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MS Square and Rectangle Tubes: Durable Solutions for Every Structural Need

Mild Steel (MS) square and rectangular hollow sections (RHS/UHS) are the unsung heroes of modern scaffolding, formwork, and structural applications. Unlike round tubes, their flat faces enable flush mounting, precise alignment, and superior resistance to torsion. At Avanza Steel, our RHS/UHS meet IS 1161 tolerances, offer bespoke sizing up to 200×200 mm, and come with your choice of epoxy-dip paint or hot-dip galvanisation for enhanced longevity.

What Are MS Square & Rectangle Tubes?

 

Square (SHS) and Rectangular (RHS) hollow sections are cold-formed from high-grade HR coils, producing uniform wall thickness and tight corner radii. These profiles excel in applications demanding rigid, flat surfaces—think waler supports, form ties, gantry frames, and shop-fabricated brackets.

Core Advantages:

  • Dimensional Precision: Rolled to ±1 mm in width/depth and ±0.1 mm in wall thickness per IS 1161:2008 Avanza brochure.
     

  • High Section Modulus: Flat faces deliver up to 30 % greater bending resistance than round tubes of similar weight.
     

  • Customisable Profiles: Standard sizes from 50×50 mm to 200×200 mm; wall thickness 3–8 mm; custom lengths up to 12 m.
     

  • Enhanced Finish: Epoxy-dip paint (50 µm) for rapid turnaround or hot-dip galvanisation (85 µm) for coastal and corrosive environments.

Attribute
Specification
Profiles Available
SHS: 50×50, 65×65, 75×75, 100×100, 150×150, 200×200 mm RHS: 50×75, 75×100, 100×150, 150×200 mm
Wall Thickness
3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm
Length Options
Stock: 6 m, 12 m; Cut-to-length up to 12 m or any custom requirement.
Material Grade
HR coil, MS per IS 1161:2008; weld seam conforming to IS 4923
Finish Options
Epoxy-dip paint (50 µm) or hot-dip galvanisation (85 µm)
Tolerance
±1 mm width/depth; ±0.1 mm thickness
Load Rating
Varies by section modulus; typical 100×100×5 mm RHS carries 15 kN bending load
Compliance
IS 1161:2008, IS 4923; batch test certificates available

Technical Specifications

 Applications & Use Cases

  1. Formwork & Waler Supports
    Flat-face tubes provide a stable bearing surface for MS plates and plywood, distributing tie-rod loads evenly across the formwork.
     

  2. Scaffolding Bracing & Frames
    SHS/RHS act as rigid cross-members and guardrail supports in H-frame and tube-and-coupler scaffolds, minimizing deflection in high-wind or loaded conditions.
     

  3. Modular Gantries & Gantry Cranes
    Structural frames for materials handling often use 150×150 mm or 200×200 mm RHS for their superior section modulus and ease of welding.
     

  4. Architectural & Infrastructure Elements
    From canopy supports to pedestrian guardrails, SHS profiles integrate smoothly with glass or panel inserts for aesthetic and functional builds.
     

Installation & Best Practices

  1. Cutting & Deburring
     

    • Use abrasive-cutting or bandsaws with coolant to minimise burrs; deburr all edges for safety and coating adhesion.
       

  2. Welding & Fabrication
     

    • Preheat thick sections (> 6 mm) to prevent crack formation; use E7018 electrodes for reliable welds per IS 4759.
       

  3. Surface Preparation
     

    • For epoxy coating, grit blast to Sa 2.5 standard; ensure a clean, oil-free surface. For galvanisation, confirm zinc adhesion through pull-off tests.
       

  4. Alignment & Assembly
     

    • Lay sections on flat datum rails; use laser levels to ensure continuous straightness over long runs.
       

  5. Load Testing
     

    • Perform a sample 1.5× proof load test on assembled frames before full-scale erection to verify deflection limits.
       

Maintenance & Lifecycle

  • Regular Inspections: Every 3 months or 25 usage cycles, examine for corrosion under coating, inspect welds, and check dimensional straightness.
     

  • Coating Touch-Up: Use compatible epoxy or cold-galv spray on scratched or damaged areas to prevent rust propagation.
     

  • Storage Guidelines: Store horizontally on timber battens in a covered, ventilated facility; avoid direct ground contact.

    SHS/RHS end-of-life sections are recycled, aligning with Avanza Steel’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing.

Elevate your next project with Avanza Steel’s high-precision SHS & RHS sections:


👉 Download the full Product Brochure for detailed part codes, dimensional drawings, and load charts.
 

👉 Contact our team at avanzasteel@gmail.com or +91 33 4000 7575 to request a site-specific quote, arrange a factory tour, or schedule an on-site technical consultation.

  • What makes Cuplock scaffolding faster than traditional tube-and-clamp?
    The cup-and-blade mechanism requires no loose bolts or nuts—each connection locks with a simple downward press, reducing assembly time by up to 40 % compared to tube-and-clamp systems.
  • Are Avanza Steel’s Cuplock standards compatible with other brands?
    Yes, our Vertical Cuplock standards and Horizontal Ledgers maintain a strict tolerance of ± 0.5 mm on cup dimensions and blade ends, ensuring cross-compatibility with any IS 12873‐compliant Cuplock systems.
  • How do I calculate the number of ledgers needed per level?
    Divide the total bay length by 0.50 m (cup spacing) to get the number of ledger connections. For instance, a 3 m bay requires six ledgers per level—plus one spigot pin above for extension continuity.
  • Can Cuplock scaffolding be used on curved façades?
    Yes. Swivel clamps in combination with half-meter cup spacing allow you to create curved geometries. We recommend a maximum curvature radius of 2 m to maintain load distribution and minimize component stress.
  • Where can I find detailed part codes and weights?
    Refer to our Avanza Steel Product Brochure (page 5–6) for the full list of Vertical Cuplock codes (AV-05 to AV-30), corresponding weights, and all complementary accessories.
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