HSS Insider – September 2026 – Transverse Elements to HSS

September 2026 | Issue #47

This issue of HSS Insider is all about design tools, with resources to check HSS availability, calculate axial compression capacity, and compare W-shape Columns with HSS — built on domestic production data across more than 20 HSS manufacturing facilities. You’ll also find details on the October 7 webinar about steel castings in HSS structures and the 2026 HSS Summit, featuring mill tours on November 10, followed by 1.5 days of education and industry discussion on November 11–12.

Check HSS Availability

Quickly find domestically produced HSS sizes, across more than 20 facilities, with the HSS Availability Tool. Select ASTM A500, A1085 or A1065 and choose your shape – square, rectangular or round HSS – to view regularly produced and on-demand sizes in an interactive heatmap, then click any cell for producer details.

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HSS Axial Compression Capacity

Enter an axial compression demand and effective length, L_c, to find HSS sizes that meet the required strength, and are produced domestically. Choose the LRFD or ASD design method and review results sorted by weight, with step-by-step calculations based on AISC 360-22. The tool includes domestically produced HSS in ASTM A500, A1085 and A1065.

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Compare W-Shape and HSS Columns

See how HSS options compare to a selected wide-flange column. Enter a W-shape and effective length to identify domestically produced HSS sizes with equal or greater available axial compressive strength, along with comparisons of weight, dimensions and surface area. Choose from ASTM A500, A1065 and A1085 material specifications using either LRFD or ASD design methods.

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Webinar

Leveraging Steel Castings in HSS Structures: Innovating for Design and Constructability

Join us October 7 to explore how precision-engineered steel castings can simplify complex HSS connections, improve fabrication and constructability, and support architectural and structural design goals. Through real-world case studies, the webinar will highlight applications for steel castings in demanding connections and critical structures. 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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Mastering HSS Connections 2026 Series

STI’s Mastering HSS Connections webinar series returns in 2026 with a comprehensive program focused on HSS connection design. Combining live and on-demand sessions, the series covers topics from fundamental principles to advanced design, helping you confidently tackle real-world connection challenges. Earn up to 12 PDH credits — 1 PDH available per webinar.

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2026 HSS Summit

Join fabricators, service centers, and engineers November 10–12 in Huntsville, Alabama, for the Steel Tube Institute’s 2026 HSS Summit. This exclusive 2.5-day event features tours of the Nucor Steel Decatur hot roll mill and Nucor Tubular Products facility on November 10 and 1.5 days of expert-led education and industry discussions, on November 11-12, and, includ a reception at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.

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Related Resources

Steel Tube Specifications: Side-by-Side Reference Table

Easily access technical specifications for tubular members – both HSS and non-HSS material in this newly released table. This resource provides essential details, including dimensional properties, yield strengths, tolerances, and more. Designed to simplify the material selection process, it empowers fabricators and designers to choose the appropriate HSS material for structural projects confidently.

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Understanding HSS Material Specifications: Which ASTM Should I Specify for HSS?

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has more than 100 Specifications that apply to pipe and tubular products. This article and handy table will clarify the intent of many ASTM specifications, including A500, A513, A1065 and A1085 and how they do or do not apply to HSS.

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Column Design Aid

Evaluate both concrete-filled composite HSS columns per AISC 360-22 Chapter I and non-composite HSS columns per Chapter E. This spreadsheet design aid calculates axial, shear and bending capacities, with a summary of inputs, capacities and interaction results plus a detailed tab showing each calculation. This spreadsheet is available with the HSS Professional Membership.

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