HSS Insider – January 2026 – Top Topics of 2025

January 2026 | Issue #41

Check out the most viewed HSS resources in 2025! This collection features expert advice on HSS moment connections, alternatives to CJP welds, clean design solutions, and time-saving design tools to help deliver safe, efficient, cost-effective structures.

HSS Beam to HSS Column Connections

As the demand for HSS beams continues to grow across diverse industries, this article serves as a resource offering a broad library of detailing options for connecting HSS beams to HSS columns under varying loading conditions.  In addition, an illustrative example is provided, exploring the required limit state checks to consider.

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STI’s Tube Tool – Inside the Guide | Webinar On Demand

Watch this free recorded webinar on using the STI Tube Tool to simplify and streamline your Hollow Structural Sections (HSS) projects. We review the key topics, including size and shape availability, ASTM specifications and their applications, consolidated code requirements, sustainability advantages of tubes, and a complete HSS design example from specification through fabrication. This tri-fold provides you essential information to maximize your HSS efficiency. Order the accompanying quiz to earn 1.0 PDH upon completion.

Click here to order your copy of the Tube Tool.

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Wide-Flange Beam to HSS Column Moment Connections

Explore five common moment connection types, each offering unique benefits. From directly welded connections to through-plate and interior diaphragm plate configurations, this article takes you through design recommendations and practical considerations for achieving cost-effective and efficient moment connections.

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WF Beam to HSS Column Moment Connections | Webinar On Demand

View our recorded webinar focused on moment connections between wide flange beams and HSS columns. We take a deep dive into the common flange-plated moment connection, covering key limit states, performing effective weld length calculations, and comparing traditional and FEA design methods, complete with a full-depth example while also touching on directly welded, collared and end plate moment connections. Order the accompanying quiz to earn 1.0 PDH upon completion.

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Full-Capacity Welds: CJP vs. Fillet vs. Fillet-Reinforced PJP

It’s easy to default to CJP welds, but there are often simpler, more cost-effective full-strength alternatives.  Dr. Packer provides a comprehensive comparison of fillet, fillet-reinforced PJP, and CJP welds, providing practical insights and a design example to help you design full-strength welds while reducing complexity and cost.  

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HSS Applications in Clean Design | Webinar On Demand

Join us for this recorded webinar exploring the use of HSS framing in “clean” facilities such as life science, food and beverage. Learn how to tackle the unique design and detailing challenges of these spaces, from economical long-span solutions to cleanability, durability, material finishes, and practical connection detailing. This webinar on demand video is free with your HSS Professional Membership.

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STI: Your Resource for Designing with HSS | Live Webinar

Back by popular demand in 2026!
Join our free, live webinar on February 11 to explore tools designed to streamline your HSS design. We’ll demonstrate the HSS Effective Weld Length Calculator, Spreadsheet Connection Design Aids, and updated Limit State Tables, developed by HSS experts. You’ll also learn how to confidently select the right HSS column using the HSS and WF Column Selection Guide and verify tube wall thickness adequacy using STI’s free HSS Connex software.

Through practical examples we’ll show you how to apply these tools at every stage of your project – from sourcing tubes, to designing connections, and more. Participants can earn 1.0 PDH upon completion.

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HSS Capability Tool

Looking for a particular HSS size? Our HSS Capability Tool lets you search by HSS shape, dimensions and grade to help you find the availability for the HSS section you need for your project. Sizes include:

• Squares 1″ to 50″
• Rectangles 1.5″x1″ to 60″x40″
• Rounds 0.84″ to 28

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HSS Connex

STI’s HSS Connex is a free web-based tool that offers designers a simple way to check HSS wall thicknesses to aid in efficient HSS connection design. This tool helps to ensure HSS wall thicknesses are adequate at connections without needing to go through the full connection design.

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HSS Design Manuals

The HSS Design Manuals provide valuable design information, member design tables and a multitude of connection design examples. The digital PDF of Volume 1: Section Properties & Design Information is now available for free at the link below. Additional volumes 2 through 4 are available for purchase. Discounts are available with an HSS Professional Membership.

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HSS Professional Membership

Become an HSS Professional Member and you will receive free registration to STI’s live webinar series. Plus, you will receive discounts on manuals and access to HSS-specific connection design aids. 

The HSS Professional Membership is available for individuals or groups. Click the link to learn more and join.

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STI offers over 280 resources to help you design with HSS. Click here to see more resources.