New steel design guide for HSS connections now available

CHICAGO — Structural engineers working with hollow structural sections (HSS) and connections for these members have a new resource: AISC Steel Design Guide No. 24, Hollow Structural Section Connections by Jeffrey Packer, Ph.D., D.Sc., P.Eng.; Donald Sherman, Ph.D., P.E.; and Maura Lecce, Ph.D.

This new design guide from the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) addresses bolted and welded connections involving HSS, and provides examples of the application of design provisions for various configurations of HSS connections and the applicable limit states. Some of the topics included are:

•Moment connections, including W-shape beams to HSS columns, continuous beams over HSS columns, through-plate connections, and directly welded connections.
•Tension and compression connections, including end tee connections, slotted HSS/gusset connections, end plates on round HSS, and end plates on rectangular HSS.
•Branch loads, line loads and concentrated forces on HSS.
•HSS-to-HSS truss and moment connections.

"While there is a considerable amount of information available in the industry about construction with wide-flange shapes, there are fewer resources focused on HSS and their connections," said AISC Vice President and Chief Structural Engineer Charlie Carter, P.E., S.E., Ph.D. "Design Guide 24 includes the information the structural engineer needs to configure and design HSS connections."

The design guide references the 2005 Specification and the 13th edition AISC Steel Construction Manual. The design provisions of the 2005 Specification are presented in a convenient tabular form for easy reference, and the examples give both load and resistance factor design (LRFD) and allowable strength design (ASD) solutions.

Design Guide 24 is now available as a free download to AISC members at www.aisc.org/epubs, or the electronic version can be purchased by non-AISC members for $60. A printed copy is also available for $40 to AISC members, and to non-AISC members for $80.