Thornton Tomasetti supports STI certified producers of hollow structural sections materials

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Thornton Tomasetti, the international engineering firm, in combination with the Steel Tube Institute of North America (STI), is supportinga preference for product from certified producers of Hollow Structural Sections (HSS) materials.

In available geographic locations and for the offered HSS sizes, the preference, which has been incorporated into Thornton Tomasetti’s design specifications, provides assurance that the delivered HSS product was produced by a manufacturer that has been certified by third-party auditor Intertek and whose processes, manufacturing procedures and products adhere to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International and other nationally recognized standards.

Key points:

•HSS refers to high-strength welded steel tubing used as structural elements in buildings as well as a variety of manufactured products. It is produced in round, square and rectangular shapes and a broad range of sizes.

•In recent years, demand for HSS has grown significantly and its flexibility has opened up new design concepts in everything from airport terminals, shopping malls and office buildings to domed stadiums, convention centers and residential structures.

•Thornton Tomasetti’s Construction Support Services team has a deep understanding of the design and construction of HSS materials, which allows them to work with project teams to develop a customized plan that best serves budget and schedule needs.

•The HSS certification program provides an identification mark for producers who pass the audits and product test put forth by STI, which include an engineering evaluation of each of the participating companies’ manufacturing locations and sample tube testing from various mills at Intertek’s Verification Center.

•The program is overseen by STI, which was formed in 1930 bya group of manufacturers that joined forces to promote and market steel tubing. Their goal was to mount a cooperative effort to improve manufacturing techniquesand inform customers about HSS products’ utility and versatility. This remains the motivation for the Institute’s efforts today.