Rectangular Steel Hollow Section (RHS): IS 4923 Manufacturer in India
If you're sourcing a rectangular tube, rectangular steel pipe, MS rectangular hollow section, or RHS for a beam, truss, or structural framing application, this page covers what you need to specify one correctly: size range, thickness options, applicable IS code, grade, and where a rectangular profile fits best on a project. SRMB Realfabrica manufactures rectangular hollow sections at SRMB Srijan's integrated steel plant in Durgapur, West Bengal, rolling our own hot rolled coil into finished rectangular sections on Cold Formed ERW lines, under IS 4923.
What Is a Rectangular Hollow Section?
A rectangular hollow section (RHS) is a structural steel tube with a rectangular cross section and a hollow core, used as a load bearing member wherever a structure needs more strength along one axis than the other. You'll come across this same product under several names: rectangular tube, rectangular steel pipe, rectangular hollow steel, MS rectangular hollow section, or rectangular MS section. All describe the same family of product that SRMB Realfabrica manufactures under IS 4923, the same standard that governs our square hollow section range.
Unlike a square hollow section, an RHS has unequal sides, longer along one axis than the other. That asymmetry isn't a limitation, it's the point: a rectangular section resists bending far more effectively along its longer axis than a square section of similar weight would, which is exactly what a beam, a truss chord, or a purlin needs. Where a square section is chosen for evenly distributed axial load, a rectangular section is chosen when the engineer already knows which direction the dominant load is coming from.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product standard | IS 4923 (Hollow steel sections for structural use, square and rectangular) |
| Size range | 40mm x 20mm to 96mm x 48mm |
| Thickness range | 1.0mm to 4.5mm |
| Grade | YST 210, YST 240 (higher grades also manufactured on request) |
| Standard length | 6 metres to 7 metres, custom lengths available on request |
| Surface finish | Black, precision finish |
| Input material | Hot rolled coil conforming to IS 10748 |
| Forming process | Cold Formed ERW (Electric Resistance Welded) |
Choosing the Right Size and Thickness
Smaller sections in the 40x20mm to 60x40mm range are commonly specified for furniture manufacturing, retail displays, and lighter architectural features, where the load is modest but the elongated profile still needs to read clearly in the design. Mid sized sections from 66x33mm to 80x40mm suit machine frames, industrial equipment, and general structural framing.
Larger sections such as 96x48mm are typically chosen for construction frameworks and structural supports that need to carry meaningful bending load along their longer axis, such as beams and roof purlins. As with our square range, thickness should be selected based on the actual load calculation for your structure, in consultation with your structural engineer, since the same outer dimension can carry very different loads depending on wall thickness.
Grades & Mechanical Properties
| Grade | Yield Strength (YST), Minimum | Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS), Minimum | Elongation, Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|
| YST 210 | 210 MPa | 330 MPa | 12% (up to 25.4mm), 20% (above 25.4mm) |
| YST 240 | 240 MPa | 410 MPa | 10% (up to 25.4mm), 15% (above 25.4mm) |
Dimensional Tolerances
| Parameter | Tolerance |
|---|---|
| Outside dimension | +/- 1% of nominal size, with a minimum of +/- 0.50mm |
| Thickness | +/- 10% |
| Squareness | 90 degrees +/- 2 degrees |
| Corner radius | 3t maximum (t = wall thickness) |
| Weight, individual lengths | +10% / -8% |
| Weight, 10 tonne lot | +/- 7.5% |
Where Rectangular Hollow Sections Are Used
Why Rectangular Hollow Sections Are Specified Over Other Shapes
Superior Strength to Weight Ratio Along One Axis
The elongated profile concentrates material where bending resistance matters most, delivering more load carrying capacity per kilogram than a square or round section for directional loads.
Cost Effective Material Usage
Material is placed to match the actual load path rather than spread evenly, so a rectangular section often achieves the required strength with less steel than an oversized alternative.
Design Flexibility
A wide range of width to height ratios lets designers fine tune the visual proportion and structural behaviour of a member without changing the underlying manufacturing process.
Consistent, Certified Quality
Every section is manufactured to IS 4923 from controlled input coil, with batch level testing that gives engineers a dependable, repeatable basis for design.
Manufacturing Quality Behind Every Length
From iron ore to finished section, SRMB Realfabrica controls the entire production chain in house. Hot rolled coil produced to IS 10748 at our integrated Durgapur facility is fed directly into Cold Formed ERW lines, where it is shaped, welded, and sized into finished rectangular hollow sections without depending on externally sourced input material of variable chemistry.
Primary Steel Producer
We manufacture our own hot rolled coil, giving full control over chemistry and consistency from the first stage of production.
Batch Level Testing
Every batch is tested against IS 4923 requirements for dimensions, mechanical properties, and surface quality before dispatch.
IMS Certification
Our Integrated Management System certification reflects consistent process control across quality, environment, and safety.
On-Product Traceability
Each length carries markings that trace it back to its production batch, supporting quality accountability on site.
Handling and Site Considerations
Weldability
SRMB Realfabrica rectangular hollow sections weld readily with standard MS electrodes and conventional site equipment, with no preheating required before welding.
Open Ends
Cut or open ends should be sealed, typically with a welded end plate, to prevent moisture ingress and protect the internal surface over the section's working life.
Packaging
Sections are bundled and strapped for transport to minimise surface damage in transit and to keep site handling straightforward during unloading and storage.
How to Order
Confirm the size, thickness, and grade required for your load case, in consultation with your structural engineer.
Share your specification with our technical team to confirm availability and current lead times.
Receive a formal quotation covering size, grade, length, and delivery schedule for your project.
Place your order and receive batch test certificates alongside your delivered material.
Frequently Asked Questions
A rectangular hollow section is a structural steel tube with a rectangular cross section and hollow core, used where more bending strength is needed along one axis. It's also called rectangular tube, rectangular steel pipe, or MS rectangular hollow section.
We manufacture rectangular hollow sections from 40mm x 20mm to 96mm x 48mm, including standard sizes such as 50x25, 60x40, and 80x40mm, under IS 4923.
Our rectangular hollow sections are available in thicknesses from 1.0mm to 4.5mm. Not every size is available in every thickness, so please confirm your exact combination with our technical team.
SRMB Realfabrica rectangular hollow sections conform to IS 4923, which covers hollow steel sections for structural use in square and rectangular profiles.
We manufacture rectangular hollow sections in YST 210 and YST 240 as standard grades, with higher grades available on request for projects requiring greater yield strength.
Standard supply length is 6 metres to 7 metres. Custom lengths can be arranged on request for specific project requirements.
Rectangular hollow sections are used for construction frameworks, beams, furniture manufacturing, automotive chassis, machine frames, retail displays, and architectural features.
Outside dimension tolerance is +/- 1% (minimum +/- 0.50mm), thickness tolerance is +/- 10%, and squareness is held to 90 degrees +/- 2 degrees, as per IS 4923.
Controlled chemistry and a smooth surface finish support good corrosion resistance. Sealing all open ends with a welded end plate further protects against internal corrosion over the section's working life.
Yes. SRMB Realfabrica rectangular hollow sections can be welded using standard MS electrodes without any preheating required beforehand.
For weight per length and a detailed size chart for your required specification, please contact our technical team or download our product brochure for the latest data.
Rectangular sections have unequal sides, giving more strength along one axis, which suits beams and trusses. Square sections have equal sides and spread load evenly in all directions, which suits columns.
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