ASTM A1085 Hollow Structural Section (HSS) Steel Testing
ASTM A1085/A1085M-15 provides specifications for cold-formed welded carbon steel hollow structural sections (HSS) for welded or bolted construction. These structures are used in buildings, bridges, towers, cranes, sign supports and poles, falling object protective structures (FOPS), amusement rides, etc. The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard.

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- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
- Results and Deliverables
Overview
The ASTM A1085/A1085M-15 standard outlines the requirements for cold-formed welded carbon steel hollow structural sections (HSS) used in construction work. HSS sections are available in square, rectangular, and circular shapes and are designed to provide strength, weldability, and consistent mechanical properties.
The ASTM A1085/A1085M-15 standard has improved tolerances, structural reliability, and performance in applications requiring strength and durability. A1085 HSS sections are used in various construction applications, including buildings, bridges, and towers, among others.

Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Scope
ASTM A1085/A1085M-15 is a standard that defines the specifications for the structural use of cold-formed welded carbon steel hollow structural sections (HSS). Hollow structural sections are commonly employed in structural engineering, infrastructure, and construction works owing to their high strength, structural regularity, and efficient ability to withstand structural loads. The spec defines the specifications for manufacturing, chemical, mechanical, and test properties to ensure the performance of structural steel elements.
ASTM A1085/A1085M-15 applies to:
– Cold-formed welded carbon steel hollow structural sections
– Square HSS
– Rectangular HSS
– Round HSS
Applications
- Structural building frameworks
- Bridges and infrastructure structures
- Architectural structural members
- Industrial structures and platforms
- Transmission towers and poles
- Structural columns and beams
- Offshore structures
- Construction equipment frames
Benefits
- Improved strength and load-bearing capacity
- Consistent mechanical properties
- Enhanced weldability and fabrication performance
- Tighter dimensional tolerances
- Improved structural reliability
- Reduced structural weight due to higher-strength steel
- Suitable for seismic and demanding structural applications
Test Process
Raw Material & Cold Forming
Carbon steel strip or plate is selected and cold-formed into hollow structural shapes.
1Welding & Heat Treatment
Edges are welded to form HSS and may undergo heat treatment if required.
2Dimensional Inspection
Dimensions, wall thickness, and straightness are verified for compliance.
3Mechanical & NDT Testing
Mechanical properties are tested and welds are inspected for defects.
4Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Material Type | Cold-formed welded carbon steel HSS |
| Shapes Covered | Square, rectangular, and round sections |
| Manufacturing Method | Cold forming with electric resistance welding |
| Minimum Yield Strength | 50 ksi (345 MPa) |
| Minimum Tensile Strength | 65 ksi (448 MPa) |
| Applicable Products | Structural hollow sections for construction |
| Testing Requirements | Mechanical testing, dimensional inspection, and weld quality evaluation |
| Output Units | Mechanical properties (MPa or ksi), dimensional tolerances (mm or inches) |
Instrumentation Used for Testing
- Universal testing machine (UTM)
- Dimensional measuring instruments (callipers, micrometres)
- Ultrasonic testing equipment
- Visual inspection tools
- Hardness testing equipment
- Chemical composition analysis instruments
- Data acquisition and reporting software
Results and Deliverables
- Mechanical property verification (yield strength, tensile strength, elongation)
- Chemical composition report
- Dimensional inspection results
- Weld quality inspection report
- Structural verification reports
Why Choose Infinita Lab for ASTM A1085/A1085M-15?
At the core of this breadth is our network of 2,000+ accredited labs in the USA, offering access to over 10,000 test types. From advanced metrology (SEM, TEM, RBS, XPS) to mechanical, dielectric, environmental, and standardised ASTM/ISO testing, we give clients unmatched flexibility, specialisation, and scale. You’re not limited by geography, facility, or methodology—Infinita connects you to the right testing, every time.
Looking for a trusted partner to achieve your research goals? Schedule a meeting with us, send us a request, or call us at (888) 878-3090 to learn more about our services and how we can support you. Request a Quote
Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM A1085 specifies a minimum yield strength of 50 ksi (345 MPa) and a minimum tensile strength of 65 ksi (448 MPa) for structural steel hollow sections.
They are produced by cold-forming carbon steel plates or strips into hollow shapes and welding the edges using electric resistance welding (ERW) to form continuous tubular sections.
HSS sections provide high strength-to-weight ratio, uniform load distribution, excellent torsional resistance, and aesthetic structural designs, making them ideal for modern construction.
The sections are produced using cold-forming processes followed by electric resistance welding (ERW) to create continuous hollow shapes with uniform wall thickness.
ASTM A1085 HSS is commonly used in high-rise buildings, bridges, stadium structures, industrial plants, structural frames, and architectural steel structures.

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