MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION

IN THIS ISSUE
Proprietary Steel
Connections
The Buy American Act
and Structural Steel
How to Conceptualize a
Steel Solution
Design-Build
Takes Flight
MSC
October 2011
Congratulations to these winners
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Honorable Mention Steel Winner BIM Winner
Detailing Group
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DPR Construction and IPD Team
Sutter Alta Bates
Patient Care Pavilion
InteliBuild (Canam Group)
New Marlins Ballpark
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2011 North America BIM Awards
2011 Award Winners
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4 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION OCTOBER 2011
MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION (Volume 51, Number 10. ISSN (print) 0026-8445: ISSN (online) 1945-0737. Published monthly by the American Institute of Steel
Construction (AISC), One E. Wacker Dr., Suite 700, Chicago, IL 60601. Subscriptions: Within the U.S.single issues $6.00; 1 year, $44; 3 years $120. Outside the
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to MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION, One East Wacker Dr., Suite 700, Chicago, IL 60601.
AISC does not approve, disapprove, or guarantee the validity or accuracy of any data, claim, or opinion appearing under a byline or obtained or quoted from
an acknowledged source. Opinions are those of the writers and AISC is not responsible for any statement made or opinions expressed in MODERN STEEL
CONSTRUCTION. All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced without written permission, except for noncommercial educational purposes where fewer than
25 photocopies are being reproduced. The AISC and MSC logos are registered trademarks of AISC.
October 2011
ON THE COVER: Boeing South Carolinas new final assembly facility, where the company will produce its 787 aircraft, required more than
20,000 tons of steel and a quarter million bolts. Photo: CMC South Carolina.
24

Steel Connections: Proprietary
or Public Domain?
BY PAUL P. CORDOVA, PH.D., P.E., AND
RONALD O. HAMBURGER, S.E.
An overview of six proprietary connection
systems EORs can use to supplement their
expertise and potentially reduce project
costs.
32
Design-Build Takes Flight
BY BRIAN NORTON, S.E., P.E., AND
DAVID DOUGLASS

Innovation and coordination were key
components in the quick design and
construction of the Boeing South Carolina
787 final assembly building.
36
20 Tips from the Top Project
Managers
BY MARK V. HOLLAND, P.E., BARRY BITNER,
BEN MERKLING, AND BOB TERPAK
Key ingredients of successful projects from
four people on the front line.
40
Selection Factors for Cable
Damping Systems
BY KEVIN M. CROUCH AND DANIEL A. DOCK, P.E.
A comparison of friction and high-damping
rubber dampers for cable-stayed bridge
applications.
columns features
quality corner
56
Business Velocity: Part Three
BY LARRY MARTOF
Four examples of how identifying and
implementing process improvements led to
significant cost savings.
business
58
The Buy American Act and the
Structural Steel Industry
BY ANGELA R. STEPHENS, LEED AP
Even with a keen understanding of
the regulations, predicting the courts
interpretation of the provisions of the Act
can be quite tricky.
people to know

66
Creating Art in Unlikely Places
BY MARIA MNOOKIN
A distinguished educator and structural
engineer, Duane Ellifritt is also one of the
worlds few fore-edge painters.
departments
6 EDITORS NOTE
9 STEEL INTERCHANGE
12 STEEL QUIZ
16 NEWS & EVENTS
resources
64 MARKETPLACE
65 EMPLOYMENT
65 ADVERTISER LISTING
in every issue
32
44
A Look at What Goes Into
Curving Steel
BY DAVID HORNSBY
With experienced operators, the challenge
of curving steel just right is what keeps the
job interesting.
46
How to Conceptualize Your Next
Project in Steel
BY CARLO LINI, P.E.
Tips from the AISC Steel Solutions Center
on how to create your own Conceptual
Solution.
50
How Much Do You Love Your
Detailing Software?
Users write about their favorite features and
a few things theyre still waiting to see.
54
The Rumblings of Volatility

BY JOHN CROSS, P.E., LEED AP
Even as the economy remains unsettled,
it appears construction pricing is beginning
the return to more normal levels.
24 40
6 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION OCTOBER 2011
Editorial Offices
1 E. Wacker Dr., Suite 700
Chicago, IL 60601
312.670.2400 tel
312.896.9022 fax
Editorial Contacts
EDITOR & PUBLISHER
Scott L. Melnick
312.670.8314
[email protected]
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312.670.8316
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CHAIRMAN
David Harwell
VICE CHAIRMAN
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Stephen E. Porter
SECRETARY & GENERAL
COUNSEL
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VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
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VICE PRESIDENT
Jacques Cattan
VICE PRESIDENT
John P. Cross, P.E.
VICE PRESIDENT
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editors note
IF YOURE OF THE SAME GENERATION AS ME, YOU UNDOUBTEDLY HAVE MEMORIES
OF PLAYING WITH MERCURY AS A CHILD. It might have come from a classmate or from a
broken thermometer, but pushing around this glob of liquid metal was always fascinating.
Fortunately, my children will never have that
experience. As we all know now, mercury is an ex-
tremely toxic element. Mercury can damage chil-
drens developing brains, and particle pollution is
linked to a wide variety of serious health effects,
including aggravated asthma, irregular heartbeat,
heart attacks, and premature death in people with
heart and lung disease.
After years of diddling, the EPA fnally en-
acted standards that would reduce mercury emis-
sions by 92%.
Unfortunately, that solution is way too sim-
plistic. The biggest contributor of mercury emis-
sions is the cement industry, who rightly argues
that forcing them to spend $3.4 billion over three
years to clean up their act would negatively im-
pact U.S. employment while not actually help-
ing to clean up the environment. The problem
is the regulations will have the effect of shifting
cement production to other countries that have
even worse environmental standards. And mer-
cury emissions dont respect national boundaries.
(As Ive previously reported, recent studies reveal
that on some days as much as one-quarter of the
particulate matter in the air above Los Angeles
originates in China.)
So whats the solution? I believe that we need
to start taking responsibility for the products we
purchase. However, the solution cant rest on the
actions of individuals as that would unfairly pe-
nalize those who try to do the right thing. Instead,
we need a national policy that imposes tariffs on
imported products that do not meet our environ-
mental and labor regulations. (And not just ce-
ment; the policy should be broad-based toys,
agricultural products, etc.). I believe this is the
fairest approach. Products, whether they are pro-
duced in Paris (Illinois) or Paris (France) need to
meet the same standards. Were one globe and if
were paying for health issues created by manu-
facturers outside the U.S. we should collect fees
from those manufacturers to assume some of the
costs.
Im a strong believer in the free market; but
I also believe it is the responsibility of govern-
ment to protect its citizens. And its just not fair
to impose restrictions on our industries only to
have manufacturers in other countries beneft by
worsening the problem.
Unfortunately, our shortsighted government
refuses to look at the broader issue. Rather than
taking a world-view, they limit their focus to the
domestic market. Rather than expand our en-
vironmental concerns through the use of trade
policy, the House of Representatives cut the EPA
funding needed to administer and enforce the
new regulations and now appears ready to com-
pletely eviscerate the rules.
One of the greatest burdens on business today
is rising healthcare costs. Every dollar spent on
reducing mercury emissions will reduce health-
care costs by $7-$19. Fighting this health issue
worldwide should be a top priority of our elected
offcials.
Wasnt life a lot simpler when we were al-
lowed to play with mercury?
SCOTT MELNICK
EDITOR
Copyright 2011 Design Data. All rights reserved.
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OCTOBER 2011 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION 9
steel interchange
IF YOUVE EVER ASKED YOURSELF WHY? about something related to structural steel design or construction, Modern
Steel Constructions monthly Steel Interchange column is for you! Send your questions or comments to [email protected].
Eccentrically Loaded Bolts
I am analyzing an eccentric bolt group and cannot use the
eccentrically loaded bolt group tables in the AISC Manual
due to a non-standard spacing. How can I calculate the
coefficient C?
The Instantaneous Center of Rotation Method used to determine
this value is described in Part 7 of the AISC Manual. It is an
iterative process. Some engineers have written a program to
do this, but you also can use a spreadsheet. Some structural
engineering textbooks also present the calculations, which are
readily adaptable to a spreadsheet.
Once you have built the spreadsheet or program, you can
proceed in one of two ways. First, you can simply guess at a
location of the instantaneous center until you satisfy equilibrium.
This is not as bad as it may sound, if you are only doing this
occasionally. Or second, you could use the spreadsheet goal seek
function to find the location of the instantaneous center. For a
symmetrical bolt group with a vertical load, the instantaneous
center of rotation will be located along the line perpendicular to
the load passing through the bolt group centroid. Knowing this
makes the job easier.
There are a number of programs available online (many
free) to do this work for you. Some will supply the location of
instantaneous center of rotation. Once the center of rotation is
known, the results can be easily verified.
If you would rather write a program, there is also an AISC
Engineering Journal article by Brandt that presents a program in
FORTRAN that can be used to find the coefficient C of the bolt
group. This was published in the 2nd Quarter 1982 issue and is
available as a free download for AISC members at www.aisc.org/ej.
Larry S. Muir, P.E.
Use of Lock Washers
A customer has asked that lock washers be provided at
all pretensioned and slip-critical bolted connections. I
cannot find lock washers mentioned in the AISC or RCSC
specifications. Are lock washers permitted to be used in
pretensioned or slip-critical connections?
I am assuming that your customers request for the use of lock
washers is the result of a concern for nuts backing off in service.
Properly installed bolts will not experience this problem, and lock
washers do not serve any purpose in a structural joint, especially if
it is pretensioned.
Some further useful information is available in the last
paragraph of the Commentary to ANSI/AISC 360 Section J3.1
for when an application such as a vibratory load might require
more consideration. It states, it is advisable to deform the bolt
threads or use a locking nut or jam nut to ensure that the nut does
not back off further under service conditions. Thread deformation
is commonly accomplished with a cold chisel and hammer applied
at one location.
Keith Landwehr
Established Finish Line
In the AISC Code of Standard Practice, Section 7.13.1.3(b) on
adjustable items refers to the established finish line. What
is the definition of an established finish line?
This term is not explicitly defined in the AISC Code of Standard
Practice. The term describes a reference line parallel to (and
perhaps coincident with) the building finish supported by the
adjustable items.
Heath Mitchell, S.E., P.E.
Material Availability
Im looking for a supplier of several structural shapes. How
do I find information on availability and where to purchase
structural steel?
Material availability is listed on the AISC website at www.aisc.
org/availability. If you use the drop-down menus to see available
sizes for the shapes you are seeking, this will list the names of
producers. On this same page is a link to the contact information
for producers.
Also, you can contact a steel service center (www.aisc.org/
servicecenter), which has an inventory of material that it
purchased from a steel mill. Today, most structural steelaround
70%is supplied to fabricators by steel service centers. Many
keep a full range of steel products in multiple lengths and also
provide value-added services to fabricators, such as cutting beams
to length, tee splitting, cambering, and plate burning. Steel service
centers also assist with meeting staged delivery requirements by
delivering shapes according to the project sequence.
Erin Criste, LEED GA
Fixed Connection to HSS Columns
Which AISC publications address the design of wide-
flange beams moment connected to HSS columns? Will the
connection design have an impact on the axial capacity of
the column?
Connections to HSS columns are addressed in Chapter K of the
AISC Specification. In addition, Chapter 4 of AISC Steel Design Guide
No. 24, Hollow Structural Section Connections, provides a discussion of
these moment connections and includes design examples.
The connection to the HSS column can lead to a reduction
in HSS column strength, but our approach to this eliminates any
impact. This is addressed in Chapter K of the AISC Specification
through the use of the Q
f
factor, which appears in the calculation
of a number of the limit states applied to HSS connections. The
Q
f
factor limits the available strength of the connection to a level
that will not decrease the axial capacity of the column.
Larry S. Muir, P.E.
10 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION OCTOBER 2011
steel interchange
NDT per AISC 360 Chapter N
The 2010 AISC Specification requires UT inspection for
some CJP groove welds with a transversely applied tension
load (Section N5.5b). This would seem to apply to most
bolted end-plate moment connections. In light of the very
good results seen historically with this type of connection
and the recent push to tout the advantages of visual weld
inspection and the weak points of relying on NDT as the
sole arbiter of weld quality, how are we justifying this
seeming discrepancy?
The amount of NDT to be required during construction
historically has been left to the discretion of the EOR.
During the development of Chapter N, the Task Committee
was asked to provide a baseline for engineers with regard to
NDT requirements. Chapter N, Section 5, is the result of the
committees deliberations. Please note the following:
1. The 100% requirement in Section N5.5b is limited to
transversely applied tension loading for structures in Risk
Category III or IV.
2. The requirement only applies to materials that are
5
16-in.
thick or greater.
3. Section N5.5e permits reduction in UT frequency based on
satisfactory welder performance.
4. The User Note in Section N1 Scope highlights that
modifications to the QA/QC Plan are allowed, when approved.
Keith Landwehr
OMF Connection Design
AISC Seismic Design Manual Example 4.4 calculates the
required shear strength, V
u
, of an OMF connection equal
to 3(1.1R
y
M
p
)/(2L). However, AISC 341-05 Equation 11-1
specifies V
u
equal to 2(1.1R
y
M
p
)/L
h
. Which is correct?
Section 11.2a of the Seismic Provisions assumes that the plastic
hinges form in the beam. From an equilibrium diagram with
1.1R
y
M
p
at each end of the beam and shear in opposite directions
at each end of the beam, a summation of moments about one end
of the beam yields:
2 [1.1R
y
M
p
(beam)] V
u
L
h
= 0
Solving for V
u
,
V
u
= 2 [1.1R
y
M
p
(beam)]/L
h
Example 4.4 is based on a different assumption. As noted at the
top of page 4-17, it is showing the case where the plastic hinges
occur in the column tops of a two-bay frame (see Figure 4-2).
The equation in Section 11.2a must be adapted to this case, and
moment equilibrium about the top of the center column yields:
3 [1.1R
y
M
p(col)
] 2V
u
L = 0
Solving for V
u
,
V
u
= 3 [1.1R
y
M
p(col)
]/(2L)
Heath Mitchell, S.E., P.E.
Monorail Runway Design
I am designing a monorail crane runway with loads on the
bottom flange of the runway beam. What resources are
available to aid me in this design?
The AISC Specification is used, and applies in general, but there
is nothing specific about monorail crane runways in it. Crane
loads are specified in the building code and other standards that
specifically address the design of cranes (i.e., ASCE 7, CMAA,
AIST Technical Report No.13). ASCE 7-10 Section 4.9 Crane
Loads specifically addresses impact loads. Also, information on
the design of industrial cranes and crane runways (including the
preceding information) is contained in AISC Steel Design Guide
No. 7, Industrial BuildingsRoofs to Anchor Rods, 2nd Edition.
The following are some additional resources that may be
useful for monorail design:
1. American National Standards Institute, 1996, Specifications
for Patented Underhung Cranes and Monorail Systems, MH27.1,
ANSI, New York, NY. MH 27.1-2003.
2.Tanner, N.S., 1985, Allowable Bending Stress for
Overhanging Monorails, Engineering Journal, Vol. 22, No. 3,
pp. 133138, AISC, Chicago, IL.
3. Galambos, T.V., 1998, Guide to Stability Design Criteria for Metal
Structures, 5th Edition, John Wiley & Sons, New York, NY.
4. ASME B30.11, Monorails and Underhung Cranes, 1993
Edition including through addenda c.
5. AISC Steel Design Guide No. 9, Torsional Analysis of Structural
Steel Members.
Erin Criste, LEED GA
Steel Interchange is a forum to exchange useful and practical professional ideas and
information on all phases of steel building and bridge construction. Opinions and
suggestions are welcome on any subject covered in this magazine.
The opinions expressed in Steel Interchange do not necessarily represent an official
position of the American Institute of Steel Construction and have not been reviewed. It is
recognized that the design of structures is within the scope and expertise of a competent
licensed structural engineer, architect or other licensed professional for the application of
principles to a particular structure.
If you have a question or problem that your fellow readers might help you solve, please
forward it to us. At the same time, feel free to respond to any of the questions that you
have read here. Contact Steel Interchange via AISCs Steel Solutions Center:
One East Wacker Dr., Suite 700
Chicago, IL 60601
rel: 8.ASK.ASC lox: 312.803.470
[email protected]
The complete collection of Steel Interchange questions and answers is available online.
Find questions and answers related to just about any topic by using our full-text search
capability. Visit Steel Interchange online at www.modernsteel.com.
Heath Mitchell is director of technical assistance and Erin Criste is staff engineer, technical
assistant at AISC. Keith Landwehr and Larry Muir are consultants to AISC.
We Protect More Than Steel.
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steel quiz
LOOKING FOR A CHALLENGE? Modern Steel Constructions monthly Steel Quiz tests your knowledge of steel design and
construction. This months questions cover a wide variety of subjects related to fabricated structural steel.
1 What is Edmund Davy credited with discovering in 1836?
a) Oxyacetylene
b) Acetylene
c) Cyanogen
d) None of the above
2 True/False: The word castellated originates from a Latin
architectural term used in the Middle Ages.
3 True/False: Chamfer and bevel are terms that describe a
surface that does not form a right angle with adjacent surfaces.
4 What steel material was developed through research to
benefit the small arms manufacturing industry?
a) Weathering steel
b) Stainless steel
c) Silicon steel
d) None of the above
5 What is one application of a thermochromic system?
a) Temperature indicating devices
b) Insulation
c) Thermal breaks
d) None of the above
6 True/False: Henry Bessemer was known for inventing
the Bessemer process to make steel, but a competitor
was the patent holder for rolling devices that created
the shape forms that steel took.
7 What company produces bolt tension calibrators?
a) AISC
b) RCSC
c) The Lincoln Electric Company
d) Skidmore-Wilhelm
8 True/False: The first known use of steel occurred more
than 4,000 years ago.
9 What is the first name of the engineer known as
Whitmore, who wrote Experimental Investigation of
Stresses in Gusset Plates, which was published by the
University of Tennessee in 1952?
a) Ronald b) Robert c) Raymond d) Richard
10 True/False: A rivet buster is one effective method of
removing rivets.
TURN TO PAGE 14 FOR ANSWERS
12 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION OCTOBER 2011

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steel quiz ANSWERS
Anyone is welcome to submit questions and
answers for Steel Quiz. If you are interested in
submitting one question or an entire quiz, contact
AISCs Steel Solutions Center at 866.ASK.AISC or
at [email protected].
1 (b) Edmund Davy discovered this gas
by accident in 1836 and originally
proposed its use for lighting. Only
in 1860 when it was rediscovered by
Marcellin Berthelot did it receive the
moniker acetylene. Today this fuel
is used in both fabrication processes
and welding.
2 True. The term castellated was used in
medieval times to describe a structure
that was furnished with turrets and
battlements, like a castle. Current
use of this term can describe the
fabrication process for some beam and
column sections. The parent section is
cut in a zigzag pattern forming two
halves (resembling medieval parapets).
The cut sections are welded together
to produce a section deeper than
the original section, which is called a
castellated beam.
3 True. The terms chamfer and bevel
both originated around the late 16th
century, originally to describe a cut in
a wood or stone surface.
4 (b) The discovery of one type of
stainless steel is accredited to Harry
Brearly from Sheffield in 1913. The
insides of rifle barrels were eroding too
quickly due to heating and discharge
gases and he was looking for a
material that would perform better
under these conditions. He combined
small percentages of chromium with
carbon. When examining the grain
structure, he found that this new steel
performed well.
5 (a) Temperature-indicating devices,
such as paint, crayons, pellets,
and tapes, to name a few, exhibit
thermochromismthe ability to
change color with temperature.
Temperature-indicating crayons
or paints can be used to evaluate
surface temperature, which is a
useful aid for welders in determining
when steel has reached the proper
preheat temperature. Interestingly,
thermochromic materials have been
around a long time in many industries,
and are used in many common
applications today including beer
cans that change color when cold,
coffee mugs that turn a color when
hot, and even some thermometers.
6 False. Henry Bessemer also invented
a process for mass-producing steel
i nexpensi vel y. After Bessemer
patented hi s process i n 1855
to remove carbon by blasting air
through pig iron, he also patented
in 1857 a casting process with rollers
to form the steel shapes.
7 (d) Skidmore-Wilhelm invented a
device to measure the pretension in
a bolt in the 1940s. Today, the label
Skidmore is often used as a generic
term to mean bolt tension calibrator.
8 True. The first known steels were
likely produced in bloomeries (iron
smelters) that produced a porous iron
and slag mix, or sponge iron, which
was called a bloom. Starting around
the 17th century, steel was produced
using blast furnaces to make pig
iron and then cast steel. Innovations
have ensued and today, most steel
for structural uses is produced using
electric arc furnaces to re-melt
recycled steel that is then continuously
cast into structural shapes.
9 (d) At the University of Tennessee in the
early 1950s, Dean A.T. Granger asked
Richard E. Whitmore and another
graduate student to study the behavior
of joints in a Warren truss. The research
consisted of using polarized light on
an aluminum joint to measure stress
distribution via electrical strain gages.
Whitmore later became a professor
of civil engineering at UT, teaching
material science until the late 1960s.
He subsequently became involved
in the road building business in the
Nashville area. However, Richard E.
Whitmore is best known professionally
for his research and paper on gusset
plates. The Whitmore section carries
his name today.
10 True. Ironworkers often call them
hell dogs, and a more colloquial
term is rivet buster. This is a
pneumatic hammer with a chisel bit
that is used to remove the rivet head.
Switching to a B&O bit (a back-out
punch), the same tool can be used
to drive the rivet out. See it and a
couple other methods in action by
visiting http://bit.ly/qygfIV.
14 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION OCTOBER 2011
F
A
L
L
2
0
1
0
U
P
D
A
T
E
D
s
AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARDS INSTITUTE/ STEEL DECK INSTITUTE
Non-Composite Steel Floor Deck
STEEL DECK I NSTI TUTE
s

copyright 2010 steel deck institute

NC - 2010 Standard for
s
AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARDS INSTITUTE/ STEEL DECK INSTITUTE
Steel Roof Deck
STEEL DECK
I NSTI TUTE
s
copyright 2010 steel deck institute
RD - 2010 Standard for
P.O. Box 25 Fox River Grove, IL 60021
(p) 847.458.4647
www. sdi . org
Our recently updated American
National Standards Institute
(ANSI) / Steel Deck Institute (SDI)
standards for Steel Roof Deck
(RD - 2010), and Non-Composite
Steel Floor Deck (NC - 2010) are
now available for FREE download
on our website. Visit www.sdi.org.
Download our
UPDATED standards.
(theyre still FREE)
2011 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. CFSCWC11-E
SCW FCB
The new
engineered choice.
Simpson Strong-Tie introduces our slide-clip and xed-clip connectors for cold-formed steel
curtain-wall construction. Unlike other manufacturers, Simpson Strong-Tie provides a total design
solution, including the load values of the connector and its anchorage to the structure. By offering a
wide selection of connectors that minimize calculations for designers and can accommodate stand-offs
up to 11 ", you now have a choicean engineered choice for your curtain-wall projects.
As with all Simpson Strong-Tie

products, our new connectors for steel-stud framing carry our promise
of quality and performance, and are backed by prompt, technical support. Learn more and download our
new literature by visiting www.strongtie.com/cfsclips or by calling (800) 999-5099.
SCB SSB
16 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION OCTOBER 2011
Newly Certified Facilities: August 131, 2011
news
Existing Certied Erector Facilities
Existing Certied Bridge Component Facilities
Existing Certied Fabricator Facilities

Newly Certied Fabricator Facilities

Newly Certied Bridge Component Facilities

Newly Certied Erector Facilities

To nd a certied fabricator or
erector in a particular area, visit
www.aisc.org/certsearch.
People and Firms
t Anjana Kadakia, P.E.,
LEED AP, of Thorton
Tomaset t i s Newar k,
N.J., office has been
promot ed t o seni or
pr i nci pal . An AI SC
Professional Member,
s he has publ i s hed
ma ny pr of es s i ona l
papers, including articles in Modern
Steel Construction, Civil Engineer
and Structural Engineer. She holds a
bachelors degree in structures from
Bombay Uni versi ty, I ndi a, and a
masters degree in civil engineering
from Rutgers University.
t Jared Keller has been
promoted to associate
in Lochsa Engineerings
Boi se, I daho, off i ce
by pr i nci pal Ri l ey
Mahaffey, P.E. An AISC
Professional Member,
Keller is a graduate of
Idaho State University
and joined Lochsa in 2006.
t Jason Hoover, S.E., P.E., has joined
Laguna Hills, Calif.-based SidePlate
Syst ems as r egi onal st r uct ur al
engineer in charge of technology
sales and customer servicing for areas
east of the Rockies. Prior to joining
SidePlate, Hoover was responsible for
sales of Bentley Systems structural
engineering software throughout the
U.S. and Canada. His joining SidePlate
coincides with RAMs incorporation of
SidePlate FRAME technology into its
RAM FRAME software.
tBuckland & Taylor Ltd., Seattle, which
is a member of the COWI Group, will
provide erection engineering for the
Oculus at the World Trade Center
Transportati on Hub i n New York.
Skanska Koch Inc., New York, will be
the project lead. A complex signature
st r uct ure desi gned by archi t ect
Santiago Calatrava, the Oculus will
include more than 11,000 tons of steel
and will rise to 150 ft at its highest
point. The project is expected to be
completed in 2013.
Newly Certied Fabricator Facilities
Tuckerman Steel Fabricators, Inc.,
East Boston, Mass.
Washington Ornamental Iron Work, Inc.,
Gardena, Calif.
Bohling Steel, Inc. dba Cavalier Steel,
Lynchburg, Va.
Trinity Products, Inc., OFallon, Mo.
Baltimore Steel Erectors, LLC, New Freedom, Pa.
Kwan Wo Ironworks, Inc., San Francisco, Calif.
Rodgers Metal Craft, Inc., Fortson, Ga.
Rochester Rigging & Erectors, Inc.,
Bloomeld, N.Y.
Newly Certied Erector Facilities
Nevada Prefab Engineers, Inc., Las Vegas, Nev.
Tom Wright Construction, LLC dba Built Wright
Construction, Waco, Texas
Steel Suppliers Erectors, Inc., Wilmington, Del.
Roma Steel Erection, Inc.- Central Metals, Inc.,
Camden, N.J.
Newly Certied Bridge Component Facilities
Bohling Steel, Inc. dba Cavalier Steel,
Lynchburg, Va.
The 2012 ASCE/AISC Student Steel
Bridge Competition rules have been posted
on the AISC website. Among other changes,
the formula for determining structural effi-
ciency has been reworked for 2012, gener-
ally increasing the cost based on weight
compared to the deflection-based cost.
The site conditions for this years chal-
lenge prohibit the use of temporary piers
or barges in the river, although there will be
a midstream cofferdam (furnished by oth-
ers). The bridge again requires a cantilever
section on one end, although the bridge
dimensions have been changed from last
year. Numerous other updates have been
incorporated into the 2012 rules.
The preliminary round of bridge com-
petition consists of 18 regional events held
each year throughout the spring. The 2012
National Competition will take place at
Clemson University on May 25-26.
To view the rules and other Student
Steel Bridge Competition related informa-
tion, go to www.aisc.org/steelbridge.
To watch the Lakehead University
team, which was the fastest at the 2011
national competition, build its bridge in
just less than five minutes, go to http://
bit.ly/jLQvFc.
COMPETITION
2012 Student Steel Bridge Contest Rules Available
The Art of Helical Staircase Fabrication.
Constructing hlical staircass is challnging ano ruirs prcision
curving o structural sctions on multipl axs. Our propritary
procss o calculato manipulation o ths sctions will rouc cost,
ano tim noo or assmbly in th nlo. Our prcision procss will
also rsult in a bautiully nnisho proouct.
l your nxt osign or builo pro|ct ruirs uniu
ano complx curvo mtal componnts, tak a stp in
th right oirction by calling th xprinco tam at
Max Viss Company.
Scan code to learn about helical bending or visit
www.maxweissonline.com/landing
Max Weiss Company, LLC 8625 Vst Praoly Roao, Milwauk, Visconsin 53224
www.maxweiss.com Toll Fr 888-649-3477 Fax 414-355-4698
Setting the Curve in ExceIIence
/ Stp ln Th Right Dirction.
ISO 9001:2008
18 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION OCTOBER 2011
news
Engineering Journal is published quarterly
by AISC. This peer-reviewed publication is
dedicated to the improvement and advance-
ment of structural steel construction.
AISC member firms receive one
printed copy of EJ per firm by opting in
through AISCs subscriptions department
at [email protected]. Beginning in
2010, AISC added an online interactive
digital edition format available at www.
aisc.org/ej. Each quarter, the current issue
is available in digital edition format and is
free to the public.
A complete, searchable PDF archive of
all EJ articles since 1964 is also available.
AISC members can download PDFs of EJ
articles for free at www.aisc.org/ej and
non-members can download articles for
a nominal fee. All AISC members receive
an email each quarter as new digital issues
become available.
The following are some of the articles
that have appeared in the first three issues of
EJ in 2011. At www.aisc.org/ej you can read
the articles by viewing the electronic journal
or you can download the articles as PDFs
(free to members; $10 for non-members).
First Quarter 2011
Fillet Weld Design for Rectangular
HSS Connections
Jeffrey A. Packer and Min Sun
The 2010 AISC Speci fi cati on for
Structural Steel Buildings has expanded the
scope in Chapter K (Design of HSS and
Box Member Connections) with a new
Section K4, Welds to Branches. This
paper describes the background to this
development and examines the structural
reliability of the weld effective length pro-
visions contained therein. The latter is
achieved by using a database of 31 welded
square/rectangular hollow structural sec-
tion (HSS) K-, T- and cross- (or X-) con-
nections in which all test specimen failures
were reached by fracture of the welded
joints. The potential inclusion (or exclu-
sion) of the sin effect, whereby fillet
weld capacity is increased for loading not
parallel to the axis of the weld, has also
been investigated. Design examples are
given to illustrate the weld design method,
performed to the 2010 AISC Specification
in both LRFD and ASD.
Second Quarter 2011
The Development of a New Design
Procedure for Conventional Single-
Plate Shear Connections
Larry S. Muir and William A. Thornton
Conventional single-plate shear con-
nections are common and economical con-
nections. The design procedure outlined
in the AISC 13th Edition Steel Construction
Manual relies on the bolt shear values
given in the 2005 AISC Specification for
Structural Steel Buildings. The nominal bolt
shear values listed in Specification Table
J3.2 have historically been 20% lower
than the theoretical bolt values to account
for uneven force distribution among the
bolts in end-loaded connections, such as
bolted lap splices. The reduction served
the secondary function of providing an
additional factor of safety for all bolted
connections designed in accordance with
the Specification. The design procedure
for conventional single-plate shear con-
nections contained in the 13th Edition
Manual relied on this reduction to justify
the practice of neglecting eccentricity in
the bolt group for most configurations.
The 2010 AISC Specification increases the
nominal bolt shear values, necessitating a
revised design procedure for single-plate
shear connections in the 14th Edition
AISC Manual. This paper outlines the
revised procedure.
A Yield Line Component Method
for Bolted Flange Connections
Bo Dowswell
Bolted connections are often used in steel
structures to transfer tension loads into wide-
flange members. The strength of these con-
nections is determined with a prying action
design procedure outlined in the AISC 13th
Edition Steel Construction Manual that checks
the limit states of bolt tension rupture and
bending of the flange. This procedure is
valid only for fittings with limited bolt spac-
ing and limited edge distance. This paper
discusses a method to determine the local
flange bending strength of a wide-flange
member using the yield line method. The
proposed design method includes the effect
of prying action on the bolts, and can be
applied to many different connection con-
figurations, including connections with large
bolt spacing and edge distances and connec-
tions with web stiffeners.
On the Need for Stiffeners for and
the Effect of Lap Eccentricity on
Extended Single-Plate Connections
William A. Thornton and
Patrick J. Fortney
The design procedure for extended
single-plate connections presented in
the AISC 13th Edition Steel Construction
Manual contains many design checks to
ensure satisfactory performance but does
not include a check of lateral-torsional sta-
bility of the extended single plate, which
resembles a double-coped beam. Research
has shown that coping of beams can reduce
their lateral-torsional buckling strength.
This paper presents a proposal to use the
double-coped-beam concept to ensure the
lateral-torsional stability of the extended
plate. The question of stiffeners and the
effect of the small eccentricity due to the
lapping of the plate with the beam web
also is addressed.
Third Quarter 2011
Design of Steel Buildings for
Earthquake and Stabi l i ty by
Application of ASCE 7 and AISC 360
R. Shankar Nair, James O. Malley and
John D. Hooper
Design of steel buildings in the U.S.
typically combines application of ASCE/
SEI 7, Minimum Design Loads for Buildings
and Other Structures, and ANSI/AISC 360,
Specification for Structural Steel Buildings.
For buildings designed for seismic effects,
ANSI/AISC 341, Seismic Provisions for
Structural Steel Buildings, may also be
applicable. The ASCE 7 Minimum Design
Loads standard includes specific design
provisions related to stability under seismic
loading that overlap and, in some instances
appear to conflict with, the stability design
requirements of the AISC Specification.
This paper explores the areas of overlap
and apparent conflict between ASCE 7
and AISC 360 and offers practical recom-
mendations for seismic design incorporat-
ing the provisions of both.
NEWS
Abstracts for Recent 2011 Engineering Journal Articles
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20 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION OCTOBER 2011
news
As a new professor at the University of
Florida in Gainesville, Duane Ellifritt
dreamt up a full-size 3D model to pro-
vide engineering students with hands-on
exposure to structural steel components
and connections. Ellifritts original steel
sculpture was erected on the UF campus
in 1986 and celebrates its 25th anniversary
this year on October 29.
For more information on its develop-
ment, visit www.aisc.org/steelsculpture
and www.ellifritt.com.
Steel sculptures have been erected
on university campuses around the
world, including schools in India, Brazil,
Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Canada and
Mexico, according to Ellifritt. A quick
review of the AISC website shows more
than 135 registered locations. To see pho-
tos of steel sculptures at various universi-
ties, or to learn how to have a sculpture
constructed on your campus, please visit
www.aisc.org/steelsculpture.
If you know of a steel sculpture that does
not appear on the AISC website, please con-
tact AISC education specialist Maria Mnookin
by sending an email to [email protected].
Additional photos are also welcomed. To learn
more about Duane Ellifritt, see the profile on
page 66 of this issue of MSC.
EDUCATION
Celebrating 25 Years of the AISC Steel Sculpture
Polytechnic University of
Puerto Rico
University of Tennessee
Martin
Southern Illinois University
Edwardsville
EDUCATION
AISC Rolls Out
Sustainability Course
AISCs course, Sustainability and Steel,
has been approved by The U.S. Green
Building Council (USGBC) and is now
available for one hour of LEED/GBCI
continuing education credit. The course
explains why environmental impact should
be a consideration with any new or reno-
vated building and discusses the sustain-
able attributes of structural steel. Those
who attend this live learning presentation
will report the credit hour directly to the
Green Building Certification Institute
(GBCI) and receive certificates of comple-
tion from AISC.
The presentation is suitable for a
small group setting, such as a conference
room, but also can be incorporated into
programs for larger gatherings. For a
more detailed description of this course,
visit USGBCs website at http://bit.ly/
ru9UmT. To arrange for a presentation
in your office, contact your AISC regional
engineer (aisc.org/myregion).
STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS
Nuclear Specification
Available for Second
Public Review
A draft of the 2011 ANSI/AISC 690,
Specification for Safety-Rel ated Steel
Structures for Nuclear Facilities, is now avail-
able for public review on the AISC web-
site. This is the second public review of
this document; therefore, only revisions
made since the first public review are open
for comment. The document is written as a
supplement to the 2010 AISC Specification
for Structural Steel Buildings.
The document and public review form
are available on the AISC website at www.
aisc.org. Please submit your comments elec-
tronically to [email protected] using the
review comment form, or mail to Cynthia
Duncan, AISC, Suite 700, 1 East Wacker
Drive, Chicago, IL 60601-1802 by October
17, 2011. A hard copy is also available for a
nominal fee of $15 by calling 312.670.5411
or by emailing [email protected].
Entries are now being accepted for the
2012 National Steel Bridge Alliance Prize
Bridge Competition. The program, which
began in 1928, honors significant and
innovative steel bridges constructed in
the U.S. in a variety of categories based on
structure type and span.
To be eligible a bridge must be built
of fabricated structural steel and located
within the United States (defined as the
50 states, the District of Columbia, and
all U.S. territories). It must also have been
completed and opened to traffic between
May 1, 2009 and September 30, 2011.
There is no fee to enter, and entries
may be judged in more than one category,
but an entry can only receive one award.
An independent panel will judge entries
based on innovation, aesthetics, design and
engineering solutions.
The 2012 Prize Bridge Award win-
ners will be announced at the 2012 World
Steel Bridge Symposium, scheduled for
April 18-21 in Dallas and co-located with
NASCC: The Steel Conference.
To submit a bridge project for consid-
eration, download the 2012 Prize Bridge
Award entry form at www.steelbridges.
org/PrizeBridgeAwards. The deadline
for entries is November 30, 2011.
CONTEST
Entries Sought for 2012 Prize Bridge Competition
OCTOBER 2011 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION 21
news
A major supplier to the structural steel
and wind tower fabrication industries, The
Lincoln Electric Company, an AISC mem-
ber firm, this year has stepped further into
the world of renewable energy. It recently
built a wind tower on the grounds of its
world headquarters and manufacturing
campus in Euclid, Ohio, just east of down-
town Cleveland. The 2.5 megawatt turbine
is expected to generate up to 10% of the
energy used for Lincoln Electrics main
plant in Euclid and save the company up
to $500,000 a year in energy costs.
The tower is nearly as tall as a 45-story
building, measuring 443 ft tall from base
to the tip of its blades. The structure is
one of the largest urban wind towers in
North America and evolved out of a stra-
tegic partnership between The Lincoln
Electric Company and the Great Lakes
Energy Development Task Force.
The tower represents important cost
savings, as well as our commitment to
integrating renewable energy sources,
among other ongoing green initiatives,
into our manufacturing processes, said
George Blankenship, president, Lincoln
Electric North America. It stands as a
visible symbol of Lincoln Electrics com-
mitment to the wind tower industry by
showcasing the benefits our welding solu-
tions offer to a prominent, fast-growing
business segment.
A portion of funding for the $5.9
million project came from a $350,000 loan
from Cuyahoga County, while another
$1.125 million in funds came from the
American Recovery and Reinvestment
Act of 2009 via a State Energy Program
Grant from the Ohio Department of
Development and the U.S. Department
of Energy. The Lincoln Electric Company
funded the remainder of the cost. The
company, however, credits the assistance
of the local, state and federal governments
with making this landmark project a
reality.
ENVIRONMENT
Lincoln Electric Builds 443-ft Wind Tower at Headquarters
As one of Americas largest fastener companies, we understand what
holds our customers businesses together. Value, its an ever-changing equation that measures
adherence to specifcations, short lead times, customer service, price, and on-time delivery.
Our solution is to put together quality fasteners with world-class customer service.
Always outperforming overseas competitors by making ourselves available and accountable.
Because no matter how you measure value, accountability is always the common denominator.
Visit nucor-fastener.com or call 1-800-955-6826
Its Our Nature.

An overview of six
proprietary connection
systems EORs can
use to supplement
their expertise and
potentially reduce
project costs.
Steel Connections:
Proprietary or
Public Domain?
BY PAUL P. CORDOVA, PH.D., P.E., AND RONALD O. HAMBURGER, S.E.
S
t
e
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l

C
a
s
t

C
o
n
n
e
c
t
i
o
n
s
24 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION OCTOBER 2011
OCTOBER 2011 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION 25
F

FOR MANY YEARS, steel designers in the U.S. could be

broadly split into two groups: those who believe the engi-
neer of record should take responsibility for and include
complete design of framing connections on their design
drawings, and those who preferred to delegate connection
design to a licensed engineer working on behalf of the fabri-
cator. Until the 1994 Northridge earthquake, the frst group
generally encompassed engineers in the western U.S. who
felt that to properly design a structure for seismic resistance,
it was necessary for the engineer of record to design the
connections. Engineers in the eastern U.S., not burdened
with seismic design, felt comfortable delegating connec-
tion design responsibility. However, following the 1994
Northridge earthquake, a number of proprietary connection
technologies, with design furnished by the licensor, began to
emerge on the market and to gain acceptance by engineers
around the country, including those in the western U.S.
A number of public domain connection designs are avail-
able for both moment-resisting and braced frames. For special
or intermediate moment frames intended for seismic appli-
cations, an engineer can go to ANSI/AISC 358, Prequalifed
Connections for Special and Intermediate Steel Moment Frames
for Seismic Applications, select and design any of several con-
nection types in accordance with the criteria in that standard,
obtain permit approval and have confdence that he or she has
conformed to an appropriate standard of care. Prequalifed
connections have been thoroughly tested and evaluated by an
AISC-sponsored standards body, which lends confdence in
their expected performance in the next big earthquake. Note
that adequate performance may include damage.
Public domain connections with current prequalifca-
tion include the reduced beam section (RBS), bolted fange
plate (BFP), and welded unreinforced fange (WUF-W).
A connection using bolted split tees at the beam top and
bottom fanges (double-T connection) is anticipated to
receive prequalifcation soon. Similarly, ANSI/AISC 341-
05, Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings, specifes
design criteria for braced frame connections that can be
used for design and with confdence by any engineer.
But is there a cheaper, more effcient way to design steel
frame connections? Can this be done in a way that improves
the buildings performance and perhaps even makes it eas-
ier to repair after a large earthquake? These are some of
the questions that developers of proprietary connections
attempt to address. Each proprietary connection developer
claims to provide several advantages over public domain and,
of course, competitors connections. Please note that the
authors of this article do not necessarily endorse or ascribe
to the licensor claims described below.
Improved Ductility and Reliability
Many proprietary connections were developed in
response to the 1994 Northridge earthquake after discovery
that some steel moment resisting connections experienced
brittle fracture at the welded beam-fange-to-column-fange
joints of the then common public domain connection. This
brittle fracture was unexpected and counter to the intended
design philosophy and behavior for these frames, which
anticipates energy dissipation through ductile plastic hinge
formation in the steel beams. Today, all moment resisting
connections used in special or intermediate steel moment
frames must be qualifed by test using the protocol described
in Appendix S of the AISC Seismic Provisions. These connec-
tion tests are intended to demonstrate that the connection
can withstand large inelastic deformation through controlled
ductile yielding in specifc behavioral modes. Engineers can
use prequalifed connections that have been demonstrated
on a general basis to be capable of acceptable behavior, or
can design and test their own connections. AISC 358 lists a
number of public domain and proprietary prequalifed con-
nections. In addition, some proprietary connection licensors
have prequalifed their connections through alternative pro-
cesses and do not list their connections in AISC 358.
Proprietary connections listed in the standard include the
Kaiser Bolted Bracket and ConXtech connections. Additional
connections currently undergoing consideration by AISC for
prequalifcation include SidePlate, SlottedWeb and Pin Fuse.
SidePlate Systems, licensor of the SidePlate connection, adver-
tises enhanced reliability of its connection because it uses only
fllet welds and no complete joint penetration groove welds.
In addition, SidePlate has conducted blast and progressive col-
lapse testing of its connection and claims improved resistance
of their technology for such applications. SSDA, the licensor
of SlottedWeb, advertises that its connection has signifcantly
enhanced low-cycle fatigue resistance and is capable of sur-
viving multiple earthquakes. The Pin Fuse connection uses
a fuse mechanism that purports to replace material yielding
with friction slip to dissipate energy without structural dam-
age up to preset rotational levels.
Paul Cordova, Ph.D., P.E., is a Senior Staff II at Simpson Gumpertz &
Heger Inc. (SGH). He has fve years of experience as a structural engineer
and previously spent six years as a researcher at Stanford University study-
ing the seismic behavior and design of composite moment-resisting frames.
Ronald Hamburger, S.E., is a senior principal with SGH and heads its
western regional structural engineering operations. With more than 35
years experience, he is an internationally recognized expert in performance-
based structural, earthquake and blast engineering, and has played a lead
role in the development of national structural engineering standards and
building code provisions. He is a member of AISCs Task Committee 9 Seis-
mic Design and chairs the Connection Prequalifcation Review Panel.
Kaiser Bolted Bracket connection.
26 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION OCTOBER 2011
Improved Constructability and Cost Savings
In addition to improved performance, proprietary connection
developers variously claim to provide the cheapest and quickest
way to construct steel frames. These claims include:
Minimizing or eliminating expensive and time-consuming
feld welding. Complete joint penetration welds at the beam-
to-column fange can take several hours to complete in the
feld and also require inspection and nondestructive testing.
Improving constructability and effciency. Creating new and
easier ways to put frames together and moving the critical
fabrication phases out of the feld and into the shop where
processes can be more controlled and effcient.
Reducing steel weight. Several connections are approved
for deeper and lighter steel members than public domain
connections, which can provide stiffer frames with less
steel. Also, some licensors claim their connection provides
stiffer frames which can be an advantage in the often drift-
controlled design of steel moment resisting frames.
Technical Support
The technical support offered by the licensors is perhaps one of
the biggest advantages in favor of using these connections. Gener-
ally these companies have staffs of licensed structural engineers
that are experts in all aspects of the connection and also moment
resisting frames in general. They help the engineer of record
maneuver through building code provisions, computer modeling,
and lateral design and optimization of the connections and frames.
In some cases, they provide stamped connection design drawings
and calculations and also assist during a projects plan check phase.
This all provides an additional layer of quality assurance and bene-
ft to the project since they are essentially acting as a peer reviewer
and value engineer supporting the engineer of record.
Why Not?
Some engineers prefer to have control over the entire design and do
not want to give up control of connection design. Licensors can provide
varying degrees of support and will work together with the engineer of
record, but still some may be uncomfortablecall it engineers pride.
Also, some question the actual cost savings claimed by the
licensors. There is also the licensing fee, which can be assessed to
the fabricator or the engineer. Despite this fee, licensors argue they
provide net project savings and are willing to assist with compara-
tive cost studies for projects.
If you have gotten this far in the article, perhaps you are willing
to explore whats out there. So, what is out there?
Kaiser Bolted Bracket
The Kaiser bolted bracket (KBB) moment connection uses cast
high-strength steel brackets that are fastened to each beam fange
and bolted to the column fange. The brackets are proportioned
to develop the full moment capacity of the beam and can be either
welded (W-series) or bolted (B-series) to the beam fange. When
subjected to large earthquake-induced deformation, the connec-
tion forces yielding and plastic hinge formation into the beam,
beyond the tip of the brackets and away from the column face.
Manufactured by Steel Cast Connections, each bracket undergoes
a rigorous quality control process prior to shipment to the projects
steel fabricator. The brackets are fastened to the beam in the shop and
bolted to the column in the feld, eliminating all feld welding. To pro-
vide erection tolerance, the bracket column bolt holes are vertically
short-slotted and the column bolt holes are slightly oversized.
The B-series brackets can also be used in retroft applications to
strengthen moment frames constructed with pre-Northridge con-
nection detailing or to increase resiliency and redundancy in pro-
gressive collapse resistance upgrades. Implementation of a bolted
bracket retroft within the confnes of an occupied building elimi-
nates the health and fre hazards associated with a welded retroft
alternative. Eliminating feld welding generally also reduces costs
associated with fabrication and inspection.
There is no licensing fee to use the KBB connection, but the
bracket must be fabricated by Steel Cast Connections. For more
information, go to www.steelcastconnections.com.
Kaiser Bolted Bracket connection, W-series.
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OCTOBER 2011 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION 27

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Steel column
Long-slotted holes
in connection plate
Pin/pin cap
plate assembly Moment-resisting
steel beam
Steel
beam
Cut steel
beam section
for end conn.
Column web
stiffener
(as required)
Brass shim plate
Moment-resisting
steel column
High strength
bolts
Column web
stiffener
(as required)
Curved
connection plate
Twin tongue
connection
plates
Symmetrical
(as required)
Pin-Fuse Joint
Just beginning its prequalifcation process is
the Pin-Fuse Joint created by Skidmore, Owings
& Merrill (SOM) . The joint incorporates a curved
plated end connection using slip-critical bolts and
a steel pin or hollow pipe adjacent to the beam
column joint. The nested curved steel plates with
brass shims between them can move relative to one
another forming a rotational hinge with the pin as
the center of rotation. The slip-critical bolts clamp
the curved plates and shims together and provide the
rotational resistance to sustain the imposed beam
moments. The pin resists the beams shear and axial
load. The bolts are designed to maintain joint rigid-
ity during wind and moderate seismic events. For
larger seismic events, the bolts are designed to slip
within slotted holes allowing the joint to rotate dis-
sipating the earthquakes energy through frictional
resistance. This joint acts as the fuse for the system
and the steel frame can be designed to remain elastic
throughout these excursions. After the earthquake,
the structural frame remains relatively undamaged
and also has the ability, perhaps with some help (i.e.,
loosening and retightening bolts), to return close to
its initial position thereby reducing the potential for
permanent residual displacements. The frame and
joint maintain their structural integrity and reduce
the need for costly structural repairs.
The developers contrast this behavior with

Pin Fuse connection.

28 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION OCTOBER 2011

that of typical well-behaved public domain
steel moment frames where we expect sig-
nifcant plastic hinging and local fange
and web distortions throughout a majority
of the moment resisting beams. This per-
formance can lead to permanent building
drifts, expensive repairs, and can decrease
the frames stiffness and strength affecting
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ConXtech biaxial connector with
RBS steel beams. Above: XL
type. Left: XR type.
its ability to withstand subsequent extreme
loading events.
The Pin-Fuse Joint is an all-feld-bolted
connection. Columns are prefabricated
with short beam stubs and a circular plated
end connection. Beams are prefabricated
with the matching circular connection at
each end and are hoisted and pinned to
the beam stub. Depending on construction
tolerances and sequencing, it may be nec-
essary to splice the beam along its length.
The connection also has the ability to
accommodate brace and damper member
attachment to moment-connected joints.
For more information, go to www.som.
com/content.cfm/pin_fuse_joint.
ConXtech
ConXtechs ConXL moment connection
consists of column and beam collar assem-
blies that form a compression collar con-
nection using high-strength pretensioned
bolts providing rigid bi-axial fxity between
square HSS/built-up box columns and
wide-fange beams with no feld welding.
The column collars (Corner Collars) are
welded in the shop to all four corners of a
square column and include a 3D taper for
ease of erection when accepting the beam
collar (Collar Flange) that is tapered to
match the contacting surfaces of the Collar
Corners. Collar Flanges are welded in the
shop to the top and bottom fanges of wide-
fange beams. The connection can accept
up to four moment-connected beams, one
on each face of the column.
Concrete-flled, square HSS or box
columns are prefabricated with the Collar
Corners at the foor levels. Columns are
erected and wide-fange beams prefabri-
cated with the Collar Flanges at each end
are lowered into and restrained by the Cor-
ner Collars creating a plumb, stable struc-
ture with only the gravity interface. Once
all beams are in place at the beam-column
joint, the Collar Flanges are intercon-
nected to one another with pretensioned
high-strength bolts diagonally along their
adjacent edges, with the Collar Corners
acting as an interior ply between the Collar
Flanges, thereby, completing the full capac-
ity of the moment-resisting collar connec-
tion around the HSS/built-up box column.
In addition to the ConXL connection,
applicable to beam spans of 18 ft and
longer, ConXtech also offers the ConXR
connection intended for shorter bay
applications of 8 ft to 20 ft. Collars are
designed to experience minimal yielding
and with enough strength to force beam
hinging. A reduced beam section can also
be fabricated in the beam if needed to
satisfy column-beam strength ratio limits
for SMFs. Only the ConXL connection is
presently prequalifed by AISC, although
ConXtech does have ICC-ES qualifcation
for the ConXR connection.
Both ConXtech connections have been
qualifed for use in bi-axial moment-resisting
frame applications and allow the use of
every beam-column joint to provide lateral
resistance, resulting in reduced member sizes
and foundation loads. This redundancy also
provides advantages for frames intended
to provide progressive collapse resistance.
ConXtech claims the ease of system detailing,
fabrication, speed of erection and lack of feld
welding can greatly reduce time and total
installed cost. For more information, go to
www.conxtech.com.

Phone: 281-20-9749 Fax: 281-20-9771
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Consulting Services, Inc.
SlottedWeb
Seismic Structural Design Associates
(SSDA) has developed the SlottedWeb
connection, which creates a horizontal slot
in the beam web just inboard of the fange
to separate the beams web and fange. This
slot isolates the beam section such that
shear is resisted entirely by the web and the
fanges provide the primary couple force to
resist the beam moment. SSDA claims that
its SlottedWeb promotes controlled ductile
beam yielding and prolongs the connec-
tions fatigue life by:
Reducing the large stress and strain
gradient across and through the beam
fange providing a biaxial stress state.
Reducing prying on weld and column
fange.
Eliminating lateral torsional buckling
in the connection region by allowing
the web and fange to buckle inde-
pendently.
Reducing residual weld stresses because
of the long separation between the
vertical and horizontal welds.
Eliminating limitations on panel zone
strength relative to beam.
Analytical studies and experimental
programs have shown that the SlottedWeb
develops the full plastic moment capacity
of the beam and does not reduce its elastic
stiffness. Subassembly tests have also shown
compliance with requirements in the AISC
Seismic Provisions.
Construction using the SlottedWeb
connection is similar to that of RBS frame
where beam fanges and webs are CJP
groove welded to the column fange. There
is also a shear plate that can be shop welded
to the column fange and fllet welded to
the beam in the feld. SSDA claims that
SlottedWeb beam fabrication is economi-
cal because the connection involves fewer
additional parts and cuts, and work is done
in the thinner web material. For more
information, go to www.slottedweb.com.
SlottedWeb connection.
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Site Team
Engineer
Detailer
Fabricator
Contractor
AceCad Software offers a complete steelwork construction solution, through a suite of specialist
products, which may be used independently or integrated for superior BIM advantages.
Engineer, detail, contract,
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Introducing AceCad Softwares evolution suite, for the structural supply chain.
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engineering, detailing, contracting, fabrication and construction.
evolve with AceCad Software.
30 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION OCTOBER 2011
SidePlate FRAME
SidePlate uses a series of fange and web plates with horizontal shop
and feld fllet welds to create a rigid, fxed connection between wide-
fange columns and beams. In the shop, beam fange cover plates are fllet
welded to the top and bottom of the beam and erection angles are fllet
welded to the web. Column side plates and horizontal shear plates are fllet
welded to the column web.
In the feld, column trees are erected and beams are hoisted into place
between the two column side plates. The beams are bolted to the side
plates and four horizontal fllet welds are applied to fnalize the beam col-
umn connection. SidePlate is a 100% fllet welded connection and elimi-
nates the need for complete joint penetration welds.
In 2010, SidePlate transitioned from the original SidePlate connection,
which included a beam stub in a column tree assembly and required a
feld CJP beam splice. The new connection, referred to as the SidePlate
FRAME, has eliminated the beam stub, CJP splice, and reduced the fllet
weld sizes by about half of the original connection. These improvements,
developed from an extensive analytical and experimental testing program,
have reduced shop fabrication time and improved constructability.
SidePlate claims no limit on column or beam size, which allows the use
of deeper and lighter sections that can reduce the total steel weight and
cost. SidePlate also recommends that panel zones are modeled as com-
pletely rigid and to include the increased beam stiffness provided by the
column side plates, resulting in substantial savings in steel frame weight.
Another important beneft of SidePlate connections is that the side plates
can be extended to permit attachment of braces for dual systems, and
dampers for energy dissipated structures. There are no public domain
moment-resisting connections that have been qualifed for use where
braces or other diagonal members intersect the beam-column joint. For
more information, go to www.sideplate.com.
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One-Sided Two-Sided
Cover Plate
Erection
Bolts
Side Plate
SidePlate Frame Connection.

The structural design of an

indoor waterpark such as the
Kalahari Resort requires a
roof structure that can obtain
long spans with the capacity
for large beam spacing and
must provide a minimalist look.
SMARTBEAMs

were perfect
for achieving all three.
Dale J. Meszler, P.E.
Almy & Associates, Consulting Engineers
Founding Member
RAM SBeam CMC SMARTBEAM

Visit our website to download our new updated program

for designing castellated and cellular steel beams.
FREE
Design
Software 1-800-308-9925
www.cmcsteelproducts.com
OCTOBER 2011 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION 31
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9 1" Pretensioned
ASTM A325 Bolts
CJP
2t
HSS 6.6250.500
HSC-6.625
Cast Connex
Cast Connex has developed cast high-
strength steel connectors for round hollow
structural section brace members in concentri-
cally braced frames. The connector is a single
cast piece with a solid circular end that is shop
welded (CJP) to round HSS braces. The cir-
cular section gradually tapers to two adjacent
plates that accommodate a bolted (double-
shear) connection. Connectors are attached at
both ends of the round HSS brace and are feld
bolted (or welded, if needed) to a gusset plate.
This provides for substantially more com-
pact feld-bolted connections than would oth-
erwise be possible with typical bolted connec-
tions using splice plates (i.e., requiring half the
number of bolts with less fabrication and feld
work). This approach also eliminates the need
for typical welded details such as slotted HSS
members and net-section reinforcement.
The connector is designed to develop the
probable tensile capacity of the bracing member
and has been rigorously tested showing its ability
to force brace and gusset buckling and hinging.
The developer also fabricates clevis-type uni-
versal pin connectors and customizable cast steel
components to connect multiple members in three
dimensions. All of its High-Strength Connectors
provide a unique connection aesthetic that is suitable
for architecturally exposed structural steel (AESS).
Cast Connex has also developed a yielding
fuse connector for concentric braced frames,
called the Scorpion Yielding Brace System, that
relies on fexural yielding of fnger-like plates
that are specially designed to dissipate energy
while keeping the brace and other frame ele-
ments essentially elastic. While there is no
licensing fee for specifying any of these connec-
tions, fabricators must purchase the connectors
from Cast Connex. For more information, go
to www.castconnex.com.
Conclusion
While these six proprietary systems all
offer viable approaches to connection design,
other options exist as well. Engineers will
likely never agree as to whether it is best for
the engineer of record to design connections
or for a properly qualifed third party to do
so. For those willing to consider connection
design by others, proprietary connections are
out there and offer some real advantages for
particular applications. They have many years
of research and development behind them to
demonstrate their proof of concept. They are
a tool that can be considered on projects to,
by licensors claims, increase constructability,
provide savings, and improve structural per-
formance. Their use also can reduce the bur-
den on the engineer of record.
SCBF with braces equipped
with Cast Connex High-
Strength Connectors used in
both architecturally exposed
and non-exposed braced bays.

Relax!

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St. Louis Screw & Bolt
2000 Access Blvd Madison, IL 62060
Phone: 800-237-7059 Fax: 314-389-7510

Email: [email protected]
Web: www.stlouisscrewbolt.com
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your bolts from
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Bolt... Didnt You ?
SL
1887
32 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION OCTOBER 2011
T
Innovation and coordination were key components in the quick design and
construction of the Boeing South Carolina 787 nal assembly building.
Design-Build
Takes Flight
THE SUCCESS OF ANY CONSTRUCTION PROJECT is a
direct result of a cohesive and cooperative team of designers and
contractors with positive attitudes assembled to deliver the owners
expectations on time and within budget, and this project was no
exception. The extreme challenge was to provide a 1,000-ft-long
roofed area with a 460-ft clear span between two 75-ft-wide, 86-ft-
high towerson an extraordinarily short timeline. The new facil-
ity serves as the fnal assembly operation for assembling the Boeing
787. Boeing selected the design-build construction project delivery
method to minimize the cost and construction duration.
Boeings expert in-house group of architects, engineers,
and construction administration staff kept this project moving
smoothly by understanding the design-build process and providing
the resources to make quick decisions. Boeings staff was amenable
to value-added design suggestions and made the design submittal
approvals both fast and effcient.
This is only the third site in the world where large commercial
airplanes will be fully assembled and delivered. The other two are
Boeings Everett, Wash., site and the Airbus facility in Toulouse,
France. The new South Carolina facility is adjacent to Boeings
existing aft and midbody fuselage fabrication, assembly and paint
facilities, which were also designed and constructed by primarily
the same design-build team, of which CMC was a part.
BY BRIAN NORTON, S.E., P.E.,
AND DAVID DOUGLASS
OCTOBER 2011 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION 33

The Selection and Design

After Boeing selected the BE&K/
Turner Joint Venture, with design part-
ner BRPH, to design and build the facil-
ity, the design-fabrication-erection of the
steel portion of the project was awarded
to CMC South Carolina Steel and CMC
Cary Engineering. The selection was based
primarily on CMCs innovative design
approach, which allowed the depth of the
trusses to be approximately 10 ft shallower
than other designs, and CMCs ability to
consistently expedite project schedules.
The 10-ft height savings was signifcant
because it kept the structure just below the
airports radar cone.
The design phase began in mid-
November 2009 with a visit to Boeings
current operations in Everett, Wash.,
by the CMC Cary Engineering Design
Coordination Team. That visit allowed the
design team to explore a number of value-
engineering options prior to beginning
fnal structural design, as well as confrming
what Boeings needs were for this facility.
Preliminary structural design models
were completed during December 2009 and
the team worked closely with domestic mills
to facilitate time-sensitive mill rollings of
the large W14311 and W14211 columns
as well as truss sections as large as W14605.
Additionally, the extremely large bolt quan-
tity requirements made it necessary to
coordinate the manufacturing of the more
than 250,000 tension control (TC) bolts, of
which 100,000 1
1
8-in.-diameter TC bolts
would be used to assemble the trusses.
The owners specifcations required a
Building Information Modeling (BIM)
product be used to generate construction
documents and to provide a fnal as-built
model. The design team used Revit to
generate the 3D model. This model was
instrumental in formulating material take-
offs, clash detection, and for meeting the
aggressive design/construction schedule.
The Revit model also enhanced the teams
ability to generate and review structural
shop drawings.
In addition to being designed for 130 mph
hurricane force wind loads, the structure is
designed to resist extremely high earthquake
loads associated with Seismic Design Cat-
egory D requirements. The roof trusses are
Brian Norton, S.E, P.E., is the vice president and
general manager of CMC Cary Engineering (www.
cmcce.com). He has more than 15 years experience
designing structures across the U.S. and Canada
and has designed numerous long-span structures for
industrial applications. David Douglass is the general
manager of CMC South Carolina Steel Corporation
(www.cmcstructural.com). A graduate of Clemson
University with a bachelors in civil engineering, he
has more than 22 years of experience in structural steel
fabrication focused on design-build.
The 610-ft-long trusses were assembled
on the ground in two sections.
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The initial sway brace assembly being
hoisted into place.
Sway trusses 100 ft long and 25 ft apart
provide the bracing for the main trusses
and were also assembled on the ground
before being hoisted into place.

also designed to support 12 underhung moveable crane bridges, with three four-
hook cranes that can be coordinated for lifts involving multiple cranes when
necessary. CMC engineers used innovative design concepts in order to mini-
mize the quantity of costly slip-critical connections, many of which required 300
1
1
8-in.-diameter A490 bolts.
The confdence between CMC engineers and CMC detailing managers
as well as the use of SDS/2 modeling software enabled the 3D connection
design to be seamlessly integrated into the fabrication details. The use of
3D modeling enhanced the teams ability to integrate design revisions and
avoid schedule impact. CMC South Carolina Steel deployed several detail-
ing teams, each team focusing on one portion of the structure including one
for the mezzanine structures, the main roof, and the door pockets. This was
key to meeting the extremely aggressive shop fabrication schedules.
The Building
The fnal building confguration is 618 ft by 1,041 ft and includes four
elevated composite steel-framed foors 75-ft wide and 1,000-ft long that
form the two sides of the larger structure. The foors house offces, train-
ing rooms, mechanical, electrical, crane maintenance, storage and other
operations. The 11 main roof trusses, each weighing 450 tons, create a
clear span of 460 ft. The wide-fange members that make up the trusses
were feld bolted with approximately 10,000 1
1
8-in.-diameter A490 bolts
per truss. The clear height created from the bottom of the trusses to the
fnished foor is 86 ft.
The hangar doors on each end of the building are the largest doors of
this kind in the world. The two end door enclosures were cantilevered from
the main trusses and designed to enclose the 81-ft-high, 450-ft-wide rolling
stacked door sections. The result is a 20-ft cantilevered roof system.
The crane bridges and roof joist systems are supported by 100-ft sway
trusses spaced on 25-ft centers spanning between the main trusses. Access
to the suspended crane systems and emergency egress for the crane opera-
tors required 4,500 linear ft of catwalks and 9,000 ft of handrail with access
to the crane bridges every 12 ft to 16 ft.
The Construction
The construction process started on November 1, 2009, at the facility
adjacent to the Charleston International Airport. The BE&K/Turner Joint
Venture contracted immediately to begin clearing the site and removing
approximately 10 ft of extremely poor soil, which existed over the entire 90
acres and was replaced with structural fll. This site had been a phospho-
rus strip mining operation during the 1700s and 1800s. That nine-month
process ran around the clock seven days a week throughout the duration
of the steel erection.
CMC South Carolina Steel contracted with the BE&K/Turner Joint Ven-
ture to provide turnkey structural steel fabrication and erection services for
the structure. During the preliminary budget and pricing phases, CMC South
Carolina Steel carefully priced the preliminary budget but also made commit-
ments for a very aggressive schedule. The erection of both towers started as
originally promised on April 5, 2010, approximately six weeks after mill mate-
rial was received. The last girt was hung and the topping-out celebration was
held on September 24, 2010, the exact date for which it had been scheduled at
the start of the design nine months earlier. To ensure that the project remained
on this extremely aggressive schedule CMC South Carolina Steel teamed up
with FabArc Steel, Oxford, Ala., to provide fabrication of the main truss mem-
bers and other components.
Buckner Companies, Graham, N.C., under contract to CMC South
Carolina Steel, provided erection services for the project. Buckner played
Lifting the rst truss section.
As each section of the main truss was lifted, it had to be
swung into the proper alignment perpendicular to the side
buildings. The rst two trusses were placed using a single
falsework tower for each, as the side building provided
support for the outer end.
Landing the rst truss section on the side building.

With the rst truss section in place but still supported by the crane, the
second truss section was hoisted into place. 34 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION OCTOBER 2011
OCTOBER 2011 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION 35
a major role in the success of the project by providing erection
plans and services, including professional design services for the
rigging, shoring, and site-specifc planning. Providing personnel,
equipment, management, logistics, and erection expertise, Buckner
worked seven days a week to absorb weather delays and incorpo-
rate an additional 15% in scope changes and remain on the origi-
nal schedule.
Buckner Companies orchestrated delivery of approximately
208 truckloads of equipment and 1,000 truckloads of materials,
at times receiving in excess of 70 trucks per week. The 11 main
trusses were assembled in the feld in two halves, hoisted, bolted at
the centerline and erected on the supporting towers. The smaller
sway frame assemblies including two sway frames, joists, and bot-
tom chord bracing were placed as units. Once assembled, Buckner
was able to erect in place nearly 600 tons of steel in a single day,
enough structure to support a roof area of 60,000 sq. ft.
The number of ironworkers and supervisors peaked at nearly
150 at the height of activity. Equipment included two 600-ton
Kobelco SL-6000 crawler cranes, each with a super-lift derrick
attachment; two 440-ton Liebherr LR-1400 crawler cranes; a
host of smaller cranes from 60-ton to 200-ton capacity; 20 man-
lifts ranging from 40 ft to 120 ft; and countless welding machines
and other small equipment.
The success of this complex, schedule-critical project resulted
from the cooperative efforts of all participants working effectively
together. Each member of the team fulflled its role in the project,
leading all involved to be proud to call themselves part of what the
participants came to consider The Ultimate Design-Build Team.

Owner
The Boeing Company, Chicago
Architect and Structural Engineer (foundations)
BRPH, Melbourne, Fla.
Structural Engineer (steel frame) and Steel Detailer
CMC Cary Engineering, Greenville, S.C. (AISC Member)
Steel Fabricators
CMC South Carolina Steel, Greenville, S.C. (AISC Member)
FabArc Steel Supply, Oxford, Ala. (AISC Member)
Steel Erector
Buckner Companies, Graham, N.C. (AISC and SEAA Member)
Design/Build Contractor
BE&K/Turner Joint Venture, Greenville, S.C.
The authors wish to acknowledge the contributions of Ed Garvin and
AISC Professional Member Bill Cary to this article.
Seats on the main truss connection plates provide the support for
the sway bracing.

36 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION OCTOBER 2011

F
Key ingredients of successful projects from four people on the front line.
20 Tips
BY MARK V. HOLLAND, P.E., BARRY BITNER, BEN MERKLING, AND BOB TERPAK
Top Project Managers
from the
FOUR EXPERIENCED AISC MEMBER FABRICATORS shared
their thoughts on the keys to successful project management in
May at the 2011 NASCC: The Steel Conference in Pittsburgh.
This article is a summary of their tips and commentary.
Audio recordings synchronized with the speakers' PowerPoint
presentations are available online for this session (N52) and many
others at www.aisc.org/2011nascconline.
Mark V. Holland, P.E., Chief Engineer
Paxton & Vierling Steel, Omaha, Neb.
Tip One: Always Have a Schedule
It may seem obvious, but its important in order to keep your
project on time. If you dont have a schedule, how will you know
if you are on schedule? Its helpful to use a scheduling tool that
features a To Do list with start and fnish dates for each project
task so that you can easily track your progress. And as with any-
thing, unexpected situations can arise on a project. When some-
thing comes up, update your schedule with any new tasks and dates
to keep everything on course. The scheduling tool will update the
downstream (predecessor) tasks so you can let your customer know
the effect of the changes. Remember, scheduling is a process and
not an event.
Tip Two: Use a Project Kickoff Checklist
This is a list of questions you should have answered or know the
status on before starting any project. This includes background on
the project and who is responsible for what actions on the job, which
will help prevent any roadblocks as the project moves forward. You
can start your checklist by recollecting your experiences or mistakes
from past projects and writing down any of that learned information
before starting the next job. To cover all of your bases, ask the sales
team about what isnt in the contract but may be in the customers
mind. At the end of the project, a Lessons Learned meeting will
help you build on your kickoff checklist for the next project.
Tip Three: Have a Standardized Folder System
If you can have access to the information you need when asked
about something, you will look more competent in the eyes of your
customer. Always make both a hard copy and an electronic version
of all documents, correspondence, and key information related to
your project, and fle it with a general identifer that youll remem-
ber and can use for every project. If a main folder on your com-
puter is becoming crowded with too many fles, organize it with
sub-folders. Being consistent in your folder system from job to job
will allow you to fnd information when you need it.
Tip Four: Use a Day Planner
Taking notes in a portable planner with corresponding dates will
help you prioritize your daily actions and record key conversational
points that you can look back on. Start your day by associating a
priority number with each task based on how urgent and important
it is to accomplish. Its a good idea to write your notes in pen so that
they dont smudge as the planner
wears and even use multi-colored
pens to categorize each type of
task. Review past notes to facili-
tate your actions for the day and
always volunteer to take notes.
The one who takes the notes con-
trols the history of the project.
Tip Five: Share Your Model
You dont need to be working
on a major BIM project to share
your project details and images
with your customer. Consider
setting up an online meeting and
use the detailing applications
you have to assist in getting your
point across about a project.
OCTOBER 2011 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION 37
Billy Bitner, Project Manager
Central Texas Iron Works, Waco, Texas
Tip Six: Understand Your Product
In order to meet customer expectations
and portray confdence, its crucial that you
know your product. Along with each new
contract your project requirements will
change across the board, from design to
detailing, and its important to understand
the complexities of the product youre pro-
viding your customer. Customers expect
that you are committed to their job and
able to provide them with knowledgeable
solutions when issues arise.
Tip Seven: Pay Close Attention to
Details
Customers expect their material to be
delivered effciently and their job built cor-
rectly the frst time. When the complete
structure is being erected, create a checklist
of everything from delivery requirements
to document requirements that need to be
in place for every project milestone. Mate-
rial that is not delivered on time means
higher costs for your customer.
Tip Eight: Be Committed to Helping
Your Customer
Getting any job done right is a team
effort. Always be available to your customer
to help them resolve any issues on the job
site and dont be afraid to offer suggestions
based on your experience. For example,
understanding your customers delivery
requirements and supplying your mate-
rial to your customer by the time erection
begins at the job site will help foster a team
relationship and improve scheduling. Its
also a good idea to involve the erector in the
scheduling process to ensure everyone is on
the same timeline.
Tip Nine: Keep Your Customer and
Project Team Informed
This can be accomplished by weekly
conference calls to cover any outstanding
issues and discuss any questions your cus-
tomer or project team may have. Especially
during the fabrication and erection stages,
these regular conversations about any
updates or concerns will keep everyone in
the loop and on track. However, dont wait
until your weekly conference calls to get in
touch with your client if something press-
ing comes up in the meantime.
Tip Ten: Utilize Your Available Assets
Within your industry and your own
organization, you should have a wealth of
knowledge and experience available to you
when you need it. Take advantage of your
access to people who may be able to provide
guidance and advice in any given situation
theyve probably seen it before in their
projects. And try using available software
that may be benefcial for your particular
job. Software use has really grown in the
past several years and has helped improve
job quality and production in many shops.
But most of all, remember that your most
valuable asset is yourself. Receive input from
others but also rely on your own knowledge
and skills to make decisions; that way youll
know youre making the right ones.
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38 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION OCTOBER 2011
This concept is essential to keeping your
project team and customer involved and
protecting your business interests from a
legal standpoint.
Here are some things you should always
confrm with your project team and cus-
tomer in every project: the Scope of your
project (an overview of the project and
whos doing what, when), Schedule (when,
where and how youre going to deliver on
your project), and Costs. Always confrm
these things in writing and initiate a call
beforehand to avoid any confusion and ease
any discomfort about the subject.
Tip Twelve: Be Timely in All Phases
of Your Work
This is a critical element to building
your relationships and proving to your
customer that your project is in capable
hands. Most importantly, being timely
means being responsive to all questions
that come up and confronting issues as
soon as they arise. Here are a few tools
that will help you juggle your responsi-
bilities: re-prioritize your tasks on a daily
Tip Eleven: Confrm, Confrm,
Confrm
Communication is the cornerstone of
being an effective project manager, and an
important piece of that is to always confrm
what youre doing and why youre doing it.
basis; establish deadlines such as plant
deadlines (for things like shop drawings),
jobsite deadlines (what are you delivering
and when), and any deadlines for contracts
or legal matters; and minimize any sur-
prises with constant communication.
Tip Thirteen: Subcontractors are
Integral to your Success
We all may be experts in our own feld,
but were obviously not experts in every-
body elses feld. Rely on your subcontrac-
tors for their knowledge to help make your
team successful. This starts with clear com-
munication with your subcontractor about
scope and direction in the pre-award phase
and then processes and reasoning in the
post-award phase. Be fexible when asking
them for information as you may be able to
integrate their processes into your course
of action, which will increase effciencies
for the whole team and beneft your rela-
tionships in the long run.
Tip Fourteen: Always Reserve the
Right to Decide Later
If youre in a meeting with a contractor
whos pushing for an answer to a request
right then and there, its important to
remove yourself from the pressure of the
moment and ask yourself a few questions
so that you dont commit to a response pre-
maturely. First, ask yourself, Can I answer
this question? Do you fully understand
the request? Do you have the authority
to answer this question on behalf of your
team? Is everybody on your team aware of
what youve been asked and will they fulfll
that request? If the answer is yes, proceed
with answering the question and confrm
the request in writing. If the answer is
no, you have the right to politely say, Ill
have to get back with you and establish an
action plan for following up with a response
as soon as possible.
Tip Fifteen: Never Take On Issues
Created by Others
Its OK to become involved in issues
from a helpful perspective and offer solu-
tions that may help solve the problem, but
dont take on the issue yourself and make
it your issue. In order to help resolve the
issue, youll need to fully understand the
objective and communicate with team
members on all sides of the issue. But make
sure youre not directing them one way or
the other; those directly involved with the
issue need to decide among themselves how
theyre going to tackle it.
Ben Merkling, Assistant General Manager
Cives Steel, Wolcott, Ind.
AA5HIO 5pec
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OCTOBER 2011 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION 39
Tip Sixteen: Be Cooperative
As a project manager, its crucial for you
to know the ins and outs of the project doc-
uments youre working with so at the end
of the day, youre providing the customer
with what they want. At the onset of a proj-
ect there are many things that need to be
taken care of at once, but your main goal
is meeting and exceeding your customers
expectations. At the beginning of any proj-
ect, request a meeting with the engineer of
record as they know specifc project details
that no one else does.
Tip Seventeen: Pick Your Battles
Picking your battles allows you to
maintain control of your project. Contract
documents can provide numerous traps
that can impede your progress. Make the
documents work for you and know exactly
whats in them and what the requirements
are for things like changes, percentages for
quoted extras, insurance, and for billing and
payment. If your contract manager has con-
cerns based on the contract, gently remind
your contract manager that they signed
the contract document, not your proposal.
And if your construction manager requests
backup information, you can provide them
with what they need.
Tip Eighteen: Avoid Surprise
A common situation on projects is
that a general contractor will be well-
versed coordinating the primary sub-
contactors, but, conversely, construction
managers will not be familiar with the
intricacies of production scheduling.
Make sure youre on the same page with
your construction manager and project
team about what will be done and when.
Give deadlines that are fully documented
to avoid any miscommunication.
Tip Nineteen: Pursue Win-Win
In his negotiating seminar, Chester
Karrass makes this very important point:
Theres a better deal for both of us if we
look for it. Every project encounters some
sort of problem down the line that even all
of the notes and records and documents
couldnt anticipate. This is when you need
to call a meeting and look for a win-win
solution for your customer and your com-
pany, and overcome that obstacle before
you proceed.
Tip Twenty: Be a Teacher and Main-
tain Sense of Humor
To be called a teacher is probably the
best compliment a project manager can
receive. Throughout our careers we part-
ner with many different organizations as
employees, joint venture partners and sub-
contractors. In my 39 years in the busi-
ness, the organizations that have listened
and respected what you bring to the table
are the ones that are still around. Can you
recall a teacher who has made a signifcant
impact on your career? The ones who take
the time to help you and provide positive
reinforcement are usually the ones you
remember. As a project manger, remember
that you are the face of your company to
the owner and customer, and youre a leader
in your own organization. Remember that
you must serve as the positive infuence for
your team to succeed, and a little humor
can go a long way.
Bob Terpak, Project Executive
Ohio Steel Industries, Columbus, Ohio
Building Quality Stairs with Sharon Stair
Worthington Metal Fabricators, LLC
1481 Exeter Road, Akron, OH 44306
P: 330.777.5377 1.800.792.0129
F: 330.777.5350
[email protected]
www.sharonstair.com
Worthington Metals Fabricators,
LLC specializes in architectural metal
products precisely designed, engi-
neered, and manufactured to meet
your building requirements for a
complete Miscellaneous Metals
Package. Our Drop-In

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ve decades in projects world wide.
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40 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION OCTOBER 2011
A comparison of friction and high-
damping rubber dampers for
cable-stayed bridge applications.
T
THE REQUIREMENTS FOR INCREASED DURABILITY of cable-
stayed bridges now make the 100-year bridge the norm. A key factor
in providing long-life is a strategy for controlling the complex prob-
lem of cable vibrations due to wind and aeroelastic instabilities.
This article examines the features of two vibration damping systems
and factors to consider when choosing a damping system in the design
of a cable-stayed bridge. Friction dampers typically are more suitable for
longer cables and those with more demanding damping requirements.
Once active, they protect the cable by providing damping across all
modes of vibration and any axis. With no moving parts, high-damping
rubber (HDR) dampers are ideal for cable-stayed bridges with short to
medium cable lengths or cables with moderate damping requirements.
The article concludes with three examples of recent installations.
Increasing Popularity of Cable-Stayed Bridges
Cable-stayed bridges have been constructed all over the world in
recent years. Combining a steel superstructure with current stay cable
technology has enabled the construction of main spans in excess of
3,300 ft. Examples include the Stonecutters Bridge in Hong Kong and
the Sutong Bridge in Jiangsu Province, China. The recently opened
John James Audubon Bridge near Baton Rouge, La., currently is the
longest cable-stayed main span in the western hemisphere at 1,583 ft.
With many more planned projects on the horizon, the cable-stayed
bridge appears to be well-positioned for future construction.
Given the up-front investment required to build a cable-
stayed structure, it is understandable why owners want these
bridges to provide a 100-year service. Many factors contribute
Selection Factors
for Cable
Damping
Systems
BY KEVIN M. CROUCH AND
DANIEL A. DOCK, P.E.
OCTOBER 2011 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION 41

to this extended life expectancy, includ-

ing improved corrosion protection mea-
sures and the ability to replace individual
strands or even entire cables without clos-
ing a bridge to traffc. Another important
aspect of ensuring a long life involves
improvements in controlling the complex
problem of cable vibrations due to wind
and aeroelastic instabilities. A number of
Kevin Crouch is an engineer at Structural/VSL, Fort Worth, Texas,
and previously worked as an engineer at Parsons Brinckerhoff. He
can be reached at [email protected]. Dan Dock, P.E., is vice
president of engineering at Structural/VSL, Fort Worth, Texas. He
has more than 30 years experience in structural engineering, having
worked for major contractors and engineering consulting frms. He
can be reached at [email protected].

Components of a friction damper assembly.

Components of a hard-damping rubber (HDR) damper assembly.
With its relatively short stay cables, the
Christopher S. Bond Bridge spanning the
Missouri River near Kansas City, Mo., was
a good application for HDR dampers.
VSL
different solutions have been developed to
address this concern, most notably stay-
cable dampers.
Why Are Dampers Needed?
Stay cables are prone to a number of dif-
ferent types of vibration. The U.S. Federal
Highway Administrations document Wind-
Induced Vibration of Stay Cables (Publication
No. FHWA-HRT-05-083) names at least
eight different types of cable excitation.
The most common one with the potential
to generate large cable amplitudes is known
as Rain-Wind Induced Vibration (RWIV),
though other types of excitation can also
affect particular bridges. RWIV typically
occurs during a rain event with moder-
ate wind speeds (in general 18 to 33 mph).
Stay cables have a small amount of intrinsic
damping, but in many situations this is not
enough to control the excitation from vari-
ous phenomena. A number of solutions have
been developed to provide additional damp-
ing, including cross-ties, stay pipe surface
treatments (such as helical ribs or dimples),
external dampers (like piston-type viscous
dampers), and internal dampers.
Though driver comfort is perhaps the
most prominent reason for controlling stay
cable vibration, durability is also a signifcant
concern that dampers can address. Dampers
contribute to long-term bridge life primar-
ily through keeping steel protection ele-
ments, such as guide pipes and anchorage
components, from experiencing repetitive
large movements and loads. Large vibra-
tions can damage the connections of these
elements, as was observed on the Fred Hart-
man Bridge near Houston. Repeated cable
excitation on that bridge led to broken welds
at the base of the deck guide pipes.
On most cable-stayed bridge projects, a
qualifed engineering consultant performs
a wind study to determine the level of addi-
tional damping recommended for each stay
cable on the bridge. These recommendations
VSL
VSL
are then used to develop project specifca-
tions, which in turn lead to the use of specifc
damping systems on a bridge. Certain types
of dampers are more appropriate for specifc
applications, so it is important to understand
a projects needs before proposing a solution.
Two Distinct Damping Solutions
In the 1990s, two very effective damping
solutions were developed to address the prob-
lem of stay cable vibration. The frst, the fric-
tion damper, was created by Imre Kovacs and
patented by VSL International. This solution
was frst applied in 1996 on the Puente Real
(Badajoz) Bridge in Spain. In essence, the fric-
tion damper functions similarly to disc brakes
on an automobile. Spring blades connected
to a bridges guide pipe provide a clamping
force on a collar attached to an individual stay
cable. At a particular amplitude, the force from
the cables vibration overcomes the friction
between the contacting parts in the two assem-
blies, at which point the damper activates. The
system then works quickly and effciently, dis-
sipating energy in order to return the cable to
a low-vibration state. Because of their shape
and non-linear behavior, friction dampers can
provide damping across all modes of vibration
and any axis. During periods of vibration with
very small amplitudes, the damper remains
inactive and functions like a guide deviator.
This minimizes the wear on the damper and
allows it to transfer the force from these small
vibrations to the guide pipe rather than the
cable anchorage.
Another damping system was developed
in Japan by Sumitomo Rubber Industries.
This solution, consisting of multiple HDR
pads, was introduced on the Odawara Blue-
way Bridge in 1994. The rubber pads, which
somewhat resemble a hockey puck, connect
a stay cable to its corresponding guide pipe,
dissipating energy and transferring vibra-
tion forces to the pipe rather than the cable
anchorage. Unlike the friction damper, the
HDR assembly is always active. However,
because the system includes no moving
parts, it is highly resistant to wear.
The unique features of each system
make it important to evaluate which is
more appropriate for a particular use.
For instance, friction dampers are gener-
ally more suitable for longer cables, while
HDR systems function best for shorter and
medium-length stays.
In general terms, the further away a
damper is from the anchorage, the more
damping it can achieve. However, the fex-
ibility of the damper support, which is usually
the guide pipe, must also be considered, as a
fexible support will reduce the effectiveness
of a damper. Because of their higher eff-
ciency, friction dampers typically can provide
the same level of damping as HDR dampers
at a position closer to the cable anchorage.
However, friction dampers usually require

The long stay cables of the newly opened

John J. Audubon Bridge in Louisiana are
benetting from the use of friction dampers.
Close-up view of a friction damper.

{
}
Basics of Stay-Cable Damping
Stay-cable damping requirements are typ-
ically expressed with one of two values:
percent of critical damping, or the per-
centage of logarithmic decrement. The
percentage of logarithmic decrement (log
dec) represents the natural logarithm of
a ratio between two successive vibration
amplitudes, expressed as a percentage.
In the chart shown above, the percentage
of log dec (D) would be expressed as:
Critical damping refers to the damp-
ing level needed to bring the cable to
rest in one cycle without experiencing
further vibration. The damping ratio (X) is
typically expressed in terms of a percent-
age of this amount. The damping ratio
can be related to the percentage of log
dec with the following equation:
Stay cables are long, exible members
and thus cannot achieve critical damp-
ing. Attempts at providing a completely
rigid damper would simply create a node
on the cable, while supplying an exces-
sively soft damper would allow too much
movement and thus forfeit the dampers
effectiveness. Analysis conrmed by
testing has been used to determine the
highest damping level possible for a stay
cable. For a cable with a passive damper
attached at a particular point, the maxi-
mum achievable damping under free
vibration can be expressed as:
where D is the damping expressed in the
percentage of log dec, x is the damper
position measured from the closest end
of the cable, and L is the cable length.
x
L
DP
D
2P
Xy
A
1
A
2
Dl
n

Schematic view
of a friction
damper.
VSL

VSL
42 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION OCTOBER 2011
OCTOBER 2011 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION 43
The Luling Bridge, also known as the Hale
Boggs Memorial Bridge, is getting new
cable stays with a mix of both HDR and
friction dampers.
a larger diameter anti-vandalism cone than
HDR dampers to allow for the larger move-
ment associated with the system. The addi-
tional size of the components may need to be
considered in situations with tight clearances.
The two damping systems also can be mixed
on a single bridge, with one system used on
certain cables and the other on the remain-
ing cables, or even combined on an individual
cable, as is being done on the Luling project.
The Two Solutions Applied
The John James Audubon Bridge
spans the Mississippi River between New
Roads and St. Francisville, La. Early in
the design-build process, a wind engineer-
ing study indicated that varying levels of
damping were needed for individual cables.
The maximum was 0.59% critical damp-
ing. Given the cable lengths (maximum
length of approximately 830 ft) and damp-
ing requirements, a friction damper was
chosen for this application. At the present
time, friction dampers have been installed
successfully on all cables, and the bridge
was opened to traffc in May 2011.
The Christopher S. Bond Bridge span-
ning the Missouri River is part of the kcI-
CON project in Kansas City, Mo. As with
the Audubon Bridge, a wind engineering
study was performed early in the design-
build process and the recommendations
from the report became the basis for the
required damping on the job. Two primary
factors led to the selection of HDR damp-
ers for the bridge. First, the shorter cable
lengths, which had a maximum length of
approximately 530 ft, and lower damping
levels (the maximum cable required 0.38%
critical damping) allowed the use of the
rubber dampers. In addition, the diamond
shape of the pylon combined with above-
VSL

deck steel anchorage assemblies permit-

ted smaller anti-vandalism cones in order
to avoid possible clearance issues with
truck traffc on the bridge. The bridge was
opened to traffc in September 2010, com-
plete with HDR damping systems in place.
The Luling Bridge, also known as the
Hale Boggs Memorial Bridge, was origi-
nally constructed in the early 1980s near
New Orleans. A lengthy investigation ini-
tiated by the Louisiana Department of
Transportation and Development in the
early 2000s uncovered concerns with the
existing stay cables, leading to the frst stay
cable replacement project in the United
States. As part of this project, the issue of
cable vibration was addressed; the original
cables had not been equipped with dampers.
The project specifcations required 0.95%
critical damping for all cables. After much
discussion, both friction and HDR damp-
ers were selected for the project. The cable
replacement is currently under way; damp-
ers have been installed on one quadrant of
the bridge, and the remaining systems will
be installed as construction progresses.
Project completion is anticipated for 2012.
These examples demonstrate the util-
ity and fexibility of the friction damper
and the HDR damper. Though different in
many ways, both types of dampers function
well under the appropriate circumstances.
As the number of cable-stayed bridges
continues to increase, these damping sys-
tems will certainly assist in maintaining the
long-term durability of these bridges.
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44 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION OCTOBER 2011
A
AFTER NEARLY TWO DECADES of
hands-on experience, David Hornsby
opened his own shop to bend and roll steel
in 2005. Located in Cleveland, Ala., the
frm has carved out a niche for itself with
its expertise in curving spirals and other
complicated shapes. MSC recently invited
Hornsby to explain some of the more
interesting aspects of their operation.
MSC: What makes a bender-roller differ-
ent from a standard fabrication shop?
HORNSBY: For one thing, bender-rollers
have specialized equipment, like angle rolls
and beam rolls, that a fabricator might only
have a need for once a month. Almost all of
our customers are other fab shops. Its not
really cost-effective for them to have this
type of equipment just sitting around, but
by providing this specialized service for a
lot of fabricators, we use the equipment all
day, every day and that makes it a lot more
cost-effective. We dont fabricate anything.
All we do is bend and roll material. We fur-
nish parts for the fabricator.
The other big difference is that the
equipment and the process we use take an
enormous amount of room. For example,
if youre curving a 60-ft beam you have to
have 60 ft into the machine and 60 ft out.
And if youre curving it to a relatively tight
radius, you could be 40 ft to 50 ft across
from it, so you have to have an area thats
50 ft by 120 ft just to roll a 60-ft beam.
MSC: Is handling the material a big part
of the job?
HORNSBY: It is. The handling of the mate-
rialgetting it in and getting it outprob-
ably costs as much as the curving itself.
Closely spaced curved steel balusters provide edge protection at the top of the
staircase leading up from the Hornsby Steel shop floor, providing an elegant, unusual
appearance.

Curving
Steel
BY DAVID HORNSBY
A Look at
What Goes Into
Ben Jones
With experienced operators, the challenge
of curving steel just right is what
keeps the job interesting.
H
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n
s
b
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e
l
Hornsby Steel curved the steel for this staircase
recently built by AISC member Steel-Plus, LLC,
Ider, Ala., and installed at Troy University, Troy,
Ala. by general contractor Whaley Construction
Co. Inc., Troy, Ala.

OCTOBER 2011 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION 45

MSC: Is curving steel a high-tech operation at this point in time?
HORNSBY: Yes and no. Digital readouts on many of the machines
help improve repeatability, and we use computers to come up with
the layouts. The layouts on drawings are vague at best, and thats
where using technology is benefcial. But most jobs are completely
different, and because a lot of the beneft of using technology depends
on repeatability its not always as helpful as you would hope.
MSC: What about data being directly transferred from one machine
to anotheris that happening in your shop?
HORNSBY: Not in the curving operations. If we were doing the
same thing day in and day out, that would be a beneft we would
look into. But as a general rule, were not repeating the same thing
often enough. Each job is unique.
MSC: How great of an advantage is there to doing a large quantity
of pieces that are the same rather than just one or two?
HORNSBY: Theres defnitely an advantage. The digital readouts
allow us to set the machine identical to the piece we rolled before,
and that certainly speeds things up. There are advantages on the
material handling side, tooit doesnt take any longer to bring a
stack of material up to the shop than to bring a piece.
MSC: Did you buy all new equipment when you opened your shop?
HORNSBY: Actually, its a mix of old and new. I started with an
older plate roll and a new press brake. Since then weve added
another new press brake and added an old press brake. It is actually
a brand new 1952 model press break that was in government stor-
age. The paint was not even worn off the wear area. We also have
added a new plate roll since then.
The old machines are just workhorses. Theyre every bit as
functional as the day they were made. Theyll last forever if you
maintain them properly. But its some old technology that not many
people can do anymore. I have quite a few people that have been in
this business for a long time. Theyre getting older and I thought I
need to show the younger ones how to operate these machines or
were going to lose that capability.
MSC: How much of what you do depends on operator skill?
HORNSBY: Operators are priceless in this business. Every piece
rolls a little differently. You can use the readouts to get somewhat
of a repeat, but even with the machine set the same as for the piece
before, the next one might roll not quite tight enough or it may be
too tight. The actual strength of each piece is just a little bit differ-
ent, and it shows up when you start yielding it and curving it into a
shape. An experienced operator can make a big difference.
MSC: What ramifcations does this have for engineers and archi-
tects as they specify and design curved steel?
HORNSBY: The most common misunderstanding we have to deal
with among architects and engineers is that when you go tight on a
radius, you frequently have to increase the thickness of the material
to prevent wrinkling or collapsing the member. But that is improv-
ing as time goes by. Today you can use a lot lighter member than
you used to be able to, so design professionals just need to remain
fexible on increasing the thickness on items that are being curved.
Theres no universal rule of thumb, because each bender-rollers
capability is somewhat different, but that is something that happens
with all bender-rollers. The big material has a limit to how tight it
can go, and the smaller you go the tighter you can get.
David Hornsby is president of
AISC Member Hornsby Steel,
Inc., Cleveland, Ala.
There is a cost relationship between radius and member size.
You know if you attempt to roll something that is too big into
too tight a radius, the cost will skyrocket. If you can stay smaller
on the tight radius and increase the size as the radius increases
certainly it can lower the cost dramatically. This is the kind of
thing that architects and engineers should talk with bender-
rollers about to come up with optimal solutions.
MSC: Is most of your work on the lighter end, or on the heavy?
HORNSBY: It depends on the application. Were not the big-
gest roll shop by any means, but we can do pretty heavy stuff.
Most of what we do tends to be light. We have found a little
niche curving spirals and rolling conical-type tubes, and those
are typically lighter applications.
Some of the things we see on drawings today, spirals and so
on, are approaching impossible. For me thats where the fun
begins, because Ive got to fgure out a way to do it.
We had a job about two years ago that was a faring out stair-
case. Both sides were faring out, which is spiral but it doesnt
appear that way. Theyre just opposite hand spirals put together.
The nosings on the stair treads were curved out as well. We
couldnt fgure out how to do that and fnally came up with
an idea. We have a little miniature machine shop that we just
use for maintaining the equipment and we built a little die that
allowed us to curve the nosings out on the stair treads. That
staircase is in a jewelry store up in North Carolina. They set a
big central platform on that staircase and they do weddings at
the jewelry store. Its beautiful.
MSC: What are some of the harder things to do, the nearly
impossible?
HORNSBY: A conical rolled tube is technically rolled in two
directions. To maintain quality on a piece you have to rigidly
hold the piece in order to hold its shape. Well you cant do it
in two directionsit can only be done in one direction. But we
played around with it and have come up with a way to roll it
in two directions and maintain a pretty good quality. Its those
little things that add a lot of interest to my day. Trying to fgure
out something like that is just a lot of fun.
Thats also one of the nice things about being a small shop.
It allows me to be a little more hands-on. Its kind of like were
a modern-day blacksmith shop. We just use hydraulic power
instead of the heat-and-beat method.
For additional information on curving structural steel, visit
www.aisc.org/benders.
T
Tips from the AISC Steel Solutions Center
on how to create your own Conceptual Solution.
How to Conceptualize
Your Next Project
in Steel
BY CARLO LINI, P.E.
THE STEEL SOLUTIONS CENTER (SSC) was established by
AISC in 2001 to provide decision makers with easily understand-
able information demonstrating the viability of a structural steel
solution to meet their project needs. To that end, the SSC has
completed more than 775 conceptual solutions over the years with
good results. Of the projects where a competing or no framing
system had been chosen, 40% have been converted to steel.
As we have conceived them, conceptual solutions are studies
that demonstrate the viability of structural steel framing solutions
for specifc projects. They provide the information needed to eval-
uate the feasibility, aesthetics, and economics of a structural steel
framed option for your new construction project.
The best time to look at a conceptual solution is during the
schematic/conceptual design phase when you are exploring struc-
tural systems; however, such a study can be performed later in the
design process as well. Conceptual solution studies can be applied
to any building typeapartment buildings, medical offce build-
ings, small industrial facilities, etc.and for projects of all sizes
located throughout the United States. As far as the level of detail
to include, thats up to you. However, our most popular request
involves generating a 3D model from which you can generate
foor framing plans, column schedules and lateral frame size and
locations. We refer to these as Full Conceptual Studies and will
discuss this more later.
Creating Your Own Conceptual Solution
Did you know that you can do exactly what we do on your
own? Here is a list of questions that the SSC typically asks early on
when evaluating various materials, framing and layout constraints,
and you should as well on your next project.
What is the required foor-to-foor height?
Total building height may be restricted by local codes. If so,
minimizing foor-to-foor heights may provide enough room for
an additional foor. Reducing foor heights can also reduce costs in
areas such as the faade, elevator systems and operating energy.
What are the serviceability requirements?
Consider the vibration requirements for the foor system and
inter-story drift limitations required to prevent damage to the
cladding material. If youre designing a steel parking structure in
an area where frequent freeze-thaw cycles are typical and deicing
salts are used on roadways, and are concerned with durability, a
cast-in-place post-tensioned slab might be a better foor system
option than a cast-in-place conventionally reinforced on metal
deck foor system. Serviceability questions differ from project to
project and must be based upon the needs of the project.
What is the desired project schedule?
There are benefts to having an accelerated steel schedule, such
as allowing for early occupancy and generating income sooner. A
shorter steel schedule can also allow for more design time to iden-
tify potential issues and work through coordination issues while
still meeting the desired occupancy date.
What stage is the project team at in terms of project development?
If you can get involved early on, you may have more fexibility
with the building geometry. Maybe you can suggest moving col-
umns around to ft a particular foor system better or create better
locations for your lateral system.
What are the architectural limits?
Make sure that the lateral system type or column layout will
work within the building layout (i.e., without interfering with
open rows, windows, doors, etc.). Also, if youre trying to achieve a
46 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION OCTOBER 2011
OCTOBER 2011 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION 47
Carlo Lini, P.E., is an AISC Steel
Solutions Center advisor. Prior to
joining AISC in 2011 he was a staff
engineer with Ruby + Associates,
Farmington Hills, Mich.
lower foor-to-foor height, you may look at integrating your steel
framing within walls.
What are the local erection/trade constraints in construction?
You may be looking at a parking structure and considering a
cast-in-place post-tensioned slab for the foor system. Make sure
that contractors in the region of the project are experienced and
comfortable with this particular construction technique.
Are there any special installation considerations?
Some foor systems may require shoring and could have an
impact on the construction schedule and cost. Also, check to see
if you are specifying heavy crane pick loads (long span girders or
trusses, for example) as these may exceed the capacity of the crane
the general contractor anticipated using.
Are there any site constraints?
There may be no vacant adjacent space for onsite ft-up or
assembly. Does your system allow for this in a tight area? If you
are planning on using large built-up trusses, do you have a laydown
area that is large enough to accommodate them? Some members
may need to be taken straight from the truck to the structure.
Are there any potential issues regarding material availability?
While both WF and HSS members are readily available in the
marketplace it is possible that local service centers may not stock
every section in every length. It is always a good idea to contact
service centers in the vicinity of the project to determine which
sections are typically stocked in their region in order to ensure
quick delivery of material to the selected fabricator.
Are there plans for future expansion?
If there are plans for vertical expansion, make sure the columns
and lateral system have been designed to account for this. What
impact will a future expansion have on the required fre rating?
What is the season of construction?
Time is money so it is important to plan ahead to reduce the
risk of costly interruptions due to weather. What kind of weather
do you expect during the time of construction and what is the ease
of construction of a particular structural steel system in that kind
of environment?
How can we limit the interdependence of trades?
Try to make each construction activity as independent as pos-
sible. The more coordination that is required between trades, the
more complicated the construction process will be.
How can we improve the coordination between designers and
construction trades?
Early involvement of the contractor, designers and subcontrac-
tors is vital to the success of any project. The earlier the structural,
mechanical and electrical trades can coordinate to avoid clashes
and possibly optimize layouts to avoid feld issues, the sooner proj-
ect success can be realized.
How complex is the building geometry?
Determine if the building layout is atypical or non-repetitive.
Some foor systems have greater fexibility than others. With more
bay-to-bay and foor-to-foor replication, greater effciencies can
be gained. Where anticipating complexity, discuss your options
with all involved. For example, if you have a complicated connec-
tion, work with the fabricator to fnd the best solution.
Will this be a mixed-use facility?
Integrating multiple uses into one structure can be a challenge.
Structures such as parking, offce and residential all have unique
architectural demands and possible structural optimal layouts. How is
it best to integrate these into one structural layout to minimize trans-
fer girders while considering all of the structural layout demands?
Is there a possibility for future modifcations of the interior space?
If there is a possibility for future interior space modifcations,
some steel foor framing systems may provide greater fexibility
than others. Future tenants may need a foor system that can easily
be upgraded to handle heavier foor loads or penetrations for new
elevators or stair towers.
How can we limit feld work?
If youre looking at a conventional steel frame system, the far-
ther you can space out your infll beams, the fewer pieces there will
be to fabricate, erect and install. If shoring is required, make sure to
consider the shoring cost. What connections will work best for the
feld? Remember that material costs are approximately 30% of the
steel package and the remainder is fabrication and erection labor.
What are the life-cycle costs associated with a particular system?
Successful paint systems can achieve between 2530 years
before a new coat is required. Galvanized steel typically can last
75 to 100 years without maintenance. Factor in the cost of main-
tenance when comparing these options. Also make sure to not
specify paint if its not required. In building structures, steel need
not be primed or painted if it will be enclosed by building fnish,
coated with a contact-type freproofng, or in contact with con-
crete. Also, when looking at other construction materials, factor in
joint rework costs.
The preceding questions are intended to provide a good starting
point. A great next step would be reviewing the AISC Steel Design
Guide No. 5, Low- and Medium-Rise Steel Buildings, and AISC Steel
Design Guide No. 23, Constructability of Structural Steel Buildings.
{ }
Contacting the
AISC Steel Solutions Center
The AISC Steel Solutions Center makes
it easy for you to nd, compare, select,
and specify the right system for your proj-
ect. From typical framing studies to total
structural systems, including project costs
and schedules, we can provide you with
up-to-date information for your next proj-
ect. If you have a project and would like to
evaluate a steel framed option, please let
us know. You can reach out to your regional
engineer (see www.aisc.org/myregion) or
contact the solution center directly.
phone: 866.ASK.AISC (866.275.2472)
email: [email protected],
website: www.aisc.org/askaisc
48 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION OCTOBER 2011
Filled with useful information, both are available as free downloads
for AISC members at www.aisc.org/dg.
Let Us Help You
If you dont have time, or if you want help, call us. When most
people think about the Steel Solutions Center, the frst thing that
comes to mind is a source for answers to technical questions. Its easy
to understand why. The SSC receives around 200 questions per week
and has answered more than 93,000 questions since it was created in
2001. However, thats not the only guidance the SSC provides. The
SSC also can provide complimentary conceptual solutions to assist
engineers of record that are intended to highlight the benefts of a
structural steel framed system for your project. There are essentially
fve different levels of detail, depending on what youre looking for
from the SSC and how fast you need the information.
Level 1: Reference Material. The SSC provides basic
information on steel framing solutions for a variety of build-
ing types including parking structures, offces, multi-story
residential buildings, and more. Its a good starting point for
someone exploring steel framing for their project.
Level 2: Project Prototypes. The SSC has gone through hun-
dreds of conceptual solutions looking for similarities in the
framing systems used for offces, hospitals, parking garages, and
other building types. Based on this research, we have developed
project prototypes to provide what we consider typical fram-
ing layout for a particular building type. These prototypes are
available in print, on the SSC website, or by email.
Level 3: Similar Study. The SSC maintains a database of all
conceptual solutions it has provided. We can search these to
identify a project similar to yours. This earlier project can be
used to generate a ballpark cost and schedule estimate for
your project. You may also receive a copy of the original study
with all identifying references removed. The main beneft of a
similar study is the speed with which it can be completed.
Level 4: Framing Bay Study. The SSC can help evaluate
structural steel framed foor systems for the typical bays/
foors in your project by providing approximate beam and
deck layouts and cost comparisons. A foor system/layout
can have a big impact on project costs so its always a good
idea to look at your options early on.
Level 5: Full Conceptual Study. This is the most popular
and most involved Conceptual Solution option. A framing
model is created and evaluated for gravity and lateral loads.
The SSC then presents the information in report formata
cover page with a 3D image of the structural steel frame, foor
and roof framing plans, column and lateral frame elevations,
material takeoff sheet, loading criteria information, and notes
that provide additional information on the study. Its impor-
tant to note that the conceptual study is just thatconceptual.
The engineer of record for the project may use the informa-
tion as a reference when developing full project documents.
Keep in mind, though, that the fnal design for the project
may be quite different than the conceptual solution. However,
the quantities, costs and schedule presented in the conceptual
solution are typically quite close to those of the fnal design.
Reference Material
Similar Study
Framing
Bay
Study
Full
Conceptual
Study
Similar Study
Prepared by:
Regional Engineer:
Comments on Provided Solution
Steel Quantity Takeoff
Building Code Criteria
Floor Framing Plans
Roof Framing Plan
Column Layout & Schedule
Moment Frame Elevations
This Package Includes:
Prepared for:
866.ASK.AISC
(866.275.2472)
[email protected]
There's always a solution in steel
American Institute of Steel Construction
One East Wacker Drive, Suite 700
Chicago, Illinois 60601
312.67032400 www.aisc.org
Trademarks licensed from
AISC Holdings, Inc.
Contact:
Project Location:
1) The Conceptual Solution and estimates for this project are based on parameters defined through architectural
drawings and project criteria received.
2) The steel quantities and geometry of this investigation are provided on the Floor Framing Plans, Roof Framing Plan,
the Column Layout Plan, the Column Schedule, and the Frame Elevations on the following pages.
3) The design criteria per the International Building Code 2006 (IBC 2006) is summarized and included in the Building
Code Criteria page.
4) Part of the work for the conversion of the original building of this project consists of an addition to the north side.
This addition will be similar to the original building in that it will include 9 stories for hotel occupancy. However,
unlike the original structure, the ground floor (1st Floor) of the addition will be utilized for parking instead of hotel
amenities.
5) Based on the available options and review of the drawings for the original building and addition, the In-Wall Beam
best fits the needs of this project. The general construction of the original building consisted of masonry walls and
then precast concrete planks between. An In-Wall Beam system uses steel girders and then precast concrete
planks between to offer similar floor-to-floor heights, wall thickness, and floor thickness.
6) 8" precast hollow-core plank was used for the floor and roof systems of the addition.
7) For this study, the addition to the original structure was modeled as a free-standing structure. Thus, the lateral
system for the addition was modeled as if the lateral system of the original building would not contribute in the
resistance of lateral loads. If it is confirmed by the engineer of record that the lateral system for the original building
can contribute to the lateral system of the addition, then the lateral system presented in this study can be modified
or reduced (e.g. removal of some of the moment frames and/or braced frames) as part of the engineer of records
final design.
8) Lateral loads for this building were resisted by concentric braced frames and moment frames in each direction.
Lateral frame member sizes are shown in the Frame Elevations located within the following pages. AISC Seismic
Provision requirements were no used in determining the quantity estimate for this project.
9) According to industry standards, wide flange girders supporting precast plank are to be shored at third points,
confirmed by the engineer of record, until the final grouting has cured. The shoring reduces the construction
moment and accounts for the beam's unbraced top flange. This investigation does not include an evaluation of the
girders for construction loads before the grout has cured.
10) The precast hollow-core plank is not cambered and is assumed to have no structural topping. Non-structural
topping used to level the top of the plank may be applied. Shear studs are assumed to be provided every 24 in.
along all girders supporting precast plank. (These may not be necessary if embed plates are welded to the steel
girders.)
11) In areas where the precast plank spans parallel to the exterior of the building, the precast plank may be designed
and detailed to support the faade. Therefore, structural steel beams may not be required in these locations in the
finished building. For this study, the steel quantity takeoff does include the quantities of the perimeter steel beams.
The information contained in this document is not intended as a basis for structural design for this or any project. Rather,
it is a conceptual approach to the project that demonstrates the viability of the steel system for project requirements,
budget, and schedule.
COMMENTS ON PROVIDED
SOLUTION
866.ask.aisc [email protected]
This document has been prepared in accordance with information made available to the American Institute of Steel
Construction at the time of its preparation. While it is believed to be accurate, it has not been prepared for conventional use
as an engineering or construction document and should not be used or relied upon for any specific application without
competent professional examination and verification of its accuracy, suitability and applicability by a licensed engineer,
architect or other professional. AISC disclaims any liability arising from information provided by others or from the
unauthorized use of the information contained in this document.
Gravity Loads
Dead Loads
Floor & Roof Decking 60 psf [precast hollow core concrete plank]
Live Loads
Residential 60 psf
Roof 20 psf
Superimposed Dead Loads
Residential 5 psf
Roof 5 psf
psf
Cladding Loads
Faade 350 plf
Wind Load Parameters
Basic Wind Speed = 140 mph
Wind Importance Factor, IW = 1.00
Exposure Category = B
Topographical Factor = 1.00
Drift Limit = H/500
Basic Seismic-Force-Resisting System
Seismic Design Parameters MF BF
Site Class = D Building Period Coefficient, CT = 0.028 0.020
Seismic Importance Factor, IE = 1.00 Response Modification Coefficient, R = 3.0 3.0
Seismic Design Category = A System Overstrength Factor, o = 3.0 3.0
Deflection Amplification Factor, Cd = 3.0 3.0
0.070 g
0.030 g
This investigation is based on the following criteria. The Steel Solutions Center does not assert that these are the
criteria that apply to this project. The criteria are chosen based on the project location and the widely adopted model
building code, IBC 2006. Requirements by local and state jurisdictions have not been considered. If actual project
criteria differ significantly from those listed, the results presented may no longer be valid.
Spectral Response Acceleration at
Short Periods (0.2s), Ss =
Spectral Response Acceleration at
One Second Period, S1 =
Concentric Braced Frames & Moment Frames
Note: The requirements of the AISC Seismic
Provisions WERE NOT used in determining the
quantity estimate for this project. Whether or not the
special seismic requiements must be taken into account
in the design is based on the applicable building code and
local requirements.
BUILDING CODE CRITERIA
IBC 2006
866.ask.aisc [email protected]
This document has been prepared in accordance with information made available to the American Institute of Steel
Construction at the time of its preparation. While it is believed to be accurate, it has not been prepared for conventional use
as an engineering or construction document and should not be used or relied upon for any specific application without
competent professional examination and verification of its accuracy, suitability and applicability by a licensed engineer,
architect or other professional. AISC disclaims any liability arising from information provided by others or from the
unauthorized use of the information contained in this document.
Suspended Steel Floor Areas:
49,280 ft2 [total area]
Estimated Steel Quantities:
Gravity Columns
W12s 10 tons 0.41 psf 25 pieces
Beams (gravity)
Wide Flange 31 tons 1.3 psf 171 pieces
Braced Frames
Beams 78 tons 3.17 psf 162 pieces
Columns 112 tons 4.55 psf 110 pieces
Braces (WF) 5 tons 0.20 psf 4 pieces
Braces (HSS) 39 tons 1.58 psf 104 pieces
Steel not indicated in sketches
5% 14 tons 0.56 psf
289 tons 11.7 psf 576 pieces
* The quantities are based on centerline dimensions
** Steel not indicated in sketches accounts for framing not included in the estimate such as
framing for openings or various members eliminated for simplification. It does not include
connection material, slab edge material or faade attachments.
Material Specification
Wide flange shapes are A992, Gr. 50
Rectangular HSS sections are A500 Gr. B
STEEL QUANTITY TAKEOFF:
Addition to Existing Structure
866.ask.aisc [email protected]
This document has been prepared in accordance with information made available to the American Institute of Steel
Construction at the time of its preparation. While it is believed to be accurate, it has not been prepared for conventional use
as an engineering or construction document and should not be used or relied upon for any specific application without
competent professional examination and verification of its accuracy, suitability and applicability by a licensed engineer,
architect or other professional. AISC disclaims any liability arising from information provided by others or from the
unauthorized use of the information contained in this document.
Conceptual Solution Levels

Project
Prototypes
OCTOBER 2011 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION 49
What You Can Expect
When providing a conceptual solution, the SSC considers sev-
eral factors. What framing systems provide an economical and
constructible solution to meet the project requirements (low foor-
to-foor height requirements, for example)? Is a particular project
a great ft for the staggered truss framing system? Would hollow-
core precast plank or long-span deck be a better option than tra-
ditional metal deck with concrete topping? The SSC will ask these
questions when putting a Conceptual Solution together while not
losing sight of engineering and fabrication issues such as beam
copes, camber limitations, seismic detailing and member sizes,
material ordering, and repetitious member sizing. Other effcien-
cies are also considered, such as foundation savings, fre protection
costs, and reduced schedule time. The SSC also can provide infor-
mation on protective coating systems for exposed steel.
Additionally, the SSC can explore innovative steel solutions in
addition to more traditional framing systems. Many innovative
structural steel systems are available in the marketplace, and it is
defnitely worth exploring the benefts that they may bring to your
project. Steel plate shear walls, castellated/cellular beams, Girder-
Slab, Peikko, ConXtech, SidePlate, and Versa-Floor [HR] are just
a few examples of recent innovation in the structural steel industry.
The SSC maintains up-to-date information on many of these sys-
tems, which allows the SSC to evaluate them in addition to more
traditional framing systems. Having a good understanding of all
of the options that are available allows the SSC to make accurate
comparisons of different systems and provide decision makers with
the best steel option for their project. By keeping up to date on
these different framing systems, the SSC can provide you with the
information youll need to make your project a success.
How much does a conceptual solution cost? The SSC pro-
vides conceptual solutions at no cost to you. There are no asterisks
and no fne print. You may be doubtful, thinking there is no such
thing as free. But in this case, its true! As long as you are serious
about the use of steel for your project, the SSC will be glad to put
together a conceptual solution that will allow you to compare dif-
ferent construction materials and decide what is best for your proj-
ect. The SSC is always willing to demonstrate the reality of AISCs
viewpoint that There is always a solution in steel. Conceptual
solutions allow you to see what that solution is. Armed with this
additional information, you can decide if the steel solution is the
best solution for your project.
Due to regional variations, project complexities, and changing
market conditions, project costs must be evaluated on a case-by-case
basis. The SSC has determined that the best source of up-to-date
and project-specifc cost and schedule information is a structural
steel fabricator located near the project location with experience in
the project type being investigated. Steel fabricators also can provide
tremendous insight into additional cost-saving measures and make
suggestions regarding material availability. After the SSC develops a
conceptual solution, the AISC regional engineer will involve a local
fabricator to develop cost and schedule estimates. This information
is crucial to the project decision makers in order to evaluate cost-
effectiveness of various framing alternatives.
Elements of a Typical Level 5 Conceptual Solution Package
Suspended Steel Floor Areas:
211,999 ft
2
[total area]
Estimated Steel Quantities:
Gravity Columns
W14s 79 tons 0.75 psf 93 pieces
Gravity Beams
Wide Flange 288 tons 2.7 psf 516 pieces
studs
175 beams cambered between 0.75 in. and 2.5 in.
Braced Frames
Beams 255 tons 2.41 psf 375 pieces
Columns 325 tons 3.07 psf 232 pieces
Braces (WF) 34 tons 0.32 psf 36 pieces
Braces (HSS) 190 tons 1.79 psf 434 pieces
Steel not indicated in sketches
5% 59 tons 0.55 psf
1,230 tons 11.6 psf 1686 pieces
* The quantities are based on centerline dimensions
Material Specification
Wide flange shapes are A992, Gr. 50
Rectangular HSS sections are A500 Gr. B
850
** Steel not indicated in sketches accounts for framing not included in the estimate such as
framing for openings or various members eliminated for simplification. It does not include
connection material, slab edge material or faade attachments.
STEEL QUANTITY TAKEOFF:
Total Structure
866.ask.aisc [email protected]
This document has been prepared in accordance with information made available to the American Institute of Steel
Construction at the time of its preparation. While it is believed to be accurate, it has not been prepared for conventional use
as an engineering or construction document and should not be used or relied upon for any specific application without
competent professional examination and verification of its accuracy, suitability and applicability by a licensed engineer,
architect or other professional. AISC disclaims any liability arising from information provided by others or from the
unauthorized use of the information contained in this document.
Project Name
Prepared by: Jacinda L. Collins
Date
Regional Engineer: Gene M. Martin
Comments on Provided Solution
Steel Quantity Takeoff
Building Criteria
Floor Framing Plans
Roof Framing Plan
Column Layout Plan
Column Schedule
Frame Elevations
This Package Includes:
Prepared for:
866.ASK.AISC
(866.275.2472)
[email protected]
There's always a solution in steel
American Institute of Steel Construction
One East Wacker Drive, Suite 700
Chicago, Illinois 60601
312.670.2400 www.aisc.org
Trademarks licensed from
AISC Holdings, Inc.
Contact:
Project Location:
Title
Page
Comments
Steel
Quantity
Building Criteria
Floor Framing Plan
Column Schedule
Lateral Frame Elevations
1) The Conceptual Solution and estimates for this project are based on parameters defined through architectural
drawings and project criteria received on Date.
2) The steel quantities and geometry of this investigation are provided on the Floor Framing Plans, the Column Layout
Plan, the Column Schedule, and the Frame Elevations on the following pages.
3) The design criteria per the International Building Code 2006 (IBC 2006) is summarized and included in the Building
Code Criteria page.
4) Based on the available options, the In-Wall Beam system best fits the needs of the Project. The In-Wall Beam
system uses steel girders and then precast concrete planks between to offer open, flexible spaces for the designer.
5) 8" precast hollow-core plank was used for the office and hotel tower floors of the building. A 10" precast hollow-core
plank was used for the hotel amenities floor of the building (6th floor).
6) The precast hollow-core plank is not cambered. The plank is assumed to have no structural topping. Plank
keyways should be grouted per manufacturer's recommendations. It is recommended that carpet-ready, higher-end
plank with a uniform top surface be specified to minimize the on-site labor involved in leveling the plank. Eliminating
topping materials saves time and money. Non-structural topping may be used if necessary to level the top of the
plank.
7) Shear studs are assumed to be provided every 24 in. along all girders supporting precast plank. (These may not be
necessary if embed plates are welded to the steel girders.)
8) According to industry standards, wide flange girders supporting precast plank are to be shored at third points,
confirmed by the engineer of record, until the final grouting has cured. The shoring reduces the construction
moment and accounts for the beam's unbraced top flange. This investigation does not include an evaluation of the
girders for construction loads before the grout has cured.
9) Based on the available options, the traditional composite floor framing system fits best with the needs of the roof of
this structure. The traditional composite system allows for flexibility and ease of modifications if building tenants of
floor usage changes in the future. In a traditional composite floor framing system the fabricated steel framing
supports stay in place metal form/concrete deck.
10) A 3" metal deck with a 3" normal weight concrete topping (total depth of 6") was used for the roof of the structure.
11) The exact live load for the mechanical area of the roof was unknown for this study. Therefore, a representative load
and general framing plan were placed in the respective location of the mechanical area to estimate the effect of the
mechanical systems on the roof.
12) Lateral loads are resisted by braced frames and moment frames. Lateral frame member sizes are shown in the
Frame Elevations.
13) Structural steel beams may be required for temporary erection bracing, however this investigation does not include
an evaluation of means and methods of construction and no member sizes are provided for these beams. The
weight of any such erection members are NOT included in the provided quantities.
The information contained in this document is not intended as a basis for structural design for this or any project. Rather,
it is a conceptual approach to the project that demonstrates the viability of the steel system for project requirements,
budget, and schedule.
COMMENTS ON PROVIDED
SOLUTION
866.ask.aisc [email protected]
This document has been prepared in accordance with information made available to the American Institute of Steel
Construction at the time of its preparation. While it is believed to be accurate, it has not been prepared for conventional use
as an engineering or construction document and should not be used or relied upon for any specific application without
competent professional examination and verification of its accuracy, suitability and applicability by a licensed engineer,
architect or other professional. AISC disclaims any liability arising from information provided by others or from the
unauthorized use of the information contained in this document.
Gravity Loads
Dead Loads
8" Precast Plank 60 psf
10" Precast Plank 65 psf
3" Metal Deck 3 psf
Live Loads
Roof 20 psf
Roof Mechanical 150 psf
Residential 60 psf
Hotel Amenities/Balcony 100 psf
Office 70 psf
Superimposed Dead Loads
Live Loads 5 psf [partitions, CMEP, plank topping, etc]
Roof Loads 5 psf
Cladding Loads
Faade 350 plf
Wind Load Parameters
Basic Wind Speed = 100 mph
Wind Importance Factor, IW = 1.00
Exposure Category = B
Topographical Factor = 1.00
Drift Limit = H/500
Basic Seismic-Force-Resisting System
Seismic Design Parameters X-axis Y-axis
Site Class = D Building Period Coefficient, CT = 0.020 0.020
Seismic Importance Factor, IE = 1.00 Response Modification Coefficient, R = 3.0 3.0
Seismic Design Category = B System Overstrength Factor, o = 3.0 3.0
Deflection Amplification Factor, Cd = 3.0 3.0
0.202 g
0.079 g
This investigation is based on the following criteria. The Steel Solutions Center does not assert that these are the
criteria that apply to this project. The criteria are chosen based on the project location and the widely adopted model
building code, IBC 2006. Requirements by local and state jurisdictions have not been considered. If actual project
criteria differ significantly from those listed, the results presented may no longer be valid.
Spectral Response Acceleration at
Short Periods (0.2s), Ss =
Spectral Response Acceleration at
One Second Period, S1 =
Concentrically Braced Frames
Note: The requirements of the AISC Seismic
Provisions WERE NOT used in determining the
quantity estimate for this project. Whether or not the
special seismic requiements must be taken into account
in the design is based on the applicable building code and
local requirements.
BUILDING CRITERIA
IBC 2006
866.ask.aisc [email protected]
This document has been prepared in accordance with information made available to the American Institute of Steel
Construction at the time of its preparation. While it is believed to be accurate, it has not been prepared for conventional use
as an engineering or construction document and should not be used or relied upon for any specific application without
competent professional examination and verification of its accuracy, suitability and applicability by a licensed engineer,
architect or other professional. AISC disclaims any liability arising from information provided by others or from the
unauthorized use of the information contained in this document.

S
Users write about their favorite features and a few things theyre still waiting to see.
How Much
Do You Love Your
Detailing Software?
STEEL DETAILING IS JUST ONE APPLICATION in which
software has contributed to increased productivity in recent years.
In this demanding activity, the softwares effective application
depends on the skill and experience of the user, just as it does for
any tool. And also as with other tools, users fnd value in different
aspects of the variety of detailing software packages available.
This month MSC invited several people in the detailing
industry to share their favorite features of the software they use,
as well as enhancements that are on the wish list. Here are
their responses.
Connections, 3D and Drawings
Eleven years ago, my company decided to invest in SDS/2
because of its connection design capability, its 3D capability and
its drawing presentation. Today, these are still the primary reasons
we use SDS/2.
The automatic connection design feature allows my company
to provide the most economical connections, customized to the
fabricators needs, by inputting the actual beam loads and not nec-
essarily pre-designing the connections on a job. SDS/2s 3D capa-
bility is second to none. The software recognizes framing clashes
automatically, helps us to visualize diffcult situations, and provides
intelligent models for coordination and information that allow us
to stay at the forefront of the BIM movement. And even though
BIM is the magic word these days, 2D drawings are still required.
SDS/2 provides the greatest ability to customize shop drawings to
our fabricators standards and presentation needs.
As my company has grown, SDS/2 has given
us the freedom to customize the program to meet
our needs via parametric modeling and custom
members. It also allows us to work in a multi-user
environment, working multiple detailers in the
same area real-time from the same live model.
Like any other software, there is always room
for improvement within SDS/2. One item that I
would love to see improved in SDS/2 is the con-
nection output reporting, improved to show the
work behind the calculations.
Brian Cobb, P.E., Operations Manager,
Structural Detailing LLC, Brentwood, Tenn.
Versatility and Ease of Use
Whenever we are introducing our-
selves to a new client or are starting a
new project and starting to work with
the BIM team, one of the frst questions
asked is what modeling software we use.
We use Advance Steel by Graitec. It is
not the most recognized steel modeling
and detailing software available, but we
feel it is one of the best.
The following are a few of the reasons
why we chose Advance Steel and why we
are happy with our choice:
Miscellaneous steel detailing: It defeats the purpose of mod-
eling a project if you cant model the miscellaneous steel
with the structural steel. With Advance Steel we can model
the entire project and tie it all together, including stairs,
rails, ladders, all in one model.
AutoCAD format: Based in AutoCAD, Advance Steel was
immediately familiar to all of our new users. The learning
curve is short and having .dwg fles to send to our customers
is an added beneft.
Ease of modeling: Modeling in Advance Steel is quick and
complete. We have been hired by fabricators to produce
models to help with their material takeoffs when they are
estimating projects. This preliminary model gives them an
accurate material list to which they can add labor costs. This
approach helps the fabricator to lower material estimates
and shorten the time it takes to prepare the estimate.
Reduction of detailing errors: Detailing errors have been
greatly reduced or eliminated with the use of Advance Steel.
The ability to see the framing in the model has helped our
detailers to not only become more effcient but to catch
mistakes before they get to the checker.
One item we would like to have added is the ability to give steel
members an Advance Material List number in the preliminary
model, then have that number traceable throughout and placed
on the detail drawing and .kss fle.
Michael K. Mitchell, Owner/Partner,
Advance Steel Design, Inc., Sandy, Utah
50 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION OCTOBER 2011
OCTOBER 2011 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION 51
Connection and Customization
We started using Xsteel, which is now
part of Tekla Structures, in 1997. At the
time there were two software packages
with North American distribution that
offered the features and support M & D
was looking for. Tekla seemed like the right
ft, and the main distributer and support
team were located close by in Vancouver.
One of the biggest reasons for mov-
ing to a 3D modeling software was for
its impact in the shop and feld. 3D soft-
ware effectively resolves ft-up issues. If
the steel is modeled correctly and the drawings are not manually
adjusted, then ft-up issues should be eliminated as the CNC data
created will exactly replicate the conditions in the model. This
translates to a more accurately constructed piece of steel and con-
sequently a close to perfect ft-up.
We also like being able to customize the software, including
reports, templates, connection macros and customization of Tekla
Structures through the use of their API (advanced programming
interface) allowing improvements of its interoperability with our
specifc needs.
As a forerunner in the expanding BIM project model, Tekla has
actively encouraged the construction industry to use its software
through developing its construction management capabilities, inte-
gration with engineering software, incorporating concrete, joist and
other construction elements. The companys free BIMsight tool intro-
duced this year reinforces their position in the BIM marketplace.
As a large user, one of Teklas biggest advantages also has been
one of our biggest complaints. Although Tekla has developed a
very good detailing program, it has spent less on developing the
detailing portion of the business and considerably more time and
effort in developing the add-ons to the software.
Richard Stern, Director of Business Development,
M & D Drafting Ltd., Edmonton, British Columbia
Making Erection and Shop Drawings Quickly and Accurately
At DECCON we prefer to use
Bentley ProSteel 3D. It is an Auto-
CAD-based steel detailing package
with many favorable attributes. The
ability to detail quickly and accurately
is extremely important, but the qual-
ity of our product is very important,
especially when almost every detailer
has 3D technology at their disposal
and is willing to do the job for very
low prices. Any shop knows that a
good set of detail drawings will save
big money and frustration in the long
run. ProSteel 3D produces outstanding erection drawings directly
from our model and in the hands of experience there really is no
better tool to use. The same goes for the 2D shop drawingsgive
a person with experience the right tool and the sum of all the parts
simply pays big dividends.
The only real disadvantage has been the perception that the
big software packages are better because they are more expen-
sive. ProSteel 3D, although less expensive than the larger software
packages, is still not cheap. The right tool is more important than
price. If Prosteel 3D were more expensive than the other software
we would still use it. Our reputation depends on it.
Doug Caplan, President,
DECCON Steel Detailing Services Ltd., Surrey, British Columbia
Easy to Learn, Quick and Accurate
Our BIM coordinator, Jeremy Frank-
lin, and lead Tekla operator, Donnie
Butler, both say they appreciate the
accuracy that Tekla Structures provides
in the hands of a good operator. Frank-
lin especially likes the fact that it enables
you to visualize the building as it would
be built, allowing you to see areas where
there may be some sort of interference
that cant be seen on a 2D drawing. He
and Butler agree that the learning curve
for Tekla is not as steep as for some other
products they have used.
Tekla Structures is a solid detailing package for future proofng
our detailing department due to its built-in ability to interface with
many different fabrication equipment manufacturers and also for
the ability to provide a model for BIM coordination. Both of these
aspects make it a valuable addition to a detailing frm, allowing the
ability to offer services that competitors might not be able to.
As a manager and owner, I very much appreciate the accuracy
that is ensured, so that there are no ft-up problems in the feld.
The ability to create a viewer fle that anyone can look at with a
web browser is a big asset and selling tool. It is very impressive to
clients who are not familiar with 3D modeling and allows them to be
able to manipulate the model themselves. The RFI process is much
easier when you can show someone a problem as opposed to trying
to describe it to them. The added feature of providing many kinds of
reports, such as advance bills of materials, feld bolts, weights, data
fles for shop equipment, etc., is an advantage and a time saver.
We would like to more easily make revisions after the detail draw-
ings have been created. Currently if changes are made after drawings
have been created, it sometimes generates unexpected results, with
the potential for missing or incorrect information on the drawing. A
good connection design interface would also be helpful.
Joel Hicks, President, Structural Technics, Inc., Trussville, Ala.
Adaptability and Model Integrity
Ive been using Tekla Structures, previously known as Xsteel,
for more than 15 years. During that period its 3D solid model-
ing core, relatively compact model fle, user-friendly interface and
continuous and innovative development have been the major ben-
efts of using Tekla Structures.
The Tekla Structures product range is made up of several dif-
ferent confgurations rather than a one size fts all approach. This
enables customers to purchase cost-effective solutions based on
their market segment and daily workfow requirements. Product
confgurations include a basic Viewer, Construction Management,
Design, Steel Detailing and Full. Tekla recently added a free BIM-
sight viewer and collaboration tool, which has made a signifcant
contribution to the entire steel construction industry by giving it
an effective way to coordinate with general contractors, designers
and sub-trades.
Ive also always been impressed that the drawings are created
directly from the model and cant be changed without changing the
52 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION OCTOBER 2011
model. This ensures drawings and other
output always match the model. We are
seeing more and more west coast gen-
eral contractors and designers specify-
ing that their projects be modeled and
detailed using Tekla Structures.
On the fip side, the lack of weld
pathing information and basic weld
visualization, particularly when using
the extensive connection macro library,
is fast becoming a problem for those
customers who are moving to 3D mod-
el-only approval, as well as those who use robotic technology in
the fabrication process.
Id like to see Tekla add a viewer that works effectively on the
emerging tablet technology.
Wayne Morrison, Pre-Construction Manager,
The Herrick Corporation, Stockton, Calif.
Visualization and Macros
We use AceCads StruCad for a lot of our work and Im very
comfortable with it. I started with StruCad in 2000 when I was
only a year and a half into detailing. A big part of the job is inter-
preting the contract drawings and the 3D software helps you do
that. Instead of trying to picture it all in your mind and getting
overwhelmed, youre laying it out to the contract drawings. You
can actually see what you have to do instead of just trying to draw
it in 2D and then picture it in your mind. Using the software
really helped me understand the steel detailing process.
The macros for connections are a very useful part of StruCad.
You take just a little time to set it up and then youre set. Apply
that to the steel where you have to connect and even if you have
to tweak it a little bit youre not just starting from scratch. Also, I
like that if theres something you need to draw, the 2D is compa-
rable to AutoCAD. If theres something you cant get StruCad to
produce, you can draw it manually.
This program could use a faster
way to edit the drawings. But one good
thing is that if it produces a dimen-
sion that you dont need or want, its
consistent. So you can just kind of get
in a groove and open the drawing and
erase. Its not going to be sporadic.
Last year I got a couple of emails
about a big project we had detailed that
said It ft like a glove. I know it has
to do with somebody laying it out, but
also has to do with the software.
Sean Holt, Project Manager/CAD Detailer,
Benders Technical Detailing, Tonawanda, N.Y.
More information on the products referred to in this article is available
on the various company websites.
www.acecadsoftware.com
www.bentley.com/prosteel
www.graitec.com
www.tekla.com
www.sds2.com
do?
Did you see
what we
Wed like to say THANK YOU to more than 180 HOSTS
across the country. Follow us on Twitter @SteelDay...
American Institute of Steel Construction
One East Wacker Drive, Suite 700
Chicago, IL 60601
312.670.2400 www.aisc.org
Theres always a solution in steel. Now you know where to nd it.
SteelDay

is an annual event hosted by the American

Institute of Steel Construction, its members and
partners. Plan your SteelDay

visits and see rsthand

why it makes sense to build with steel.
Two Important Facts Are Being Forgotten
First, steel is not steel is not steel. Different steel products (plate,
bars, sheet, coil, structural) exhibit different pricing behaviors. Of
all the common types of steel products, structural steel has been the
most stable over the past several years. There are several reasons for
this including the balance of supply and demand, the use of elec-
tric arc furnaces for all hot-rolled structural shape production in the
U.S., and supply chain considerations.
Second, material costs only account for roughly 30% of the overall
cost of the steel package. The other 70% is a combination of fabrication
and erection costs that transition the commodity of structural steel into
the specialty product required for each individual building or industrial
project. Historically based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, an
T
Even as the economy remains unsettled,
it appears construction pricing is beginning the return to more normal levels.
The Rumblings of
Volatility
BY JOHN CROSS, P.E., LEED AP
THE V-WORD IS BACK in our collective vocabulary. The
stock market is volatile. Gas prices are volatile. And, if you
believe what you hear on the street, steel prices are volatile.
Or are they?
In recent months several AISC regional engineers have
reported that project designers are showing some hesitancy to
design in steel because steel prices are again volatile. They are
hearing about increasing steel prices in the media and seeing
increasing structural steel package prices. Yet at the same time, the
prices publicly published by the producing mills on their websites
have shown a decrease in the price per ton for structural steel.
Whats Going on Here?
Like every other commodity material, structural steel has
experienced periods of price volatility over the past eight
years. Wood, copper, cement and petroleum-based products
all have seen prices spike, then quickly fall back only to spike
again. But over the past two years the typical mill price of a
wide-fange structural section has stayed relatively constant.
54 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION OCTOBER 2011
John Cross, P.E., LEED AP,
is an AISC vice president.
Price per ton of various types of steel used in construction.
1,600
1,400
1,200
1,000
800
600
400
200
0
0
9
/
0
8
1
1
/
0
8
0
1
/
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0
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Beam Reinforcing Bar Plate

OCTOBER 2011 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION 55

increase in material costs would result in an increase in the overall cost
of the steel package of about one-third the magnitude. For example,
a 9% increase in the cost of structural steel sections would result in a
3% increase in the cost of the structural steel package.
However, during the downturn in construction activity in 2008
and 2009 fabrication and erection prices experienced severe down-
ward pressure falling even as material prices rose. Beginning in the
fourth quarter of 2010 that trend began to correct itself with fab-
rication and erection costs moving upward and recovering a small
portion of the margins lost in 2008 and 2009.
So what is really happening in the marketplace with structural
steel prices? While some steel products are evidencing increased
volatility, volatility of the type experienced in 2004 through 2008
has not reappeared in the structural steel market. Rather the
increase in structural steel package costs is a function of a limited
level of pricing normalcy returning to the marketplace.
For specialty contractors like steel fabricators and erectors, the
return to more rational price levels is good news. However, all
specialty contractors who depend on the purchase of commodity
materials such as steel, cement, wood or copper need to be careful
not to forget the lessons learned from 2004 through 2008 regard-
ing how to manage volatility in material pricing. Clear contractual
delineation of who holds the risk for volatility, pricing that includes
a premium for holding that risk, acceleration of material orders
to minimize the opportunity for volatility, compensation linked
to the purchase and storage of materials as well as careful man-
agement of the supply chain are all critical considerations even in
times of minimal volatility.
What does this mean for project owners and designers? The eco-
nomic uncertainty of late summer may play havoc with construction
demand and pricing levels, but it appears that construction prices in
general and structural steel package prices in particular are begin-
ning a return to more normal levels.
While there may be a timing difference
between material systems in terms of when
this pricing recovery begins, the bottom
line is that the cost level for all framing
systems will maintain their relative posi-
tioning over the next several quarters. For
project owners looking for the foor of the
dip in construction costs, the time to move
projects forward is now.
Material cost versus steel package index.
0
3
/
0
3
0
7
/
0
3
1
1
/
0
3
0
3
/
0
4
0
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0
4
1
1
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0
4
0
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5
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0
5
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56 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION OCTOBER 2011
MUCH HAS HAPPENED in the two years since the frst
two parts of this series were presented in MSC (February
2009 and September 2009, both available at www.aisc.org/
qualitycorner). We learned what the Global Economy means
and we have seen economic stresses present everyone with
many challenges. Some have won the battles and are beginning
to win the war while others, unfortunately, have lost the battle.
For those fghting the good fght, I hope these insights will
provide ideas to drive improvements, reduce costs and enable
growth for both the short term and the long term.
First a quick review. In Part One we learned that business
velocity is an approach to providing your business with speed
and direction by digging into the quality toolbox of Lean Six
Sigma (LSS). How? By taking the focus of Lean (reduction and
elimination of waste) and the voice of the customer focus of
Six Sigma and using them together to drive improvements. We
also explored the acronym DOWNTIME and how the chal-
lenges it represents relate to waste, and we introduced the LSS
Toolbox and how it relates to your typical backyard mechanics
selection of standard SAE tools (Lean) and metric tools (Six
Sigma) and the need to use both to get the job done.
In Part Two we investigated the use of the LSS Tool-
box by aligning its tools to the phases of waste described
in DOWNTIME. At the end of Part Two we introduced
the hidden factory and the visual factory. These concepts will
be the focus of Part Three as we show real life experiences
through case studies that resulted in cost reductions, eff-
ciency gains and bottom line improvements with signifcant
returns on investment.
Case Study OnePaint
Problem: We always have to buy more paint than esti-
mated to fnish the project. With bids so tight, there just isnt
enough to absorb this added cost.
Solution: A review of paint records and several days
of observing the painting operation revealed inconsisten-
cies in the method used for measuring dry flm thickness
(DFT). The review of records against the product data
sheets revealed that the required coverage rate was being
exceeded by 50% to 300%. A paint manufacturers repre-
sentative was invited to conduct training for proper use of
equipment, operator maintenance of spray equipment and
proper technique for performing DFT measurements in
accordance with the Society for Protective Coatings stan-
dard SSPC PA-2. To provide incentive, a contest was started
among all painters to determine who could consistently
Quality Corner is a monthly feature that covers topics ranging from how to specify a certied company to how long it takes to
become a certied company. If you are interested in browsing our electronic archive, please visit www.aisc.org/QualityCorner.
Business Velocity: Part Three
BY LARRY MARTOF
Four examples of how identifying and implementing process
improvements led to signicant cost savings.
quality corner
Larry Martof is a consultant and audi-
tor for Process Improvement Solutions,
Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. He is certifed by
the American Society for Quality in Qual-
ity Auditing and Manager of Quality/
Organization Excellence and is a Lean
Six Sigma Master Black Belt. He can be
reached at [email protected].
{



}
DOWNTIME
Defects that result in rework and scrap.
Overproduction results in cost and space
burden of excess inventory.
Waiting is observed in one process waiting
for another process to complete before it
can begin.
Non-utilized talent is the waste caused by hav-
ing the wrong person in the wrong position.
Transportation waste occurs when prod-
uct is moved around without any value-
added activities.
Inventory waste refers to excess raw materi-
als that are not being processed.
Motion is the wasted human movement, not
having what is needed where it is needed.
Extra processing is seen in redundant steps,
duplicated work or data and energy waste.
OCTOBER 2011 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION 57
apply the required DFT of product. The weekly prize was a $50
gift certifcate to local venues.
Result: Training was provided by the manufacturers repre-
sentative for free (and included lunch), so the only cost was for the
time spent. Properly cleaning and inspecting equipment before
and after its use reduced downtime by 25%, but the real money
was in paint savings. With proper cleaning, maintenance, settings,
tip use, application method and consistent measurement, plus a
little friendly competition, daily paint use that had been from 44
gallons to 66 gallons was reduced to from 35 gallons to 40 gallons
with an average DFT of 3 mils to 4 mils instead of 4 mils to 6 mils.
The company saw a savings of nearly $14,000 per month with a
cost for the 12-week gift card program of $600.
Case Study TwoClutter
Problem: This shop is a mess. I cant fnd what I need when
I need it. It seems that at any time during the day, I can look out
into the shop and see somebody wandering around trying to fnd
this or that. Why doesnt anything get put back? Weve also had
an unknown increase in simple injuries of sprained and strained
ankles, legs and backs.
Solution: Based on a time study of movement and various lean
manufacturing references, a 5S program was implemented to reor-
ganize the shop. After a one-day training session, company personnel
spent two months in the Sort, Straighten and Shine phase. Two more
months were spent getting to the Standardize phase, and 5S audits
continue as the operation is in the Sustain stage. The program has
since been rolled out to also include the offce departments.
Result: The time study found that the average shop worker
spent 20 minutes per day looking for tools, parts, etc. With 10
people in the shop, that equated to 16.7 hours per week. The
company targeted a 50% improvement which at $50/shop man-
hour would yield an annual savings of $21,000. After 120 hours
spent on training ($6,000) and another $3,000 on tools, bins, etc.,
the post implementation time study found a 60% time savings
that netted nearly $16,000 annual return on investment.
Case Study ThreeCalibration Details
Problem: All this calibration stuff is expensive. Sending
everything out annually is a lot of added cost. Is all of this really
necessary? We are just making structural steel, not airplanes.
Solution: Research shows that some tools, including measur-
ing tapes, squares, fllet weld gages, welding machines, dry flm
thickness gages and temperature/humidity devices, could be
checked or calibrated in-house. Others, which included the volt/
amp meter and the tension measuring device (aka, Skidmore),
did need to be calibrated by outside agencies. The company pur-
chased some master measuring devices, updated its calibration
procedures and work instructions, and set forth on a new calibra-
tion journey. Company personnel used the master certifed 25-ft
measuring tape to calibrate all of the shop tapes and squares. The
multi-meter was used to check welding machine accuracy, and the
master tape and stopwatch verifed wire feed rates. These tools
also were used to periodically monitor proper use of welding
parameters by the welders. A certifed gage block was used to cali-
brate a set of calipers that were used to check the DFT shims. The
gage block also was used to check the surface profle gage. A certi-
fed infrared temperature device was used to check rod oven ther-
mometers and the paint area thermometer. And fnally, a humidity
pack was obtained to check humidity gage.
Result: Previously the annual calibration expense had been
$1,450. The initial purchase of the master devices was $400; the
master tape requires replacement every fve years and the gage
block every seven. The multi-meter still requires annual calibra-
tion by a lab. The new annual calibration cost is $136, netting a
frst year savings of $1,050 and $1,300 each subsequent year.
Case Study FourWait Time
Problem: I am sick and tired of watching people stand around
waiting on an overhead crane. We added more cranes and they are
still waiting around. I think we are wearing out the piece-marks put
on HOLD for change orders and revisions with all of the moving
around they go through. We cant just leave them in the production
fow, but moving them from one end of the shop to the other and
back and forth is wasting time and causing damage.
Solution: I dont want to give away all the secrets, so I will
leave this one up to you, but consider this: one time study revealed
that each person in the shop was spending 40 minutes per day
waiting to move material. A quick calculation using the second
case study scenario indicates the wait time issue could be wasting
$86,000 per year of shop labor. A partial solution included the
use of carts on rails, building exit paths into the production fow,
conveyors, and even a good 5S program.
The hidden factory exists everywhere we have waste, whether
it is wasted time, wasted motion, wasted costs, etc. Discovering
that hidden factory makes this waste visible, allowing us to fx the
problems and make improvements. Knowing where we are spend-
ing our dollarsand often wasting our dollarsmakes us smarter.
Then we use our smarts to drive improvements while gaining
speed and direction, which results in greater business velocity.
5S
Sort | Straighten | Shine | Standardize | Sustain
(and Safety, for the 6S folks!)
Case Study One Data Sample
Coverage
(sq. ft/gal)
DFT
(mils)
Paint Used
(gallons)
Daily Cost of Paint
($)
450 2 4.4 88
300 3 6.7 134
225 4 8.9 178
180 5 11.1 222
150 6 13.3 266
Sample based on 20 pieces of steel and 2,000 sq. ft
(e.g., W2144, 20 ft long, approx. 120 sq. ft each)
{ }
58 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION october 2011
ThE BUy AMERICAN ACT, 41 U.S.C. 10a10d
(Act), applies when a federal agency makes a direct pur-
chase or awards a contract to a prime contractor. The con-
tract between the federal agency and the prime contractor
should identify which regulations the federal agency will be
using to enforce the Act. The prime contractor is then re-
quired to fow down those regulations into its subcontract
with a steel supplier, fabricator and/or erector. Thus, for
those supplying structural steel to a federal project where
the Act applies, one of the frst things you should look at are
the applicable Buy American Act regulations. This article
will discuss the application of the Buy American Act and the
regulations contained at 48 CFR 52.2259 and 11.
It is important to note that the Buy American Act does
not apply if a waiver is obtained from the federal govern-
ment. A waiver can be obtained when (1) the Act is inconsis-
tent with the public interest, (2) the cost is unreasonable, (3)
the material will be used outside the U.S. (e.g., an offshore
DOD or DOS facility), or (4) the material is insuffcient and
not reasonably available in commercial quantities and of a
satisfactory quality. The Act is also not applicable when the
contract award value is less than or equal to $2,500. Also, if
the Trade Agreements Act applies and the total estimated
value of the construction project is greater than the trade
agreement threshold (typically $7.804 million or more),
the construction materials may be purchased in designated
countries that are identifed in the regulations.
If the Act applies, companies must procure products that
are manufactured in the U.S. substantially all from articles,
materials, or supplies mined, produced, or manufactured
in the U.S. This means that for each piece of structural
steel delivered to the jobsite, more than 50% of the cost
of the components for that piece of steel are mined, pro-
duced, or manufactured in the U.S. Two questions arise
from this test: What is a component? And what is included
in the cost of each component?
What Is a Component Versus a Subcomponent?
Components are articles, materials, and supplies incorpo-
rated directly into construction materials. Whether something
is a component depends upon a factual analysis that differs for
each product and each project. A component will be deemed
domestic if it was substantially transformed in the U.S.
Subcomponents are materials incorporated into com-
ponents. The origin of subcomponents does not matter for
purposes of the component analysis under the Act. In order
to determine whether something is a subcomponent of a
component, (1) there must be a separate component manu-
facture stage that (2) substantially transforms the subcompo-
nent into a component.
Courts, when determining whether something is a sub-
component, will look at whether there were two separate
stages of manufacture, meaning a component manufacture
stage and an end-product manufacture stage. For example,
one court found that foreign steel rods were subcomponents
because they were frst transformed into bright wire and
made components, and then were transformed/galvanized
to create galvanized wire (a domestic end-product/construc-
tion material). Additionally, in order to be deemed a sub-
component, that subcomponent must be substantially trans-
formed into a component. Substantially transformed means
that the material acquires a new name, character or use. For
example, in one case, foreign steel ingot was found to be a
subcomponent that was substantially transformed into bil-
lets (components) and then substantially transformed into
rebar (a domestic end-product/construction material).
What Is Included in the Cost of Components?
As discussed above, for a construction material to be deemed
domestic, more than 50% of the cost of components for any con-
struction item shipped to a jobsite must be domestic. The ques-
tion then is, what can be included in the cost of components?
For components purchased by the fabricator, the cost
of the component includes the acquisition cost, including
transportation costs to the place of incorporation into the
construction material (whether or not such costs are paid to
The Buy American Act and the
Structural Steel Industry
Even with a keen understanding of the regulations, predicting the courts
interpretation of the provisions of the Act can be quite tricky.
by AngelA r. StephenS, leeD Ap
business issues
Angela R. Stephens, LEED AP, is a
civil engineer and lawyer with Stites
& Harbison, PLLC, counsel to AISC.
Stephens has concentrated her practice
in construction law, and often helps
clients with questions related to the Buy
American Act, Buy America statutes, and
the Buy American provision of the ARRA.
For additional information, she can be
contacted at [email protected] or
502.681.0388.
october 2011 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION 59
a domestic frm), and any applicable duty (whether or not a duty-
free entry certifcate is issued). For components manufactured by
the fabricator, the cost of components includes all costs associated
with the manufacture of the component, including transportation
costs to the place of incorporation into the construction material,
plus allocable overhead costs, but excluding proft. Importantly, la-
bor applied by a fabricator assembling components is not a compo-
nent and cannot be considered when conducting the cost analysis
for components. Stated differently, the test is the cost of the com-
ponents themselves, and not the cost of manufacturing (cutting,
drilling, applying clips, coping, notching, welding, and priming)
the components.
For example, the Court in Glazer Const. Co., Inc. v. U.S. held
that the cost of labor involved in manufacturing locally certain
steel angle parts imported from Canada, including various steps
such as cutting the steel components to size, drilling, clipping, cop-
ing, notching, welding, and priming them, cannot be included in
the cost of the component for purposes of the 50% requirement.
Only the value of the component itself was to be considered. Simi-
larly, in Appeals of Wright Contracting, Inc., the Board found that
fabrication of structural steel involving cutting, drilling, shaping
and welding structural pieces from foreign steel plate and beams
did not substantially change the metallurgical properties of the
material, and, therefore, cannot be considered in the cost. Like-
wise in S.J. Amoroso Const. Co., Inc. v. U.S., the Court found that
operations done on the foreign steel, such as drilling and cutting,
do not result in its being combined with domestic materials and
are not considered to alter the imported component percentage.
Additionally, labor costs and transportation to the jobsite are not
within this defnition and, therefore, should not be considered in
calculating percentages of foreign and domestic costs under con-
struction contracts. This is because components are deemed ar-
ticles, materials, or supplies, and labor and transportation are not.
hypothetical Scenarios Applying to the Buy American Act
Unfortunately, interpretation of the Act is not fully developed
and is highly fact-sensitive. Court cases have not been published
addressing all possible factual scenarios that could be encountered
in fabrication and assembly of structural steel containing foreign
components.
The following hypotheticals are presented for general guidance
only. All relevant facts actually experienced by fabricators on spe-
cifc contracts that incorporate the Buy American Act must be ana-
lyzed in detail before a decision is made to attempt to incorporate
foreign material. Legal advice should be sought when questions
arise about the applicability of the Buy American Act or whether
something is deemed a domestic component or construction ma-
terial for purposes of the Buy American Act. This is important be-
cause if the Government, a protestor, or the Comptroller General
disagrees with your analysis, the project could be delayed, sanc-
tions issued, or you could be forced to remove and replace all of
the steel which does not comply with the Buy American Act.
Example 1. Fabricator A purchases a domestic beam and, in the
fabrication shop, attaches clip angles cut from foreign steel. The cost
of the clip angles, not including the cost of shop labor to process (cut
to length and drill) the angles, is less than the cost of the beam, not
including shop labor to fabricate the beam. The assembly is shipped
to the jobsite. This is a very straightforward calculation; the assembly
qualifes as a domestic product under the Buy American Act.
The cost of domestic components must be greater than 50% of
all components. In this case, the domestic components were 51%
of the cost of the total components, making the construction mate-
rial end-product domestic under the Buy American Act.
Example 2. Same as Example 1, above, except the clip angles
are shipped separately to the jobsite and assembled to the beam
in the feld. Because processing the clip angles from foreign angle
stock is not considered a substantial transformation the angles
are considered foreign components and are not allowed under the
Buy American Act. This result is predicted because the foreign
component was shipped to the jobsite and not combined with the
domestic beam in the fabrication shop.
Example 3. Same as Example 1, above, except instead of just
assembling clip angles to a domestic beam, fabricator A is shop-
assembling a section of a complex girder with multiple foreign
components connected to domestic components. Fabricator A
has purchased a fully fabricated domestic beam from fabricator B,
where the raw beam itself had cost fabricator B $51, and fabrica-
tor B had added another $49 in value to the beam before selling
it to fabricator A. The purchased beam cost $100. The purchased
and processed foreign components cost an additional $50. The
three components are assembled in fabricator As shop and shipped
to the jobsite. The assembly qualifes as a domestic construction
material under the Buy American Act.
The cost of domestic components must be greater than 50%
of all components. In this case, the domestic components were
66.67% of the cost of the total components, making the Construc-
tion Material/end-product domestic under the Buy American Act.
Example 4. Same as Example 3, above, except fabricator A
decides to purchase fully processed components (assume cut and
drilled clip angles) from a domestic service center, apply some to
the assembly in the shop and ship others to the jobsite for assembly.
The service center provides fabricator A with a letter indicating
that the service centers processing cost is the largest component
of the total cost of the subcomponents and that all processing
work was performed in the United States; but the unprocessed
Foreign Steel
$51 beam $49 clip Angles
(Domestic) (Foreign)
$100 beam w/Angles
(Domestic)
Subcomponents:
Cost of Components:
Construction Material:
(product shipped to project)
Not substantially transformed.
Assembled at fabricators shop.
Foreign Steel
Purchased Purchased Fab. Mfg.
$100 (Domestic) $25 (Foreign) $25 (Foreign?)
$150 girder
(Domestic)
Subcomponents:
Components:
Construction Material:
(product shipped
to project)
Substantially transformed? Depends on if
the name, character and use were altered.
Combined at fabricators shop
Cannot include cost of labor at this level.
60 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION OCTOBER 2011
ducer and sold to fabricator A for further
fabrication and shop/feld assembly into
the complex girder shipping section. This
outcome is somewhat clearer. Because the
subcomponent processing by the tube pro-
ducer is more extensive than the service
centers processing of the clip angles, there
is a greater probability that the tubes will
be considered to be substantially trans-
formed and, therefore, a domestic compo-
nent. The probability increases if the tube
undergoes additional fabrication and is as-
sembled to the girder in the shop.
Example 6. Also, assume a fabrica-
tor is buying a clip angle component from
a domestic vendor for assembly with other
components in the fabrication shop and
subsequent shipment to a jobsite. The ven-
dor uses foreign angle stock, cuts it to length,
punches holes in it (this is known as pro-
cessing in the service center industry) and
ships it to the fabricator. The test to deter-
mine whether the clip angles are domestic is
whether the foreign angle stock was substan-
tially transformed such that the clip angle is
a new material with a different physical or
structural identity from the angle stock.
Example 7. A fabricator takes a $25
domestic beam that it purchases from the
mill and applies another $25 in fabrication
labor to it before it is ready to be assembled
with a $30 foreign component. The
completed assembly is then shipped to
the jobsite. The issue is whether, for the
purpose of calculating compliance with the
Buy American Act, the pre-assembly labor
performed on the beam can be included
as part of the cost of the component (the
domestic beam). The law is clear that the
fabricator cannot include any additional
labor involved in processing the foreign
component or in assembling the domestic
beam with the foreign component. However,
it is not clear whether the fabricator can
include the cost to fabricate the domestic
beam as part of the calculation of its
manufacturing cost. There are strong
factual and logical arguments that the cost
of pre-assembly fabrication of the beam
should be included in determining whether
the completed assembly contains more
than 50% domestic material. However, it
is impossible to determine how federal
agency administrators or a court might
react to this argument; consequently, a
fabricator who makes this argument would
be taking a risk that the assembly could be
rejected for non-compliance with the Buy
American Act.
steel itself is foreign. Based on the forego-
ing, the fabricator wishes to claim that the
processed subcomponents are domestic.
However, determining whether the com-
ponent is domestic or foreign depends on
whether the foreign steel was substantially
transformed into a component, which is
then incorporated into the construction.
The fact that the fabricator purchased the
component from a service center weighs in
favor of the fabricators position; however,
if the processing consisted only of cutting
and drilling, this weighs against the argu-
ment that the foreign steel was substantially
transformed. In theory, it should make no
difference whether the processed material
was assembled in the shop or in the feld;
but the overall trend of cases would appear
to support a more favorable outcome if the
material is shop assembled.
Example 5. Same as Examples 3 and
4, above, only fabricator A buys tube stock
that has been shaped and welded from for-
eign sheet stock by a domestic tube pro-
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new products
Each month MSCs product section features items from all areas of the steel construction
industry. In general, these products have been introduced within the past six months. If youre looking for a specific product,
visit MSCs online product directory at www.modernsteel.com/products. You can browse by product category or search on
any term to help find the products you need, fast.
All products submitted are considered for publication, and we encourage submittals related to all segments of the steel industry: engineering, detail-
ing, fabrication, and erection. Submit product information via email to Tom Klemens ([email protected]). To be included in MSCs online
products directory, contact Louis Gurthet ([email protected]).
Structural Analysis in the Cloud
Autodesk has launched its Project Storm for public use, enabling Revit
Structure users to perform cloud-based structural analysis. The application
is offered online as a Technology Preview through Autodesk Labs. As with
other online labs offerings, this allows the company to offer fully func-
tional technologies that work with their other products but have not yet
been incorporated into a standard commercial package. It also provides an
excellent channel for user feedback on usability and applications.
Using Project Storm, Revit users can perform static analysis on BIM
models that is done in the cloud rather than in the local computing
environment. In addition to freeing up local computing resources, it
also give users the benefit of using the same analysis engine that pow-
ers Autodesks Robot Structural Analysis Professional 2012.
For more information, go to http://labs.autodesk.com, under Technology Previews.
Light Up Your Workspace
A new wheeled light cart from Larson
Electronics is designed to provide powerful
lighting on a mobile and easily deployed plat-
form. The HAL-2X400C wheeled light cart
carries two 400-watt metal halide lamps and
is approved for Class 1 Division 2 hazardous
locations. It illuminates up to 50,000 sq. ft of
workspace. Featuring rugged aluminum and
stainless steel construction, an SOOW explo-
sion proof cord and solid rubber tires, this unit
is designed to provide durable, reliable and safe
illumination that can be easily moved about the work-
place. The package is designed so operators can move the
light heads from the cart to telescoping wheeled tripod, enabling
their use in a wider variety of hazardous location environments while
reducing the overall cost of acquisition.
For more information, visit www.magnalight.com or call 800.369.6671.
Free Standing General Filtration
Lincoln Electric Automations Circulator free-standing general filtration system provides weld fume
control to supplement an existing source extraction system. The system is well-suited to manu-
facturing and fabrication facilities that have obstructions for ductwork, such as overhead cranes
and large amounts of infrastructure, that make a push-pull system impractical. The Circulator is
designed to create a cleaner work environment by reducing the amount of dust and dirt around
the operator and in surrounding work areas. It features the Green-Drive Control System that relies
on integrated controls and a state-of-the-art pressure sensor and that automatically adjusts airflow
to maintain required performance levels. As an engineered solution, system is configured in detail
based on an evaluation of specific operations layout and manufacturing processes.
For more information, visit www.lincolnelectric.com or call 888.355.3213.
marketplace
To advertise, call 231.228.2274 or e-mail [email protected].
64 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION OCTOBER 2011
Search employment ads online at www.modernsteel.com.
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OCTOBER 2011 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION 65
Structural Engineers
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66 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION OCTOBER 2011
Creating Art in Unlikely Places
A distinguished educator and structural engineer,
Duane Ellifritt is also one of the worlds few fore-edge painters.
people to know
ART, IN ONE FORM OR ANOTHER, has been a part
of Duane Ellifritts life for as long as he can remember. I
have been drawing since I was 5 years old, he said. This life-
long interest led him to develop his craft using various media
including pencil, charcoal, pen and ink, pastel, and his primary
medium, watercolor. His creative ability is not limited to art, as
it is also quite evident in his writing and teaching techniques.
Born in 1935 and raised in Greenwood, W.Va., Ellifritt
had humble beginnings in this small, rural area. He has docu-
mented his early life in a collection of memoirs, several of
which have been published. His stories describe neighborhood
baseball games, household chores and the like, transporting
the reader back to a time that today seems unimaginable.
With a garden and chickens and milk straight from the
cow and hogs to slaughter in November, there was always
enough to eat, he wrote in his unpublished memoir Climbing
the Logarithmic Ladder. We had a comfortable home, with
indoor plumbing and electricity, even though we had no car
or telephone. We considered ourselves rather well off, in
fact. There were many in this small hill community in West
Virginia that had no running water in the house, no electric-
ity, and burned coal in the fireplace for warmth in the winter.
Despite being surrounded by few who continued their educa-
tion past the age of 16, including his parents, Ellifritt pursued a
higher education. He ultimately earned a Ph.D. in 1970 in struc-
tural engineering from West Virginia University.
While he was in graduate school, he began to paint with
watercolor. It was around 1967 that my wife pushed me in that
direction, he said. She found a woman who was willing to give
private lessons, and I did some painting with her. But it wasnt
until about 1975 that I started into it pretty seriously.
After receiving his doctorate, Ellifritt taught at the
Oklahoma State University for five years, then worked for a
time in Cleveland. He moved to Florida in 1984 to join the
civil engineering faculty at the University of Florida, where
he continued to explore his interest in painting. That also was
when Ellifritt created a 3D model to help students visually
grasp the concepts underlying steel connections, and the now
famous Steel Sculpture became a reality.
In 1988, Ellifritt was in a Memphis, Tenn., bookstore and
came across a book on display as an example of the nearly lost
art form of fore-edge painting. He was fascinated with the 17th
century practice, which consists of decorating the outer edges
of a books pages to create a work that can only be seen when
the pages are fanned open. However he discovered there was
very little information available on the subject, so he decided to
teach himself. He published an article on the subject, which can
be seen on his website (www.ellifritt.com), and as a result has
become acquainted with half a dozen other people around the
globe who also work in this rare medium.
Today, as he continues his watercolor painting, the original
steel sculpture stands a proud 14 ft tall just outside the Weil
Hall, home to the universitys Civil Engineering Department.
Is the steel sculpture art? Ellifritt first deemed it simply a
teaching tool. But during his original pitch to the university,
an art professor on the committee asked that exact question.
Why not? Ellifritt answered. Vindication came two years
ago. The alumni association put out a calendar called The
Art of UF, and my sculpture was one of the pages in the cal-
endar! he said with a laugh. So now its officially art.
More about the 25th anniversary of the Steel Sculpture appears
on page 20 of this issue. To see a collection of Ellifritts watercolor
paintings and other excerpts from his body of work, go to www.
modernsteel.com/photos. Maria Mnookin is an educational
specialist with AISC.

BY MARIA MNOOKIN
Far left: Duane Ellifritt devised
two clamps, one for hard-backed
books (shown) and another for
paperbacks, that allow him to
practice the nearly lost art of fore-
edge painting.
Center: The original Steel Sculp-
ture on the University of Florida
campus was designed by Duane
Ellifritt and celebrates its 25th
anniversary October 29, 2011.
Right: Duane Ellifritt, Ph.D., P.E.,
Professor Emeritus of Civil Engi-
neering, University of Florida.

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