Question: I’m working on a project where we have both HSS beams and HSS columns for an exterior frame. We’re planning on providing weep/drain holes in the bottoms of the HSS beams and at the bottom of the HSS columns to allow for drainage from condensation/rain water since this is an exterior frame completely exposed to the elements, but I’ve been unable to find any literature documenting what size and spacing such weep holes would typically be provided. Any guidance that you could provide on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Answer: Recommended practice (given by Stelco brochures dating to the 1980s) for water drain holes in HSS columns is shown below, and I imagine similar sized holes would be appropriate in beams. Try to keep the column drain hole as close to the HSS bottom as possible/practical.