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Jindal Aluminium Rectangle Tubes: Wall Thickness, Weight Chart, Section Modulus & Architectural Sizing Guide

Jindal Aluminium Rectangle Tubes Guide

In architectural fenestration, commercial building envelopes, outdoor pergolas, and transport vehicle framing, extruded aluminium rectangular tubes—commonly designated in structural engineering as Rectangular Hollow Sections (RHS)—represent the premier choice for load-bearing framework design. Whether functioning as horizontal transoms distributing wind suction on glass curtain walls, expansive cantilever pergola beams, sleek balustrade bottom rails, or lightweight bus body frameworks, rectangular tubes provide maximum flexural rigidity along their primary axis while minimizing unnecessary dead load.

However, selecting the correct rectangular tube requires more than simply choosing an aesthetic outer profile. Architects, facade consultants, and structural fabricators must carefully evaluate the relationship between outer dimensions ($A \times B$), wall thickness ($T$), section modulus ($Z_{xx}$ and $Z_{yy}$), and theoretical weight ($kg/m$) per IS 1285 / IS 733 standards. Undersizing the wall thickness causes unacceptable beam deflection under monsoon gusts, while oversizing inflates raw material costs and stresses foundation brackets.

Curated by the structural engineering desk at Premier Aluminium Traders—authorized distributor and stockist of Jindal Aluminium Limited in New Delhi since 1978—this definitive technical guide analyzes rectangular tube geometry, section modulus thermodynamics, beam deflection calculations, verified Jindal catalog section weight tables, and wholesale procurement across North India.

1. Structural Mechanics: The Asymmetric Advantage ($Z_{xx} > Z_{yy}$)

Unlike circular pipes or square tubes that exhibit symmetrical moments of inertia in all directions, a rectangular hollow section is deliberately engineered with an asymmetric aspect ratio ($A > B$):

                       MAJOR AXIS (A)
         +-----------------------------------------+
         | +-------------------------------------+ |
         | |                                     | |
         | |   Major Bending Resistance (Zxx)    | |  MINOR AXIS (B)
         | |   Resists Wind & Gravity Sag        | |
         | |                                     | |
         | +-------------------------------------+ |
         +-----------------------------------------+
                     Wall Thickness (T)

The Section Modulus Principle

When a beam is loaded in bending (such as an outdoor pergola rafter spanning $4\text{ meters}$ supporting glass panels), the maximum flexural stress ($\sigma$) is inversely proportional to the Section Modulus ($Z$):

$$\sigma = \frac{M}{Z_{xx}} \le \sigma_{\text{allowable}}$$

Where:

  • $M$ = Maximum Bending Moment ($N\cdot mm$)
  • $Z_{xx}$ = Section Modulus about the major horizontal neutral axis ($mm^3$ or $cm^3$):

$$Z_{xx} = \frac{B \cdot A^3 - (B - 2T)(A - 2T)^3}{6A}$$

Why RHS Saves Up to 40% Material Over Square Sections

By concentrating structural metal in the outer flanges along the major axis ($A$), a rectangular tube oriented vertically ($A$ as depth) achieves nearly double the bending resistance of an equivalent-weight square tube. This enables architects to achieve sleek, ultra-deep facade fins and high-span roof canopies without bulky, heavy framing members.

2. Theoretical Weight Formula for Aluminium Rectangle Tubes

The weight per meter of an extruded aluminium rectangular hollow section is derived from the net cross-sectional metal area multiplied by aluminium's standard density ($\rho = 2.70\text{ }g/cm^3$ or $0.0027\text{ }kg/cm^3$):

$$\text{Weight per Meter } (kg/m) = 2 \times (A + B - 2T) \times T \times 0.00270 \approx 0.0054 \times (A + B - 2T) \times T$$

(Where $A$ is the outer width in $mm$, $B$ is the outer height in $mm$, and $T$ is the nominal wall thickness in $mm$).

3. Jindal Aluminium Rectangle Tube Catalog Sizing & Weight Chart

Below is the verified engineering weight schedule extracted directly from the official Jindal Aluminium General Shapes (Rectangular Tube) catalog:

Jindal Aluminium Rectangular Tube Official General Shape Catalog Sheet

Jindal Section No.Outer Dimension $A$ (mm)Outer Dimension $B$ (mm)Wall Thickness $T$ (mm)Theoretical Weight ($kg/m$)Primary Engineering & Architectural Use
14145$20.00\text{ mm}$$10.00\text{ mm}$$0.75\text{ mm}$$0.115\text{ }kg/m$Light signboards, interior trim, cabinet dividers
14168$20.00\text{ mm}$$13.00\text{ mm}$$2.00\text{ mm}$$0.313\text{ }kg/m$Machine instrument frames, luggage racks
B1008$20.00\text{ mm}$$15.00\text{ mm}$$1.80\text{ mm}$$0.305\text{ }kg/m$Architectural beadings, display showcase framing
B512$25.00\text{ mm}$$10.00\text{ mm}$$1.50\text{ mm}$$0.262\text{ }kg/m$Thin facade louvers, solar panel trim
B521$25.00\text{ mm}$$19.00\text{ mm}$$1.50\text{ mm}$$0.332\text{ }kg/m$Modular office partition dividers, shelving
14020$25.40\text{ mm}$ (1")$12.70\text{ mm}$ (1/2")$1.22\text{ mm}$$0.235\text{ }kg/m$Commercial display racks, window mullions
14051$25.40\text{ mm}$ (1")$19.05\text{ mm}$ (3/4")$1.08\text{ mm}$$0.247\text{ }kg/m$Light window frames, insect screen sub-frames
14001$25.40\text{ mm}$ (1")$19.05\text{ mm}$ (3/4")$1.63\text{ mm}$$0.363\text{ }kg/m$Medium-duty commercial partitions, brackets
B573$30.10\text{ mm}$$20.00\text{ mm}$$1.30\text{ mm}$$0.334\text{ }kg/m$Electrical busduct raceways, cable conduit
G103995$32.00\text{ mm}$$18.00\text{ mm}$$2.00\text{ mm}$$0.497\text{ }kg/m$Industrial conveyor guides, machine covers
14150$35.00\text{ mm}$$15.00\text{ mm}$$1.60\text{ mm}$$0.404\text{ }kg/m$Architectural linear baffles, false ceilings
14223$35.00\text{ mm}$$15.00\text{ mm}$$1.80\text{ mm}$$0.451\text{ }kg/m$Heavy architectural screen fins
14028$38.10\text{ mm}$ (1.5")$25.40\text{ mm}$ (1")$0.95\text{ mm}$$0.316\text{ }kg/m$Ultra-light decorative wall cladding battens
14015$38.10\text{ mm}$ (1.5")$25.40\text{ mm}$ (1")$1.10\text{ mm}$$0.364\text{ }kg/m$Standard office cubicle partition transoms
14067$38.10\text{ mm}$ (1.5")$25.40\text{ mm}$ (1")$1.44\text{ mm}$$0.471\text{ }kg/m$Architectural railing intermediate posts
14002$38.10\text{ mm}$ (1.5")$25.40\text{ mm}$ (1")$2.00\text{ mm}$$0.643\text{ }kg/m$Heavy commercial partition frames
14009$50.80\text{ mm}$ (2")$25.40\text{ mm}$ (1")$2.41\text{ mm}$$0.929\text{ }kg/m$Balcony glass railing base shoes, transoms
14118$50.80\text{ mm}$ (2")$25.40\text{ mm}$ (1")$3.00\text{ mm}$$1.137\text{ }kg/m$High-load structural balustrades, staircase posts
14004$50.80\text{ mm}$ (2")$38.10\text{ mm}$ (1.5")$3.05\text{ mm}$$1.363\text{ }kg/m$Solar racking base beams, machinery framing
14119$53.00\text{ mm}$$38.10\text{ mm}$$1.20\text{ mm}$$0.574\text{ }kg/m$Decorative facade fins, pergola infill slats
14089$53.00\text{ mm}$$38.10\text{ mm}$$1.80\text{ mm}$$0.850\text{ }kg/m$Medium-duty architectural facade fins
14179$54.60\text{ mm}$$24.30\text{ mm}$$1.30\text{ mm}$$0.536\text{ }kg/m$Exterior sunscreen aerofoil blades
B1031$60.00\text{ mm}$$30.00\text{ mm}$$2.00\text{ mm}$$0.929\text{ }kg/m$High-span curtain wall secondary transoms
14044$63.00\text{ mm}$$38.10\text{ mm}$$1.14\text{ mm}$$0.608\text{ }kg/m$Architectural cladding substructure
14070$63.00\text{ mm}$$38.10\text{ mm}$$1.47\text{ mm}$$0.781\text{ }kg/m$Commercial facade vertical battens
14005$63.00\text{ mm}$$38.10\text{ mm}$$2.95\text{ mm}$$1.516\text{ }kg/m$Heavy structural mullions, outdoor gate framing
14073$63.50\text{ mm}$ (2.5")$38.10\text{ mm}$$1.70\text{ mm}$$0.901\text{ }kg/m$Standard curtain wall transom sections
14013$63.50\text{ mm}$ (2.5")$38.10\text{ mm}$$2.00\text{ mm}$$1.054\text{ }kg/m$High-traffic entryway door stiles, frames
14031$65.00\text{ mm}$$25.00\text{ mm}$$1.25\text{ mm}$$0.590\text{ }kg/m$Vertical facade sun louvers, privacy screens
14106$70.00\text{ mm}$$20.00\text{ mm}$$2.00\text{ mm}$$0.929\text{ }kg/m$Continuous linear architectural grilles
B529$73.00\text{ mm}$$24.50\text{ mm}$$1.55\text{ mm}$$0.791\text{ }kg/m$Decorative exterior shading battens
14026$74.80\text{ mm}$$25.10\text{ mm}$$1.63\text{ mm}$$0.851\text{ }kg/m$Building envelope accent profiles
14153$75.00\text{ mm}$ (3")$12.00\text{ mm}$ (1/2")$1.80\text{ mm}$$0.811\text{ }kg/m$Ultra-slim horizontal facade fins
14034$75.00\text{ mm}$ (3")$25.00\text{ mm}$ (1")$1.15\text{ mm}$$0.607\text{ }kg/m$Lightweight architectural exterior battens
14155$75.00\text{ mm}$ (3")$25.00\text{ mm}$ (1")$1.50\text{ mm}$$0.786\text{ }kg/m$Commercial exterior vertical shading louvers
14017$75.00\text{ mm}$ (3")$25.00\text{ mm}$ (1")$2.00\text{ mm}$$1.036\text{ }kg/m$Heavy pergola rafters, glass balustrade rails
B1001$75.00\text{ mm}$ (3")$25.00\text{ mm}$ (1")$2.00\text{ mm}$$1.037\text{ }kg/m$High-traffic architectural framework
14032$75.00\text{ mm}$ (3")$25.00\text{ mm}$ (1")$2.80\text{ mm}$$1.427\text{ }kg/m$High-span cantilever pergola beams, transoms

Note: Premier Aluminium Traders also stocks jumbo structural rectangular box profiles up to $150 \times 50\text{ mm}$ and $200 \times 100\text{ mm}$ for heavy structural glazing facades and industrial warehouses.

4. Engineering Deflection Calculations for Pergola Beams

When installing rectangular tubes as horizontal roof rafters for luxury outdoor pergolas or car canopies, beam deflection under combined dead load (glass weight) and live load (monsoon winds per IS 875) must not exceed standard architectural deflection limits:

$$\text{Maximum Permissible Deflection: } \delta_{\text{max}} \le \frac{L}{250} \text{ (or } \frac{L}{360} \text{ for glass support)}$$

For a simply supported pergola beam under uniformly distributed load $w$ ($N/mm$):

$$\delta = \frac{5 \cdot w \cdot L^4}{384 \cdot E \cdot I_{xx}}$$

Where:

  • $L$ = Clear span length between posts ($mm$)
  • $E$ = Modulus of Elasticity of Aluminium ($70,000\text{ }MPa$)
  • $I_{xx}$ = Moment of Inertia along the major axis ($mm^4$)
Worked Design Example: Sizing a 3.0-Meter Pergola Rafter
-------------------------------------------------------
- Clear Span (L): 3000 mm
- Total Design Load (w): 0.45 N/mm (Glass + Frame + Wind Uplift)
- Allowable Deflection (L/360): 3000 / 360 = 8.33 mm max

Option 1: Using 50.8mm x 25.4mm x 1.22mm (Section 14020, Ixx ≈ 68,000 mm⁴)
Deflection δ = (5 * 0.45 * 3000⁴) / (384 * 70,000 * 68,000) ≈ 99.7 mm (FAILS! Severe Sagging)

Option 2: Using 75.0mm x 25.0mm x 2.80mm (Section 14032, Ixx ≈ 385,000 mm⁴)
Deflection δ = (5 * 0.45 * 3000⁴) / (384 * 70,000 * 385,000) ≈ 17.6 mm

Option 3: Using Heavy 100mm x 50mm x 3.00mm (Ixx ≈ 1,155,000 mm⁴)
Deflection δ = (5 * 0.45 * 3000⁴) / (384 * 70,000 * 1,155,000) ≈ 5.86 mm (PASSES WITH EXCELLENCE!)

This engineering comparison illustrates why specifying the proper depth ($A$) and wall thickness ($T$) is essential to prevent unsightly beam sagging and shattered glass panels.

5. Architectural Surface Finishes for Outdoor RHS Profiles

Because rectangular tubes are prominently exposed to outdoor UV radiation and rain, surface treatment determines long-term aesthetic appeal:

  1. Sublimation Wood Grain Coating: Transforms rectangular tubes into realistic Golden Teak, Dark Walnut, or Royal Oak pergola rafters. The wood-grain ink is thermally sublimated into a polyurethane base coat at $190^\circ C$, ensuring 100% resistance to peeling, termite rot, or water swelling.
  2. Qualicoat Approved Powder Coating (60 - 80 Microns): Available in standard architectural colors including RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey, RAL 9005 Jet Black, and Textured Metallic Bronze, backed by a 10 to 15-year weather-resistance guarantee.
  3. Architectural Anodizing (15 to 25 Microns): Clear natural silver, champagne gold, or deep bronze finish per IS 1868, creating a sapphire-hard surface layer impervious to atmospheric scratches.

6. Sourcing Jindal Rectangle Tubes at Premier Aluminium Traders

Premier Aluminium Traders maintains the largest wholesale stock of Jindal Aluminium rectangular hollow sections in Delhi NCR:

  • Exhaustive Die Library: Ready stock of over 45 distinct rectangular tube dies from $20 \times 10\text{ mm}$ up to $150 \times 50\text{ mm}$.
  • Certified Primary Alloy: Extruded strictly from genuine primary billets in Alloy 6063-T6 and 6082-T6, eliminating the brittleness and surface pinholes associated with recycled scrap extrusions.
  • Precision In-House Miter Cutting: Computerized high-speed double-miter saws providing burr-free $45^\circ$ and $90^\circ$ cuts for seamless corner joints.
  • Logistics Advantage: Central Delhi warehouse location enabling rapid same-day dispatches across Delhi NCR, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

Explore our full hollow profiles range:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between Section No. 14009 and 14118 for 50.8 x 25.4 mm tubes?

Both sections share the exact same outer dimensions ($50.80\text{ mm} \times 25.40\text{ mm}$ or $2" \times 1"$). However:

  • Section 14009 has a wall thickness of $2.41\text{ mm}$ and weighs $0.929\text{ }kg/m$ (standard architectural balustrade rail).
  • Section 14118 has a heavier wall thickness of $3.00\text{ mm}$ and weighs $1.137\text{ }kg/m$ (heavy-duty structural balustrade for high crowd-surge zones).

Can rectangular aluminium tubes be spliced together for longer pergola spans?

Yes. To splice two rectangular tubes seamlessly, insert an internal tight-fitting sleeve tube (or two internal structural angle brackets) across the joint, anchored with countersunk high-tensile stainless steel screws or internal epoxy bonding.

How do I calculate the weight of any custom size rectangular tube?

Use the universal formula: $$\text{Weight }(kg/m) = 0.0054 \times (A + B - 2T) \times T$$ Where $A$ is width, $B$ is height, and $T$ is wall thickness in millimeters.

Are Jindal rectangular tubes suitable for marine or coastal applications?

Yes. When extruded in Alloy 6063-T6 or 6082-T6 and protected with a $20 - 25\text{ }\mu m$ architectural anodized film or PVDF coating, Jindal rectangular tubes provide superior resistance to airborne marine salts, outlasting galvanized steel by decades.

Request Wholesale Quotations & Catalog Profiles

Designing an architectural facade, luxury pergola, or commercial framing system? Contact the structural sales team at Premier Aluminium Traders for immediate bundle rates, CAD profile cross-sections, and stock allocations.

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