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Architecturally Exposed Hollow Structural Sections

Cathleen Jacinto, PE, SE FORSE Consulting, Technical Consultants to the Steel Tube Institute Architecturally exposed structural steel (AESS) is steel used for its strength and load-resisting function in a structure and remains exposed to view. Since this steel can be highly visible, special requirements and treatment for this metalwork is needed to meet the intent Read more…

Stepped HSS T- and Cross-Connections under Branch In-Plane and Out-of-Plane Bending

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Hidden Bolted HSS Splices

by Jeffrey A. Packer Bahen/Tanenbaum Professor of Civil Engineering, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada Standard, bolted, splice connections between HSS members are commonly achieved using: (i) a flange plate welded to the end of the member, with the bolts located beyond and around the perimeter of the HSS; or (ii) a plate welded into a Read more…

Round HSS Availability

by Kimberley Olson, PE Structural Engineer, FORSE Consulting Technical Consultant, Steel Tube Institute It has been a busy fall! I’ve been fortunate to be able to speak with many of you in person. Thanks for stopping by our booths and/or presentations. We love to hear your feedback and any issues you may be having. There Read more…

Modeling HSS Trusses

By Jeffrey A. Packer Bahen/Tanenbaum Professor of Civil Engineering, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada In AISC 360-16 Specification Tables K3.1 and K3.2, HSS K-connection available strength limit state formulas pertain only to the case of branches subject to axial loading. The Commentary to Section K3 explains that this is a result of the recommended truss Read more…

Considerations for Use of HSS in Seismic Frame Systems

By Jason McCormick Associate Professor, Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA Hollow structural sections (HSS) have many favorable properties such as good compression, bending, and torsional resistance; a high strength-to-weight ratio; and smooth lines that work well for architecturally exposed steel. As a result, HSS have been employed in a Read more…

HSS Limit State: Plastification

By Mike Manor, PE, MLSE FORSE Consulting Technical Consultant to the Steel Tube Institute Intro: At first glance, some of the limit states required for the design of HSS connections can be a bit confusing if you are unfamiliar with HSS connection design. Some confusion stems from the terminology, which isn’t always defined specifically within Read more…

Multi-planar Welded Connections

By Jeffrey A. Packer Bahen/Tanenbaum Professor of Civil Engineering, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada AISC 360-16 Specification Section K1 starts by noting its scope: “For the purposes of this chapter, the centerlines of branch members shall lie in a common plane” (AISC, 2016). In practice, however, a great number of hollow section structures have not Read more…

AISC 360-16, Chapter K

By Kim Olson, PE Technical Consultant to the Steel Tube Institute As you are probably aware, there have been many changes to Chapter K of AISC 360-16. In 2010, the chapter was titled “Design of HSS and Box Member Connections,” and it contained the majority of the information necessary to design connections with HSS. In Read more…

HSS Bending of Hollow Structural Sections

By Jeffrey A. Packer Bahen/Tanenbaum Professor of Civil Engineering, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada 1. Introduction Curved steel hollow sections are widely used in the construction industry. The possible curvature of these members, however, is limited by the magnitude of distortion of the cross‐section during the bending process. This is particularly a concern for cold Read more…