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I. Basic Definition And Standard System Of AS1163 Steel Pipe

1. Standard Sources and Evolution
AS1163 is a standard for Structural Steel Hollow Sections formulated by Standards Australia. Its initial version was 1981 (AS 1163:1981), and the current version is AS 1163:1991/Amdt 2:1996. This standard mainly specifies the technical requirements for cold-formed welded and seamless hollow profiles, covering three cross-sectional types: circular (CHS), square (SHS), and rectangular (RHS).

2. Core Classification and Strength Grades
Strength grades: They are mainly divided into three grades: C250, C350, and C450. The numbers represent the minimum yield strength (unit: MPa).

For example:

C250: Yield strength ≥250 MPa
C350: Yield strength ≥350 MPa
C450: Yield strength ≥450 MPa

The suffix "L0" indicates low-temperature impact toughness optimization (such as C350L0) .
Material: Mainly carbon steel (Q235, Q355) and low alloy steel, with some containing anti-corrosion elements.

II. Technical Features and Specification Parameters

1. Geometric dimension range

Section type	Outer diameter/side length range	Wall thickness range	Typical length
Circular (CHS)	10mm - 1000mm	0.2mm - 60mm	1-20m
Square (SHS)	20× 20mm - 800× 800mm	1.5mm - 32mm	customizable up to 14m
Rectangular (RHS)	20× 30mm - 400× 800mm	1.5mm - 32mm	customizable up to 14m

Type of length	Range mm	Tolerance
Random length	4000 to 16 000 with a range of 2000 per order item	10% of sections supplied may be below the minimum for the ordered range but not less than 75% of the minimum
Mill(or 'unspecified') length	All	+100 mm -0
Precision length	<6000	+5 mm -0
	≥6000 ≤10 000	+15 mm -0
	>10 000	+5 mm + 1 mm/m -0
NOTE: The enguiry and order shall indicate the type of length required and the length or length range, as appropriate. Alternatively, length tolerances shall be specified at the time of order.

2.Chemical composition

Grades (see Note 1)	Chemiacal Composition (cast or product analysis) (see Note 2) % max.
Grades (see Note 1)	C	Si	Mn	P	S	Cr	Mo	Al	Ti	Micro-alloying elements	CE
C250 C250L0	0.12	0.05	0.50	0.03	0.03	0.15	0.10	0.10	0.04	0.03	0.25
C350 C350L0	0.20	0.45	1.60	0.03	0.03	0.30	0.10	0.10	0.04	0.15	0.43
C450 C450L0	0.20	0.45	1.70	0.03	0.03	0.50	0.35	0.10	0.04	0.15	0.43

3.Physical requirement

Steel grade	C250	C250L0	C350	C350L0	C450	C450L0
Minimum Yield strength ReH MPa	250	250	350	350	450	450
Tensile strength Rm MPa	320	320	430	430	500	500
Minimum elongation A %	22	22	20	20	16	16
Impact Test Temperature	20°C	0°C	20°C	0°C	20°C	0°C
Individual test, min	20	20	20	20	20	20
Average of 3 tests, min	27	27	27	27	27	27

Grade	Minimum yield strength MPa	Minimum tensile strength MPa	Minimum elongation as a proportion of the gauge length of 5.65√S₀(see Note) %
			Circular hollow sections d₀/t			Rectangular hollow sections b/t, d/t
			≤15	＞15≤30	＞30	≤15	＞15≤30	＞30
C250,C250L0	250	320	18	20	22	14	16	18
C350,C350L0	350	430	16	18	20	12	14	16
C450,C450L0	450	500	12	14	16	10	12	14
NOTE: These limits apply to the face from which the tensile test is taken, That is, for RHS, the use of b/t or d/t ratio is dependent on which face the test specimen is cut from. For SHS, there is only one ratio(as b=d).

4. Key performance characteristics
- Surface treatment: Bare pipe or hot-dip galvanizing (galvanized layer 30-800 g/m²) is available, significantly enhancing corrosion resistance.

- Manufacturing process: High-frequency straight seam welding (HFW) or seamless extrusion forming, with the weld strength approaching that of the base material.

- Special Certifications: Supports NACE MR0175 (resistant to sulfide stress corrosion), ISO9001, CE and other standards, suitable for harsh environments (such as oil and gas, chemical industry).

III. Comparative Advantages over Other Steel Pipes

AS1163 steel pipes have performed outstandingly in structural engineering, with the main advantages reflected in the following aspects:

1. Structural efficiency and lightweighting
- High strength-to-weight ratio: The hollow cross-section design has a higher section modulus and moment of inertia than solid profiles (such as I-beams) under the same weight, and the load-bearing capacity is increased by 10-40%.

- Multi-axial force performance: Compared with I-beams (only suitable for web plane bending), the symmetrical hollow section of AS1163 has better stability under compression, torsion and combined force conditions.

2. Design flexibility and installation convenience
- Cross-sectional diversity: Supports circular, square, rectangular and custom irregular cross-sections (such as pentagons, sectors), adapting to complex structural requirements.

- Convenient connection: The parallel flange design facilitates bolt connection or welding, saving more than 25% of assembly time compared to traditional I-beams.

3. Durability and environmental adaptability
- Galvanizing protection: Optional hot-dip galvanized coating (28-85 μm), with significantly better weather resistance than ordinary carbon steel pipes (such as ASTM A53).
- Low-temperature toughness: Grades such as C350L0 have passed the -10℃ impact test and are suitable for infrastructure in cold regions.

4. Cost-effectiveness and sustainability
- Material conservation: Under the same load, it saves 15-40% of steel compared with solid profiles, reducing the overall cost.
- Low life cycle cost: Galvanizing treatment reduces maintenance requirements, and the total life cycle cost is lower than that of non-protected steel pipes.

5. International standard compatibility
AS1163 is mutually recognized with mainstream standards (such as ASTM A500, EN 10219), and can meet global project requirements through additional certifications (such as CE, ABS).

IV. Typical Application Scenarios

1.Heavy structures and infrastructure
- Building framework (high-rise buildings, industrial plants)
- Bridge truss and pier support system
- Offshore platform pile foundations (such as NACE sulfur-resistant corrosion pipes).

2. Energy and Transportation Engineering
- Transmission tower frames, high-speed railway track support structures
- Ship frames and port machinery.

3. Special customization requirements
- Special-shaped cross-sections are used in architectural aesthetic design (such as the roofs of venues)
- Thin-walled tubes are used for light machinery supports.

Summary: The core advantages of AS1163

AS1163 steel pipes, with their high structural efficiency, multi-section adaptability, excellent weather resistance and international compliance, have become the preferred choice for heavy-load and harsh environment projects. Compared with ordinary welded pipes (such as ASTM A53) or section steels (such as I-beams), it has significant advantages in lightweight, life cycle cost and connection efficiency, and is particularly suitable for infrastructure and energy projects that require high reliability.

AS/NZS 1163 HOLLOW SECTION

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