×5.
How to choose between them
On stiffness, SHS 200×200×5 has the larger second moment of area: 2,450 cm⁴ against 2,410 cm⁴, a difference of 1.7%. 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 (9.3 against 9.3 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.