Modern Steel Construction March-2022
Modern Steel Construction March-2022
Modern Steel Construction March-2022
March 2022
in every issue
departments resources
6 EDITOR’S NOTE 73 ADVERTISER INDEX
9 STEEL INTERCHANGE 73 MARKETPLACE
12 STEEL QUIZ & EMPLOYMENT
69 NEW PRODUCTS
70 NEWS & EVENTS
74 STRUCTURALLY SOUND
49
features columns
steelwise
30 Steeling Home
BY JEFF JANSING, PE
Major League Baseball’s newest venue is a masterpiece
16 Tech Tips for Tapered Members
BY DONALD W. WHITE, PHD, WOO YONG JEONG, PHD, AND RYAN SLEIN, PHD
of structural steel that puts fans close to the field under a The updated AISC/MBMA Design Guide on nonprismatic members provides
retractable roof. substantial guidance on designing stepped or tapered steel I-section members for
stability, as well as on overall stability design of clear-span and modular gabled
conference previews building frames, including buildings supporting cranes.
39 Augmented Approach
BY HANNAH B. BLUM, PHD
data driven
Augmented reality provides a tool for steel fabricators 22 A Wild Ride
BY JOE DARDIS
to improve their processes, and a university research
team is developing a program to make it accessible to This month’s Data Driven looks at the expected performance of a handful of
fabricators across the country. sectors in nonresidential construction.
field notes
42 Updated Requirements, Same Intent
LARRY GRIFFIS, PE, LARRY MUIR, PE, AND LARRY KRUTH, PE 24 Building Balance
Changes are coming to design document requirements INTERVIEW BY GEOFF WEISENBERGER
in the 2022 AISC Specification and Code. But fear not! Dave Eckmann’s approach to his work as a structural engineer is influenced by his
The intent remains unchanged, and the impact on users architectural aptitude and education, not to mention his lifelong desire to build things.
should be minimal.
business issues
49 2022 NASCC: The Steel Conference 27 Connecting for Optimization
Exhibitor List BY JEF SHARP
Thoughts on how early connected models can help every link in the steel supply chain.
ON THE COVER: Play ball! Globe Life Field, MLB’s newest venue, is ushering in a new era of ballparks, p. 30. (Photo: Kelly Gavin/Texas Rangers)
MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION (Volume 62, Number 3) ISSN (print) 0026-8445: ISSN (online) 1945-0737. Published monthly by the American Institute of Steel
Construction (AISC), 130 E Randolph Street, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60601. Subscriptions: Within the U.S.—single issues $6.00; 1 year, $44. Outside the U.S. (Canada and
Mexico)—single issues $9.00; 1 year $88. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, IL and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send address changes to MODERN
STEEL CONSTRUCTION, 130 E Randolph Street, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60601.
DISCLAIMER: 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
Printed on paper made
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 from a minimum of
CONSTRUCTION. All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced without written permission, except for noncommercial educational purposes where fewer than 25 10% recycled content.
photocopies are being reproduced. The AISC and Modern Steel logos are registered trademarks of AISC.
4 | MARCH 2022
Come see us
at NASCC,
Booth 2603
STEEL
SOLUTIONS
FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
If sustainability is important to you, Nucor is your trusted partner, providing
collaborative, innovative solutions to help bring your ideas to life. We’re already
a leader in the use of recycled scrap and renewable energy. Now, with our
recent launch of Econiq™, we’re bringing to market the world’s first net-zero
carbon steel at scale. Our commitment to sustainability is just one part of
how we strategically work with you to drive progress and growth together.
nucor.com/sustainable-design
editor’s note
Editorial Offices
130 E Randolph St, Ste 2000
There’s nothing quite like touring Chicago, IL 60601
312.670.2400
a high-rise in Chicago in January. Editorial Contacts
CHIEF EDITOR
Is it warm and sunny? Geoff Weisenberger
312.493.7694
Are you crazy? Of course not. [email protected]
It’s windy and cold and makes you PUBLISHER
Keith A. Grubb, SE, PE
want to find the nearest fireplace 312.804.0813
[email protected]
and sip hot chocolate. Or whisky. GRAPHIC DESIGN MANAGER
Kristin Hall
(Or both?) 773.636.8543
[email protected]
But it’s exhilarating. And it also forces you The steel-framed (obviously) building is the EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Scott Melnick
to acknowledge the fact that you are sur- last piece of the puzzle on Chicago’s Wolf 312.804.1535
rounded by ironworkers and countless oth- Point, a high-profile corner of land at the con- [email protected]
ers that have to actually work in this type fluence of the three branches of the Chicago AISC Officers
of environment all day for several months. River. Once open, it will complete a trifecta of CHAIR
Stephen H. Knitter
(Remember, Chicago has four seasons: sum- high-rises on this previously undeveloped yet Geiger & Peters, Inc.
mer, fall, winter, and second winter.) It makes highly visible location just across the river from VICE CHAIR
you appreciate the process—and the people Chicago’s Loop. The building was designed Hugh J. McCaffrey
involved in it—that much more. by architect HKS, with Cives Steel serving as Southern New Jersey Steel Co.
The specific building I’m referring to is the steel fabricator and erector. Note that the SECRETARY/LEGAL COUNSEL
Edward Seglias, Cohen Seglias
Salesforce Tower, which was designed by framing system incorporates Nucor’s new Aeos Pallas Greenhall & Furman, PC
structural engineer Magnusson Klemencic high-strength grade 65 steel, North America’s PRESIDENT
Associates (MKA). (See this month’s Field only domestically produced A913 steel, whose Charles J. Carter, SE, PE, PhD
Notes column for an interview with Dave preheat requirements are substantially less SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
Eckmann, the MKA Chicago office’s manag- than that of A992. While the project won’t be Scott Melnick
ing principal.) AISC recently organized a tour completed until next year, you can learn about SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
Mark W. Trimble, PE
of the building that was preceded by pre- Aeos now at nucor.com/aeos.
VICE PRESIDENT
sentations from various project team mem- You can also find out more about Aeos and Todd Alwood
bers. Nearly 50 area design and construction other steel innovations at NASCC: The Steel VICE PRESIDENT
professionals braved the cold that day to Conference, which takes place later this month Carly Hurd
get an inside look at the 58-story, 850-ft-tall, (March 23-25; visit aisc.org/nassc for more VICE PRESIDENT
1.4 million-sq.-ft modern Art Deco tower. information and to register) in Denver. If you Lawrence F. Kruth, PE
VICE PRESIDENT
want a taste of some of the sessions (or want to
Mike Mospan
peruse the list of more than 200 exhibitors) at VICE PRESIDENT
this year’s conference, keep turning the pages Brian Raff
(we also featured a handful of session previews Editorial Advisory Panel
in the January and February issues). On that Caroline R. Bennett, PE, PhD
note, we often receive more session preview University of Kansas
Amanda Dean, PE
papers than we’re able to run in the print ver- Walter P Moore
sion (not a bad problem to have). Of course, Bryan Frazier,
the topics remain relevant after the conference, Zalk Josephs Fabricators, LLC
and we tend to run these “bonus” articles Keith R. Griesing, PE
Hardesty and Hanover
throughout the year. We’ll continue doing that,
Stephen H. Knitter
but this year, we’ve also posted them online.
Geiger & Peters, Inc.
So be sure to check out our Project Extras sec-
Advertising Sales
tion at www.modernsteel.com for a handful of M.J. Mrvica Associates, Inc.
additional session previews. And remember, if 2 W Taunton Avenue
you’re not able to make it to Denver, you can Berlin, NJ 08009
856.768.9360
register for our streaming sessions. [email protected]
But for those of you who can make the trip, Address Changes and
it will be worth your while. See you there! Subscription Concerns
312.670.2401
[email protected]
Reprints
Geoff Weisenberger Kristin Hall
Chief Editor [email protected]
6 | MARCH 2022
Better fabrication
starts with SDS2.
The right detailing software can drive efficiency and profitability in your fabrication shop. With SDS2, you
can quickly build and adapt the detailing model to suit your needs, integrate seamlessly with any MRP, MIS
and tracking system, and maximize returns on your automated equipment.
Efficiency, accuracy, results—it all starts with SDS2. Get started today at sds2.com/start.
BUILDING SOMETHING
BIGGER
As members of the Nucor family of steel That’s why we are laser focused
products, we know that successful on providing you with high quality
projects depend on having the right products, on-time delivery, and
products in the right places at the unmatched customer service.
right time. Together, we’re better.
SEE US AT
BOOTH 2603
P O W E R F U L P A R T N E R S H I P S . P O W E R F U L R E S U LT S .
steel interchange
If you’ve ever asked yourself “Why?” about something related to structural steel
design or construction, Modern Steel’s monthly Steel Interchange is for you!
Send your questions or comments to [email protected].
Chevron Brace
Force Distribution
I am reviewing Design Example 5.9 in
AISC Design Guide 29: Vertical Brac-
ing Connections–Analysis and Design.
Can you explain how the values for N',
V', and M' are determined (see Figure
5-20)?
Step 1.
10 | MARCH 2022
BRIDGING
the Mile High City with
CURVED STEEL
866-940-5739 • cmrp.com
This month’s questions and answers were developed by Michael Desch, an AISC intern
steel quiz and current graduate student at the Illinois Institute of Technology. Thanks, Michael!
This special Steel Quiz tests your knowledge on steel design and construction—
and the 2022 NASCC: The Steel Conference.
1
Note: Don’t include
spaces/hyphens in
multi-word answers. 2 3
5 6
7 8
9 10
11 12
13 14 15
16
17 18 19
20 21
22
23
Across
3A cut-out made in a structural member to
remove a flange and conform to the shape 24
of an intersecting member.
5 Describes structural steel with a protective
zinc coating.
Down
8 Denver ___ Bridge. This cable-stayed
pedestrian bridge, completed in 2002, uses 1 An element of a compression member
a post-tensioned structural steel system to subjected to flexure with a width-to-
minimize the height pedestrians must climb. thickness ratio between λp and λr is ___. 14 A composite steel plate and
9 The 2023 NASCC: The steel Conference will 2 ANSI/AISC 358, Prequalified Connections concrete shear wall system that can
for Special and Intermediate Steel ___ dramatically reduce construction time.
be held in this city.
10 ANSI/AISC 303, Code of Standard Practice
for Seismic Applications specifies design, 16 ___ Section Modulus, Z, the ratio of
detailing, fabrication, and quality criteria the moment of inertia to the distance
for Steel Buildings and ___. for connections that are prequalified between the ___ neutral axis to the
13 ___ Section Modulus, S, the ratio of the for use in SMF and IMF systems in most extreme fiber.
moment of inertia to the distance between accordance with the AISC Seismic
the neutral axis to the most extreme fiber. Provisions. (Two words.)
18 W ith at least 10.5% chromium,
___ steel is the subject of the new
15 This Denver steel-framed building with 3 A ___-joint-penetration weld is a groove standard ANSI/AISC 370 Specification
curved “cash register”-shaped upper floors weld in which the weld metal extends for Structural ___ Steel Buildings.
was completed in 1983 and is currently the through the joint thickness.
city’s third-tallest building. (Three words.)
19 One of the four methods for
4 A procedure to determine maximum determining the nominal strength
17 Plate element connecting truss members or and minimum moments when there is of a composite section, the effective
a strut or brace to a beam or column. (Two an uncertain live load distribution on a ___-___ method assumes strain
words.) structure. (Two words.) compatibility and effective ___-___
21 This type of fireproofing paint expands when 6 Curvature fabricated into a beam or relationships for steel and concrete
it is exposed to heat to insulate the object truss to compensate for deflections that account for the effects of local
on which it is applied. induced by loads. (Hint: It is the subject buckling, yielding, interaction, and
of Design Guide 36.) confinement. (Two words.)
22 This historic Denver building, renovated in
2014, now includes a new open-air train hall. 7 Distance between braced points of a 20 A___-joint-penetration weld
The hall features large AESS trusses that member. (Two words.) is a groove weld in which the
support a PTFE canopy. (Two words.) penetration is intentionally less
11 This is a term for corrosion-resistant
than the complete thickness of the
23 A limit state of crack initiation and growth steel that forms a protective surface
connected element.
resulting from repeated application of live layer by oxidation, eliminating the need
loads. for other protective coating systems.
24 ANSI/AISC 360, Specification for Structural 12 A phenomenon where the threads of a
Steel Buildings, is often abbreviated as: ____. nut and bolt seize during tightening. TURN TO PAGE 14 FOR THE ANSWERS.
12 | MARCH 2022
The inherent stability of Atlas Tube’s Jumbo
HSS helps architects realize extraordinary
plans, including the beautiful peak of One
Vanderbilt in New York City.
steel quiz 1
n
Down
ANSWERS
o 1 Noncompact 7 Unbraced length
2 3
m n c o p e 2 Moment frames 11 Weathering
o c o 3 Complete 12 Galling
4
p m o m 4 Pattern loading 14 SpeedCore
5
g a l v a n i z e d m p 6
c 6 Camber 16 Plastic
t n p l a 18 Stainless
t t a e 7
u 8
m i l l e n n i u m 19 Stress-strain
e f c t n b 20 Partial
9 10
r c h a r l o t t e b r i d g e s
11 12
n a r r w g
13 14 15
e l a s t i c m a s w e l l s f a r g o c e n t e r
16
o e p c p a l
17 18 19
a g u s s e t p l a t e e t s l s
20 21
d a d e p h t i n t u m e s c e n t
i s l d a e a n r
n t e c r r i g e
22
Everyone is welcome
g i u n i o n s t a t i o n s
to submit questions
c g r i n l s and answers for the
Across t e 23
f a t i g u e s
Steel Quiz. If you are
3 Cope 15 Wells Fargo Center interested in submitting
h l s t one question or an
5 Galvanized 17 Gusset plate 24
s p e c r entire quiz, contact
8 Millennium 21 Intumescent
a
AISC’s Steel Solutions
Center at 866.ASK.AISC
9 Charlotte 22 Union Station
i or [email protected].
10 Bridges 23 Fatigue
n
13 Elastic 24 Spec
www.castconnex.com
University of Arizona Biomedical Sciences Partnership Building, AZ
Architect: CO Architects and Ayers Saint Gross
Structural Engineer: John A. Martin & Associates and
[email protected]
Holben, Martin & White 1-888-681-8786
Photography by Bill Timmerman
14 | MARCH 2022
www.ironworkers.org
IMPROVE SAFETY
Ensuring that only trained, skilled and
competent ironworkers complete rigging and
signaling tasks elevates workplace safety
standards and reduces risk.
steelwise
HAVE YOU EVER HAD to design a These are all examples of nonprismatic members. This edition also addressed the
framing system involving stepped and/or members, and the first edition of AISC/ broader application of the methods to
web-tapered columns? MBMA Design Guide 25: Frame Design members containing cross-section transi-
Or a frame in which axial loads are Using Nonprismatic Members was released in tions and/or axial loads applied at interme-
introduced into members at intermediate 2011 to address these considerations. A key diate positions, as well as the overall sys-
positions along their length? Or perhaps focus was on balancing generality, compre- tem design of frames using these types of
a variable-web-depth plate girder with hensivity, and simplicity in tackling the cor- members.
steps in the plate thicknesses and/or flange responding design complexities, with the However, all of this was accomplished
widths along its length? presentations emphasizing web-tapered in an abbreviated manner. An expanded
16 | MARCH 2022
steelwise
discussion of the various considerations
associated with frame analysis and mem-
ber-proportioning rules for these types of
structures was needed. And now it’s here, in
the form of the second edition of Design
Guide 25, which is based on the 2016 Speci-
fication for Structural Steel Buildings (ANSI/
AISC 360, aisc.org/specifications). Aside
from handling nonprismatic member
geometry, a key focus of the second edition
is the characterization of two specific sta-
bility design attributes common to metal
building frames:
1. The influence of axial compression in
rafters and roof girders
2. The influence of leaning column P-∆
effects on the sidesway stability of
modular frames—i.e., frames in which
the roof girders or rafters are supported
vertically by light interior columns, sub-
dividing the frame into multiple bays
The second edition of DG 25 provides
the following advancements pertaining to
frames containing general nonprismatic
members: Nonprismatic member design in long-span facilities such as airplane hangars is addressed in
the new edition of Design Guide 25.
• Calculation of column axial resistances
using a streamlined, unified plate effec-
tive width procedure, extending the
method for prismatic members in Sec- Unifying Concept advantages for members with complex
tion E7 of the 2016 Specification For the calculation of member axial nonprismatic geometries and members
• Consideration of substantial shear post- compressive resistance, the basic proce- subjected to nonuniform axial compression.
buckling strengths in thin unstiffened dures discussed in Design Guide 25 focus Furthermore, numerical buckling solutions
I-section member webs, extending Sec- specifically on: provide γe directly as the eigenvalue—i.e.,
tion G2.1 of the Specification to nonpris- (1) The governing elastic buckling load the multiple of the reference applied load,
matic members (or stress) ratio at incipient elastic buckling.
• Inclusion of the contribution from Given the value of Fe = γe fr at different
inclined flanges in member shear γe = Pe = Fe locations along the length of a member
Pr fr
strength calculations subjected to nonconstant axial compres-
• Simplified estimation of member elas- which is a constant for a given member sion and/or containing a general nonpris-
tic lateral-torsional buckling (LTB) unbraced length, where fr = Pr /Ag at a matic geometry, engineers can evaluate
resistances, as well as advanced elastic given cross section, and the nominal strength, Pn, at these loca-
buckling predictions using thin-walled (2) The axial load or axial stress level, tions. The Pn calculation is accomplished
open-section beam computations Pr or fr , and the cross-section effective by applying the provisions defined in
• Direct evaluation of general nonpris- area, Ae, at a number of potentially Specification Section E7. The calculations
matic column, beam, and beam-column critical cross sections along the for the various potentially critical cross
design resistances using efficient inelas- unbraced length sections are akin to the evaluation of mul-
tic buckling method Any member subjected to axial com- tiple members with distinct buckling char-
• Achievement of significant benefits by pression has a buckling load ratio, γe, by acteristics in a general structure, each sub-
applying the most up-to-date recom- which the required strengths (i.e., the jected to different axial compressive forces,
mendations for the AISC direct analysis, internal stresses or forces from the applied Pr , using an overall buckling analysis of
effective length, and first-order analysis loading) are multiplied to obtain the gov- the system. Once the critical cross section
methods of system stability design erning elastic buckling strength (i.e., Fe = γe (the one giving the largest demand-to-
The updated Design Guide 25 also pro- fr or Pe = γe Pr). In general, Fe = γe fr and/or nominal strength ratio) is identified, the
vides extensive examples illustrating the Pe = γe Pr can be different at different cross corresponding Pn calculation can be envi-
application of the recommended methods. sections along the member length. How- sioned as being conducted on an equiva-
Following is a snapshot of some of the key ever, there is only one governing value of lent uniformly loaded prismatic member.
concepts introduced in the new edition. γe. Thus, the use of γe provides significant This equivalent member has the same
Modern Steel Construction | 17
steelwise
overall γe , and the same fr /Fy and Ae /Ag Effective length calculation procedures for the roof girders or rafters. Particularly
[or fr / (Ae /Ag) / Fy = Pr / Pye], as the criti- are typically implemented on subassem- in cases where the roof girder span is large
cal cross section (see Figure 1). blies extracted from the overall structure. and the eave height of the structure is rela-
For instance, in multi-story buildings, K tively small, the columns can provide sig-
Actual factors are commonly calculated on a nificant rotational restraint to the girder
member Equivalent
uniformly- story-by-story basis with limited consider- ends. Furthermore, the concept of a K fac-
loaded ation of the interaction between the stories. tor is rather complex when the roof girder
prismatic Suppose one conducts an elastic buckling has, for instance, multiple tapers and mul-
member
Braced analysis of an entire multi-story frame that tiple steps along its length. Design Guide
point (TYP.) has a large number of stories. In that case, 25 resolves this problem by the following
Same γe it is common to obtain K factors that are extensions to the AISC Specification:
and relatively large in the upper stories of the 1. For members with αPr ≤ 0.10PeL at all
fr frame and relatively small in the lower sto- locations along their length, or stated more
(Ae/Ag)Fy ries. If a K factor is back-calculated for a simply, for α/γeL < 0.10 (where α and γeL
as critical typical girder of such a frame, then the K are defined below), and where Aes > 0.5Ag,
cross
value will be quite large because the axial the member Pni may be taken as the equiv-
section
Critical cross force in the girder is relatively small. alent cross-section axial yield strength
section The updated Design Guide addresses accounting for local buckling effects, Pns
these issues, placing particular empha- = AesFy. This simplification is permissible
Fig. 1. Equivalent uniformly loaded prismatic sis on applying the ELM to typical metal because the in-plane stability effects are
member concept.
building frames composed of nonprismatic minor at the member level for columns
members. It also explains that the AISC and beam-columns that satisfy the above
direct analysis method (DAM) eliminates limits. The term PeL here is the in-plane
The approach in the second edition can the above complexities by avoiding a focus elastic flexural buckling load for the mem-
be applied to all three system stability analy- on the stability limit states behavior of the ber unbraced length under consideration,
sis and design approaches in the AISC Speci- structural system (or a structural system assuming idealized simply supported end
fication—the direct analysis method, the subassembly) in which all the members are conditions, and γeL is the corresponding
effective length method, and the first-order subjected to pure axial compression (i.e., elastic buckling load ratio. The term α is
analysis method (FOM). A similar approach no bending). Frames are rarely subjected employed by the AISC Specification to scale
is recommended by Design Guide 25 for just to pure axial compression of their the required ASD loads up to an ultimate
calculation of the flexural resistance of I sec- members. Instead, the DAM focuses on the strength design load level. It is equal to 1.0
tion members. This approach captures the load-deflection stability behavior of the for design by LRFD. Typical single-story
out-of-plane LTB limit states. geometrically imperfect structural system metal building frame members will often
subjected to the estimated actual forces at satisfy this limit.
Which Method? the strength design levels, rather than the 2. If P-δ effects are included in the struc-
In a 1985 ASCE Journal of Struc- bifurcation response associated with pure tural analysis model, and an appropriate
tural Engineering paper, author Watwood axial compression in the various mem- out-of-straightness between the member
touched on a particular anomaly of the bers of the idealized geometrically-perfect ends is also included, Pni may be taken as Pns
effective length method (ELM) for struc- structure. As a result, the DAM provides even when α/γeL > 0.10. This is permissible
tural stability design. Members that have significant advantages for design in that: because the combined reduced stiffness and
relatively small axial stress at incipient one, it may be used for all structures and out-of-straightness in the DM-based anal-
buckling of a frame tend to have large load combinations; two, it provides the ysis account sufficiently for the in-plane
effective length factors, K, when consid- most representative assessment of the stability effects at the member level. The
ered as part of the evaluation of the over- actual internal forces and moments of the appropriate member out-of-straightness
all structural system. In some cases, these elastic analysis-and-design methods; and is an imperfection of 0.001L in the direc-
K factors are justified, while in other cases, three, it may be used to design the mem- tion that the member deforms (due to the
they are not. If the member participates bers without calculation of K factors. applied loads) relative to a chord between
significantly in the governing elastic flex- When using the DAM, the in-plane its support points or points of connection
ural buckling mode, a large K value is justi- flexural buckling strength of columns and to other members, where L is the overall
fied. On the other hand, if the member is beam-columns, Pni , is often calculated member unsupported length. A chorded
essentially undergoing rigid-body motion using the actual unbraced length with representation of the out-of-straightness
in the governing buckling mode, and/or if K = 1.0. However, this approach can also with maximum amplitude at the middle of
it predominantly serves to restrain flexural misrepresent the physical strength behav- the unsupported length is considered suf-
buckling of other members, a large K value ior in certain situations. For example, in ficient. For clear-span gabled frame rafters
is sometimes not justified. The distinction clear-span portal building frames, the use subjected to loads causing a net downward
between these two situations requires sig- of K = 1.0 to calculate the in-plane flexural displacement at the ridge, this require-
nificant engineering judgment. buckling strength can be very conservative ment may be implemented by shifting the
18 | MARCH 2022
steelwise
ridge downward by 0.001L, where L is the The accurate design of rafters and roof
on-slope length between the columns. For girders using the ELM requires the recogni-
an unusual situation where the loading may tion of end restraint from the columns within Dedications
cause an upward movement of the ridge, the an elastic buckling analysis or a related K < 1 The second edition of Design
ridge should be shifted upward by 0.001L. solution. As stated previously, the use of K = Guide 25 is dedicated to
The use of Pni = Pns with the DAM, 1.0 with the DAM for calculating Pni in roof Richard C. (Dick) Kaehler, PE.
based on satisfying one of the above two girders or rafters of clear-span portal frames Dick provided quiet and steady
requirements, is the most accurate and the can result in a significantly conservative friendship and leadership as the
preferred approach for the in-plane stabil- characterization of the axial compression first author of the first edition
ity design of rafters in clear-span frames. effects in these members. and as a colleague in numer-
Within the above contexts, the load- Regarding the FOM, the guide recom- ous technical committee activi-
deflection analysis of the DAM sufficiently mends that for frames in which the inter- ties for AISC and AISI before his
captures all the essential attributes of the nal axial force in any of the girders or raf- passing in 2015. The second
in-plane stability behavior. Therefore, the ters exceeds 0.08PeL (i.e., α/γeL > 0.08), the edition is also dedicated to
member in-plane axial compressive resis- FOM should be limited only to preliminary Yoon Duk Kim, PhD, who con-
tance may be calculated as the axial com- design. In this context, PeL is the nominal in- tributed significantly as a co-
pressive resistance of its cross sections. plane elastic flexural buckling strength of the author of the first edition and
Furthermore, since the out-of-plane axial girder or rafter, based on the on-slope length as a collaborator in the second
compressive resistance is always less than between the columns and assuming simply edition’s early developments,
Pns for any finite out-of-plane unbraced supported end conditions. The simplifying and who passed away in 2018.
length, the out-of-plane buckling resis- approximations embedded in the FOM can
tance will always govern when the in-plane become suspect for frames that fall outside
strength is taken as Pni = Pns . of these limits.
20 | MARCH 2022
steelwise
explicit geometric imperfections, and Timoshenko and Gere and Newmark, and
handling of lean-on structures. Chapter 6 implementing modern eigenvalue buckling
finishes with an overview of four framing analysis computations.
system examples in Chapters 7 through 10, Appendix B discusses the calculation
including a roadmap and suggestions on of girder and column γe factors quantify-
how to use them (depending on the type of ing the elastic sidesway buckling resistance
guidance the engineer wants). of framing systems. These calculations are
Chapter 7 shows the member and sys- primarily of use with the ELM. The first
tem calculations for a clear-span mono- section of this appendix establishes the
slope frame having a relatively complex relationship between a generalized effec-
nonprismatic roof girder geometry. tive length factor, K, and the elastic buck-
Chapter 8 illustrates the member and ling load ratio, γe , for frames composed of
system calculations for a clear-span gabled nonprismatic members
crane building frame in which the crane Appendix C provides guidelines for
girders are supported by brackets attached out-of-plane buckling analysis, address-
at an intermediate height of the columns. ing the essential features of finite elements
The columns are tapered below the crane necessary to provide accurate solutions.
girder support brackets. In addition, this appendix addresses the
Chapter 9 presents calculations for a required number of elements per mem-
modular crane building frame containing ber, the use of notional loads to remove
columns with a step in the cross-section interaction between different buckling
geometry at the crane girder support level modes in members containing stepped
and significantly smaller cross sections and/or doubly tapered geometry, and the
above this level. The columns in this frame implications of using idealized torsionally
are otherwise prismatic. and flexurally simply supported boundary
Chapter 10 focuses on analyzing and conditions versus the actual member end
designing a clear-span gabled building conditions. Lastly, manual procedures are
frame with a large span-to-eave height. presented for estimating the elastic LTB
The roof girder second-order effects are flexural resistance of general nonprismatic
relatively substantial in this frame. This members. Donald W. White
example emphasizes checking of the sys- Appendix D recommends various ([email protected]) is a professor
tem’s in-plane stability associated with benchmark problems intended for software at the Georgia Institute of Technology
and impacted by the roof girder second- developers and users to establish the cor- School of Civil and Environmental
order effects. The nonprismatic roof girder rectness and accuracy of their analysis pro- Engineering. He is a member of the
cross-sections in this frame are highly opti- cedures. Although the subject of the Design AISC Committee on Specifications
mized. The girder compression flange is Guide is nonprismatic members, informa- and its Task Committees on Member
substantially larger than the tension flange tive solutions for prismatic members are Design, and Loads, Analysis, and
at the knees of the frame, making the cross provided as a first step in evaluating soft- Stability. Woo Yong Jeong
sections significantly singly symmetric. ware capabilities. These can be employed ([email protected]) is a
Chapter 11 provides an annotated bibli- to establish the correctness with more senior software lead at HEXAGON
ography. This bibliography summarizes the straightforward cases before addressing (GT STRUDL). Ryan Slein
results of numerous research efforts aimed the complexity of nonprismatic members. ([email protected]) is a research
at the stability design of frames composed The appendix closes with two benchmark civil engineer (structural) in the
of web-tapered and general nonprismatic examples showing the application of suc- Office of Infrastructure R&D of the
I-section members over the years. The cessive approximations to calculate the in- Federal Highway Administration
citations range from the early 20th century plane buckling resistance of a web-tapered Office of Research, Development,
through June 2020, including references to column and a stepped web-tapered column and Technology. All are co-authors of
some of the earliest pioneers of structural with an intermediate applied axial load. AISC Design Guide 25: Frame Design
engineering, Euler and Lagrange. The second edition of Design Guide 25 Using Nonprismatic Members (Second
The second edition of Design Guide 25 brings all the latest information on frame Edition) and extend their thanks
also contains several substantive appendices: design using nonprismatic members into to the MBMA steering committee,
Appendix A outlines specific guidelines a single document compatible with the AISC reviewers, and Dr. O ğuzhan
for the calculation of PeL and γeL for non- 2016 Specification and is intended to be a To ğay, who contributed to updating
prismatic members. This includes using an helpful resource for engineers tasked with and improving the SABRE2 software
equivalent moment of inertia with the Euler designing nonprismatic members. As with employed in many of the guide’s
buckling equation, applying the method of all AISC Design Guides, it is available at calculations.
successive approximations promoted by aisc.org/dg. ■
A Wild Ride
BY JOE DARDIS
This month’s Data Driven looks at the expected performance of a handful of sectors
in nonresidential construction.
THE LAST FEW YEARS have been a wild ride for the con- highest levels since 2008 further demonstrates how warehouses
struction market. are carrying the market on their backs.
After a very promising start in 2020, nonresidential construc- Another sector—offices—is expected to bounce back this year,
tion starts shrunk as COVID crippled the market. However, the though it’s not projected to reach pre-COVID levels in the fore-
market bounced back in 2021, surpassing pre-COVID 2019 levels. seeable future. While a mass return to the office could certainly
So, what lies ahead? Will this upward momentum continue? create an increased demand for office projects, the reality is that
According to Dodge Data and Analytics, nonresidential starts companies are expected to continue switching to hybrid arrange-
look very promising for 2022. In fact, 2022 starts are projected to ments, allowing employees to work from home at least part-time—
total roughly 1.38 million sq. ft, the highest level for this sector and some aren’t returning to the office at all. Even if companies are
since 2008. Beyond 2022, we should expect to see a slight contrac- looking to expand, adopting a full- or part-time work-from-home
tion every year until 2026, but starts will still remain above average arrangement would allow them to do so without the need to build
relative to the last decade (see Figure 1). or seek out additional office space. And while many companies are
To fully understand this projected growth and contraction, still under office leases that tie them to their current office space
it is important to look at the market on a more granular level but with fewer workers going in every day, office space demands
specific to project type. The main catalyst for growth is the would decrease even further as these leases expire.
warehouse sector (for more on warehouses, see last month’s One bright spot for the office sector is the sub-sector of data
Data Driven, available at www.modernsteel.com). Figure 2, centers (Dodge categorizes data center construction as office con-
which shows the percent change in nonresidential projected struction). Demand for data centers has been strong, driven by
construction starts by sector relative to 2019, highlights how increased demand in digital bandwidth as people work remotely,
the warehouse sector has grown and how most other sectors plus a surge in online shopping. That being said, with data cen-
have not bounced back from pre-COVID levels. Combining ters “counting” as offices, the demand for traditional office space is
this knowledge with the fact that 2022 starts will be at their likely even lower than what the numbers represent at first glance.
Fig. 1.
Historical and Projected Nonresidential Construction Starts
1,400
Dormitories
Hotels
1,200
Other
Recreation
Millions of Square Feet
1,000 Religious
Government
Healthcare
800 Education
Manufacturing
Parking
600
Office
400
Warehouse
200
Retail
0
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026
22 | MARCH 2022
data driven
Hotels will also have an uphill battle for
the foreseeable future. In the second quar- Fig. 2.
ter of 2020, hotel occupancy rates dropped Percent Change in Square Footage Relative to 2019
to 28% and have seen revenues fall year 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026
over year by 75%. The Center for Exhibi-
tion Industry Research reports that 98% Retail -26% -23% -13% -5% -3% -5% -8%
of exhibitions were canceled during the Warehouse 12% 58% 71% 42% 22% 14% 3%
second half of 2020. To put this in perspec- Office -23% -26% -22% -15% -12% -7% -5%
tive, NASCC: The Steel Conference has
Parking -37% -27% -22% -19% -16% -13% -12%
roughly 5,000 attendees every year. Con-
servatively, if a hotel room costs $200 per Manufacturing -11% 9% 10% 16% 19% 20% 18%
night, that adds up to a million dollars every Education -6% -4% 2% 7% 9% 9% 8%
day of lost revenue to the hotel, not to men-
Healthcare -12% -9% -3% 8% 15% 18% 16%
tion catering, room rentals, and all the other
revenue sources. There are tens of thou- Government -6% -7% -1% 5% 7% 9% 10%
sands of conferences in the U.S. every year, Religious -18% -30% -27% -25% -23% -20% -18%
many of which are smaller than NASCC, Recreation -32% -19% -23% -15% -11% -8% -7%
though some are much larger. The drop in
Other -25% -6% -4% 4% 11% 13% 12%
hotel occupancy was also affected by leisure
travel, which came to a screeching halt in Hotels -51% -58% -49% -43% -40% -38% -38%
the second quarter of 2020. Dormitories -36% -28% -29% -22% -17% -15% -13%
The good news is that in 2022, the hotel
market should begin to recover as both On the bright side, the traditionally a matter of pivoting to different facili-
business and leisure travel are expected steel-friendly education and healthcare ties and job types as necessary, not only
to pick back up, as are conventions and sectors have been relatively steady and to “fill the gap” while other industries are
conferences (speaking of which, NASCC are projected to show positive growth down but also to broaden your company’s
takes place March 23-25 in Denver; visit for the next several years. As always, it’s experience. ■
aisc.org/nascc for more information and
to register). The bad news is that hotels
will still need to dig themselves out of a
huge financial hole before recovery fully
starts to take shape.
There are pros and cons here for the
steel industry. Overall, more square foot-
age in the market is a good thing. Ware-
houses tend to be steel-framed, albeit sim-
pler structures that don’t require as much
detailed fabrication. Office buildings also
tend to be steel-framed, so the reduction in
office demands can be discouraging—but
possibly offset by an increase in data cen-
ter construction. And while hotels are often
concrete structures, there are enough steel
hotels such that a downturn in that sector
stings a bit for the steel industry as well.
Building Balance
INTERVIEW BY GEOFF WEISENBERGER
DAVE ECKMANN, SE, PE, FAIA, It’s been a great place to live and raise Where did you go to school?
has always enjoyed building things, from a family. I am a Fighting Illini! I studied at the
sandcastles as a child to high-rises that have University of Illinois down in Urbana-
redefined Chicago’s skyline in his 35 years as That’s pretty neat to live by the Indiana Champaign. They have a really great
a structural engineer. Currently the manag- Dunes. program where you can get a bachelor’s
ing principal of Magnusson Klemencic Asso- I just have vague memories of it. My degree and a master’s degree in architec-
ciate’s (MKA) Chicago office, he has spent dad was transferred out there for a project ture, and during the master’s program,
most of his life in and around Chicago but assignment for a couple of years, and we you can choose a specialization—design,
has an integrative—and worldly, thanks to a were in a small house along the lake there. preservation, etc. One of the options is
fellowship that took him all over Europe— And I just remember being able to play in structures, which is the direction that
outlook on the building design process. the sand and build massive sandcastles. I took. It allowed me to get licensed as
both an architect and a structural engi-
Where did you grow up? Speaking of building things, let’s talk neer. And that’s exactly what I did.
I was born and raised in a suburb about how you got into architecture My real passion was in structural engi-
called Downers Grove, located about 25 and engineering. neering, so that became my day job. Because
miles outside Chicago. Other than a cou- Yes, I guess that goes back to when I was of my interest in architecture, I actually
ple-year stint in the Indiana Dunes area, a young boy, always fascinated with building spent the first 18 years of my career working
a few years living in Chicago itself, and things with Legos and Erector Sets and doing in architectural engineering firms. I then
then a couple of years of living in Seattle, woodworking projects. I also remember being joined MKA 17 years ago, which is a civil
when I joined MKA—well, and also when in my basement, drawing plans of my dream and structural engineering consulting firm.
I lived in Europe for four months as a home and designing and making forts out of The architectural side of my education
recipient of a traveling fellowship—I’ve tables and boxes and things like that. So I was provided me with a great understanding of
spent my entire life in Downers Grove. always interested in building things. My dad, all the building systems and how buildings go
who was a civil engineer, designed water treat- together. It allowed me to better understand
ment plants and always wanted me to be an what architects are trying to achieve and
engineer. But I was actually more interested in how I could design the structure to better
Field Notes is Modern building vertically, so I wanted to be an archi- suit their needs and desires. And as a result, I
Steel Construction’s tect. That’s what I decided to study in college, became a better collaborator instead of being
podcast series, where but when I was in school, I actually found an engineer who rolls their eyes when there
we interview people myself gravitating more towards math- and are creative or nonorthogonal ideas out there.
from all corners of science-based classes, and I just realized that Having an architectural license was also ben-
the structural steel engineering was probably more in my wheel- eficial because it gave me a bit more credibil-
industry with interesting stories to tell. house in terms of my strengths, so I decided ity in the architectural community, making it
Listen in at modernsteel.com/podcasts. to go in that direction. even easier to collaborate with architects.
24 | MARCH 2022
field notes
You mentioned a four-month fellowship you were a judge for our 2022 IDEAS2 did my time and I was finally able to sign
in Europe. What did that involve? And did Awards program, which, of course, up to play the snare drum in my school
you encounter any particularly impres- focuses on the successful integration of band. And I kept practicing and got bet-
sive steel structures during your trip? architecture and engineering. The win- ter. I then moved into all of the percussion
I was incredibly fortunate to be the ners haven’t been revealed yet, but I was instruments, playing the marimba, xylo-
recipient of something called the Plym wondering if you could point to any other phone, timpani, all that kind of stuff. I kept
Traveling Fellowship, which is offered by buildings, even past winners, that you getting better and was the first chair per-
the University of Illinois’ School of Archi- feel are great examples of the successful cussionist in the high school band, orches-
tecture. It’s awarded to a seasoned profes- integration of those two disciplines. tra, and jazz band. Jazz was great, but I still
sional that’s been practicing for a decade or One that immediately comes to mind is really wanted to be a drummer in a rock
two. The objective is for the recipient to go down the street from my office: the John band. Luckily, my sophomore year in high
to Europe for a minimum of four months Hancock Center/875 North Michigan Ave- school, I was approached by three seniors
to study something related to architecture. nue in Chicago. It’s a very clean, simple, ele- about joining their rock band! We played
Given my background in both architecture gant structure, and the lateral system for the stuff like Ted Nugent, Rush, Black Sabbath,
and engineering, I focused on the topic of building is integral to and expressed as part and Aerosmith—and my hair was a little
structural influences in the design of great of the architecture. There’s also the Amazon longer hair back then. We played parties
European architecture. I felt like so many Spheres in Seattle, which we recently com- and the local battle of the bands, which
European projects were on the front cov- pleted (you can read about it in the May 2019 was in front of, like, 1,200 people. It was
ers of architectural magazines, and I wanted issue at www.modernsteel.com; it was an incredibly exhilarating! Actually, I almost
a better understanding of how European IDEAS2 winner that year). The perimeter went into music instead of architecture at
architects and engineers collaborate because structural form is an architectural shell of college. However, I realized that maybe
they seemed to be leading the way at the steel. It’s a very complex form, and yet it’s from a financial perspective, that wasn’t the
time (this was in 2001). So my objective was comprised of repetitive modules that could right choice, so I chose what I did. I’ve got
to see and touch as many projects as I could. be mass-produced and in a fairly cost-effec- absolutely no regrets, but I still tinker with
But equally important was meeting with the tive way. But it was designed in such a way the drums on the side. My drumming has
architects and engineers that created these that most people can’t even see or find the been scaled back these days. I’m just play-
beautiful pieces of architecture. Again, try- repetitive pattern within the organic form. ing in a contemporary service at my church,
ing to learn more about how they collabo- but I still have the dream of getting the
rated. I traveled all over western Europe. I I understand you’re involved with the band back together in retirement. ■
was in nine different countries and, I think, Chicago Committee on High-Rise Build-
56 cities. I met with many of the leading ings. Can you talk a bit about that group? This column was excerpted from my conversation
architects and engineers and people from It started in the late 1960s with Fazlur with Dave. To hear more from him, including
their offices to just try to better understand Khan, the great structural engineer with some of his projects that he’s most proud of, his
how they work. I was exposed to a lot of SOM, along with a small group of architects boating adventures, what he loves about Chicago,
things and was introduced to something I and engineers. At the time, they were trying and his thoughts on late Rush drummer Neil
really love now: steel castings. to figure out how to design the Sears (now Peart, check out the March Field Notes podcast at
As far as projects, some of them were Willis) Tower well as other tall buildings, modernsteel.com/podcasts. Also, the winners
classics like the Centre Pompidou Center and they would get together once a month of the 2022 AISC IDEAS2 Awards program—
in Paris and the Munich Olympics facil- in a restaurant basement here in Chicago to for which Dave was a judge—will be revealed
ity (Olympiapark). I also became really swap ideas, challenges, and solutions. The later this month at NASCC: The Steel Confer-
intrigued and inspired by some of Santiago group got larger over time and now consists ence in Denver (aisc.org/nascc) and featured in
Calatrava’s work. I met Jorg Schlaich and of about 75 of Chicago’s leading architects, the May issue.
learned about his work with cable structures. engineers, developers, contractors, educa-
One of Schlaigh’s projects that stood out tors, and vendors—a very diverse group—
for me in particular was a small but beau- that continues to meet and learn and solve
tiful lookout tower in Stuttgart, Germany problems for the next generation of tall
(Killesberg Tower). It’s a simple pedestrian buildings. We also work with the city of
lookout in a park that has a winding steel Chicago to help them with codes and other
staircase to the top. It has a set of stairs that building-related topics.
spirals around a slender central steel column.
The central column was supported at the Speaking of groups, I hear you like to
base by a beautiful steel casting. The look- play the drums.
out tower is stabilized by a delicate perim- Ever since I was a small kid, I wanted to
eter mesh of steel cables. be a drummer in a rock band. One of the
prerequisites to play drums in the school Geoff Weisenberger
I’d like to see that one. Back to collabo- band was to take a couple of years of piano, ([email protected]) is chief
ration in architecture and engineering, so I did that—reluctantly. I hated it, but I editor of Modern Steel Construction.
Thoughts on how early connected models can help every link in the steel supply chain.
LAST MONTH, I wrote about how early Material. If the model is connected struction—and also allows fabricators to
connected models can help steel fabricators. early and is ready at the time of award, a use their expertise to suggest alternate
This month, let’s expand the discussion more exact bill of material can be deter- assemblies. And if the connections are
to include the myriad ways that early con- mined, eliminating tons of “drop waste” in optimized, then material and labor costs
nected models help the steel industry as a the shop. Accurate bidding quantities for will be trimmed, too.
whole. bolts, weld, studs, plate, and other related Design. For the architect and engineer,
At Qnect, we call early connected model items further support efficient bidding as connecting the model early in the process
delivery projects “ISD” for integrated steel each fabricator will have the same con- broadens the scope of design options.
delivery. There are many advantages to nected model to bid from. On top of that, According to one of the original proponents
integrating the connection engineering, steel costs and rolling/delivery dates are of early connected models, Allan Paull,
detailing, and optimization of the model secured earlier, which is advantageous senior vice president at AECOM Tishman,
before the bidding process begins (which from a cost and availability standpoint. “Connecting the model early identifies prob-
I’ll explore in a second). Using these ben- Erection. Early connection data about lem areas that can then be solved, reducing
efits makes steel less expensive and faster the structure allows engineers to put their the number of RFIs and change orders
than other building materials—and also eager minds toward finding ways to design by 15% to 25%.” Solving issues early also
more sustainable. for shop and erection efficiency. When this helps steel’s performance and reputation. In
There are many factors to consider happens, they can identify complex issues— addition, the engineer gets an early look at
when deciding which material to use. Let’s such as gusset or splice plate clashes or connection details and is able to review and
start with cost. Every developer must bolting /welding access hindrance—that approve the already optimized and worked-
crunch the numbers before making the might not otherwise be discovered until through connections much more quickly.
choice to design a steel structure. Once it’s too late to efficiently correct them. General contracting. The general
they’ve made that (wise) choice, material, For example, by exploring extended shear contractor benefits from all these savings.
fabrication, and erection are the big three plates as one connection type option, The result is having steel on-site earlier,
cost buckets, followed by design, detailing, 30% more erection picks per day can be faster erection times, faster fabrication,
and other miscellaneous costs. By deliver- achieved. Early solutions help both steel’s faster engineering and design changes,
ing a fully connected and optimized ISD performance and steel’s reputation. faster submittal package approvals, and
model early, a relatively tiny amount of Fabrication. Knowing the connec- faster bidding. And among other things,
cost moves upstream in the process and tions in advance helps fabricators better faster steel construction also results in
significantly impacts these costs and even understand assemblies and reduces the lower interim financing and builder’s risk
general contracting costs. Here’s how: hours required for shop and field con- insurance costs.
VALUE DELIVERED DURING THIS PERIOD BIDDING IMPROVEMENTS TIME +COST IMPROVEMENT
1. Improve member framing efficicency 1. Reduce uncertainty Reduce time
2. Value engineer complex joints 2. More uniform bids to erect & fabricate
3. Value engineer complex geometry 3. Bid efficiency (reduction due to bolts savings
4. Analytics for most efficient joints of 3% to 7% of total steel of 2 to 4 bolts/ton
cost (fab & erect)
Fig. 1.
Modern Steel Construction | 27
business issues
Let’s move on to how ISD models can One example of cost savings comes above: Fig. 2.
help with schedule and predictability. Here’s from a presentation that Jason Peder- below: Fig.3.
an example. According to Charles Hongell, son, vice president at Meyer Borgman
vice president at WSP, “Using a more Johnson, made recently at the Lean Con-
conventional delivery, the time required to struction Institute Congress. Pederson
create the 3D model for the steel mill order, presented a Mayo Clinic hospital project
develop connections, and then add them to that used an optimization approach to
the model creates an inherent delay in shop deliver an ISD model in two steps. In
drawing production. By moving this process step one, the 3D model was created and
upstream, steel shop drawing production connected early.
and possibly fabrication can begin immedi- “We provided an apples-to-apples com-
ately upon award.” parison for our fabricators to bid on, and it
“By connecting the model early, the turned out to be a very competitive process
engineer can upsize columns or beams to since there were many fewer unknowns
reduce web doublers needed to reinforce with the connections,” he explains. In step
steel at coped sections. This can reduce not two, the company worked with the selected By keeping steel optimized and lean
only the overall fabrication cost but also fabricator to redo the connections based on using the ISD process, everyone in the steel
the time required to fabricate the steel.” some shop preferences. This step was only supply chain will benefit, as will the indus-
Figure 1 (previous page) shows a time- possible due to the speed of the software. try as a whole via more steel projects. ■
line from a 1,500-ton steel-framed project In the end, Pederson figured the approach
that was used to compare conventional was a significant contributor to an overall You can learn more about the ISD process by
delivery with ISD. $1.1 million in steel cost savings compared attending the panel discussion “T5: The Myr-
Clifford Schwinger, vice president at to the original budget. iad Ways that Connected Models Drive Effi-
The Harman Group, provides further Figure 2 is a table from a smaller Qnect ciency” at the upcoming NASCC: The Steel
perspective. project (2,000 tons) showing a reduction Conference in Denver, taking place March
“Fully connected models help design- in more than 40% of the bolts. The table 23-25. To register, visit aisc.org/nascc.
ers spot unusual and/or unconstructable compares standard spacing in a model vs.
connections during design,” he explains. optimized spacing on nine complete runs
“Being able to identify and address non- of the project using different connection
standard connections—particularly those and bolt combinations.
requiring member reinforcement at the Figure 3 shows a close-up of how
connections, as required by the AISC optimization can have a big impact. Both
Code of Standard Practice for Steel Buildings sides of the column were connected using
and Bridges (ANSI/AISC 303)—makes the 115-kip loads. The left is optimized and the
engineer’s job easier and makes the project right is standard spacing.
more profitable for everyone. Identify- If speed, schedule, and cost savings
ing unconstructable connections during aren’t enough, the steel industry is further
design allows designers to reframe areas to elevated by the increased sustainability
improve constructability, something that benefits of using an optimization approach.
cannot be done without huge cost implica- Anything we do as an industry to make a Jef Sharp ([email protected])
tions after the project has been awarded steel package more efficient will yield a is the CEO of Qnect.
and the steel has been ordered.” lower carbon footprint.
28 | MARCH 2022
Major League Baseball’s newest venue
is a masterpiece of structural steel that
puts fans close to the field under
a retractable roof.
...and open.
GLOBE LIFE FIELD in Arlington, Texas, hit it out of the Steel fabrication for the ballpark’s lower bowl started in
park in its first season as the new home of Major League Base- March 2018, according to Bryan Irwin, vice president at Irwin
ball’s Texas Rangers. Steel. The structure incorporates 34,000 tons of steel in all:
Due to COVID-19, the official opening of the multi-purpose 15,000 tons below the roof, for which Irwin Steel was respon-
venue was delayed as the MLB played a condensed schedule in sible, and 19,000 for the retractable roof, which was fabricated
2020. However, the ballpark did host the 2020 World Series—the and erected by W&W|AFCO Steel (WWAS) and W&W Steel
first neutral-site Series in MLB history—and the Rangers’ first full Erectors (WWSE).
season in Globe Life Field followed in 2021. “The seating bowl steel was so critical to all other trades, espe-
With the 2022 MLB season right around the corner, the team cially the roof steel, that the schedule was determined before we
is once again ready to welcome fans into its structural steel-framed, began fabrication,” Irwin said. “It was our job to ensure we met the
retractable roof-topped shrine to America’s pastime. schedule deadlines.”
A number of factors were considered when it came to the park’s Site logistics also played a critical role in the project, espe-
steel structural framing system. The greatest concerns were achiev- cially when there were more than 130 ironworkers and six
ing the architectural vision, balancing cost efficiency, and meeting crawler cranes on the job site during the peak of steel erection
the accelerated project schedule—design began in early 2017— for the bowl. The infield was used as a lay-down area for the bowl
which required the ballpark to be completed in a mere 38 months. and roof steel and also to build sections of the roof trusses on
Walter P Moore provided structural engineering, construc- the ground prior to lifting them into place. The various cranes
tion engineering, and secure design services, working with general were staged on the infield and around the exterior of the ballpark
contractor Manhattan Construction Company to ensure the steel and were also employed for multiple other trades in addition to
scope for the entire project correlated with the erection sequence the steel. Therefore, communication between all members of the
and schedule. building team was critical.
“The steel erection was one of the driving factors for the “In our office, we had project managers from Irwin Steel and
overall project schedule,” said Greg McClure, senior vice presi- Dowco, the steel detailer,” explained Vince Bosworth, president
dent at Manhattan Construction. “Starting with the engineer- and CEO of bowl steel erector Bosworth. “Immediately next to
ing review and throughout fabrication and erection of the struc- our office were other key team members from Manhattan Con-
tural steel members, priority and detail were exhibited by the struction, Walter P Moore, HKS, and other subcontractors. Sev-
design, engineering, and construction teams.” eral months prior to the start of erection, we were able to hammer
above and left: While much of the opposite: The roof’s framing
steel is left exposed, it also frames system incorporates 19,000 tons
Jeff Jansing elements like the historic brick- of steel.
clad arches, as shown in the photo
above and REVIT model at left. below: A steel-framed overhang
on the park’s exterior.
out all the design-assist activities, as well as detailed schedules and and install the ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) and metal
logistics coordination. Our teams were able to eliminate nearly all deck roof system,” noted Mike Hankins, senior vice president of
of the field welding to ensure very aggressive turnover dates.” WWAS. This scenario allowed the Rangers and Manhattan Con-
“I am committing the full resources of my companies to ensure struction to rely on one company to execute the roof contract.
the first baseball game and initial events start on time,” said Rick The retractable roof, which is the largest movable roof in
Cooper, president and CEO of WWAS. The company designed the world, consists of two rail truss structures, the movable por-
steel connections, performed detailing, and fabricated the steel in tion of the roof, and two fixed roofs. Roof erection required
several of its 17 fabrication facilities. Also included in the roof con- very close coordination with the bowl steel and precast activities
tract was the mechanization and continuous welded rail on which along with the cast-in-place concrete work performed by Man-
the roof traveled. hattan. The WWAS team generated a 4D model incorporating
“WWAS assembled a team able to fabricate and erect the steel, all steel and concrete activities to ensure schedule certainty for
furnish and install the mechanization systems, and design, furnish, the stadium superstructure.
32 | MARCH 2022
Daryl Shields, HKS, Inc.
Construction of the roof steel by WWSE incorporated many Because the Rangers wanted fans as close as possible to the
unique construction methods. The movable roof and fixed roof field, architect HKS designed multiple seating options, each with
trusses were ground-built into large assemblies weighing up to unobstructed views of the field. The seating bowl was also divided
600 tons each and hoisted using a 2,535-ton-capacity Manito- into seven tiers stacked vertically, leading to seven distinctive front
woc 31000, the largest crawler crane made in the U.S. WWSE row experiences. As a result, the first row of the seating bowl at the
also designed, fabricated, and installed temporary shoring towers field level is 7 ft closer to the baseball diamond, the second tier is
to allow the long-span trusses and the entire roof system to be 14 ft closer, and the upper bowl seating tier is 23 ft closer com-
erected from inside the bowl. pared to the Rangers’ old ballpark (now called Choctaw Stadium
WWAS and WWSE worked around the clock both in the and located immediately north of Globe Life Field).
shops and field to turn the roof structure over to the Rangers. The “It’s all about intimacy and making the spectators part of the
field crew worked two shifts, with 275 workers and 11 cranes in all, game,” noted Greg Whittemore, principal at HKS. “We also inte-
in close coordination with Manhattan and its subcontractors. grated the typical club level into the lower bowl in lieu of having
Modern Steel Construction | 33
Jeff Jansing
Courtesy of W&W
Jeff Jansing
34 | MARCH 2022
a separate level, which would have pushed the east box truss at the south side of the dimensional spaced trussed column,”
the upper deck fans higher and further venue. This signature sloping steel truss said Joseph Dowd, principal at Walter P
away from the playing field.” column slices through the seating bowl, Moore. “The planar trusses connect to the
Faced with the challenge of supporting creating a dramatic structural feature that east fixed roof truss and pinch down to
multiple elevated seating decks and suites is both functional and visually engaging. It singular points where they are supported
above the lower bowl, Walter P Moore also serves as an intermediate support and by columns extending vertically from
designed multi-story cantilevered steel helped reduce the span of the fixed roof the bowl structure, creating an aesthetic
trusses concealed within each suite divider. truss to 520 ft from 650 ft. expression to marry the structural steel
This eliminated the need for columns “The support is comprised of a series of the roof with the fan experience of
within the lower bowl, which would have of planar-truss columns interconnected the seating bowl.” The sloping steel truss
obstructed field views. by web members, creating a three- columns also significantly reduce the span
“Any structural framing, such as truss
chords or web members, was concealed
within the divider walls separating the two
adjacent suites,” said Shruti Sharma, prin-
cipal at Walter P Moore. “We coordinated
the truss locations and divider walls to align
with the steel column behind the suites to
optimize the space within the suites.”
Additionally, there was inadequate space
for stacked trusses alongside the party
suites where multiple suites connect. Again,
Walter P Moore leveraged the flexibility of
steel by creating distinctive asymmetric
steel Y-columns to efficiently support the
plate girder framing for these suites and
not interfere with sightlines.
“It was desired to connect two adja-
cent suites, and we could not add a truss
between them as the truss members would
have hindered the free flow of the crowd
between the suites,” Sharma explained. “A
traditional straight column was also not an
option as it would have punched through
the lower seating tiers and rendered some
of the seats unusable.”
The Y-shaped columns support the
party suites from below while angling the
support behind the lower bowl seating,
ensuring connectivity in the party suites
and fully usable seats in the lower bowl.
In order to keep fans in the seating
bowl comfortable, the Rangers wanted a
retractable roof for their new home. The
roof provides a climate-controlled ball-
park during inclement weather and enables
an open-air atmosphere during pleasant
weather. Drawing on previous experience
with the design of retractable roofs, Walter
P Moore created a lightweight and adapt-
able moving roof, leveraging two distinc-
tive attributes of structural steel.
With dimensions of 420 ft by 680 ft, the
300,000-sq.-ft single operable roof panel
travels more than 400 ft to open in 12 min-
utes and is flanked by fixed roof trusses on the
east and west sides. The panel is supported by
steel trusses with depths up to 65 ft.
Walter P Moore and HKS also wanted
to introduce a steel support element for
The infield was used as a lay-down area for bowl and roof steel and also to build sections of the roof trusses on the ground prior to lifting them
into place.
of the east box truss, allowing the box truss to efficiently carry the the structural model at the closed and open positions, and every
east fixed roof and the primary video board. interval in-between.
Connecting the intersection of the box trusses that support the “The interval could be as large or small as desired depending on
fixed roof and the rail trusses that support the operable roof pre- the required fidelity of the results,” Dowd said. “The team mined
sented the opportunity for another innovative steel-based design. the resulting data to create variability plots of any selected force
“At each of these four knuckle joints, two three-dimensional or deflection for any steel member of interest in the model. This
trusses with different panel point rhythms intersect at an acute angle tool was enormously powerful in allowing the team to visualize the
while transferring large forces from one truss to the other,” Dowd impact of the moving roof and intentionally design each member
explained. “The flexibility of structural steel allowed for this com- and its connections for the required structural behavior.”
plex arrangement of steel members to create these crucial joints.” For other aspects of Globe Life Field, Walter P Moore stream-
Even with the roof closed, the Rangers wanted to give fans the lined the process to accelerate design without compromising qual-
feel of an outdoor experience. Therefore, the primary roof trusses ity. Due to the size of the project, multiple engineers were coordi-
were spaced 45 ft apart, and shallow steel purlins were used as infill nating different parts of the building and needed to continuously
to maintain the desired aesthetic. In order to maximize the indoor/ update the analysis model to keep the project on schedule.
outdoor experience for fans, glass and three-layer ETFE façade However, SAP2000 only supported a single user working in the
elements are located throughout the ballpark to allow daylight to model at one time. Walter P Moore developed a script that allowed
fill the entire structure. The most significant use of ETFE was on engineers to check out a portion of the central analysis model and
the roof, which features a 420-ft by 180-ft stripe of ETFE sup- update it while another engineer concurrently checked out a dif-
ported by a series of low-profile steel tube members and upstand ferent portion. The changes from multiple users were saved to the
steel brackets. central analysis model to study the combined behavior.
Throughout the design, engineering, and construction of These changes were pushed from the analysis model to the
Globe Life Field, software played a critical role—especially for BIM 360 Revit model for design coordination. This advancement
the roof. For example, as the operable roof makes its way along from one engineer to multiple engineers having access to the cen-
the travel path, thousands of structural steel members experience tral analysis model was key to the success of the project, offering a
variable forces and deflections based on the fluctuating loca- swift turnaround of design changes for coordination and analysis
tion of the moving roof. Walter P Moore wrote a programmatic purposes. More importantly, it allowed the design team to main-
script to interface with the SAP2000 software analysis model that tain the project’s momentum and facilitated early steel delivery. It
allowed the designers to input an interval distance and observe was truly a team effort between the various disciplines to complete the
various roof elements as it moved along the rail to fully analyze project in 38 months.
36 | MARCH 2022
A REVIT structural model
of the entire ballpark.
Jef
f Ja
nsi
ng
SOUTH CAROLINA
THE MOST
SUSTAINABLE
HSS AVAILABLE
Sustainability drives decision-making more than ever before. Nucor Tubular Products
is your partner for achieving your sustainability goals and bringing your projects to
life. And because all of our steel is made with electric arc furnace (EAF) technology,
our HSS is the greenest produced in North America.
nucortubular.com
conference preview
Augmented
Approach
BY HANNAH B. BLUM, PhD
MISTAKES IN THE STEEL FABRICATION PROCESS can The UW project involves the overlay of holograms onto the
result in material costs and delays, which can strain the existing real structural steel parts with limited additional information avail-
project budget and schedule, leading to additional challenges. able. The current experience would be classified along the bound-
To help prevent fabrication errors, a University of Wisconsin- ary of AR and MR; as the project develops and new functionality is
Madison (UW) research team is working on a custom augmented added to the custom program, it would venture further into MR.
reality program that will assist steel fabricators in indicating where The team selected Microsoft’s HoloLens 2 Mixed Reality head-
and which fabrication operations need to be performed on a given set for the project. Currently, HoloLens 2 is the most widely avail-
steel section using a model of the fabrication documents. This cus- able technologically advanced MR headset and has a version with a
tom program can be used for quality control purposes before ship- hard hat for use in the construction industry.
ping the finished parts to the construction site.
The team envisions that the custom program, once finished, Living in a 3D World
can be widely implemented in various structural steel fabrication Although many fabrication operations are automated, some
shops across the country to supplement their existing workflow. complex custom connections and shapes may be created manually
The goal is to create a more effective process that will elevate the by a skilled fabricator using fabrication documents to indicate the
competitiveness of the structural steel industry. needed steps. Detailing complex 3D components on 2D documents
can lead to challenges in visualizing the real-world structure.
Multiple Realities
You may be wondering what the difference is between virtual,
augmented, and mixed reality. Virtual reality (VR) fully immerses
the user in the virtual environment. Augmented reality (AR) over- AISC’s Need for Speed
lays virtual objects on the real world. (The most popular appli- initiative recognizes
cations of AR are Pokemon Go and Ikea’s furniture app.) Mixed technologies and practices
reality (MR) is an extension of augmented reality where virtual and that make steel projects come
real objects interact together in their environment. For example, together faster. Check out
the virtual object may move with you as you move in the real world, aisc.org/needforspeed
and you can manipulate and interact with the object. Extended for more.
reality (XR) is a catch-all term that encompasses VR, AR, and MR.
Modern Steel Construction | 39
conference preview
Using 3D holograms allows the technician to view the final-
ized connection or part and has two major advantages over view-
ing separate 2D section cuts. First, rather than mentally combin-
ing individual documents, the technician can view the complete
part at full scale from multiple orientations. Second, the process
can be completed hands-free, avoiding the need to consult various
paper drawings or a tablet.
Future Directions
Implementing AR in steel design and construction can help
increase quality, improve collaboration, permit timely decisions,
and allow for shorter project timelines. Eventually, the steel con-
struction industry may use AR and MR for the overall QA/QC of
buildings and other structural projects. ■
40 | MARCH 2022
YOUR #1 DOMESTICALLY PRODUCED STRUCTURAL STEEL SUPPLIER
Houston, TX Wallingford, CT
800-324-0220 800-243-4410
Tampa, FL
800-693-1361
Marseilles, IL
800-987-5283
Hallandale, FL
800-432-1146
Booth #1803
Petersburg, VA
800-435-0850
WWW.DELTASTEEL.COM
WWW.INFRA-METALS.COM
conference preview
Updated
Requirements,
Same Intent
BY LARRY GRIFFIS, PE, LARRY MUIR, PE, AND LARRY KRUTH, PE
ISSUING COMPLETE CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS ings. Similar language appeared in the Specification beginning in
has always been the best practice to ensure a safe and economical 1936. As time went on, the two lists of requirements began to dif-
steel structure—emphasis on complete. fer, although the intent was always the same. When the 2005 Speci-
This has been AISC’s mantra for its Specification for Structural fication was being drafted, it was decided to just refer to the list of
Steel Buildings (ANSI/AISC 360) and the AISC Code of Standard requirements for design drawings that appeared in Section 3 of the
Practice for Steel Buildings and Bridges (ANSI/AISC 303) since they Code rather than duplicate the list in the Specification.
were both first published in the early 1920s (you can access current Section 1.1 of the Code states: “In the absence of specific instruc-
and past versions at aisc.org/specifications). tions to the contrary in the contract documents, the trade practices
Users of both publications will see changes in the 2022 edi- that are defined in this Code shall govern the fabrication and erec-
tions that are intended to make structural steel projects safer tion of structural steel.” Unfortunately, there have been cases where
and more economical. These changes involve requirements for the requirements of Section 3 of the Code were being modified or
structural steel documents and specifications and the approval excluded altogether in the contract documents, thereby resulting
process and are focused on improving what arguably is the most in incomplete design documents for bidding and/or construction.
important aspect of any construction project, clear and timely To resolve this issue, the AISC Committee on Specifications
communication. and the Code of Standard Practice Committee jointly decided to
work on resolving this issue in the 2022 versions of the Specifica-
How It Started, How It’s Going tion and Code. The solution was simply to revert to what was done
Before we dive into the details of these updates, let’s take a brief in the Specification in the past and list the requirements for design
look back at the relationship between the Code and Specification. documents in the Specification in Section A4—and refer to the same
Beginning with the first version, published in 1924, the Code has list in the Code in Section 3. This is exactly the opposite of what was
included language delineating the requirements for design draw- done in the 2005 edition.
42 | MARCH 2022
conference preview
46 | MARCH 2022
conference preview
The Code, the Specification, and the overall industry will continue to recognize that only
the EOR has all the information necessary to evaluate the total impact of connection details
on the overall structural design of the project.
This article is a preview of the 2022 NASCC: The Steel Conference session “Seeing Eye to Eye: AISC
Specification Design Document Requirements.” The conference takes place in Denver, March 23–25.
For more information and to register, visit aisc.org/nascc.
SCAN:
SEARCH:
The App Store
or Google Play
for “NASCC“
or VISIT:
aisc.org/nascc22app
From your mobile device click on the
appropriate app store for your device
to download the app. From your
desktop click “web planner” to access
to the web version of the app.
Should you have any questions, please
contact: [email protected]
SPONSORED BY
2022 EXHIBITOR LIST
Companies written in orange are part of the Bridge Pavilion. Modern Steel Construction | 49
exhibitors
American Steel Detailing, LLC Armatherm Baco Enterprises, Inc.
booth 3923 booth 3425 booth 1813
Medina, Ohio www.armatherm.com www.bacoent.com
ph: 330.241.4130
www.americansteeldetailing.com Association of Women in the Bamal Fastener Corporation
American Steel Detailing is an all U.S. structural Metal Industries booth 3407
and misc. steel detailing firm. ASD does proj- booth 4223 Indianapolis, Ind.
ects all over the U.S. Our team of 25+ detailers, www.awmi.org ph: 317.884.5440
checkers, and project managers are capable of www.bamal.com
doing projects large and small. Atema Inc. Founded in 2008 formerly as Midwest Structural
booth 3411 Products, Bamal Fastener’s Structural Division
American Welding Society Chicago, Ill. is a full line distributor of fasteners to the struc-
booth 3523 ph: 312.861.3000 tural, solar and industrial manufacturing mar-
Miami, Fla. www.atema.com kets. Proudly offering the finest structural prod-
ph: 305.443.9353 Atema is dedicated to providing quality related uct manufactured by our partners in the U.S.
toll free: 800.443.9353 training and assistance for the structural steel and abroad. Bamal Fastener prides itself on its
www.aws.org industry with a specialty in AISC, AWS, and ISO expertise and attention to detail in quality, cost
The American Welding Society (AWS) was certification/registration programs. Atema pro- and customer service. Our Structural Division
founded in 1919 as a non-profit organization vides customized training programs and execu- is based out of Indianapolis, Ind. and corporate
with a global mission to advance the science, tive management assistance to structural steel is located in Charlotte, N.C. The company has
technology, and applications of welding and firms. Atema’s projects and clients reach across a network of eight locations throughout the U.S.
allied cutting processes, including brazing, sol- four continents and eight countries worldwide, and Mexico, strategically located for your needs.
dering, and thermal spraying. AWS offers indus- with their headquarters located in Chicago, Ill.
try-respected certifications, industry-trusted Beamcut Systems/
technical standards development, technical stan- ATF WORLD, Inc. Machitech Automation
dards sales, education, membership, and exposi- booth 2024 booth 1423
tions. Deerfield Beach, Fla.
Atlas Tube, toll free: 833.232.6288
Anatomic Iron Steel Detailing A Division of Zekelman Industries www.beamcut.com
booth 2623 booth 2420 Beamcut Systems: Automate your structural
North Vancouver, www.atlastube.com steel fabrication and eliminate costly mistakes
British Columbia with BeamCut, an industry-leading robotic
Canada ATP plasma cutting system that integrates advanced
ph: 604.841.0555 booth 3306 FANUC robotics and easy-to-use 3D simu-
www.anatomiciron.com Cranberry Township, Pa. lation software with Hypertherm’s XPR300
Anatomic Iron Steel Detailing specializes in ph: 800.245.1148 plasma systems. Machitech Automation: For
complex structural steel detailing, design-detail- www.hy-techinc.com over 15 years, Machitech has offered fully cus-
ing, connection design, design consulting and ATP, a division of Hy-Tech Engineered Solu- tomizable cutting systems of the highest quality,
3D modeling. We operate both Tekla and SDS2. tions, started manufacturing air tool replace- meeting the diverse needs of our clients. From
We also complete steel erection animations and ment parts in Pittsburgh, Pa. in 1923. Today ATP plasma tables to oxyfuel, drilling, pipe cutting,
3D rendering. Our team oriented approach with manufactures high quality pneumatic tools and waterjet, and more, you can find a solution for
our staff and clients has resulted in an outstand- replacement parts used for maintenance repair your metal cutting needs backed by the best
ing track record of completing high profile com- and operations (MRO) in oil and gas, power support in the industry.
plex projects accurately and on time. With over generation, industrial, construction, and heavy
150 staff, we can detail over 10,000 tons of struc- transportation markets in the U.S. and inter-
tural steel per month. Please visit our website or nationally. ATP manufacturers a large number
call 510.984.4425 to discuss our project history. replacement for use in products made by many
of the leading OEM air tool brands, and provides
Applied Bolting Technology, Inc. engineered solutions to a broad group of OEM
booth 3011 customers.
Bellows Falls, Vt.
ph: 802.460.3100 Automated Layout Technology, LLC
toll free:
802.460.3100
booth 616 Bend-Tech
www.automatedlayout.com booth 417
www.appliedbolting.com
Osceola, Wis.
We make direct tension indicators, i.e., load AZZ Metal Coatings ph: 651.257.8715
cells, that assure compliance with bolting stan- booth 2708
dards and specs. Torque, turn of nut, and TCs www.bend-tech.com
Fort Worth, Texas Bend-Tech products are at the forefront of
can all produce false positive tension, and regu- ph: 817.810.0095
larly do: Torque scatter is ±40%, for new bolts, designing and fabricating tube and pipe. The
www.azz.com Bend-Tech Dragon is the essential production
and worse for weathered. Relying on torque is AZZ Metal Coatings, a division of AZZ Incor-
optimism, at best. TCs are torque bolts that are machine for any company that produces hand-
porated, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, rail or other miscellaneous metals. The Dragon
adversely affected by cold or wet weather. Turn owns and operates 40 hot dip galvanizing plants
of nut can be defeated by mispresenting turn accurately and efficiently plasma cuts round,
strategically located across the U.S. and Canada. square, rectangle, angle, and channel tubing.
angle, regardless of turn applied. DTIs read load. With kettles ranging from 16–62 ft. in length,
If a bolt is tight, a DTI will show it, independent The Bend-Tech Dragon also accurately marks
we can easily handle a wide variety of material bend locations/rotations and part numbers. With
of weather, torque, angle, tool, or skill. sizes. With our network of plants we are able to over 27,000 customers Bend-Tech Software has
accommodate the largest projects with custom- reduced production time and material waste for
ized turnaround time at a competitive price. companies since 2001.
50 | MARCH 2022 Companies written in orange are part of the Bridge Pavilion.
exhibitors
Bentley Systems, Inc. engineering, and support services. Bull Moose Cascade Nut and Bolt Company
booth 3616 Tube produces Hollow Structural Sections booth 3813
Exton, Pa. (HSS) ranging from 1 in.–14 in. square and cor- www.cascadenutandbolt.com
ph: 610.458.5000 responding rectangles as well as 1/2 in. thru 18 in. Structural and anchor bolts, weld studs, and full
toll free: 800.BENTLEY pipe.** HSS available in wall thickness up to 0.75 machining capabilities.
www.bentley.com in.** Largest Metric HSS producer in North
Bentley Systems (Nasdaq: BSY) is the infrastruc- America. HSS available in ASTM A500, A847, Cast Connex Corporation
ture engineering software company. We provide A1076, A1085, A1110, A1112, and EN 10219— booth 3611
innovative software to advance the world’s infra- including Charpy V-Notch and additional yield New York, N.Y.
structure—sustaining both the global economy strengths 70, 80, 100, and 110 KSI. ph: 647.725.1446
and environment. Our industry-leading software **Certain sizes coming soon. toll free: 888.681.8786
solutions are used by professionals, and organi- www.castconnex.com
zations of every size, for the design, construc-
CADeploy, Inc. CAST CONNEX is the supplier of connection
tion, and operations of roads and bridges, rail booth 2612 solutions for structural steel, including brace end
and transit, water and wastewater, public works Danville, Calif. connectors for use in SCBF (high strength connec-
and utilities, buildings and campuses, mining, ph: 375.375.9200 tors), sculpted clevis-type connectors and tapers for
and industrial facilities. Bentley Systems employs toll free: 855.444.9497 AESS (universal pin connectors and architectural
more than 4,000 colleagues in 172 countries. www.cadeploy.com tapers), high-ductility yielding connectors for use
CADeploy, Inc. (ISO 9001:2015) is a Califor- in the retrofit of seismically deficient structures
Birmingham Fastener nia corporation and member of AISC, NISD, (Scorpion Yielding Connectors), and cast steel fit-
booth 1911 MBMA, and ACI. We offer steel engineering, tings that enable unobtrusive field bolted splices
Birmingham, Ala. steel detailing, estimation services (struc- (Diablo Bolted Splice). CAST CONNEX also
ph: 205.595.3511 tural steel/PEMB/rebar), and as-built ser- designs and supplies custom cast steel structural
tool free: 800.695.3511 vices and HSE studies (oil and gas) to 400+ nodes for use in building and bridge structures.
www.bhamfast.com clients spread across the globe. Our team
Birmingham Fastener, Inc. is a full-line distribu- of 1,000+ engineers specializes in structural Cerbaco, Ltd.
tor of structural fasteners for the domestic and and miscellaneous projects across industrial, booth 2106
international makers. We have a manufacturing commercial, residential, and other industries. www.cerbaco.com
facility in Birmingham, Ala. that enables us to We work on TEKLA, SDS2, Advance Steel,
provide you with non-standard structural bolt- AutoCAD, RebarCAD, Revit, PDS, PDMS, Chicago Clamp Company
ing and any type of welded assembly, threaded and other widely used platforms. We have booth 3820
rod, or bent anchor bolt you might need. We completed more than 3,200+ projects on time Broadview, Ill.
currently have branches in: Dallas, Texas; Hunts- with 100% quality. ph: 708.343.8311
ville, Ala.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Mobile, Ala. www.chicagoclampcompany.com
CAMBCO, Inc. Chicago Clamp Company provides an innova-
Birmingham Rail & Locomotive booth 3803 tive method for framing roof openings and sup-
booth 3805 www.cambcoinc.com porting rooftop loads with no welding or drill-
www.birminghamrail.com ing. This standardized method for connecting
Canam Group joists and beams allows structural engineers to
Blair Corporation booth 2217 focus on load distribution rather than attach-
booth 3620 Boucherville, Québec ment apparatus or welding concerns. With up to
Oak Ridge North, Texas Canada 4,000-lb capacity per system, it is ideal for the
ph: 832.928.9655 ph: 866.466.8769 safe and economical framing and installation of
www.blairwirerope.com www.canam-construction.com rooftop units, sky lights, exhaust fans and vents.
Blair Corporation specializes in the fabrication Expert in designing, manufacturing and develop-
of stainless steel cables for hand rails in cable ing products and solutions for steel construction, Chicago Metal Rolled Products
railing projects. We supply high performance Canam encourages collaboration with clients booth 2608
wire ropes, Casar and Bridon, as well as aircraft and partners to make building construction a Chicago, Ill.
cable, cable rail and accessories, cable clamps, simple and reliable process, meeting deadlines in ph: 773.523.5757
and turnbuckles used in safety. a timely manner. Steel structures, floor systems, toll free: 800.798.4504
wall panels or building envelopes, our solutions www.cmrp.com
Bluebeam, Inc. are focused, above all, on simplicity for construc- Curving every size of angle, bar, channel, tee, and
booth 2611 tion sites without surprises. beam up to W44335# the hard way (x-x axis) on
www.bluebeam.com the world’s largest beam bender. Tube and pipe
Carhartt Company Gear bending up to 30 in. OD. Rectangular tubing up
Brown Strauss Steel booth 4003 to 20×20 in. Low-deformation, thin-wall bend-
booth 1917 Dearborn, Mich. ing. Single radius bending in one plane, as well
Aurora, Colo. ph: 800.837.1889 as off-axis and multi-axis bends; multi-radius
ph: 303.371.2200 companygear.carhartt.com/why-carhartt bends; true, helical coils; and plumb, circular
toll free: Carhartt Company Gear™ was purpose-built stair stringers. Hard way, easy way, and every way
800.274.0359 from the ground up to outfit crews of any size in between. Plate rolling up to 2 in × 12 ft and
www.brownstrauss.com with the uniform your people want. The uni- 1 in. plate × 20 ft wide. High-accuracy straight-
Steel service center. form they’ll thank you for. Our service model ening of beams and tees. Induction Bending of
brings to bear the uncompromising quality pipes up to 12 in. OD.
Bull Moose Tube Company you and your crew demand with the ease-of-
booth 3503 use your business operations require. First-rate Cleveland City Forge
Chesterfield, Mo. service, industry-leading manufacturing and booth 3505
ph: 636.537.2600 quality, extended size ranges, embroidery, men’s www.clevelandcityforge.com
toll free: 800.325.4467 and women’s compatible styles, product offer-
www.bullmoosetube.com ing built for your industry, technical expertise,
Creating value for customers across a vari- and a curated assortment with extended prod-
ety of applications, through manufacturing, uct lifecycles. 132 years of experience.
Companies written in orange are part of the Bridge Pavilion. Modern Steel Construction | 53
exhibitors
Ercolina – CML USA, Inc. FabStation-STEEL, is a cloud based software Girder-Slab Technologies, LLC
booth 1520 suite that focuses on providing digital augmented booth 3122
Davenport, Iowa reality tools that will help steel fabricators visual- www.girder-slab.com
ph: 563.391.7700 ize and complete their work in a more efficient
ercolina-usa.com and accurate manner. Check out our product GIZA
CML USA, Inc. is the North American supplier video or visit our website and see the future of booth 2816
of Ercolina tube, pipe and profile bending and production using the Hololens 2 with FabStation. St. Louis, Mo.
metalworking machinery. CML has experienced ph: 314.656.4615
sales, service and support staff ready to offer
FATZER AG www.gizasteel.com
positive application solutions for today’s fabri- booth 3304 GIZA is a connection design software that cov-
cator. Ercolina’s affordable tubing benders and Romanshorn, Thurgau ers more than 400 different connection types
fabricating machinery reliably and accurately Switzerland in the shear, moment, vertical brace, horizontal
produce your applications increasing profit and ph: 41.71.466.8111 brace, and splice categories. Compliant to AISC
improving product quality and finish. www.fatzer.com 14th, 15th editions—ASD and LRFD methods,
Founded as a rope-making factory in 1836 in the GIZA provides a comprehensive set of calcula-
Exact Detailing Swiss town of Romanshorn, FATZER has been tions with references to all applied codes. We
booth 2108 producing top-quality ropes for generations. offer integration with Tekla Structures and
Victoria, British Columbia Nowadays, FATZER specializes in the develop- Tekla Structural Designer but can also be used
Canada ment, manufacture and global distribution of high- as a standalone option. GIZA has been in use for
ph: 250.590.5244 quality steel wire ropes for ropeways, winches, over 10 years and has successfully designed thou-
www.exactdetailing.com structural applications, and other applications. sands of connections on thousands of projects
Exact Detailing is Canada’s premier specialist over that time. Try it yourself free for 15 days!
in providing steel detailing, 3D modeling, BIM,
FICEP Corporation
and 3D scanning services to the North Ameri- booth 600 Graitec
can steel industry. Our five offices across North Forest Hill, Md. booth 2920
America employ high-quality detailers trained in ph: 410.588.5800 Houston, Texas
the most recent programs and processes to pro- www.ficepcorp.com Montreal, Québec
vide the best AISC and CISC compliant shop Ficep Corporation is currently the largest manu- Canada
drawings on all varieties of steel projects. Need facturer of structural steel and plate fabrication toll free: 800.724.5678
services beyond steel detailing? Ask us about our systems and software. Ficep offers over 150 dif- www.graitec.com
project management/coordination, connection ferent CNC systems to achieve the optimum GRAITEC (1986), Autodesk Partner and
design, data management, and surveying ser- solution to any specific fabricators application. Authorized Training Center, is a long-standing
vices. We pride ourselves the quality of our work In addition to the different CNC work centers, software developer of design, simulation, fabri-
and look forward to working with you! Ficep totally integrates custom designed mate- cation, and management solutions for the steel
rial handling systems for Intelligent Steel Fab- industry. Our extensive range of CAD, BIM and
Fabreeka International, Inc. rication without the requirement for multiple analysis software combined with the Autodesk
booth 3303 operator involvement. portfolio (Advance Steel, Revit) are used by
Stoughton, Mass. structural engineers and detailers worldwide.
ph: 781.341.3655
Fontana Fasteners, Inc. With 50 offices in 13 countries, North American
toll free: 800.322.7352 booth 2322 customers can count on us for all their needs:
www.fabreeka.com Frankfort, Ind. implementation, customization, training, work-
Fabreeka values our working relationships with www.acument.com/brands/le-usa flow optimization, and technical support. Ask
structural steel designers and builders. Known Fontana Fasteners, Inc., a Fontana Gruppo about Advance Steel drawing styles, our Power-
for over 100 years to provide exceptional engi- company, produces LE USA® fasteners and pro- Packs, Advance Workshop, Opentree.
neering knowledge, first-class customer service, vides customers with high-quality cold-formed
and high-quality products which include pre- fasteners produced from steel melted and rolled Grating Fasteners
formed fabric and random oriented fiber pads, exclusively in the U.S. In fact, Fontana Fasten- booth 4219
slide bearings, and thermal breaks. Our team ers Inc. is the only North American full-service Harvey, La.
recommends effective solutions for reducing manufacturer and provider of structural bolts, ph: 504.361.3471
structure-borne noise, thermal bridging and nuts, washers, and TC assemblies. toll free: 800.227.9013
vibration for buildings, bridges, rail track, pip- www.gclips.com
ing, machinery, and more. Let’s talk about your
Freedom Tools, LLC Grating Fasteners specializes in producing the
next project! booth 2923 G-Clip line of grating fasteners. G-Clips are
www.freedomtoolsllc.net used to attach grating to structural members
using simple hand tools. The entire G-Clip line
GERB Vibration Control Systems of fasteners are noted industry-wide as being a
booth 3906 cost-effective, fast, and dependable way to fas-
www.gerb.com ten grating.
Fabricators & Manufacturers Gerdau
Association Greenbrook Engineering Services
booth 2616 booth 2723
booth 2526 Tampa, Fla. Middlesex, N.J.
http://fmanet.org ph: 800.367.8144 ph: 732.412.8000
toll free: 800.237.0230 www.greenbrookengineering.com
FabStation by Eterio Realities www.gerdau.com Greenbrook Engineering specializes in steel
booth 2023 Gerdau Long Steel North America (GLN) man- detailing, 3D modeling, connection design and
Colwood, British Columbia ufactures structural steel, piling, rebar, merchant BIM coordination services for the steel indus-
Canada bar, and special bar quality products for the agri- try. With offices in New Jersey and a production
toll free: 866.979.0453 cultural, automotive, civil construction, distri- center in Bangalore, India, we serve structural
https://fabstn.com bution, energy, industrial, and mining markets. designers, steel fabricators, and architects. We
Eterio Realities is a software company, started GLN operates seven mills in the United States have in-house engineering capabilities to design
by fabricators, focused on building production and three in Canada, and is a wholly owned sub- connections in several states across the country.
software for the fabrication floor. Our product, sidiary of Gerdau S.A.
54 | MARCH 2022 Companies written in orange are part of the Bridge Pavilion.
exhibitors
GRM Custom GWY, LLC Hilti Inc.
Products booth 3603 booth 3808
booth 3806 Greenfield, N.H. Plano, Texas
Conroe, Texas ph: 603.547.3800 toll free: 800.879.8000
ph: 936.441.5910 toll free: 888.838.6500 www.hilti.com
www.grmcp.com www.gwyinc.com Hilti is a world-leading manufacturer and supplier
For over 60 years, GRM Custom Products GWY has been a global leader in bolt fasten- of quality, innovative and specialized tools and
has worked with engineers, steel fabricators, ing tools since 1975. Our Turn of Nut series of fastening systems for the professional user. With
and contractors to provide customized high- wrenches are custom-designed in partnership more than 1,350 highly trained Hilti account
quality industry and project-specific solutions with the global leader in electric tool compa- managers and engineers throughout North
on a wide variety of construction projects. As nies, Tone. Using our years of experience in bolt America and an additional 1,100 Hilti employ-
the exclusive fabricator of Fluorogold Slide fastening with Tone’s years of quality wrench ees nationwide, Hilti expertise covers the areas of
Plates in North America, we manufacture our manufacturing, we have created a wrench that powder actuated fastening, drilling and demoli-
products to meet your project’s specifications meets the high standards of the federal govern- tion, diamond coring and cutting, measuring, fire-
and schedule. FRP Wear Pads and structural ment for structural fastening. Our other line of stopping, screw fastening, adhesive and mechani-
components are an alternate solution to steel tools include the popular TC wrenches for shear cal anchoring, and strut and hanger systems.
in corrosive environments. With our experi- bolts, and our torque wrenches for snug tighten-
ence in manufacturing structural components, ing, calibration, and other duties. We also offer HI-Q DESIGN, Inc.
we can help your project using a variety of repair services, rentals, parts, and calibration. booth 3822
materials. www.hiqdesigninc.com
Haydon Bolts, Inc.
Grupo Cano booth 2003 Holloway Houston, Inc.
booth 2323 www.haydonbolts.com booth 4014
grupocano.com.mx/home Houston, Texas
We have the equipment and qualified person- Hercules Bolt Company www.hhilifting.com
nel for the assembly of metallic structures, booth 3208 Holloway Houston, Inc. is the United States’ larg-
the installation of sheet in roofs, walls, mez- www.herculesbolt.com est single-location sling shop and testing complex.
zanines, acrylics, domes, as well as all kinds of Holloway Houston offers everything that’s needed
accessories with high quality, safety and speed. HEXAGON for your industrial lifting needs, combining qual-
#GrupoCano booth 3507 ity products with state-of-the-art testing services
hexagonppm.com made available at our world-class testing facility.
“The guys love it. They jumped right in on it and have been
working to make the most use of it. Great purchase.”
Nat Killpatrick • Basden Steel Corporation
Bolt!
International Design Services, Inc.
booth 2816
St. Louis, Mo.
ph: 314.872.1791
www.ids-inc.net
IDS is committed to delivering the highest qual-
ity of detailing and connection design services.
Our over 600 team members, including connec-
tion design engineers, detailers, and supporting
staff provide ample manpower to support any
project type and schedule. Our shop drawings
and calculations are produced under the direct
supervision of licensed professional engineers.
In addition to 3D and BIM Models in SDS2 or
Tekla, IDS provides NC1, CNC, DXF, DSTV,
and other production file formats.
J. B. Long, Inc.
booth 2020
Fleetwood, Pa.
ph: 610.944.8840
www.jblong.com
Cheap Detailing Ain’t Cheap! J.B. Long, Inc. has
supplied structural steel and miscellaneous iron
detailing to the fabrication industry for 35 years.
JH Botts, LLC
booth 2003
Joliet, Ill.
ph: 815.726.5885
toll free: 800.888.5885
www.jhbotts.com
As specialists in manufacturing anchor bolts
from raw material emphasizing ASTM F1554
and ASTM A449 material, we stock many ½
to 3½ in. diameter round bars in 20-0 to 40-0
ft lengths. Additionally, we can manufacture
using many different grades of material includ-
ing ASTM A615 rebar, stainless steel rods and
other assorted carbon steel grades. Our ability to
produce within the tolerances prescribed by the
American National Standards Institute (A.N.S.I.)
make us a valuable asset to our customers.
Strut Expansion Bolts Girder Clamp
Metal Framing for Steel Connections
58 | MARCH 2022
exhibitors
LeJeune Bolt Company LNA Solutions Mac-Tech
booth 3203 booth 3109 booth 1811
Burnsville, Minn. www.lnasolutions.com Milwaukee, Wis.
ph: 952.890.7700 ph: 414.486.9700
toll free: 800.872.2658 Lohr Structural Fasteners, Inc. www.mac-tech.com
www.lejeunebolt.com booth 4006 Mac-Tech was founded in 1984 to service and
LeJeune Bolt is the leading international supplier www.lohrfasteners.com support the metal fabrication community. We
of structural fasteners and tools as well as your support our clients with a laser focus on Machin-
source for the ASTM F3148 TNA Fastening LS Industries ery and technical services for press brakes, fiber
System. With the recent approval of the com- booth 1913 laser, saws, structural and most all metal fabrica-
bined method of installation in the 2020 edition Wichita, Kan. tion machinery.
of RCSC Specification for Structural Joints Using ph: 316.265.7997 ×328
High-Strength Bolts F3148 TNA bolt assemblies toll free: 800.835.0218 ×328 MAGNA Lifting Products, Inc.
and torque and angle installation can be specified www.lsindustries.com booth 4106
with confidence knowing the necessary industry LS Industries engineers, designs and manufac- Blaine, Wash.
approvals are complete. Contact LeJeune Bolt tures surface preparation equipment, including ph: 360.392.0432
Company to learn more about how our TNA shot blasters, washers and vibratory tubs. Our www.magnalifting.com
Fastening System can provide improved effi- ability to engineer and manufacture custom Our high quality, competitively priced product
ciency, quality control, and cost savings for your solutions allows us to provide the full line of has made us successful across the United States
next project. finishing equipment. We are a fully integrated and Canada for over 20 years. Our lever, hand
manufacture of airless shot blast cabinets using chain, and trolley products are manufactured
Lichtgitter USA conveyor and monorail systems. LS Industries in South Korea and made of all Korean parts,
booth 3317 has solutions for cleaning rebar, pipe and tub- with high alloy load chain from Japan and Sin-
www.lichtgitterusa.com ing and structural steel. Solutions can range gapore. In addition to our high-quality product
from fully automated to manual, economical MAGNA also prides itself on providing top-
Lincoln Electric Company solutions all designed to improve quality and notch service and support. Most orders placed
booth 1100 reduce labor. with MAGNA are shipped the same day from
www.lincolnelectric.com one of our four strategically placed warehouses.
On quote and information requests we aim to
Lincoln Electric Cutting Solutions respond within minutes, whether it be over the
booth 1100 phone or through email.
Waterdown, Ontario LTC, Inc.
Canada booth 2008 Magni Group, Inc.
ph: 905.689.7771 Onalaska, Wis. booth 3422
toll free: 833.798.4669 ph: 608.786.0893 www.magnicoatings.com
www.pythonx.com www.ltcsteeldetailers.com
At every step in our evolution, we’ve focused Through constant innovation and adaptation Magni Telescopic Handlers
on building a portfolio of expertise that encom- since its founding in 1985, LTC continues to booth 3816
passes every cutting application within the fab- be a preeminent steel detailing and software Roselle, NJ
rication and industrial manufacturing universe: development firm. With over 160 employees ph: 908.280.8899 ×110
plasma cutting and motion control, tube and between its office locations in the U.S. and the toll free: 833.624.6487
automated pipe cutting, structural steel cutting, Philippines, LTC offers substantial capacity www.MagniTH.com
and more. Every segment of our overall busi- while providing exemplary service at a compet- Magni Telescopic Handlers is the world leader
ness is aimed at providing solutions to the chal- itive price. Whether it be providing BIM and and rotating and heavy lift telehandlers. ELIMI-
lenges you face every day. Cutting with plasma detailing services on a professional sports sta- NATE THE NEED TO RENT A CRANE!
is about more than just cutting metal. It’s about dium, or creating the custom scripts and inte- Magni offers 16 rotating models with lift heights
the complete solution. grations that allow its clients to maximize the from 57–167 feet and lifting capacities from
efficiency of their software systems, LTC puts 8,800–28,600 lbs. There are 100 attachments
Lindapter client success and satisfaction at the forefront which allow the machine to serve as a telescopic
booth 2206 of every project. forklift, RT crane, aerial work platform and
Leander, Texas more. Magni’s are the safest, most productive
ph: 866.566.2658 LUSAS and efficient machines in their class. Magni also
www.lindapterusa.com booth 3318 offers eight heavy lift models with lifting capaci-
Over 85 years, Lindapter has pioneered the Kingston upon Thames, Surrey ties from 22,000–110,000 lbs.
design and manufacture of structural steel United Kingdom
clamping systems and HSS blind fasteners, ph: 646.837.8756 Manni Green Tech USA, Inc.
enabling faster steel construction. Products toll free: 800.97.LUSAS booth 3218
include the Hollo-Bolt, the HSS expansion bolt www.lusas.com www.mannisipre.com/products/
approved by ICC-ES for all seismic design cat- LUSAS finite element analysis software provides introduction
egories (A through F); while the girder clamp is accurate and cost-effective analysis, design and
approved for quickly connecting W & S beams. load rating of steel and concrete bridges. Used
Lindapter connections eliminate the need for widely by Consultants and DoTs for frequency,
time-consuming drilling or welding in the field seismic, dynamic, nonlinear, buckling, fatigue,
and reduce time and labor costs. staged construction, creep and shrinkage, pre-
stress/post-tensioning, soil-structure and rail
Linders Specialty Company, Inc. track-structure interaction modeling and many
booth 2223 other forms of analysis. Vehicle-load optimiza-
www.lscmetalfab.com tion facilities provides worst-case traffic and rail
loading patterns. AASHTO and other design Companies written in orange are part of
Lion Lumber codes supported. Extensive results viewing and the Bridge Pavilion.
booth 2426 reporting options.
www.lionlumber.com
SEE US AT
VOORTMAN V807 BOOTH 800
Voortman USA LLC / 26200 S. Whiting Way / Monee, IL 60449 - USA / +1 708 885 4900 / [email protected] WWW.VOORTMANCORP.COM
64 | MARCH 2022
exhibitors
Stainless Structurals America
booth 2423
United States
www.stainless-structurals.com
Stainless Structurals is a global producer and
supplier of stainless steel structural shapes
and special custom profiles. Our structural
sections are available from stock in both
304/L and 316/L. We also offer profiles in
other alloys, including duplex, straight from
production. Our innovative Laser Fusion
technology is certified to ASTM A-1069 and
allows us to offer profile solutions where oth-
ers cannot. Start with the Solution. Start with
Stainless Structurals. C
Connecting
g amazing
g structures Nationwide!
d !
ThE PRovEn
website tools, provides an industry standard
EPD, offers educational opportunities, and sup-
ports research related to steel deck. Our most
STEEL BRIDgE
recent publications are the 2022 ANSI Stan-
dards. These include the new and combined
ANSI/SDI SD-2022, and the renewed ANSI/
DESIgn SoLuTIon
SDI T-CD-2022 and ANSI/SDI QA/QC-2022.
Download at www.sdi.org.
Steel Dynamics
Long Products Group
booth 2011
Columbia City, Ind.
ph: 260.625.8100
toll free: 866.740.8700
www.stld-cci.com
Steel Dynamics, Inc. is one of the largest
domestic steel producers and metals recyclers
in the United States based on estimated annual
FREE
steelmaking and metals recycling capability,
with facilities located throughout the United
15-DAY
States and in Mexico. Steel Dynamics pro- TRIAL*
duces steel products, including hot roll, cold *see website
roll, and coated sheet steel, structural steel for details
beams and shapes, rail, engineered special-
bar-quality steel, cold finished steel, merchant
bar products, specialty steel sections, and steel The leading software package
joists and deck. for designing and rating curved
and straight steel girder bridges.
X Steel Detailing
booth 2122
Sumter, S.C.
ph: 803.810.1812
rolina www.x-steeldetailing.com
North Ca X Steel Detailing was founded in 2019, and is head-
quartered in Sumter, S.C. We have detailed several
thousand project hours of structural and miscella-
neous steel. From the beginning of a project to the
lessons learned after a project is completed, you
will notice a big difference with our process driven
approach that delivers consistent results and a bet-
ter detailing experience for our clients. Our software
tools and process create some unique advantages for
ensuring that nothing slips through the cracks and
that we are all on the same page during a project. ■
68 | MARCH 2022
new products
This month’s product section features a pair of cordless handheld tools for the shop
or field, as well as an anti-fog coating that takes safety glasses to the next level.
70 | MARCH 2022
news & events
MEMBERSHIP
AISC Board Announces New Members
The AISC Board of Directors has approved Associate Steel Masters, LP, Houston, Erector
the following companies for membership. CRC Steel Detailing, Todd Karford Detailing, Idaho Falls,
Fort Worth, Texas, Detailer Idaho, Detailer
Full Detailed Steel Solutions, Toledo, Ohio, Detailer United Employment Associates,
Metal Building Industries, Galvanizadora De Estructuras De Frontera S.A. LLC, Emmaus, Pa., Industry
Tulsa, Okla. De C.V., Puebla, Mexico, Welding Supplier Recruiter
PVB Fabrications, Marana, Ariz. Masibanda Construction Engineering, Warnick Metal Building Erectors,
Tomrook Steel, Bardstown, Ky. Rolleston, New Zealand, Detailer LLC, Haltom City, Texas, Erector
United Weld Services, LLC, York, Pa.
Warren Fabricating and Machining Corp.,
Hubbard, Ohio
NASCC
2022 NASCC Takes Place
in Denver this Month
There’s still time to register for NASCC:
The Steel Conference!
Scheduled for March 23-25 in Den-
ver, NASCC is the premier educational
and networking event for the structural
steel industry, bringing together struc-
tural engineers, structural steel fabrica-
tors, erectors, detailers, and architects.
In addition to more than 200 practical
seminars on the latest design concepts,
construction techniques, and cutting-
edge research, the conference also fea-
tures 250 exhibitors showcasing products
ranging from structural design software
to machinery for cutting steel beams, as
well as plentiful networking opportuni-
ties. One low registration fee gains you
access to all of the technical sessions,
the keynote addresses, the T.R. Higgins
Lecture, and the exhibitor showcase.
NASCC is your once-a-year opportu-
nity to learn from leading experts in the
steel community and earn PDHs. Also
included are multiple conferences within
a conference: the World Steel Bridge
Symposium, QualityCon, and the NISD
Conference in Steel Detailing. One low
registration fee gains you access to all of
these conferences/sessions, the keynote
sessions, and the exhibition hall.
For more information and to register,
visit aisc.org/nascc. Also, see the table of
contents for a couple of session preview
papers as well as the exhibitor list. In addi-
tion, you can read several more session pre-
view papers in the Project Extras section at
www.modernsteel.com.
Modern Steel Construction | 71
news & events
IN MEMORIAM
Rodney Baxter, Construction Engineering Specialist, Dies at 48
Construction engineering specialist Rod- Phoenix office, which he helped to launch a licensed professional engineer and a cer-
ney Baxter, PE, whose work included such in 2018. tified welding inspector and held two spe-
projects as New York’s Yankee Stadium and “Rodney was possibly the only person I cial inspector certifications. He was also an
Apple’s Cupertino, California, headquar- ever met that was as comfortable and com- active member of the Research Council on
ters, died on December 25, 2021. He was petent with a hard hat and spud wrench as Structural Connections (the Bolt Council).
48 years old. he was with SAP and BIM,” said Thornton “Rodney had a rare gift of passion
Over the course of his 20-plus-year Tomasetti senior principal and Construction and experience in steel construction and
career, Baxter developed a reputation as Engineering Practice Leader Darren Hart- connection design that made him a key
a go-to person for structural steel design, man. “From the new hires he introduced contributor to many complex structures,”
fabrication, and erection engineering and to the art of field engineering to the senior said Tom Schlafly, AISC’s chief of engi-
worked for some of the leading firms in the engineers he coached on constructability, neering staff, who worked with Baxter on
business. Most recently, he served as direc- we all learned a great deal from him. He was the Bolt Council.
tor of engineering at Basden Steel Corp. in a great friend and colleague, and his impact “Rodney was one of the hardest-work-
Burleson, Texas. on us will be a lasting one.” ing people in the industry,” said Brian
“From his first day with us, Rodney Baxter, who got his start at Havens Volpe, chief engineer with Cives Corpora-
jumped right in and quickly carved out his Steel Company in Kansas City, also spent tion, who worked with Baxter at Thorn-
role within our group,” Nat Killpatrick, several years as a construction engineering ton Tomasetti and was a longtime friend.
president of Basden Steel, said. “He began manager in Schuff Steel’s Phoenix office, “Regardless of his vast resume, his work
designing infrastructure modifications to the serving as one of the company’s technical ethic is what made him the amazing engi-
heart of our operations and mentoring young erection experts. neer he was. If you needed a person to
managers, both of which will leave an indel- “Rodney had a passion for steel con- work out a complex problem, you would
ible mark on our team. Selfishly, we will miss struction and engineering, especially in the ask Rodney because he would get it done.”
him for what we hoped to do together, but unique field of erection analysis, temporary
the greater loss is to the steel community as a stability of structures, specialty heavy lifting,
whole. Rodney’s sphere of influence and gift and complex rigging,” recalled Dave Wright,
of service to the industry exceeds his time at Schuff Steel’s director of preconstruction for
Basden Steel. His dedication to this profes- the Western Region. “He had real-world
sion is difficult to find these days.” experience that you just can’t teach in a
Prior to joining Basden in August 2021, classroom or with a textbook. All his time
Baxter was a vice president at Thornton spent in the field was a huge benefit during
Tomasetti, where he spent much of his his career, allowing him to offer common-
career. He served two stints with the firm, sense solutions to complicated situations.”
first in the Kansas City office, where he Baxter was born and raised in Hering-
was instrumental in developing the firm’s ton, Kan., and earned a bachelor’s degree
crane, heavy lift, and erection engineer- in architectural engineering from Kansas
ing business, and later as manager of the State University in Manhattan, Kan. He was
72 | MARCH 2022
marketplace & employment
facebook.com/AISCdotORG @AISC
aisc.org/linkedin @AISC
advertiser index
Acument Global Tech 57 Nucor 5
Applied Bolting 57 Nucor Tubular 38
Automated Layout Technology 55 Nucor Vulcraft 8
Cast Connex 14 Peddinghaus Corporation 2
Chicago Metal Rolled Products 11 QuickFrames USA 23
Controlled Automation 71 SDS2 7
FICEP 26 SEAA 37
InfoSight 35 St. Louis Screw & Bolt 65
Infra Metals 41 Strut & Supply 58
IMPACT 15 Trimble 3 | 29
Kobelco Welding 75 Voortman 63
Locomation back cover Zekelman Industries/Atlas Tube 13
MDX 65 Modern Steel Construction | 73
structurally sound
Ashley Murphy
Branching Out
THE DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS keep growing—and not just the plants.
As part of a recently completed expansion to the verdant venue, the new Freyer-Newman Center, designed by Davis Partnership
Architects, adds four art galleries, six classrooms, a library, auditorium, research labs, and other amenities.
One of the major goals was to infuse the botanical landscape into the structure itself. The solution came in the form of steel “tree”
columns with curved “branches” that frame the archway entrance as well as the interior atrium (the trees were fabricated by Zimmer-
man Metals and erected by SNS Iron Works, with curving services provided by Albina Co., Inc.; all three are AISC member compa-
nies). Select portions of the exterior steel trees serve in a structural role while other components do not. Structural engineer KL&A
developed design solutions to accommodate both the steel tree columns on the front façade curtain wall and the connecting elliptical
branch-like shapes where the steel tolerances proved very tight for curved members. This process required the team to consider more
simplistic solutions to make the tree branches less structural in nature so that the branches were lighter in weight and could allow for
easier constructability. In the interior atrium, KL&A also designed the tree branches to serve as bracing members for the main structural
truss to simplify the gravity load path, with conventional truss members eventually painted over to match the overall biophilic aesthetic.
To read more about the steel trees and the rest of the Denver Botanic Gardens expansion project, see next month’s issue. And consider
adding this facility to your itinerary of things to see in Denver when you attend NASCC: The Steel Conference (taking place March
23–25; visit aisc.org/nascc for more information and to register). ■
74 | MARCH 2022
Welding Robot System
<Capabilities>
・Full Penetration Welding
・Multipass Welding
・Automatic Slag Removal
http://www.kobelco-welding.jp/
Welding Consumables for structural fabrication
MX-50R
AWS A5.20 E70T-1C
Robotic Welding
Hybrid flux cored wire specifically designed for welding robot system