HSS Insider – October 2025 – HSS Connection Design Software Capabilities

October 2025 | Issue #39

In this issue of HSS Insider, explore the latest tools and insights advancing HSS connection design. From a detailed comparison of leading HSS connection design software to quick design resources like HSS Connex and a free webinar on HSS applications in clean design, this edition offers practical guidance and expert perspectives to support your next project.

HSS Connection Design Software Capabilities in 2025

View a comprehensive guide to HSS connection design software, featuring clear comparison tables of software designing HSS shear, moment, truss, splice, bracing connections, and HSS beam connections. The article also provides in-depth reviews of each software package, complete with key takeaways and direct links to help you select the right tool for your projects.

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Master HSS Connex in Minutes – Watch Now!

Fast-track your learning with this short video guiding you through STI’s HSS Connex, our free web-based tool that offers designers a simple way to verify HSS wall thicknesses to aid in efficient HSS connection design. Check local limit state to ensure HSS wall thicknesses are adequate at connections. You can also download the HSS Connex User Notes, now available, for additional guidance and reference.

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Webinar

HSS Applications in Clean Design

Join us on November 12 for a 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. 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.

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Related Resources

HSS Connex

This software performs limit state checks on the HSS member to ensure adequate HSS section capacity at the connection. This assists with member design to help avoid costly reinforcement or upsizing when connections are designed later. User notes are available describing the effects of various inputs required to ensure the connection matches the intended design in conjunction with the 360-22 code.

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HSS Reference Guide No. 4: HSS Connection Limit States and 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.

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Connection Design: Using Software Tools and Human Imagination to Build Better

We spoke with Jason McCool, project engineer at Robbins Engineering Consultants. Read on for his helpful tips to overcome challenges in HSS connection design, for thoughtful use of connection software programs, and the importance of considering connections during the design of HSS structures.

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