This study compares the mechanical behaviour of square hollow sections (SHS) made of three different types of S355: cold-formed, hot-rolled and offshore steel. A material model and failure criterion for each steel type were calibrated based on quasi-static uniaxial tensile tests. The failure criterion applies a recently proposed through-thickness damage regularisation model with the purpose of accurately describing the load-bearing capacity using shell elements. Experimental three-point bending tests were conducted at both quasi-static and dynamic conditions. Notches were used to trigger failure in the tests. The cold-formed steel exhibited the highest yield stress of the three steel types, while the offshore steel displayed better ductility than the other two. The numerical simulations showed that a shell element model of the SHS incorporating the regularisation scheme was able to describe the material behaviour and predict failure.