HSS Insider – June 2025 – Beyond the Limits of Applicability

June 2025 | Issue #35

This HSS Insider highlights solutions for navigating HSS Connection design both within and beyond the scope of the Limits of Applicability, including approaches for rational analysis, a quick reference guide, and FE-based design solutions. You’ll also find details on our upcoming June webinar.

Beyond the HSS Limits of Applicability – Efficient Solutions for Rational Analysis

Apply effective strategies to design HSS connections that fall outside the limits of applicability per AISC Chapter K. This article, by Andrea Castelo of IDEA StatiCa, outlines how to apply rational analysis and leverage modern software to handle complex geometries while ensuring code compliance.

Reference Guide No. 4 Limit States / Limits of Applicability

Download our latest quick reference guide to help you navigate HSS connection limit states and limits of applicability. STI’s comprehensive guide compiles the most relevant technical articles, webinar recordings, design aids, and research papers related to HSS limit states – all with direct links to each resource for easy access.

Webinars

Mastering HSS Connections: A Jolt of Bolting – How to Use Them in HSS Connections

Join us June 18, for our second live webinar in the Mastering HSS Connection series as we dive into the world of bolting options for HSS. This webinar will cover everything from conventional bolts and through-bolts to access holes and proprietary one-sided bolts. We’ll explore HSS-specific limit states, recommended details and design examples to help you select the ideal bolting solution. Participants can earn 1.0 PDH upon completion.

This live webinar has already been presented. Click below to watch this and other HSS recorded webinars on demand.

Mastering HSS Connections – Our First Ever Connection Design Webinar Series!

For the first time, STI is offering a comprehensive, multi-session series dedicated to HSS connection design. From basic concepts to a variety of in-depth connection design topics, this series has you covered. Each session provides the insights you need to tackle a range of design challenges.

* Flexible Format – Access five on-demand webinars at your own pace, plus three live sessions. Choose the full series, live sessions only, or individual topics that fit your needs.

* Comprehensive Content – Each webinar stands alone, covering everything from fundamental HSS limit states to more advanced connection design. Watch in any order to match your learning goals.

* Earn Continuing Education Credits – Earn up to 8 PDH credits (1 PDH per webinar).

Exclusive Member Discounts – HSS Professional Members access all live webinars free and can access the full 8 session series, including the recorded sessions with PDH quizzes for $125 (30% off). Click here to become an HSS Professional Member. Non-members pay $365 for the full series, or $190 for the live sessions. *

*Note: Pricing is based on 3 live webinars and five Webinars On Demand

Related Resources

HSS Limits of Applicability

Further explore HSS connection design and limits of applicability as we explain why the limits exist, how they impact the different connection types, and how to apply them. This article includes practical examples and helpful reference tables to help streamline your design process.

FE-Based Design of HSS Connections

Gain an understanding of the benefits of finite analysis in engineering research and the practical design of HSS connections. This article by Dr. Packer covers key modeling techniques, material assumptions and validations. It also discusses how FE tools, paired with nonlinear analysis, can handle nonstandard connection types.

STI Limit State Tables Per AISC 360

STI’s free Limit State Tables have been updated to the AISC 360-22 Specification and 16th Edition Manual. These tables serve as a comprehensive guide to the HSS limit state checks required for a wide range of HSS connection conditions and loading scenarios, including shear, axial, moment and truss connections. This invaluable resource also serves as an excellent companion to STI’s Spreadsheet Design Tools. Click below to download the tables.

2025 HSS Summit

Registration is Open

The Steel Tube Institute’s 2025 HSS Summit brings together 150 fabricators, service centers, and engineers. Join us October 28–29 in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, just minutes from DFW. Participate in engaging educational sessions and collaborative roundtable discussions focused on Hollow Structural Sections (HSS).

• Continuing Education: Learn about material availability, connection detailing, design and fabrication, software, manufacturing equipment, and sustainability. Eligible for PDH credits.
• Roundtable & Panel Discussions: Exchange ideas with industry leaders and peers in a collaborative setting.
• Breakout Sessions: Join tailored discussions that align with your interests and role in the industry.
• Networking Opportunities: Build connections during the reception and dinner on October 28th.

Spots are limited, so we encourage you to register early to secure your place. HSS Professional Members receive a 20% discount.