Hollow Structural Sections Lead in Architectural Design

Architects and structural engineers increasingly select hollow structural sections for exposed steel frameworks. Square and rectangular tubes provide clean aesthetics while maintaining strength. A new sports arena in Scandinavia uses rectangular hollow sections for its roof lattice, achieving spans of 50 meters without internal columns. The closed shape offers superior torsion resistance compared to open profiles like angles or channels. Fire protection costs also decrease because the uniform wall thickness simplifies coating applications. Fabricators note that hollow sections require precise cutting tools, but the reduced welding volume offsets initial equipment investments. The design community expects this preference to grow for public buildings and pedestrian bridges.