AD135

SCI ADVISORY DESK
AD 135: Assessing the Capacity of Existing

Steelwork
In assessing the load capacity of an existing steel member which is still in good condition, it
is necessary to consider:
(1) The shape of the member
(2) The quality of the steel used
(3) The end connections.
The relevant section properties of standard steel sections can be obtained from old section
books etc., the majority of which are summarized in the BCSA publication Historical
Structural Steelwork Handbook. If the section shape is one which cannot be located in such
publications, an alternative is to calculate its properties. It is usually sufficiently accurate to
break the cross-section of an I-section down into three rectangles representing the web and
flanges, using the measures dimensions and thicknesses.
The quality of the steel is generally more difficult to determine accurately. Generally, the
more recent the building, the more consistent will be the quality, and thus the strength of the
steel. Normally the steel can be expected to be British mild steel to BS 15, or similar
specifications, with a yield strength as given in Table 1, which indicates how yield strength
increased over the years. It should be noted that the values for earlier years are less than
those used in todays design codes, which are principally intended for design of new
structures. If the section is not listed in old British section books, it may be of American or
Continental origin, and the strength must be judged accordingly. American sections generally
have inch sizes, whereas Continental sizes are metric. The so-called broad-flanged beams
were originally imported from the continent (though some were later produced in Britain), but
as these were for the British market the steel was generally to BS 15.
The values of yield strength from Table 1 can be used to modify current codes as a basis for
assessing existing members. When using BS 5950: Part 1, all that needs to be done is to
substitute the smaller value of the yield strength. In the case of tables of bending strength or
comprehensive strength, the values from the tables can be reduced safely pro-rata to the
current yield strength (generally 275 N/mm2), but this may be over-conservative. A more
economic value can be obtained by using the formulae given in Appendix B or Appendix C
respectively, instead of referring to the tabulated values.
If preferred, BS 449 can be used, taking care that it is an up-to-date copy incorporating
Amendment No 8. Suitable values for the various leading allowable stresses, according to the
yield strength from Table 1, are given in Table 2.
The end connections are often the weakest link in the chain, particularly if bolted or
riveted. The Historical Structural Steelwork Handbook gives the changes in the design values
over the years. Frequently, a quick check on the capacity of bolted or riveted end
connections will give the quickest indication of whether or not a component has adequate
capacity. More detailed advice on the assessment of existing connections will form the
subject of a future Advisory Desk item.
In deciding whether to assess capacities according to modern codes, as advocated here, or
whether to work to the codes of the time, as some have proposed, engineers have to use
SCI ADVISORY DESK

their own judgement; they might well also need to consider the views of those whose
approval they will need to obtain. The same is also true when it comes to determining
whether the assessed capacity is indeed adequate for the purpose it is now required to
perform. An on-site inspection of the structure to investigate its age, background,
maintenance etc. will give a much better indication of what design strength or allowable
stress range is appropriate.
In evaluating an existing member for re-use or continued use with new loads, it is worth
considering the effects of dead and imposed loads separately. Typically, in a multi-storey
building the dead load accounts for 40% of the total stress, and imposed load the remainder.
Whilst the dead load is always present, the imposed load will vary through the life and used
of the structure. For most of the time the imposed load is generally significantly less,
depending on the nature of the loading. A storage load may be at the nominal value for a
significant time, but office loads generally reach a peak only locally, or only for a short time,
except in filing areas or where safes are installed. In some cases the ceiling height, or the
density of the actual material to be stored, puts a limit on the imposed load. In an existing
building it may be possible to assess the actual dead load more accurately than when
designing for new construction, so the need for a safety factor to allow for uncertainty is
less.
2
Table 1. Approximate yield strengths in N/mm for hot rolled open section
Thickness of flange
up to 16 mm
16 to 19 mm
20 to 40 mm
1910 to 1947
235 *
235 *
225 *
1948 to 1958
235
235
225
1959 to 1968
250
245
230
1969 to 1985
255
245
245
1986 on
275
265
265
235
225
225
220
210
210
Up to 1968
230
230
230
From 1969
250
250
250
Date
British sections
Continental sections
ECSC countries
from about 1962
**
Otherwise
American sections
* Before 1948 the yield strength was not specified in BS 15.

* * This date is thought to represent the general adoption of
Euronorm 25 in the original 7 EEC countries, but some countries
produced these strengths earlier.
SCI ADVISORY DESK

Table 2. Approximate allowable stresses for various values of yield strength.
2
Yield
2
Strength(N/mm )
Approximate allowable stress in N/mm for design to BS 449

Tension
Compression
Bending
Shear
Bearing
275
170
170
180
110
210
255
155
155
165
100
190
235
140
140
155
100
185
220
130
130
140
90
165
Where such considerations appear to be relevant, but are not explicitly taken into account in
the design, it might be judged appropriate to accept a small nominal overload of up to (say)
10% in the case of a sound well maintained structure, whereas if the structure was in a poor
condition it might be judged appropriate to seek an additional margin of safety.
Where the margin available is not judged acceptable, an assessment of the actual loading
requirements may be worthwhile, as may a more detailed examination of the structure to
determine whether it has any hidden reserves of capacity. (The beams might be acting
compositely with the slab, or high strength steel might have been used, or the connections
may be capable of reducing the maximum moments at mid-span). It may also be relevant to
consider whether or not there is likely to be a realistic prospect of controlling the actual
loading to a safe level, and whereas a site inspection will not necessarily reveal this, it is
rarely possible to be confident about this without one.
Finally, if the building was constructed between about 1900 and 1910, it is necessary to
check whether a member is in fact structural steel and not wrought iron or cast iron. Before
1900 it will certainly be either cast or wrought iron.
Note: See also AD149

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What factors should be considered when assessing the load capacity of existing steel members?

What information can be obtained from historical structural steelwork publications?

SCI ADVISORY DESK

AD 135: Assessing the Capacity of Existing

SCI ADVISORY DESK

* Before 1948 the yield strength was not specified in BS 15.

SCI ADVISORY DESK

Approximate allowable stress in N/mm for design to BS 449

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