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How to Specify AESS Gusset Plate Design
I have designed a monumental stair that is designated This question relates to the average stress calculation
as architecturally exposed structural steel (AESS). How in Example IIC-2 on page IIC-34 of the AISC Design
should I specify AESS so the finished product meets with Examples v14.0. Why is the bending stress included in this
our expectations? How do I determine the cost increase for calculation? For example, if there were no tension stress
the specification of AESS? and no shear stress, then the average stress calculation
would equal the peak stress by this formula. This does not
There are distinct differences in the fabrication and cost of make sense. Should not the average stress be computed by
structural steel designated in the contract documents as considering all stresses over the full length of the weld? If
architecturally exposed structural steel (AESS). These differences this is done, the bending stresses would sum to zero and
include differing tolerances, handling procedures and erection would not contribute to the average stress.
procedures for AESS when compared to structural steel not
designated as AESS. The AISC Code of Standard Practice, Section You are correct that the average flexural stress is zero over the
10 stipulates the requirements for AESS members. These include full length of the joint. However, the flexural stress does have
requirements such as tighter tolerances for straightness and an effect on the weld size and we are trying to capture that
smaller uniform gaps at copes, to name a few. effect, so we look at the flexural stress over each half of the
Discussing your expectations with the fabricator is the best joint length.
way to match expectations and budget. To start that process, Richard (see the Proceedings of the 1986 AISC National
AISC has several references on AESS that will help all to Steel Construction Conference, available at www.aisc.org/
understand what to specify and what to expect. There is an epubs) found that the ratio of the maximum force per unit
AESS reference discussing the AESS Specification that was length of gusset edge joint was 1.4 times the average force
developed jointly by the Structural Engineers Association per unit length. This ratio was changed to 1.25 in a paper by
of Colorado and the Rocky Mountain Steel Construction Hewitt and Thornton (see 1st Qtr. 2004 AISC Engineering
Association. It can be found at the following link: www.aisc. Journal, also available at www.aisc.org/epubs) based on a
org/uploadedFiles/Steel_Solutions_Center/Conceptual/ probability analysis.
My_Project/Files/ArchitectsGuide.pdf. Since we don’t know the true or actual force distribution
AISC also publishes a brochure that discusses various at the joint, and because the fillet welds are loaded with some
coatings, which is free to download at: www.aisc.org/store/p- transverse component of force, the calculation given in the
1500-architecturally-exposed-structural-steel.aspx. example you cite is an attempt to follow the original work of
This brochure includes a cost matrix to determine a Richard by calculating a peak and an average force per unit
conceptual estimate for your AESS project. length of the joint. Then, to ensure some ductility in the fillet
The Canadian Institute of Steel Construction recently welds, they are made to accommodate either the peak force or
published a brochure covering AESS. It is also free to 1.25 times the average, whichever is larger.
download and can be found at: www.architecture.uwaterloo. Bill Thornton, P.E., Ph.D.
ca/faculty_projects/terri/steel/AESS-FINAL.pdf.
Erin Criste Field Bolt Quantities
Is there an AISC requirement for a fabricator to supply
Loads on Welds extra field bolts and if so, what percentage of extra bolts
Can you explain what is meant by the load type and are we required to furnish? Does this apply to only
direction relative to the weld axis in AISC 360 Table J2.5? connection bolts or also to anchor bolts and other concrete
anchors such as expansion and epoxy anchors?
I will use Figure C-J2.11(b) in the Commentary to the AISC
Specification for reference. Tension and compression normal to This topic is addressed in AISC Code of Standard Practice
the weld axis would be a load that is transferred between the Section 7.8.3 (a), which states that when the erection is not
plates through the weld in the direction of the line 3-3. Shear performed by the fabricator, the fabricator shall furnish “Bolts,
would be a load that is transferred between the plates through nuts and washers of the required grade, type and size and
the weld in the direction of the line 2-2 or into or out of the in sufficient quantity for all structural steel-to-structural steel
page. Tension or compression parallel to the weld would be a field connections that are to be permanently bolted, including
compression or tension force distributed through the section an extra 2% of each bolt size (diameter and length).” Since
(both plates) that does not cause shear in the welds. Since the anchor rods and other concrete anchors are not part of
this type of loading requires no transfer of the force through a structural steel-to-structural steel connection, they are not
the weld, Table J2.5 states: “Tension or compression in parts included in this requirement.
joined parallel to a weld need not be considered in design of Keith Landwehr
welds joining the parts.”
Larry S. Muir, P.E.
 december 2012 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION
 steel interchange
K-Area Welding RBS Welding
Does AISC 360 prohibit welding in the k-area of a wide- The RBS connection design example in the AISC Seismic
flange shape? Design Manual shows a single-plate web connection
with erection bolts in a special moment frame (SMF).
The AISC Specification does not prohibit welding in the There is no shop welding information for the single
k-area. There have been some reported problems with plate. There is a CJP groove weld called out for the beam
welds made in the k-area, so it is generally avoided, when web-to-column flange joint. On one of our projects, the
possible. Nonetheless, there are times where welding in this structural drawings called out the CJP groove weld, but
area is unavoidable. For more information on this topic you the contractor also used a fillet weld between the single
can refer to the following article, which can be downloaded plate and the column flange for erection purposes. Since
at www.modernsteel.com/archives: “AISC Advisory it is for erection purposes only, is it acceptable to fillet
Statement on Mechanical Properties Near the Fillet of weld the single plate to a column?
Wide Flange Shapes and Interim Recommendations,
January 10, 1997” (02/97). AISC 358-10 Prequalified Connections for Special and
AISC 358 Section 3.6 (and its associated Commentary) Intermediate Steel Moment Frames for Seismic Applications
describes requirements for continuity plate corner clips. Section 5.6 discusses requirements for single-plate web
Although this is not a direct prohibition of welding in the connections used in RBS moment connections. For SMF
k-area, the resulting corner clip geometry is intended to avoid connections it states: “The single-plate shear connection shall
welding in the k-area. be permitted to be used as backing for the CJP groove weld
When welding in the k-area is performed, it should be [between the beam web and column flange].”
noted that AISC 360-10 Chapter N Table N5.4-3 requires Keeping in mind that the shear tab and its attaching
visual inspection: “When welding of doubler plates, welds must be sufficient to accommodate construction
continuity plates or stiffeners has been performed in the loads, the shear tab may be welded with a fillet, a PJP
k-area, visually inspect the web k-area for cracks within 3 in. groove weld, or a CJP groove weld. Double-sided fillet
(75 mm) of the weld.” welds are less desirable, as this puts a fillet weld in the root
Larry S. Muir, P.E. of the beam web-to-column flange CJP groove weld, which
will be welded in the field. My experience has been that a
Bearing Strength at Bolt Holes in HSS shop welded PJP groove weld, placed on the opposite side
AISC 360-05 section J3.10(c) refers the user to Section of the shear tab (that is, on the non-CJP side), is common
J7 and Equation J7-1 for bearing strength at bolt holes in if the one-sided fillet is not sufficient to accommodate the
an “unstiffened box member or HSS.” Does a round HSS construction loads.
with a cap plate qualify as a stiffened member, such that Keith Landwehr
Section J7 does not apply?

The complete collection of Steel Interchange questions and answers is available online.
No. The bolt bearing strength equations in J3.10(a) and (b) Find questions and answers related to just about any topic by using our full-text search
were developed based on testing of plies that were confined capability. Visit Steel Interchange online at www.modernsteel.com.
due to the presence of a bolt head on one side and a nut on
the other. This is not true of through-bolted HSS connections. Heath Mitchell is director of technical assistance and Erin Criste is staff engineer,
The appropriate limit state for this condition is that of pin technical assistance at AISC. Keith Landwehr, Larry Muir and Bill Thornton are consultants
to AISC.
bearing rather than bolt bearing.
A stiffened HSS is one that has internal elements that
Steel Interchange is a forum to exchange useful and practical professional ideas and
provide confinement to the joint such that it will behave information on all phases of steel building and bridge construction. Opinions and
in bearing as a bolted joint, rather than as a pin joint. suggestions are welcome on any subject covered in this magazine.
A cap plate will not accomplish this. An example of a 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
stiffening element that will accomplish this is a tubular
recognized that the design of structures is within the scope and expertise of a competent
insert that spans the interior of the HSS between bolt licensed structural engineer, architect or other licensed professional for the application of
holes and has an inside diameter approximately equal to principles to a particular structure.

the hole diameter. Such a detail likely would be more 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
expensive to fabricate, and so it may be more desirable to have read here. Contact Steel Interchange via AISC’s Steel Solutions Center:
just design with the pin bearing equation. I am not aware
One East Wacker Dr., Suite 700
of any testing that would define how to design the internal
Chicago, IL 60601
stiffening elements. This is left to the judgment of the tel: 866.ASK.AISC • fax: 312.803.4709
engineer. [email protected]

Heath Mitchell, S.E., P.E.

MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION december 2012