Modern Steel Construction Feb-2011

February 2011
MSC
MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION
IN THIS ISSUE
A More Practical Joist
Specication
An Oasis in the Desert
Tips for Good Connections
Wings of Steel
A new bridge for the
Iron Horse Trail.
Tekla Structures BIM (Building Information Modeling) software provides a data-rich 3D
environment that can be shared by contractors, structural engineers, steel detailers and
fabricators, and concrete detailers and manufacturers. Choose Tekla for the highest level
of constructability and integration in project management and delivery.
Wayne Muir and his team have done it again! Using the Tekla Structures BIM Model, Structural Consultants, Inc.
(SCI) delivered more information to the estimators earlier in the project, lowering the fnancial risk to the owner
and his contractors. The steel package gave the fabricator, detailer and erector a better understanding of the
engineers design intent and put greater certainty into the cost model for a major subcontract early in the project.
At the same time, the architect and SCI successfully exchanged BIM models to collaborate their designs. Being
able to collaborate and coordinate our design efforts in the Tekla Structural environment was a tremendous asset
to this project, that really paid off during the construction phase, says Wayne Muir.
COLLABORATE
TO REDUCE RISK
*All images courtesy of Structural Consultants, Inc.
Solaris Tekla
Structures Model
To learn more about the Solaris
project, scan this QR code with
your smartphone.
Read full case study at:
www.tekla.us/solaris-architect
Wayne Muir, P.E.,
Managing Principal & President,
Structural Consultants, Inc.
Denver, CO
4 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION february 2011
Modern Steel ConStruCtion (Volume 51, number 2. iSSn (print) 0026-8445: iSSn (online) 1945-0737. Published monthly by the american institute of Steel
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24

Raised in Manhattan

by joSh a. gregg, P.e., and frank dejoSe
using built-up girders to temporarily
transfer column loads enabled conversion
of an old low-rise warehouse into a swank
high-rise hotel.
30
More Room to Run
by MiChael V. ruSSell, S.e., P.e., leed aP
new athletic facilities for the loyola
ramblers used steel to tackle an
aggressive schedule, reduce foundation
load requirements, and clear an existing
structure.
34
Wings of Steel
by ignaCio barandiaran, P.e.
underground utilities imposed site
constraints that led to arups striking
solution.
40
Designing for the Future
by aShley g. Parker, P.e.
Steel framing designed with a missing
floor will accommodate future interior
modifications for this north Carolina State
university science center.
44
Best Tips of the 21st Century:
Connections
by heath MitChell, P.e., and MattheW
bradey, P.e.
a collection of some of the decades most
useful concepts gleaned from the pages
of MSC.
February 2011
ON THE COVER: the robert i. Schroder bridge over treat boulevard in Contra Costa County, Calif. Photo: jake Wayne, arup.
departments
6 Editors notE
9 stEEl intErchangE
12 stEEl quiz
16 nEws & EvEnts
resources
62 neW ProduCtS
64 MarketPlaCe
65 eMPloyMent
columns
features
quality corner
58
What Does the Future Hold for
AISC Certification Programs?
by jaCqueS Cattan
With new leadership, aiSC continues to
strengthen Certification and to plan for the
future.
business
60
Four Things You Should Know
About Your Experience
Modification Factor
by keVin ring
as a simple indicator of how your safety
record compares to previous years
expectations, this number deserves your
attention.
people to know
66
Change, Opportunity, and Balance
in addition to running a new england steel
fabrication business, hollie noveletsky has a
medical career with a global dimension.
in every issue
34 24 30
48
A More Practical Joist
Specification
by bruCe brotherSon, S.e., P.e., and tiM
holterMan, P.e.
Sjis new 43rd edition Specifications
and COSP include two key changes for
designers using open-web steel joists.
52
A Desert Oasis in Steel
by SCott WilliaMSon, P.e.
Creatively positioning a simple steel grid
yields openness while preserving privacy.
56
In Search of the Top 10 Steel
Bridges
this year nSba invites you to help select
the most outstanding award-winning
bridges since the competition began.
We Protect More Than Steel.
REASON N0. 159,585. Why galvanize? Consider the raceway fans
cheering their driver to victory in a steel stadium, tested every season.
Corrosion costs our economy almost $300 billion annually. But the fan in
seat B, row 44 is a stronger reason. Learn more at azzgalvanizing.com.
Editorial Offices
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Editorial Contacts
editor & PubliSher
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areti Carter
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AISC Officers
ChairMan
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ViCe ChairMan
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treaSurer
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SeCretary & general
CounSel
david b. ratterman
PreSident
roger e. ferch, P.e.
ViCe PreSident and Chief
StruCtural engineer
Charles j. Carter, S.e., P.e., Ph.d.
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ViCe PreSident
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editors note
RECENTLY, MY FAMILY AND I TOOK OUR FIRST TRIP TO THE WISCONSIN DELLS. if
youre from the Midwest, youll immediately recognize the name as the waterpark capital
of the world. (if youre from the east, think niagara falls with all the tourist trappings but
without the scenery.)
As you might expect, my childrens expecta-
tions were substantially higher than mine. But sur-
prisingly, I loved our vacation. The waterpark was
everything youd expect, and yes, there were tacky
wax museums and other attractions, but there was
also a wonderful sense of excitement and the sur-
rounding area is also amazingly beautiful.
Most destinations come with expectations both
good and bad. Some of these expectations are imag-
ined (I was disappointed in Santa Fe not because it
wasnt a fascinating city but because it didnt live up
to the Shangri-La-like expectations in my imagina-
tion) while others are based on stories you might
have heard or your past experiences.
When I frst visited Pittsburgh nearly 20 years
ago, it was exactly what I had heard it was: a city
very slowly transitioning from its industrial roots
to a modern metropolis. There wasnt much ex-
citement in the air, there wasnt much to see, and
there wasnt much to do. Which was why I was so
shocked during a more recent trip.
By coincidence, my friend Mike Engestrom was
also in Pittsburgh that same week so we met for
dinner atop Mt. Washington. To get there, we took
the Duquesne Incline (if youre not familiar with
the Pittsburgh inclines, think of an elevator going
diagonally up the steep slope of a small mountain).
From atop Mt. Washington we had a glorious view
of what is today a very beautiful city.
But my pleasure with Pittsburgh didnt stop
with the fabulous views. Whether it was the food
(I sampled meals both elegant and uniquefor
the truly adventurous, visit the original Pri-
manti Brothers Restaurant and order a sand-
wich stuffed with sizzling meat, melted cheese,
french fries, tomato, and coleslaw) or the sites,
Pittsburgh proved to be a great destination. Its
a tough decision whether to visit one of the Car-
negie Museums (I particularly recommend the
Hall of Architecture), the fascinating Heinz His-
tory Center, or the Phipps Conservatory. And if
you have the time, visit the Strip District flled
with unique shops, restaurants, and clubs (no, not
the type youd expect by the name) or take in a
game at one of the most beautiful ballparks in
AmericaPNC Park.
And if youre looking for an excuse to visit,
theres no better reason than to attend the 2011
NASCC: The Steel Conference. Scheduled for
May 11-14, this years conference offers more
than 90 technical sessions and is the premier edu-
cational event for structural engineers, fabricators,
erectors, and detailers. In addition to practical
seminars on the latest design concepts and con-
struction techniques, the Conference offers nearly
200 exhibitors (featuring products ranging from
structural software to fabrication equipment) and
plentiful networking opportunities. Its a once-a-
year opportunity to learn the latest techniques, see
the most innovative products, and network with
your peers and clients. And one low registration
fee gains you admittance to technical sessions,
keynote address, the T.R. Higgins Lecture, and
the exhibition hall.
Unlike other conferences that issue a general
call for papers, NASCC carefully selects topics
of interest and then seeks out the top experts and
presenters. Some of the presenters are very well
known (such as Lawrence Griffs from Walter
P Moore and Duane Miller from The Lincoln
Electric Co.), while others may not be household
names but still bring a distinct expertise to the
program (such as Brent Maxfeld on Mathcad
and Greg Peterson on estimating). We even have
celebrities such as Jerome Hajjar, who recently
appeared in Popular Mechanics magazine!
If youve attended a Steel Conference during
the past few years, you already know how valuable
an event it is. If you havent, I urge you to talk to
one of the 3,700 people who attended last year.
To view the complete program and to register,
visit www.aisc.org/nascc.
I hope to see you in Pittsburgh!
SCOTT MELNICK
editor
Copyright 2010 Design Data, Inc. All rights reserved.
www.sds2.com 800.443.0782 402.441.4000 e-mail: info@sds2.com
Raising the baR on bim joists.
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Send the basic information to your joist manufacturer,
and they can return information that will transform the
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FEBRUARY 2011 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION 9
steel interchange
Nuts and Washers for Anchor Rods
What is the proper material specification for anchor rod nuts
and washers?
ASTM F1554 has a table of recommended nuts for use with
various grades and diameters of anchor rods. Typically these nut
recommendations are nuts that develop the tensile capacity of the
rod. In other words, the nut is sized so that the rod will fail in tension
before nut or thread failure. I recommend that you obtain a copy of
ASTM F1554 and use Section 6.6.1 to select the appropriate nuts.
Common structural steel-related ASTM standards are available in
Selected ASTM Standards for Structural Steel Fabrication, which has just
been revised for 2011 and can be purchased at www.aisc.org/astm.
(See page 17 for additional information.) ASTM standards also are
available for purchase at www.astm.org.
ASTM F436 washers likely will be too small to use with
oversized holes in base plates. Table 14-2 in the 13th Edition
AISC Steel Construction Manual has recommendations for
maximum base plate hole size and minimum washer dimensions
such that the washer will completely cover the hole, regardless of
anchor rod position. For base plates in compression and where
shear is not transferred through the rods, there are cases where
ASTM F844 washers will be of sufficient size to meet the table
requirements. Otherwise, a structural-grade material (such as
ASTM A36 or A572 Grade 50) is selected with a thickness that is
sufficient to transfer the required shear and/or uplift.
Heath Mitchell, P.E.
Conflicting Requirements Between
Contract Documents
The project specification calls for shop-primed steel, but the
drawings say in the notes section to not prime the steel that
is concealed. Which directive governs?
Absent of any contract provisions, Section 3.3 of the 2005 AISC
Code of Standard Practice contains two provisions that relate to
your question. I will explain them in reverse order.
The second paragraph details what is done when a discrepancy
is discovered between two (or more) parts of the contract
documents before work is performed. It requires reporting of the
discrepancy by the fabricator or erector so that it can be resolved
by the engineer, architect, owner, etc. It is not required that the
fabricator or erector perform a review of the contract documents
to discover conflicts, as the quality and coordination of the
drawings, specification, and similar contract documents is rightly
the responsibility of the design team.
The first paragraph covers the case of a discrepancy that is
discovered after work has been performed. It establishes that
a requirement stated in the design drawings governs over a
conflicting statement in the specification.
Im not sure from your description if this is a case of before
or after. However, a clear statement on the drawings not to prime
concealed steel is sufficient reason to expect when bidding that
priming is not required. If it is now required, a contract price
adjustment to pay for the priming may be appropriate.
Id also like to point out that it is well knownand stated as
such in AISC Specification Section M3.1 and its Commentary
that steel to be enclosed by building finish need not be primed or
painted. With this in mind, perhaps it will be agreeable for your
project that there need be no financial consequence to the owner
in spite of the conflict in the contract documents.
Charles J. Carter, S.E., P.E., Ph.D.
Paint Under Bolt Heads
I have a field issue where paint is on the outer plies (under
the bolt head and under the washer) in new pretensioned
joints in an existing structure. The inspector is rejecting
the bolts because the paint exists and it is squeezing out
under the bolt head and washer. Can the paint remain? Is it a
problem that it is squeezing out?
Paint is permitted under bolt heads and washers, but the RCSC
Specification does have a caution in the Commentary about thick
coatings (see the Commentary to Section 8.2). This Commentary
specifically says galvanized coatings, but if the paint is squeezing
out, it is probably thick enough that the Commentary information
in the RCSC Specification about thick coatings applies.
The question here is whether the coating is causing a
reduction in the pretension below the minimum required. The
answer to that question tells you whether the coating can remain
or must be removed. You may not have to remove the coatings,
but you might have to allow for the loss of pretension or
re-pretension, as suggested in that Commentary. Alternatively,
you can remove the paint.
Finding an AISC Member Fabricator or Erector
Im trying to find an AISC member fabricator. Does AISC
provide such a list?
Yes. There is a tab at the top of the AISC website that says Find a
Company/Person or you can use the URL www.aisc.org/members.
This is a directory search of AISC member fabricators and
erectors. There is a drop-down menu on this page where you can
select a fabricator or an erector. Also, you can search by city and/
or state for a person or company.
Erin Criste
Plate Bending
A debate is raging in our office. For years, the allowable
bending stress in base plates was 0.75F
y
. The 13th Edition
AISC Steel Construction Manual appears to stipulate 0.60F
y
for ASD design methodology. Is this an error? If not, can you
explain why the change is necessary?
Previously, when checking weak-axis bending the allowable
stress was 0.75F
y
. However, the check was made using S
y
.
Currently the allowable stress is 0.6F
y
, but the check is made
using Z
y
. For a rectangular section Z
y
/S
y
= 1.5. Since 0.75/0.6
= 1.25, the 2005 AISC Specification includes a slight gain in
strength over the 1989 ASD Specification. (The 2010 AISC
Specification continues this practice.).
In the 1989 ASD, you were essentially using the plastic
section modulus for both weak and strong axis bending. For fully
braced strong axis bending of a compact member, the allowable
stress used to be 0.66F
y
instead of 0.6F
y
. 0.66/0.6 = 1.1. This
approximates the ratio of Z
x
/S
x
for a wide flange beam.
So in the end there really has not been much change at all,
though the calculations look somewhat different.
Larry S. Muir, P.E.
IF yOUvE EvER ASkED yOURSELF WHy? about something related to structural steel design or construction, Modern
Steel Constructions monthly Steel Interchange column is for you! Send your questions or comments to solutions@aisc.org.
steel interchange
Using Phi and Omega
On page 2-10 in the 13th Edition AISC Steel Construction
Manual it states, The general relationship between the
safety factor () and the resistance factor () is = 1.5/.
Does this relationship also extend to the loading, meaning
if factored LRFD loads are provided can an engineer use the
LRFD loads divided by 1.5 with ASD resistance factors?
Considering dead and live loading only, if the LL/DL ratio
is exactly 3, this is an identical design. For higher ratios it is
conservative and for lower ratios you get a lighter design load than
using ASD load combinations. Throw in wind load or another load
and the permutations possible make it hard to say whether it is
conservative. I have heard of a conversion ratio of 1.4 (LL/DL ratio
of 1) to add a little conservatism when taking LRFD loads back
to ASD design levels. I think this would be appropriate as most
common applications have LL/DL ratios less than 3. However, as
I already noted, the conservatism is dependent on the actual load
types and magnitudes being considered.
Torsion in HSS
How do you determine the Warping Constant (C
w
) for HSS?
There is no need for C
w
to be defined for HSS. C
w
is used for
open shapes such as I-shapes. Imagine the case of a simply
supported beam subject to torsion. The top flange laterally
displaces in one direction while the bottom displaces in the other.
If you look at a plan view of these, you will see that the section
warps, which means that initially plane sections dont remain
plane. The section is more resistant to this bending if the flanges
have large lateral moments of inertia and are far removed from
the centroid. That is why C
w
is related to I
y
and h
o
. For an HSS,
flange bending is only part of the resistance to such warping. The
in-plane shear stiffness and strength of the side walls also resists
it, and this mechanism is much stiffer than the flange bending
strength, so the problem comes back to a pure torsion shear stress
type of problem.
Brad Davis, S.E., Ph.D.
Braced Frame Beam Design
On pages 3-47 and 3-48 of the AISC Seismic Design Manual
a procedure is outlined for determining the axial force in a
chevron braced frame beam. On page 3-48, the axial force
is calculated as the average of the tension and compression
resultants. Could you please explain the justification for this
average value? From statics, it seems that it should instead be
treated as a straight sum of the two resultants.
At the top of page 3-48 it states, Assuming that the unbalanced
force is shared equally. The intent is that an equal amount of
load is dragged in from the left side and the right side. In other
words, half of the load is dragged in from each side of the frame.
This is a simplifying assumption for the design example and
applies to the specific building being evaluated, but depends
on the building configuration and frame layout. For example,
some frames may drag all of the load in from one side and some
braced frame beams may be used to transfer loads to other
frames along the same line. These are just a few of the possible
load paths that may apply.
Heath Mitchell, P.E.
Galvanized Joint Preparation
RCSC Specification Section 3.2.2 (c) requires galvanized
surfaces in slip-critical joints to be roughened by hand wire
brushing. Is the timing of brushing important?
I am not aware of any requirement on the timing of the hand wire
brushing or any research that would support such a requirement.
For non-galvanized, bare (not painted) surfaces, the proper faying
surface can be maintained for at least a year. It is likely that the
galvanized roughened surface will be okay for at least this long.
I personally have had success with having the hand-wire brushing
done by the galvanizer. I believe there is more control over the
process there than in the field. I did not have a concern about the
delay between the roughening and the assembly of the joint.
Larry S. Muir, P.E.
Weld Access Holes
We use CJP groove welds for the column flange to base plate
connection in Special Moment Frames. Are we allowed to
use weld access holes at column base plate connection where
the connection is similar to Extended End-Plate beam-to-
column connection?
The prohibition on use of weld access holes is only for the
prequalified, extended end-plate beam to end-plate detail
specified in AISC 358. The weld access hole is eliminated there
because the presence of a weld access hole interrupts the flow of
force from the beam flange to the bolts inside the beam flange.
The strain pattern that results tends to promote a fracture of the
flange at some point in the loading prior to significant yielding. It
is acceptable to not use a weld access hole in this case because the
peak demand on the flange weld is out at the bolt lines, not at the
center of the web.
This is the only detail where we recommend omission of weld
access holes. A column base plate usually doesnt have anchor rods
inside the flanges like a moment end plate, so I dont see the need
to omit weld access holes in that case.
Steel interchange is a forum to exchange useful and practical professional ideas and
information on all phases of steel building and bridge construction. opinions and
suggestions are welcome on any subject covered in this magazine.
the opinions expressed in Steel interchange do not necessarily represent an official
position of the american institute of Steel Construction and have not been reviewed. it is
recognized that the design of structures is within the scope and expertise of a competent
licensed structural engineer, architect or other licensed professional for the application of
principles to a particular structure.
if you have a question or problem that your fellow readers might help you solve, please
forward it to us. at the same time, feel free to respond to any of the questions that you
have read here. Contact Steel interchange via aiSCs Steel Solutions Center:
one east Wacker dr., Suite 700
Chicago, il 60601
tel: 866.ASK.AISC fax: 312.803.4709
solutions@aisc.org
the complete collection of Steel interchange questions and answers is available online.
find questions and answers related to just about any topic by using our full-text search
capability. Visit Steel interchange online at www.modernsteel.com.
heath Mitchell is director of technical assistance, Charlie Carter is vice president and chief
structural engineer, and erin Criste is staff engineer, technical assistant at aiSC. larry Muir
and brad davis are consultants to aiSC.
steel quiz
LOOKING FOR A CHALLENGE? Modern Steel Constructions monthly Steel quiz tests your knowledge of steel design and
construction. the answers for many of this months questions can be found in the 2005 aiSC Specification for Structural Steel
Buildings, the 2010 aiSC Code of Standard Practice for Steel Buildings and Bridges (both available as free downloads at www.
aisc.org/freepubs), and the 13th edition aiSC Steel Construction Manual (available for purchase at www.aisc.org/manual).
1 true/false: after galvanizing, it is
standard practice to increase the
bolt hole size for the connection.
2 Where are the tolerances found
for welded stiffener locations in
buildings?
a) aiSC Code of Standard Practice
b) aiSC Specification
c) aWS d1.1
d) aWS d1.5
3 true/false: More than one filler
can be used to account for gaps
between connection plies.
turn to Page 14 for anSWerS
4 true/false: the building line
referenced in Section 7 of the
aiSC Code of Standard Practice is
the exterior face of the building.
5 What is the minimum radius for
induced camber of a member?
a) there are no limits.
b) the limit depends on the bender.
c) between 10 and 14 times
the member depth is
recommended as a guide.
d) both (b) and (c).
6 Straightness tolerances for the
usual grade of hSS are governed
by which aStM standard(s)?
a) aStM a500
b) aStM a501
c) aStM a6
d) aStM a6 and a500
7 true/false: fabrication tolerances
for member camber and sweep
of typical wide-flange shapes are
shown in table 2 of aStM a6.
8 What is the plumbness tolerance
for a typical structural steel column?
a) L/400
b) L/500
c) L/600
d) there are no published
plumbness tolerances.
9 What is the tolerance for fit up of
backup bars?
a)
1
8 in.
b)
1
16 in.
c)
3
32 in.
d) none of the above.
10 an engineer designing with struc-
tural steel must account for what
types of tolerances in their design?
a) Mill tolerance.
b) fabrication tolerance.
c) erection tolerance.
d) all of the above.
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steel quiz anSWerS
1 false. enlarging the holes is not
standard procedure and is not
required in the usual case. if it is
desired to do so, the resulting holes
must be approved by the Structural
engi neer of record. the hol e
becomes an oversized hole after
modification, and the change would
have to be considered. increasing
t he hol e si ze f or gal vani zed
construction is not permitted in
the aiSC Specification or the rCSC
Specification for Structural Joints
Using High-Strength Bolts (available
as a free downl oad at www.
boltcouncil.org). if the holes are
oversized the connection must be
designed as slip-critical.
2 (c) aWS d1.1 provides the guidelines
for stiffener tolerances in buildings;
see Sections 5.23.11 and 5.23.12.
aWS d1.5 has the guidelines for
stiffener tolerances in bridges; see
Section 3.5.1.11 and 3.5.1.12.
anyone is welcome to submit questions and
answers for Steel quiz. if you are interested in
submitting one question or an entire quiz, contact
aiSCs Steel Solutions Center at 866.aSk.aiSC or
at solutions@aisc.org.
3 true. More than one filler can be used,
but note that the use of multiple fillers
requires a strength reduction. recent
research has shown that the overall
slip resistance of a connection can be
reduced by the presence of multiple
fillers. the 2010 aiSC Specification will
require that where bolts have not been
added to distribute the load in the
filler (undeveloped fillers), the full slip
resistance can be used if there is one
filler between connected parts. how-
ever, for two or more fillers between
connected parts a 15% reduction in
slip resistance is taken.
4 true. the aiSC Code of Standard
Practice for Steel Buildings and
Bridges references building line in
Sections 7.13.1.1 (b), (c), and (d), and
figures C-7.2, C-7.5 and C-7.6. the
building line referenced in these sec-
tions is the established location of
the exterior face of the building. for
example, in figure C-7.5 an exterior
column for a building of 20 stories or
less may slope toward the building
line or exterior face of the building
by up to
1
500 slope or 1 in. maximum.
figure C-7.2 shows this as well since
the building line wraps around the
columns at the exterior building face.
5 (d) limits on radii of curved shapes
are essentially a function of the
capabilities of the bender. Cold
bending guidelines for shapes are
found in Part 2 of the 13th edition
aiSC Steel Construction Manual.
they are summarized below:
1. the mi ni mum radi us for
camber induced by cold bending in
members up to a nominal depth of
30 in. is between 10 and 14 times
the depth of the member. deeper
members may require a larger
minimum radius.
2. Cold bending may be used
to provide sweep in members to
practically any radius desired.
3. a length limit of 40 to 50 ft is
practical.
6 (a) tolerances for hSS are found
in their respective aStM material
specifications. for example, aStM
a500 is the material specification for
non-weathering, cold-formed hSS.
you can find a summary of these
requirements in tables 1-27 and
1-28 of the 13th edition aiSC Steel
Construction Manual.
7 false. aStM a6 tolerances are
for incidental mill camber. Small
amounts of incidental mill camber
are common and do not typically
cause problems in construction.
the tolerances specified in Section
6 of the aiSC Code of Standard
Pr act i ce appl y t o f abr i cat or
induced camber.
8 (b) erection tolerances are given in
Section 7.13 of the aiSC Code of
Standard Practice (a free download
at www.aisc.org/freepubs). Section
7.13.1.1 deals specifically with
column plumbness. in general,
the plumbness must be within
L/500. however, there are other
requirements that can govern in
specific cases, see the aiSC Code.
9 (b) the 2008 aaShto/aWS d1.5M/
d1.5 Bridge Welding Code has a toler-
ance for steel backing. Section 3.13.5,
Weld backing, states the following:
Steel backing shall be placed
and held in intimate contact with
the base metal. The maximum
gap between the steel backing
and the base metal at the weld
root shall be 2 mm [
1
16 in.]
the
1
16-in. tolerance is also present in
butt joints where backing is used in
Section 5.22.1.1 in aWS d1.1/d1.1M
Structural Welding CodeSteel. Sec-
tion 5.22.1.1, faying Surface, states
the following:
The separation between faying sur-
faces of plug and slot welds, and
of butt joints landing on a backing,
shall not exceed
1
16 in. [2mm]
both aWS d1.5 and d1.1 are available
for purchase on the american Welding
Society website, www.aws.org.
10 (d) an engineer designing with
structural steel must account for all
of these types of tolerances.
Newly Certified Facilities: December 131, 2010
news
Newly Certied Fabricator Facilities
b & b Steel fabrication, Washington, utah
Canatal Steel uSa, roanoke, Va.
Commercial fabricators, inc., bridgeview, ill.
gerdau ameristeel, albany, ga.
glazier iron Works, inc., hayward, Calif.
rhoads industries, inc., Philadelphia, Pa.
Newly Certied Erector Facilities
dS duggins Welding, inc., Winston-Salem, n.C.
liberty erection inc., kansas City, Mo.
M.S. iron Works, inc., ossining, n.y.
Parker & Sons Steel erecting inc., Phoenix, ariz.
Steelcon, inc., fresno, Calif.
Newly Certied Bridge Component Facilities
Commercial fabricators, inc., bridgeview, ill.
Existing Certied Erector Facilities

Existing Certied Bridge Component Facilities
Existing Certied Fabricator Facilities
Newly Certied Fabricator Facilities

Newly Certied Erector Facilities
Newly Certied Bridge Component Facilities
to fnd a certifed fabricator or

erector in a particular area, visit
www.aisc.org/certsearch.
People and Firms
The American Institute of Architects
has appointed Robert Ivy, a fellow
of the aia, as its new executive vice
president and chief executive officer,
effective february 1, 2011. ivy has been
the editor-in-chief of Mcgraw-hills
Architectural Record since 1996. among
other accomplishments, he led the
magazine to a 2003 national Magazine
award for general excellence. Prior to
joining Mcgraw-hill, he was a principal
with ivy architects
and the manag-
ing partner with
jackson, Mi ss. -
based dean/dale,
dean and ivy for
nearly 14 years.
More information
i s avai l abl e on
the aia website,
www.aia.org.
Joseph Ralph Warlick, Jr. of tampa,
fla., died november 10, 2010. he was
76. Warlick served as an aiSC regional
engineer in atlanta from 1964 to 1972.
he subsequently worked for Musselman
Steel and florida Steel, and in 1983
founded Warlick engineering, inc.
Carol Benassi has joined thornton
tomasettis building performance prac-
tice as vice president in the irvine, Calif.,
office. an architect with more than 26
years of design, construction and proj-
ect management experience, benassi
brings a broad background to her new
position in forensic analysis, litigation
support, project design and construc-
tion, and has provided expert witness
testimony on build-
ing envelope and
construction issues.
She pr evi ous l y
founded C benassi
archi tecture, an
independent foren-
sic consulting firm
i n i rvi ne, Cal i f. ,
where she partici-
pated in all aspects
of forensic investigation. She was also
one of the first women to own and
operate a general contracting company
in utah called birch Construction, inc.
She is a licensed architect in California
and utah, and a commissioner for
the State of California division of
architectural examiners.
When your building design has to work with a missing floor, then accommodate
its addition years down the road, you have to plan ahead. Find out how Fluhrer
Reed engineers met that challenge in the article on page 38.
Registration is now open for the 2011 NASCC: The Steel Conference at www.
aisc.org/nascc, and there could hardly be a better place for this years event than
downtown Pittsburgh. Read about some of the things you wont want to miss
beginning on page 42.
The Steel Joist Institutes new Specification and Code of Standard Practice, which
have been incorporated into the IBC, contain newly defined Add-Load and
Bend-Check Load provisions. You can learn how to apply them beginning on
page 48.
Have a favorite prize-winning steel bridge from years gone by? Next month you
can vote for it in this years NSBA Prize Bridge Awards Competition. Details are
on page 56.
FEBRUARY 2011
This Month in MSC

news
NASCC: THE STEEL CONFERENCE
The Steel Conference Comes to the Steel City
The 2011 NASCC: The Steel Conference
convenes this year on May 1114 at the
David L. Lawrence Convention Center in
Pittsburgh. This annual gathering is pre-
sented by the American Institute of Steel
Construction (AISC) and this year fea-
tures more than 90 technical sessions and
practical seminars on the latest design and
construction techniques. The concurrent
trade show will feature products and ser-
vices from nearly 200 exhibitors ranging
from engineering software to the newest
fabrication equipment, as well as network-
ing and educational opportunities.
NASCC is the premier educational
event for structural engineers, fabricators,
detailers, educators, and others involved in
the design and construction of fabricated
steel buildings and bridges. In addition to
conference seminars, attendees have many
opportunities to exchange ideas with their
peers at networking events including the
annual Fabricator Roundtable and newly
added Steel Industry Roundtable. Confer-
ence attendees can earn up to 28 PDHs
(Professional Development Hours) while
learning from leaders in the design and
construction industry such as Lawrence
Griffs from Walter P Moore and Duane
Miller from The Lincoln Electric Com-
pany.
The Program
You wont want to miss the keynote
sessions. David J. Vater, RA, trustee at the
Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foun-
dation, will present Wednesdays opening
keynote with a visual tour of Pittsburghs
architecture and engineering heritage. He
will highlight the areas historic iron and
steel industry and some of the countrys re-
markable places built with Pittsburgh steel,
engineering expertise, and technology.
Another keynote session expected to
draw a large crowd is the 2011 T.R. Higgins
Lecture presented by Charles W. Roeder,
P.E., Ph.D., on Friday. Roeder will discuss
his research on concentrically braced steel
frames and why they are a practical and
economical structural system for control-
ling damage during seismic events.
Descriptions and a schedule of sessions
and seminars offered throughout the week
are described in the Advance Program for
the 2011 NASCC: The Steel Conference,
available online at http://bit.ly/fqtyyt or as
a PDF download at www.aisc.org/nascc.
For the 10th consecutive year the Struc-
tural Stability Research Councils Annual
Stability Conference is being held in con-
junction with the 2011 NASCC. New to
the show this year is the Sustainable Steel
Conference focusing on a wide range of
issues ranging from thermal bridging to
LEED requirements to legal issues with
green design and construction. This con-
ference is sponsored by AISC, and, like the
Stability Conference, attendance at all of
the sessions is included with NASCC reg-
istration.
The Exhibition
The exhibit hall opens on Wednesday at 3
p.m. and is also the location of the Welcome
Reception that evening from 6 to 8 p.m. The
exhibits are also open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
on Thursday and from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on
Friday. Below is a small sample of the kind of
things to be shown.
Shuttlelifts new SB Series rubber-tired
gantry crane provides users with a highly
economic solution in a competitive mar-
ketplace. Designed to handle loads from 30
to 100 tons, the single-beam gantry crane
puts the load directly under the frame of
the crane, eliminating potential stability is-
sues that might arise using a rough-terrain
crane, crawler crane, reach stacker or fork-
lift. Learn more at NASCC Booth 1015
or www.shuttlelift.com.
Trilogy Machinery Inc. will show the
Sunrise Fluid Power line of ironworking and
punching machines, for which it is the U.S.
distributor. Designed to perform multiple
functions, Sunrise Ironworkers are offered in
single-cylinder and dual-cylinder confgura-
tions. Learn more at NASCC Booth 904 or
www.trilogymachinery.com.
ASTM International offers around-the-
clock access to technical standards and re-
lated information through its Standards and
Engineering Digital Library. For a demon-
stration of whats available, stop at NASCC
Continued on page 18.
18 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION FEBRUARY 2011
Booth 1610, or go to www.astm.org.
American Punch Company will be
displaying its full product line of punches,
dies, shear blades,
annular cutters
and structural steel
drills, including
the new SHO
punch, which
offers higher
strength and
greater toughness.
Visit American
Punch at NASCC
Booth 511 or
online at www.
americanpunchco.com.
New Millennium Building Systems will
reveal whats new in fexible-to-the-fnish
steel joists and metal decking supply, along
with a project-based demonstration of the
companys latest Dynamic Joist digital steel
joist design component. The component
is an add-on to Tekla Structures 16.1. Full
copies will be given away free to support
3D steel joist design and BIM-based
project collaboration. Also showcased will
be special profle joists, metal decking and
castellated beams, all available nationwide.
Visit NASCC Booth 905 or www.
newmill.com.
Applied Bolting Technology will fea-
ture its Squirter Direct Tension Indicator,
a mechanical load cell that measures bolt
tension independently of torque. Bright or-
ange silicon appears around the edges of the
Squirter DTI when the bolt has been prop-
erly tensioned. The company will show its
new detailed training videos, produced by
the crew of the Discovery Channels Build
it Bigger. These free videos show how the
Squirter DTI works and how to use it ef-
fciently in the feld. See them at NASCC
Booth 1328 or download them by visiting
www.appliedbolting.com.
The venue
Those attending the 2011 NASCC:
The Steel Conference will fnd themselves
within just a few steps of numerous signif-
cant steel structures, as well as a variety of
cultural treasures.
Walk about four blocks into the downtown
area, heading away from the Allegheny River,
to visit the U.S. Steel Tower. Completed in
1970, the triangular 64-story structure was a
demonstration project for the use of weather-
ing steel for buildings and was the frst build-
ing to use liquid in the steel columns as fre
protection. Its name changed to the USX
Tower for a time, but in 2009 reverted to be-
ing the U.S. Steel Tower.
While youre there, go downstairs into
the Steel Plaza T station to see tile and mo-
saic murals depicting the steel heritage of the
area.
Head back toward the Allegheny River
and the Point (which marks the beginning
of the Ohio River) to see the beautiful and
historic 6th, 7th and 9th Street Bridges.
Just a short walk from the convention cen-
ter, these nearly identical bridges have now
been rechristened to honor baseball great
Roberto Clemente, pop artist Andy War-
hol, and naturalist Rachel Carson. In 1928
the 6th Street Bridge was the winner of
AISCs frst Prize Bridge Awards. It also is
in an ad that frequently appears in MSC.
Crossing the river brings you to the
Andy Warhol Museum. One of the four
Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, it is
housed in a historic old structure on San-
dusky Street that for years was the regions
premiere source for music and musical in-
struments. Warhol was born and raised in
Pittsburgh and the museum collection in-
cludes more than 8,000 of his works.
Just two blocks down the river is PNC
Park, home of Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball.
This beautiful stadium, which opened in
2001, was designed specifcally to provide
a stunning view of the city skyline (which it
does). The Pirates play at home most of the
second week in May, just in case you were
wondering.
Thinking about arriving the weekend
before the conference? Set aside an af-
ternoon for an excursion to Kennywood
Park, perched atop the hillside across the
Monongahela River from U.S. Steels Edgar
Thompson Works, which has been operat-
ing in the Mon Valley since 1875. The park
is home to many of the worlds great roll-
ercoasters, among them the Steel Phantom.
Opened in 1991 with a drop of more than
220 ft and a peak speed of 85 mph, the Steel
Phantom was overhauled in 2000 and in
2001 reopened as the Phantoms Revenge.
Kennywood is open only on weekends in
early May, so it shouldnt interfere with any
sessions on your schedule.
Register Now
Registration for the 2011 NASCC: The
Steel Conference is now open at www.aisc.
org/nascc, where you can also arrange for
hotel reservations. Pre-registration offers
a substantial discount over on-site regis-
tration, but must be completed by May 5,
2011.
news
John W. Fisher, P.E., Ph.D., will present
the 2011 Landis-Epic Lecture in the Frick
Fine Arts Auditorium at the University of
Pittsburgh. The title of his talk is Fatigue
and Fracture: A Challenge for Existing
and Future Steel Bridge. It is scheduled
for 4:30 p.m. on March 17. There is no
charge for admission and attendees will
receive one PDH.
Fisher is professor emeritus of civil
engineering at Lehigh University and
director of its ATLSS Engineering
Research Center. For more information,
call Monica Davis at University of
Pittsburgh, 412.624.6814.
EDUCATION
Addressing Fatigue
and Fracture
Continued from page 17.
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workfow can be integrated, the whole team benefts.
Bentleys new Passport Subscriptions for structural engineers provide access to
the full range of structural software (including upgrades) and training documents
and information that most projects require. These options are available as an
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Contact us to learn more.
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Structural Drawings and Details
all easily coordinated with the
Architect and other team members and
their design applications such as
AutoCAD, Revit, MicroStation
and more.
2010 Bentley Systems, Incorporated. Bentley, the B Bentley logo, MicroStation, RAM, and STAAD are either registered or unregistered trademarks
or service marks of Bentley Systems, Incorporated or one of its direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries. Other brands and product names are
trademarks of their respective owners.
RISATower has been acquired by Peter
Chojnacki and his new company Tower
Numerics, Inc. Chojnacki has been
managing the program since 2005 when
it became part of the RISA group of
products. Going forward, the program will
be known as tnxTower.
Tower Numerics reports it will continue
its partnership with RISA Technologies
and the interoperability of tnxTower with
RISA-3D.
For more information, visit the Tower
Numerics website, www.towernx.com.
TECHNOLOGY
Tower Design Software Under New Ownership
There is a new spirit at the 1 World Trade
Center site as steel construction has
met the halfway point for the building,
also known as the Freedom Tower. The
Associated Press reported that steel at
the building reached the 52nd story on
Thursday, December 16, 2010. The tower
is slated to stand at 104 stories with an
antenna reaching hundreds of feet higher,
bringing it to a symbolic 1,776 ftthe
tallest in the country.
AP reported that it takes so long for
workers at the rising tower to return to the
ground that a Subway sandwich shop built
out of shipping containers is being raised
along with the building by a hydraulically
powered platform.
According to AP the skyscraper is one
of several envisioned at the site along with
a September 11 memorial, transit hub, and
performing arts center. The memorial,
with reflecting pools set above the
footprints of the fallen towers, is expected
to open by the 10th anniversary of the
2001 attacks.
St ay i nf or med about 1 WTC
construction progress at www.panynj.gov/
wtcprogress, which includes a live camera
image of the site.
PROJECT MILESTONE
One WTC Steel Reaches
Halfway Point
The newly published Stolen Dreams,
written by Tracy Totten, is a novel about
the steel industry for the steel industry.
The subject matter is no surprise, seeing
as Totten is the president of Azusa, Calif.-
based Totten Tubes, Inc. The author
says his novel is a suspense thriller of
corporate espionage, betrayal, and even a
little romance that turns one steel tycoon
against another to see who survives. To
order a copy of Stolen Dreams, call Totten
Tubes at 800.882.3748. Its also available as
a Kindle download from amazon.com.
Welding for Dummies, by Steven Robert
Farnsworth, is a friendly, practical guide
covering everything from basic safety to
placing the finishing touches on more
complex projects. With easy-to-follow
guidance, the book enables readers to
confidently perform this commonly used yet
complex task. It provides the fundamentals
of mig, tig, and fluxcore welding as well as
explaining the more complex practices of
plasma cutting and oxyfuel cutting. The
author is a welding teacher with more than
20 years experience. He also served in the
U.S. Navy, working to keep the fleet afloat
with his welding repairs. To order online,
go to www.dummies.com and look under
Crafts & Hobbies.
Statics for Dummies, by James H. Allen
III, P.E., Ph.D., is an easy-to-follow
companion to any statics course that
moves deftly from the basic principles of
vectors to the practical everyday uses one
sees in the real world. A good refresher
(or an accessible introduction to those in
the family who just dont get what all the
fuss is about), Statics for Dummies opens
the world of this fundamental branch of
engineering with clear explanations and
simple equilibrium problems that show how
forces affect objects. For more information
online, visit www.dummies.com and look
under Education and General.
PUBLICATIONS
Spring Reading for the Steel Industry
Ef f ect i ve i mmedi at el y el ect r oni c
distribution is the default for AISCs
Engineering Journal. Although subscribers
still have the option to receive a printed
copy, they must opt in to do so.
AISC has a tradition of embracing
technology when it makes sense. For
example, AISC offices feature motion-
sensing light switches, its membership
renewal process is via email, and all AISC
codes and standards are available for
free online. In 2010, Engineering Journal
continued that tradition with the creation
of a digital version of the journal to reach
more of AISCs membership.
While there are no plans to discontinue
the paper version of EJ, the change making
paper subscriptions to EJ by request only
is significant.
We are not eliminating the paper
version, said EJ editor Keith A. Grubb,
P.E., S.E., and we are not going to charge
you more. We simply want to be cost-
conscious and environmentally friendly. We
want to send you something that you want
to receive.
Grubb suggests trying out the digital
edition at www.aisc.org/ej. If the digital
edition meets your needs, great! But we
realize that electronic journals are not for
everyone, he said. However, to continue
to receive your paper version, you must
send an email including your name and
AISC member number to paperplease@
aisc.org. Requests for the paper edition
should be sent as soon as possible.
Questions and concerns can be directed
to grubb@aisc.org.
PUBLICATIONS
Engineering Journal:
Go green! or Paper, please!
news
february 2011 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION 21
CONTEST
Call for Entries: How
Hot is Your Product?
STANDARDS
New Edition of Structural Steel Standards Collection
The 2011 edition of the Selected ASTM
Standards for Structural Steel Fabrication is now
available. This 579-page volume includes 63
ASTM standards relating to structural steel
fabrication selected by AISC.
The compilation was last published in
2008. The new edition includes updated
versions of many of the standards as well as
two that have been added to the collection
since then: ASTM A1065/A1065M-09,
Standard Specification for Cold-Formed
Electric-Fusion (Arc) Welded High-Strength
Low-Alloy Structural Tubing in Shapes, with
50 ksi [345 MPa] Minimum Yield Point, and
ASTM F1136-04, Standard Specification for
Zinc/Aluminum Corrosion Protective Coatings
for Fasteners.
The book is available only in a print
version. The cost is $225 for AISC
members and $450 for non-members.
Purchased individually, these standards
would cost more than $1,500. For more
information and to purchase online
through the AISC bookstore, go to www.
aisc.org/astm.
The individual standards in this
compilation were published and are
copyrighted by ASTM International. For
additional information and support, visit
www.astm.org.
Modern Steel Construction in conjunction
with AISC has been running an annual Hot
Products feature for more than 10 years.
Starting in 2011, we are adding the new
category of Hot Technology Products. This
new category will emphasize products that
focus on improving efficiency and increasing
integration through the use of computer
technology. Beyond that distinction, similar
guidelines apply to both Hot Product and
Hot Technology Product entries:
The product must have been
introduced (or significantly enhanced)
within the last 12 months.
The entry can be part of an existing
product (new feature or function) or
it can be a standalone product.
Special consideration will be given to
products that may help toward innovative
and new ways of working, collaborating.
Entri es i n both categori es wi l l
be judged internally based only on
descriptions, submissions and claims by the
submitting companyno product testing
or evaluation will be performed.
Winners will be announced in the
August issue of MSC and will receive
plaques.
Entry deadline for the competition is
May 27, 2011. Submit all entries, questions
and comments to hotproduct@aisc.org.
Information about the contest and entry forms
can be found at www.aisc.org/integration.
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are currently providing earthquake, wind, and motion
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TAY23959 BraceYrselfAd_MSC 6/23/09 4:21 PM Page 1
news
letters
22 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION january 2011
news
Early Days of the Student Steel
Bridge Competition
It was enjoyable to track the prog-
ress and milestones of Modern Steel
Construction but I didnt see a mile-
stone for the annual Student Steel
Bridge competition. Dr. Ellifritt was
our faculty advisor back in 1988 when
we went to the University of Alabama
at Birmingham to compete against four
other universities. The crew used our
school van and drove straight through,
arriving at the UAB engineering build-
ing about 3 a.m. where we helped the
UAB team finish their bridge.
Im not sure if 1988 was the first
year for the regional competitions but
it was the first the University of Florida
entered. It was an excellent activity to
apply all the technical knowledge we
had learned to a completed project
designfabricationerection. It has
come a long way since then. Thanks for
providing this magazine.
George Olsen, P.E.
Houston
RESEARCH
Seismic Brace Passes University Test
A proprietary yielding brace system (YBS)
designed to absorb seismic energy and
protect the steel frame in which it is
installed successfully underwent its third
full-scale test in late November at the
University of Toronto. The device, dubbed
the Scorpion, looks like a giant wrench and
consists of a toothed high-performance
steel casting connected to a standard
brace member. The castings yield force,
elastic stiffness, displacement capabilities,
ductility, and post-peak strengthening
can all be independently tuned with this
unique bracing system, which is being
commercialized by Toronto-based Cast
Connex Corporation.
For the University of Toronto test,
the brace system was installed in
a full-scale one-story steel frame,
laid horizontally, where it was
subjected to a half-million pounds
of force. Watch a 40-second video
of the test at http://bit.ly/e5icHs.
Development of the YBS has
been part of doctoral student
Michael Grays research, under
the supervision of faculty members
Constantin Christopoulos and
Jeffrey Packer. Learn more on
the university website by visiting
http://bit.ly/dHTmdN. More
information also is available on
the Cast Connex website, www.
castconnex.com/YBS.
The Steel Joist Institute has announced
the winners of its 2010 Design Awards,
which are presented in three categories.
This years winners are:
Industrial: Burrough-Brasuell Corp.,
Van Buren, Ark., for its structural
retrofit work on The Allen Canning
Co.s 132,500-sq.-ft food processing
plant in Van Buren, Ark.
Non-industrial: Unified Building
Sciences & Engineering, Richardson,
Texas , f or i t s wor k on t he
400,000-sq.-ft Hallsville Senior High
School in Hallsville, Texas, to provide
fine arts, science, career and technical
education, and academic facilities.
Unique: Steel Encounters Co., Salt
Lake City, for its work on the
environmentally friendly Star Wash
Eco Car Wash in South Jordan, Utah.
Proj ects were j udged based on
flexibility, speed of construction, value
and aesthetic considerations. The three
winning companies each received a $2,000
scholarship in their name to a school of
their choice for an engineering student.
The joists for all of this years prize-winning
projects were manufactured by Vulcraft.
To see photos and learn more about
the 2010 award-winning projects on
the SJI website, go to www.steeljoist.
org/2010winners.
AWARDS
Award-Winning Steel Joist Projects Named
unified building Sciences & engineering
hallsville Senior high School,
hallsville, texas.
Los Angeles-based AISC member Reliance

Steel & Aluminum Co. has acquired the
outstanding capital stock of Lampros
Steel, Inc., a steel service center company
specializing in structural steel shapes with
a facility located in Portland, Ore. The
acquisition also includes a related interest
in Lampros Steel Plate Distribution LLC.
Lampros, whose current management will
remain in place, will operate as a subsidiary
of American Metals Corporation, a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Reliance Steel
& Aluminum Co. For more information,
visit the Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.
website, www.rsac.com.
BUSINESS
Reliance Steel Acquires Lampros
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raised in
Manhattan
i
Using built-up girders to temporarily transfer column loads enabled
conversion of an old low-rise warehouse into a swank high-rise hotel.
IN ORDER TO ACCOMMODATE a 16-story addition to an exist-
ing 12-story steel-framed warehouse and the conversion of the entire
building into an upscale hotel, the designers needed to frst upgrade the
structures foundation.
Further complicating the project was its Manhattan location, which
resulted in severe site constraints.
The solution was to transfer the loads from four of the buildings
interior columns to four adjacent columns, temporarily jack up the inte-
rior columns, remove the existing foundation, and install a new founda-
tion and core. But as can be expected, the details proved complex.
The antiquated 12-story brick clad steel-framed warehouse at 150
Lafayette Street, New York, rests between the cusp of the non-stop,
hustle-bustle attitude of the historical Chinatown district and the trendy,
eclectic epicenter of cool that is SoHo (named for its location South
of Houston Street). The 150 Lafayette Street building, constructed
in 1911, also happens to sit atop the citys oldest functioning subway
line. The location is a developers dream, the existing conditions and
constraints a designers labyrinth.
by joSh a. gregg, P.e., and frank dejoSe
City zoning rules and regulations allow for an existing build-

ing to have its height increased, but to obtain this height increase
an existing structure cannot be fully demolished and the original
total foor area ratio must remain the same. Thus, to maximize the
building height a resizing and reconfguring of this warehouses
existing foor plate dimensions were required to transform the
existing 12-story warehouse into a 28-story luxury boutique hotel.
But that was only a small challenge.
With an architectural design scheme on paper, a New York City
Department of Buildings zoning permit approval for the height
increase, and the developer eagerly awaiting this transformation to
begin, one major aspect was missing: a plan for how this architec-
tural scheme could be brought from the design documents to the
real life SoHo neighborhood.
The transformation of this warehouse into a new, twice as tall,
hot spot hotel raised many challenges for the structural engineer.
The existing warehouse layout was not designed to receive the
increased load of the additional 16 stories. Increasing the height of
the building required existing columns to be reinforced, the foun-
dation system to be analyzed for the additional loads imposed, and
the installation of a structural elevator core to serve and stabilize
the transformed 28-story tower.
Josh A. Gregg, P.E., is a project manager at DeSi-
mone Consulting Engineers and an AISC Profes-
sional Member. He has more than 10 years experi-
ence in the design and construction feld on a variety
of both domestic and international projects. His
experience has been focused around high-rise steel
and concrete construction. Frank DeJose is currently
pursuing his master of science in civil engineering
at the University of South Florida. He previously
was with DeSimone Consulting Engineers where
he was the project engineer on this project.
adding 16 foors to convert a
boxed-in old 12-story ware-
house into a high-end hotel
required a serious foundation
upgrade, even though using
steel for the vertical expan-
sion kept the additional loads
to a minimum.
Most of the warehouses original steel framing remained in place for
the new, taller, repurposed structure. Some concrete foor slabs were
removed before raising the superstructure to lighten the dead load
and facilitate the foundation upgrade.
increased lateral support for the original portion of the structure was
provided by a new concrete elevator core. however, new steel fram-
ing elements provide the above lateral support for the original roof.

The new hotel design scheme posed other challenges
as well, but the most demanding was the installation of the
new structural elevator core, which would serve the hotel
from the existing cellar foor level to the 28th foor pent-
house suite. To set the structural core in place required the
installation of a new 7-ft-thick foundation mat. For the
foundation mat and structural core to be set, portions of
the existing buildings strip footing foundation system had
to be severed, demolished, and removed to allow the new
elevators to extend further below grade and through the
existing footing supports. That required undermining the
existing strip footings, but undermining the foundation
system would create an unstable condition and allow for a
possible building collapse. Needless to say, that would be
the last thing a fully functioning neighborhood needed.
A plan was required that would keep the building stable
and support the remaining structural elements while the
foundations were undermined and reconstructed. Such a
design scheme required that the column/footing loads be
relieved to allow for the demolition, removal and exposure
of the below grade soil. Once those processes were com-
pleted, the new foundation mat and elevator core could be
prepared and placed.
With budget, schedule, and safety in mind, designers
analyzed two viable design options. The frst option called
for an auger cast-in-place pile system that would surround
the four problematic columns at the new elevator core loca-
tion. That meant drilling 12-in.-diameter piles through the
existing concrete strip footings to create a temporary pile
group at the four elevator columns that would provide the
needed temporary support during the foundation upgrade.
However, lack of space, poor soil conditions and the
existing heavily reinforced footings rendered this option
unconstructible.
The second option consisted of redistributing and trans-
ferring the four problematic elevator column loads to their
respective adjacent columns. For this scheme to be success-
fully implemented, the existing structure would be stripped
of approximately 50% of its original superimposed dead
load and 95% of its live load, allowing the redistribution and
transfer of loads to the outer adjacent columns without the
existing structural system being overstressed.
With a concept in place, it was time to determine how
to make it work. The frst step in confguring the column
transfer process was to establish the current loads being
supported by the four problematic inner columns at the
new elevator core location. Analysis showed that they were
supporting approximately 350,000 lb (350 kips or 175 tons)
of structural dead and live load.
The idea was to transfer each column load to a girder
which by jacking would redistribute that load to adjacent
outer columns and their respective undisturbed strip foot-
Steel bearing pedestals ensured the redistributed and trans-
ferred loads were properly induced into the outer columns
and footing system.
one of four 44-in.-deep, 50-ksi built-up steel plate girders with 3-in.-thick
fanges being lowered into the basement. the girders transferred column
loads of as much as 900 kips and facilitated a foundation replacement under
existing columns.
the jacking process required four 150-ton hydraulic jacks
for each steel collar and raised each of the four inner col-
umns approximately
3
16 in.

ings below. In total, eight columns were
needed for this redistribution and load
transfer process.
Two design challenges remained: the
transfer girders and their bearings at the
outer existing columns. Due to the load,
the support point locations and the overall
member length required, steel wide-fange
girders were the most feasible and eco-
nomical to design. A standard wide-fange
member able to sustain the desired load-
ing did not exist, so four 44-in.-deep 50
ksi built-up steel plate girders with 3-in.-
thick fanges were designed. The built-up
girders were 65 ft long, weighing approxi-
mately 17-tons (34,000 lb or 34 kips) each.
An intricately detailed built-up steel collar
assembly at each of the four inner columns
connected them to the new built-up steel
transfer girders.
The jacking would transfer as much
as 800 to 900 kips to the outer supports.
Steel bearing pedestals were designed to
ensure the redistributed and transferred
loads were properly induced into the outer
after the jacking process relieved the
load on the interior columns, the exist-
ing foundation in that area was demol-
ished and replaced with a larger, deeper
mat foundation.
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columns and footing system. A 12-ton assembly of steel
beams, posts, braces and a roller assembly for the trans-
fer beams to bear on was designed and fabricated for each
outer column.
The jacking process required four 150-ton hydraulic
jacks for each steel collar; for a total of 16 jacks. During
the process, each of the four inner columns was raised
approximately
3
16 in. upward and the transfer girders each
defected in. downward.
Having the four inner elevator core columns jacked
and the load redistributed to the four outer columns and
footings, the required demolition and removal process was
able to commence below the elevated built-up members.
That consisted of removing the existing strip footings and
the below-grade soil. Upon completion of the demolition
and removal process, the area had a new concrete founda-
tion installed. After a suitable time, the existing four inner
columns at the elevator core were lowered and the loads
transferred back to the desired foundation elements.
After completion of the substructure foundation sys-
tem, a new lateral system needed to be established that
would perform adequately under signifcantly increased
seismic and wind loads. This lateral system consists of a
new concrete shear wall surrounding the elevator core and
steel outriggers, both of which extend up to the original
roof elevation at the 13th foor level.
Numerous standard steel shapes were installed through-
out the existing lower levels to establish new faade edges
and infll existing slab openings. A structural system con-
sisting of standard wide-fange beams and girders support-
ing lightweight concrete over metal deck foor system was
chosen to limit the overall dead load of the new construc-
tion above the previous roof level.
To create the most direct load path, all new columns
were aligned with the existing column grid below. Ele-
ments of the new lateral system, which consists of steel
braced frames and moment frames, were embedded within
the new concrete core below.
The 150 Lafayette Street building, an early 20th century
12-story steel framed warehouse, has been transformed into
an early 21st century 28-story steel-framed boutique hotel,
another example of the challenges architects, engineers, and
developers face in New York City. However, it also shows
the lengths to which a design team must sometimes go to
when introducing new building designs into fully function-
ing neighborhoods. The project will be completed in early
2011.
Owner
Cape advisors, inc. new york
Architect
h. thomas ohara architects, PllC, new york
Structural Engineer
deSimone Consulting engineers, new york
General Contractor
gotham Construction Corporation, new york
installing large transfer girders allowed portions of the
existing buildings strip footing foundation system to be
severed, demolished, and removed to allow the new eleva-
tors to extend further below grade and through the existing
footing supports.
the new 7-ft-thick mat foundation for the elevator core, constructed under
the transfer beams, prior to infll placement. once complete the column
loads were transferred to the new foundation.
transition from the existing columns to where new columns for the upward
expansion would be connected, above the original structures roof.
incorporating the annual stability Conference

and the sustainable steel Conference
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FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER VISIT
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Incorporating the Annual Stability Conference
and the Sustainable Steel Conference
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New athletic facilities for the Loyola Ramblers used steel to tackle an aggressive
schedule, reduce foundation load requirements, and clear an existing structure.
KEY TO THE SUCCESS of the $25 million Norville Center for
Intercollegiate Athletics at Loyola University Chicago is a 100-ton
truss spanning portions of an existing building. In early 2009, Loy-
ola University Chicago offcially launched a $100 million multi-
phase building construction campaign to revamp and revitalize
student life and facilities on its main Lake Shore campus on the
north side of Chicago. Designed by architect Solomon Cordwell
Buenz, the three-story Norville Center, totaling 77,000 sq. ft, is
the frst phase of the project and will provide additional support
services for the universitys collegiate athletic functions.
Design began in early 2009 with the goal of breaking ground
by the end of that year. Loyola University challenged the design
and construction teams with an aggressive schedule requiring
thoughtful and early collaboration among the architect, consulting
engineers, and the general contractor. With an early issuance of
foundation drawings and site excavation beginning in December
2009, Halvorson and Partners, the structural engineer of record,
continued to coordinate and fnalize the remaining balance of the
steel framing superstructure with the architect and MEP consul-
tants. In addition to issuing a steel mill order package during the
early phases of the project, separate early drawing packages were
issued allowing the contractor to begin the steel submittal review
process and the start of fabrication, all well in advance of the issu-
ance of fnal architectural and MEP drawings. Steel erection began
in March 2010.
A composite foor framing system consisting of lightweight
concrete deck slabs supported by steel framing was selected during
the early conceptual phases of the project. Lateral stability for the
three-story building is typically provided by concentrically braced
frames using rectangular HSS members. Large column-free spaces
within the weight room, locker rooms, and offce areas resulted in
typical column bays ranging in size from 20 ft by 41 ft, 9 in. to 30
ft, 8 in. by 41 ft, 9 in. To achieve these long spans, a structural
steel solution was quickly determined to be the most logical and
economical choice for the project.
Minimizing foundation loads also was of concern to the proj-
ect team. The use of a deep foundation system, versus a shallow
foundation system, would not only add cost and lengthen the con-
struction schedule, but also increase the already lengthy permit-
ting process. In Chicago, any permanent or temporary foundation
element proposed to be deeper than 12 ft below grade requires an
additional permit review process from the citys Offce of Under-
ground Coordination. Consequently, the design team was tasked
by ownership to provide a building design that would keep founda-
tion loads within a range that would allow the use of shallow foot-
ings. The use of structural steel made this possible.
More room to Run
by MiCHaeL V. russeLL, s.e., P.e., LeeD aP
Michael V. Russell, S.E., P.E., LEED AP, is a project
engineer with Halvorson and Partners, Chicago, and
an AISC Professional Member. He has more than
seven years of experience providing design and con-
struction phase services for a variety of project types
including higher education, mixed use, exhibit facili-
ties, hotel, residential, offce and retail.
suspending the 183-ft-long truss over the existing
lobby vestibule allowed installation of the third foor
in very close proximity to the existing structure.
special attention to the truss top chord was required
because the truss had to be several feet deeper than
the foor-to-roof dimension.
images this spread by Halvorson and Partners

L-shaped in plan, the Norville Center is located
directly along the east and south sides of Loyolas
Joseph J. Gentile Center. Although the two buildings
behave as independent structures, they are connected
at various locations. The existing Gentile Center is
a multi-purpose arena which is the home court for
both mens and womens Rambler basketball teams.
A complete future renovation of the Gentile Center
along with the construction of a new student union
and other athletic facilities make up the remain-
ing phases of Loyolas campus facility upgrades and
improvements. All of these facilities, intended to
strengthen the student community, are to be inter-
linked with indoor corridors, naturally lit atriums,
and other common spaces such as a food court and a
rock climbing wall area.
The impact to the Gentile Center along the east
side, due to the new construction, is minimal. The
new perimeter columns and foundations for this
wing of the L-shaped Norville Center are intention-
ally held back approximately 20 ft from the existing
arena. Exposed structural steel roof framing mem-
bers and acoustical decking, along with multiple sky-
lights, bridge this gap to create a full-height naturally
lit atrium and interior corridor. This atrium roof
framing is vertically supported by both existing col-
umns from Gentile and new columns from Norville.
Because the buildings are designed to behave inde-
pendent of each other with respect to lateral move-
ment, specifc detailing was required to ensure this
framing did not rigidly link the buildings. This was
achieved with the use of structural slide bearings for
all roof framing connections to the Gentile Center.
The new construction along the south side pre-
sented a challenge for the project team. The exist-
ing main entrance lobby vestibule for the Gentile
Center projects south of the main arena footprint by
approximately 43 ft, 9 in. with an east-west length of
approximately 153 ft. Essential mechanical and elec-
trical systems for the arena are located on the second
level of this vestibule.
Initial project planning called for the demolition
of this south vestibule structure with the intent of
relocating the arenas MEP systems into the new
Norville Center addition. However, after further
studies by the mechanical engineer, engineers con-
cluded that any demolition and subsequent reloca-
tion of this MEP equipment would cause too much
disruption to the weekly operations of the arena.
Because the university uses the Gentile Center to
host many other non-athletic functions, the Gen-
tile Centers MEP equipment would need to remain
fully operational throughout construction of the
Norville Center. After considering various options, it was deter-
mined that the most economical solution was to use a long-span
truss to bridge the existing vestibule area.
The resulting 100-ton truss adjacent to the south side of the
Gentile Center supports both the foor and roof framing of the
south wing of the Norville Center. With a depth of 18 ft, 3 in.,
the truss spans the full 183-ft, 5-in. length of the wing. The
third foor beams frame directly into the bottom chord of the
truss. Similarly at the roof, all beams frame into truss web mem-
bers just below the top chord.
Extensive site surveying was completed to verify the proposed
elevation of the truss did clear the existing structure. To satisfy the
required defection criteria and to help ease tight clearance and
erection tolerances, truss cambering was specifed on the design
drawings and was built in during the assembly/fabrication process.
Due to span and tonnage, full assembly in the feld was
required as any signifcant shop assembly was not possible due
to transportation limitations. Truss chord members consist of
W14193, W14311 and W14398 with webs oriented hori-
zontally to simplify the all-bolted gusset plate connections to
the web members and supporting columns. The web members
consist of W1468, W1499, W14109, and W1876. Early pre-
construction meetings included the design team, the general
contractor, and fabricator in discussions of connection design
concepts and constructability considerations for the truss.
The fabricator, Minneapolis-based LeJeune Steel Com-
pany, employed multiple methods to simplify fabrication and
erection. To accommodate fabrication and erection tolerances,
slip-critical bolts in oversized holes in all plies were used at all
gusset plates truss connections. Unstiffened seated connections
receive the roof beams that frame into the webs of the truss
diagonals and partial-depth stiffener plates were provided at the
beam ends for stability, which simplifed erection.
To eliminate thick shims at the gusseted connections, nine of
the W1468 truss vertical web members in the original design
that connect to the W14398 chords were replaced with W1876
field assembly of the 183-ft-long truss, which took about a week,
was done on the ground beside the Gentile Center lobby vesti-
bule over which it would soon span. Note the support column on
each end adjacent to the existing structure.
The truss being lifted into place. Orienting the member webs per-
pendicular to the plane of the truss greatly simplifed the feld-bolted
connections.
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Model of the new L-shaped Norville Center showing the large
truss supporting both the third foor and roof.

members. This switch took advantage of the fact that the
depth of the W1876 matches the 18-in. depth of the
W14398 whereas the depth of a W1468 is 4 in. less. The
small increase in the weight of those nine members was eas-
ily offset by allowing more economical connections.
Bracing the Top Chord
Due to the foor-to-roof height of 14 ft, locating the truss
top and bottom chords at this vertical interval was not ade-
quate for both strength and serviceability reasons. Therefore,
increasing the truss depth required raising the top chord up
above the roof framing, similar to a parapet. Because the truss
top chord is located above the roof diaphragm, rather than
being directly connected to it, special design and connection
considerations were undertaken to account for the strength
and stiffness of the framing elements being relied upon to
adequately brace the top chord against buckling. Due to the
orientation of the chord members, weak axis buckling was only
considered for the unbraced length spanning between truss
panel points. However, global buckling about the top chords
strong-axis was evaluated along its entire 184-ft length.
Stability bracing in this strong-axis direction is pro-
vided by both the fexural stiffness of the roof diaphragm
and the fexural stiffness of the vertical truss web members
which cantilever up past the roof. Minimum vertical truss
web member sizes were selected to ensure this member
would act as a proper brace. In addition, all roof beam-
to-truss vertical web member connections were designed
and detailed to resist an axial force to ensure a proper load
path for the chords stability and bracing forces to be trans-
mitted into the roof diaphragm below. In addition to the
metal roof decking, the required roof diaphragm strength
and stiffness was provided by a horizontal truss using
WT8x22.5 diagonal members located within the horizon-
tal plane of the roof framing.
Field assembly took approximately a week and erec-
tion of this 100-ton truss occurred on April 13, 2010. The
Norville Center is scheduled to open in March 2011 with
the start of construction for the Gentile Center renovation,
Phase 2, immediately following in May 2011.
Owner
Loyola university Chicago
Architect
solomon Cordwell buenz, Chicago
Structural Engineer
Halvorson and Partners, Chicago
Steel Fabricator and Detailer
LeJeune steel Company, Minneapolis
(aisC Member)
Steel Erector
imperial Construction associates inc., Joliet, ill.
(iMPaCT Member)
General Contractor
Power Construction Company, schaumburg, ill.
Structural Software
revit, raM structural system, saP 2000
Three cranes held the truss in place while ironwork-
ers made the bolted connections to the support
column on each end of the truss.
The Norville Centers third foor level is above the Gentile Centers lobby ves-
tibule, supported by the huge truss on the right and columns on the left.
roof framing is attached to the truss below the level of the top chord.
H
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LeJeune steel Company
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Underground
utilities imposed site
constraints that led to
Arups striking solution.
THE DESIRE FOR an iconic bridge, combined with constraints
imposed by a spiderweb of underground utilities, led the designers of
a new $6.8 million pedestrian and bicycle bridge to design an arched
rib structure with curving members that meet at a common point to
minimize substructure requirements. Adding to the complexity, the
deck curves in plan, causing the arches to incline at slightly differ-
ent angles. The new Robert I. Schroder bridge provides safe passage
over busy Treat Boulevard in Contra Costa County to be an integral
part of the Iron Horse recreational trail. The trail, formerly a rail-
road corridor, also serves as a right of way for several underground
utilities and includes an easement for a future transit line. These
constraints made foundation placement complex and were the main
determinants for the design of the bridge structure.
Bridge Site
The bridge is sited within the Transit Village built around the
BART Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre station in Contra Costa
County. This station is one of the busiest in the BART system for
commuters. The surrounding development consists of high-density
residential condos and apartments, extensive commercial and retail
space, and high-rise garages for parking. The Transit Village and
the bridge have both been developed by the Contra Costa County
Redevelopment Agency, led by its director Jim Kennedy. The
Contra Costa County Public Works Department was charged with
managing the process for the fnal design, to get the project built,
and to maintain it after its completion.
Parallel to the BART system is a railroad right of way called the
Iron Horse Trail that by the late 1980s was no longer being used
by its original owner, the Southern Pacifc Railroad. Spearheaded
by Robert Schroder, then mayor of nearby Walnut Creek and later
a county supervisor, the county started purchasing this right of
way in the 1980s. Currently the trail connects residential and com-
mercial areas, business parks, schools, public transportation, open
space and parks, regional trails, and community facilities. It runs
north and south for some 30 miles in the San Francisco Bay Area.
The agency saw an opportunity to upgrade the trail in the area
by iGNaCiO baraNDiaraN, P.e.
of
Steel
near the BART station by adding a signature pedestrian bridge for

foot and cycling traffc. The new bridge takes the trail over the
heavily traveled, eight-lane Treat Boulevard.
Gaining Public Consensus
The agency selected Arup as the prime consultant for the
bridge. Being conscious of the appropriate use of public funds,
the agency called for a thorough community outreach program
to achieve consensus on the need, exact location, and form of the
bridge structure. The extensive outreach program required mul-
tiple meetings and design charettes with people and organizations
that provided a representative sampling of the community.
Although a relatively small project, the bridge involved a signif-
icant amount of decision complexity given the prominence of the
location and how the project could affect the neighboring stake-
holders. The public meetings made a concerted effort to explain
the physical constraints, cost issues, design trade-offs, and con-
struction aspects.
Ignacio Barandiaran, P.E., is a

principal in the San Francisco offce
of Arup and an AISC Professional
Member. An accomplished structural
engineer, he currently heads Arups
Transaction Advice business in
North and South America, leading
a team of technical and fnancial
transaction specialists.
The four steel arch sections suspended with two cranes and ready to be bolted together.
The blue bracing shown between them was removed when all bolting was completed.
spectacular night lighting effects showcase the dynamic and striking design of the bridge.
The arches meet at a common base point at each end, resulting in a narrow foundation and
thus avoiding existing underground utilities. The deck curves in plan, causing the arches to
incline away from the deck at slightly different angles.
The curved alignment of the deck was designed to make the
bridge the backdrop to the new park.
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The outreach process culminated in four buildable
bridge designs for the main spans superstructure: steel
cable-stayed, steel arch, steel truss, and concrete girder.
Designs for the approaches were similar and the alignment
was the same for all four.
Arup provided a detailed report on the design issues
and the estimated cost of construction for each main span
design. What followed in 2003 was a web-based preference
survey of all those who participated in the outreach meet-
ings and for the community at large. The survey requested
that respondents rank the designs in order of preference
from 1 to 4. More than a thousand people responded.
Through the preference survey the community ruled
out the plain concrete alternative. The cable-stayed bridge
was too costly. Considered to provide an appropriate bal-
ance among cost, function, and aesthetics, the arch edged
out the somewhat less expensive steel truss.
Dealing with Site Constraints
Among the many constraints that are typical in the
design of infrastructure projects in the public right of
way, one most affected bridge design for this project: the
existing underground utilities along the Iron Horse Trail.
Each of the several utility owners had specifc easement
rights, concerns with maintenance and access, and plans for
new facilities in the future. Underground utilities include
a 60-in.-diameter sanitary sewer, an 84-in. storm sewer, a
jet fuel line, underground power cables, a gas line, potable
water mains and fber-optic cables. A 115 kV transmis-
sion cable looms overhead. The underground utility con-
straints ruled out shallow spread footings that would limit
their access and expansion. This required the alignment to
weave its way around the utilities such that foundations of
minimal width could be placed to avoid them.
In the case of the winning arch design, the solution used
a pair of inclined arches coming down to a single narrow,
deep foundation at each end of the main span. Vertical arches
would have required two foundations and a pile cap on each
end, which would have more than doubled the width and
would have conficted with utilites. For example, at the south
end the arch foundation is wedged between the sanitary and
storm sewer pipes. Each of the foundations consists of two,
90-ft-deep, 6-ft-diameter piles along the bridge alignment
that are tied together by a narrow pile cap.
The Iron Horse Trail includes a linear park on the north
side of Treat Boulevard adjacent to the bridge. A bridge
straight across the roadway would have hidden the park
as viewed from the adjacent street to the west of the park.
The community outreach programs indicated that people
wanted to avoid the park being hidden behind a bridge
structure. As a result, the bridge curves in plan toward
the east in an S shape as it approaches the north side. In
this way the bridge preserves a grove of heritage oak trees,
becomes an attractive backdrop for the park, and does not
provide concealment for unwanted nighttime activities.
Designing the Arch Conguration
The utility constraints and lateral curve of the deck were
the main drivers of the design of the bridge arches. The
single deep foundation at each end meant that the arches
had to incline outward and away from each other. The lat-
Precast concrete inclined columns ready to receive the steel arches, which
are bolted to the steel connections at the top of the inclined columns.
The main span of the arch, with a length of 240 ft, crosses Treat boulevard
with a curving deck and independent arches inclined away from the deck.
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eral curvature of the deck meant that the
arches had to incline outward at different
angles. The arch on the east side is more
vertical that that on the west side.
One of the most important structural
design aspects of the bridge is the lateral
bracing of the arches which was placed just
below the deck. This allows the full length
of the arch ribs above the deck, over three-
quarters of their length, having no cross-
bracing connecting the two arches together.
Bracing the asymmetrical outwardly inclin-
ing arches above the deck would have been
awkward because of the increasing distance
across from arch to arch as they incline
outward. As it is, pedestrians and cyclists
traversing the bridge have an open, roofess
feeling. From afar the bridge resembles the
wings of a butterfy.
The steel arch ribs are supported on
inclined 42-in.-diameter concrete columns
that follow the arch line of thrust. The
length of the steel ribs from one column to
the other is 240 ft. A curved steel box beam
brace across the tops of the inclined con-
crete columns provides a stiff point to brace
the steel arches below the deck. The two
arches come down and bolt to the top of the
columns and to the middle of the box beam.
Each arch rib consists of three 10-in.-
diameter steel pipes in a triangular cross
section. Steel box stiffeners connect the
three pipes together at roughly 13-ft inter-
vals so that the three pipes for each rib
form a composite structural section. This
choice over a more conventional single,
large-diameter steel pipe had two advan-
tages: frst, smaller diameter pipes are more
readily available than larger ones, and,
second, the built-up arch rib has an open,
more airy look that offers interesting light
and shadow effects.
Connection plates welded to the under-
side of the stiffener boxes serve to attach
a pair of cables at each of the 24 locations
where the deck hangs from the arches. The
cables in each pair cross each other and form
a vertically elongated X shape as they
stretch from the arches down to each side of
the deck. California regulations require that
pedestrian bridges have a projectile fence
as they cross over streets and highways.
This requirement posed a special challenge
to the design team: how to provide for this
safety feature and avoiding a caged feel-
ing for the bridge users. Taking advantage
of the leaning arches with an open top, the
design of the projectile fence was integrated
with the geometry of the arches. The fence,
which is made from a woven stainless steel
mesh, is complemented with a pair of low
and high hand rails along the full length of
the deck. This design makes the 10-ft width
of the deck feel more spacious.
An important requirement for the bridge
was to have adequate lighting on the deck
and in the surrounding park for user safety, as
well as appropriate decorative lighting. The
design team developed a system of strip LED
lights that is concealed in a cove integral with
the deck structure, and supplemented by
ground mounted fxtures to illuminate the
sidewalks and the bridge superstructure.
The top of stainless steel projectile fence follows the crossing points of the dual cables
that support the deck, thus creating an arched shape for the fence. The higher of the two
handrails is for cyclists.
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AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARDS INSTITUTE/ STEEL DECK INSTITUTE
Non-Composite Steel Floor Deck
STEEL DECK I NSTI TUTE
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copyright 2010 steel deck institute

NC - 2010 Standard for
s
AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARDS INSTITUTE/ STEEL DECK INSTITUTE
Steel Roof Deck
STEEL DECK
I NSTI TUTE
s
copyright 2010 steel deck institute
RD - 2010 Standard for
P.O. Box 25 Fox River Grove, IL 60021
(p) 847.458.4647
www. sdi . org
Our recently updated American
National Standards Institute
(ANSI) / Steel Deck Institute (SDI)
standards for Steel Roof Deck
(RD - 2010), and Non-Composite
Steel Floor Deck (NC - 2010) are
now available for FREE download
on our website. Visit www.sdi.org.
Download our
UPDATED standards.
(theyre still FREE)
Erecting the Bridge
In the spring of 2009 the Contra Costa County Public Works
Department received eight bids for the construction of the project
and awarded the contract to Robert A. Bothman of San Jose, Calif.
The winning bid of approximately $6.8 million was almost 20%
below the engineers estimate, which along with the number of
bids refected the competitive market conditions at that time.
Arup required the erection subcontractor, Adams & Smith, to
develop a dimensionally accurate 3D CAD model for bridge fab-
rication and a detailed erection procedure. The complex geometry
of the bridge ruled out reliance on conventional 2D shop drawings.
Adams & Smiths chief engineer, Jeff Darby, developed the erection
procedure and retained a construction engineer, OPAC, to perform
a detailed structural engineering analysis of each stage of erection.
The 3D CAD model was developed by Axis Steel Detailing and was
required to be cross-checked with the construction engineers own
analytical model.
Adams & Smith subcontracted fabrication to Mountain States
Steel, which fabricated each arch rib in two 120-ft segments for
shipping to the site. Each of the four rib sections weighed approxi-
mately 20 tons. Mountain States fabricated the deck in 11 sections
of various lengths weighing from 10 to 18 tons each. The design
team selected splice locations in the arches and deck to maximize
the sections for shop fabrication and to ensure that they could be
shipped by truck. The design was such that no feld welding was
required.
Erection of the bridge took place over three nights in June
2010. The arch ribs arrived on site in four pieces, and were bolted
together and to the inclined column supports during erection the
frst night using two cranes. On the following weekend night clo-
The deck was designed as an integral boat-like structure in sections
approximately 60 ft long that were shop fabricated and painted,
then shipped to the site and feld bolted.
each arch rib is built up from three 10-in.-diameter steel pipes bent
to the appropriate radius and welded together with steel box stiff-
eners spaced at approximately 14 ft along the length of the ribs.
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arches being lowered onto the inclined concrete column
supports, prior to being bolted down.
Two arch sections are lifted to their fnal positions with temporary
bracing. The were erected on the frst of three weekend night closures.
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sures erection crews used one crane to hang
the deck sections from the cables and bolt
them together. Additional night closures
allowed for fnal cable tension adjustments
and installation of the projectile fence.
The extensive planning work that was
done initially by the design team and then by
the construction team paid off. Working as a
team with the owner to anticipate and resolve
issues as they arose, the site work proceeded
quickly and on time and on budget ready for
its inauguration on October 2, 2010.
The new bridge makes the Iron Horse
Trail safer at a busy thoroughfare and pro-
vides an attractive structure for the com-
munity. The urban redevelopment project
at the Contra Costa Centre Transit Village
now has an iconic piece of infrastructure
that is both a place marker and gateway. As
reporter John King of the San Francisco
Chronicle newspaper put it in his article
reviewing the bridge, The Robert I. Schro-
der Overcrossing shows what an icon can be.
This larger cultural role is what civic infra-
structure can achieve when built with ambi-
tion and the long-term view.
Owner
Contra Costa County, Calif.
Prime Consultant
aruP, san franscisco
Steel Detailer
axis steel Detailing, inc., Orem, utah
(aisC Member)
Steel Fabricator
Mountain states steel, Lindon, utah
(aisC Member)
Steel Erector
adams and sm ith, Li ndon, utah
(aisC Member)
Construction Management
TrC solutions, rancho Cordova, Calif.
The Hanna Group, san franscisco
General Contractor
robert a. bothman, san Jose, Calif.
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Designing
Steel framing designed with a missing foor will
accommodate future interior modifcations for this
North Carolina State University science center.
by asHLey G. Parker, P.e.
for the
future
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WHEN REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT FIRM Keystone Corpo-

ration and North Carolina State University entered into a public/
private partnership to create a new Science Center, they realized it
was imperative to design the facility to accommodate future expan-
sion. But in this case, that expansion meant the capability of adding
an interior foor to the high-bay, 72,000-sq.-ft facility.
To meet the needs of its main tenant, the building is designed
with 30-ft-tall ceilings in the central lab area. However, it is antici-
pated that future tenants wont require such high ceilings so the
structural system was designed to easily accommodate adding a
second interior foor.
The owner wanted a building that was fexible enough to
accommodate the needs of its current tenant, yet also allowed for
adjustment should a tenants needs differ years down the road, said
Banning Reed, principal of Fluhrer Reed, the Raleigh, N.C., struc-
tural engineering frm hired for the job. Thats where the idea of
designing the building for a missing foor came into play.
Adding to the challenge, the buildings roof needed to be
designed to support 268 solar panels.
Now You See It Now You Dont
It was imperative for the building to have large, open foors to
accommodate potential tenants with a wide variety of commercial
space needs. When a top researcher in the integration of alternate
energy technology and the nations power grid showed interest in
leasing a large portion of the building, the developer and the uni-
versity jumped. However, the lab space required a 30-ft-tall, two-
story high bay volume.
We looked at the high bay area two ways, Reed said. That
gave the current tenant the space they needed but allowed the
developer to accommodate future leasable options.
First, the steel in the lab area was analyzed to take the full out-of-
plane wind loads imposed on the members without an intermediate
foor being present. Second, the area was analyzed to take gravity loads
as if an elevated foor would be added in the space at a later date.
To account for the absence of the second foor, W10 columns
were designed as completely unbraced by an interstitial foor for
their entire 30-ft height. The perimeter spandrel beams were
designed to also take the full out-of-plane bending loads from the
wind that would need to be resisted by the beams when no foor is
present. These beams were designed as unbraced by other beams
or decking. Engineers used wide-fange beams to frame these areas
rather than HSS members which typically are better at handling
out-of-plane loading. The engineers recognized that if a future
foor was added, connecting the new foor beams to wide-fange
beams would be much easier than making connections with HSS
tubes as spandrel beams. We had to think 10 to 20 years down the
road and what the potential needs of the tenants of the space would
be at that time, said Reed. W14 and W18 sections were used for
the perimeter beams with fanges that were wide enough to give
the beams resistance to out-of-plane loads without bracing them.
After designing the high-bay area without the intermediate
foor, the engineers added the potential second foor framing into
their models with loads equal to that of a typical composite steel
offce foor. That allowed them to verify that the beams, columns
Ashley Parker, P.E. is a structural

engineer and the director of business
development for Fluhrer Reed, PA,
Raleigh, N.C. She is a civil engi-
neeing graduate of North Carolina
State University and an AISC Pro-
fessional Member. She can be reached
at agparker@fuhrerreed.com.
Viewing the keystone science Center from the outside, one would
not know it was designed with a missing floor to accommodate
the need for a high-bay lab.
The new facility opened in July 2010 and includes 268 rooftop
solar panels, concealed by screens along with the other rooftop
equipment.
The front entry of the keystone science Center, located on North
Carolina state universitys Centennial Campus.
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and foundations would be adequate if an
interstitial foor was added at a later date.
Fluhrer Reed also designed and detailed
the exterior wall studs to bypass the span-
drel beams, yet the connections bracing the
components to the beams were designed to
withstand the vertical defection if a foor
was added in the future.
Here Comes the Sun
Another challenging design component
of the project was designing the support
of 268 solar panels that were required by
occupants of the science center. Fluhrer
Reeds engineers worked with the solar
panel provider to design suitable support
framing for the panels. In particular, engi-
neers used special wind tunnel testing data,
supplied by the manufacturer, to account
for wind loads that would be imposed on
the panels.
The project included a 12-ft-tall roof-
top mechanical enclosure at its completion.
Designed to conceal large mechanical units
necessary for operations in the center, the
14,300-sq.-ft, L-shaped enclosure was cre-
ated by extending the buildings interior
columns through the roof level to form
the supports for the mechanical area. HSS
beams were framed between the extended
columns and flled in with cold-formed
metal wall studs to form the enclosures
screen wall. Metal panel was specifed to
clad the exterior of the wall.
After completing the construction of
the enclosure, it was determined that an
extensive solar panel system would be
added to the roof of the building. The solar
panel provider specifed that the panels
were to be mounted to a support frame at
a 45 angle to optimize their sun exposure.
However, potential damage to the existing
roofng membrane when constructing the
solar panel support frame had to be taken
into account.
We approached the design of the solar
panel support framing as a kit of parts,
Reed said. We asked ourselves, how can we
design a structure that is easily constructed
and will not damage the parts of the build-
The Keystone Science Center was
born in the midst of the Great Reces-
sion and is the product of collabora-
tion between the university and real
estate development frm Keystone
Corporation. As things turned out, it
was the only offce building to break
ground in 2009 in North Carolinas
Triangle area, which in recent years
had been growing rapidly.
The new structure is located on
North Carolina State Universitys Cen-
tennial Campus, a 1,314-acre tract of
land located south of the main cam-
pus created in 1984 and devoted to
a partnership between the university
and private corporations. In order
to call Centennial Campus home, a
private company must have a pro-
grammatic connection to N.C. State
through collaborative research, stu-
dent internships or other avenues.
Currently, more than 60 corporations,
government offces and nonproft
organizations are located on Centen-
nial Campus and an estimated six mil-
lion sq. ft of space is yet to be devel-
oped on the campus.
As a forward-looking project,
developing the Keystone Science
Center as a building that would be
practical and economical for current
and future tenants was vital. The
building design required meeting
the needs of the university along with
creating highly desirable, leasable
offce space for private corporations
and researchers. Those needs, cou-
pled with the proposed fast-paced
14-month design and construction
schedule made structural steel an
ideal choice for the center.
At its grand opening in July,
2010, the building was 98% leased;
an impressive accomplishment for
a multi-tenant commercial offce
building during such trying eco-
nomic times.
The new Keystone
Science Centers
lab area features a
30-ft-tall high bay.
An Adaptable Structure in a Good Location

ing that are already in place? Field weld-
ing of connections and general erection
techniques had the potential of burning or
tearing the waterproof roof membrane, and
adding columns to support the proposed
frame was not an option. Engineers ulti-
mately designed a solution that included
connecting the panel support frames to the
existing rooftop mechanical screen wall.
Constructed of HSS 88 members
that span between the existing mechani-
cal screen columns, strut channel infll and
smaller HSS braces to resist lateral loads,
all of the steel members in the panel sup-
port structure were designed to be shop
welded together and then bolted to the
existing mechanical screen columns in the
feld. The strut channels, to which the solar
panels were mounted, were also bolted to
the steel frame in the feld. This allowed the
pieces of the solar panel support structure
to ft together quickly and easily without
feld welding connections, thus minimizing
the risk of damage to the roof.
The Keystone of Success
Keeping in mind the needs of its current
users and the potential needs of its future
occupants, the Keystone Science Center
proved to be a practical and cost-effective
project for N.C. State and Keystone Cor-
poration during one of the most diffcult
economic situations in many years.
The structure required just 250 tons
of structural steelless than seven lb per
sq. ftwhich allowed engineers to use a
foundation of shallow spread footings. By
utilizing the fexibility of steel, Fluhrer
Reeds structural engineers were able
to design a building that meets the wide
ranging needs of researchers, businesses
and university students while also offer-
ing desirable, leasable space for the owner
today and in the future.
Developer
Keystone Corporation, Raleigh, N.C.
Architect
HagerSmith Design, PA, Raleigh, N.C.
Structural Engineer
Fluhrer Reed, PA, Raleigh, N.C.
Steel Fabricator
McCombs Steel, Statesville, N.C.
(AISC Member)
General Contractor
Shelco Corporation, Raleigh, N.C.
Structural Software
RAM Structural System, Revit Structure
42 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION FebRUARy 2011
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Practical Connection Design for
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Design Steel Your Way II:
Ef cient Analysis for Steel Design
Using the 2005 AISC Speci cation
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4/27

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HSS Connection Design/
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2/22

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3/24

Buffalo, NY
3/29

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3/31

Washington DC
5/19

Miami, FL
SteeLCAMP
6/1617 New York City, NY
7/2122 San Francisco, CA
Practical Connection Design for
Economical Steel Structures
2/15

Cincinnati, OH
3/15

Richmond, VA
5/26

Philadelphia, PA
Design Steel Your Way II:
Ef cient Analysis for Steel Design
Using the 2005 AISC Speci cation
4/7

Providence, RI
4/27

Denver, CO
HSS Connection Design/
Dos and Donts of Steel Construction 2/17

Salt Lake City, UT
2/22

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3/1

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3/1

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4/5

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4/26

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best Tips of the 21st Century:
Connections
t
TOOLS, TECHNIQUES, MATERIALS, and personnel change
over time. Technology never stands still; tasks and responsibilities
change; and new people continually enter the workforce. Thus
even the unquestioned rules of thumb, the elements of common
knowledge, can usually bear repeating.
MSC regularly recruits experienced and knowledgeable practi-
tioners from across the industry to share their accumulated wisdom
with regard to structural steel fabrication, design and construction.
With the frst decade of this century now complete, we asked AISCs
Heath Mitchell and Matthew Brady to reiterate what they view as
some of the most useful concepts from this 10-year span.
17 Connection Tips That Are Worth Repeating
Heath Mitchell, P.E., is AISCs director of technical assistance. He
joined the AISC Steel Solutions Center in November 2010 and
coordinates all of the answers to technical questions submitted to
AISC through the Steel Solutions Center.
Mitchell previously worked for AISC from 1999 to 2001. Since
then he has been employed by PCS Structural Solutions, Tacoma,
Wash., while maintaining his involvement with AISC as a commit-
tee volunteer. He also has worked part-time on the AISC technical
assistance panel over the last year.
Here are 17 of Mitchells favorite tips on connections, gleaned
from MSC articles published since 2000. The source article is
noted at the end of each tip.
1. Always provide complete load paths (including transfer
forces) where there are axial forces. Keep load paths simple.
(Schneur, 2003)
2. Simplify as much as possible. For example, make column-
base details symmetrical, use the same spacing for expansion
anchors and minimize the number of sizes of slab edge clo-
sures/pour-stops. This expedites the fabrication and erection
process and greatly reduces the number of possible mistakes
and repair costs. (Schneur, 2003)
3. Use single-pass fllet welds where possible. A
3
8-in. fllet weld
requires 44% more material and 100% more labor, but it is
only 20% stronger than a
5
16-in. fllet weld. (Schneur, 2003)
4. Avoid the weld-all-around symbol. It is expensive, and in a
lot of cases its not requiredand sometimes its even prohib-
ited. (Schneur, 2003)
5. Group similar connections rather than have several different
connections. Connections on a project should be as uniform
as possible to save fabrication time and reduce the possibility
of errors. (Drucker, 2004)
6. Avoid overhead welding. The preferred welding positions are
fat and horizontal. Overhead welding is diffcult, costly and
generally yields lower quality welds. For single-pass SMAW
fllet welds, it can take four times as long as welding in the fat
or horizontal position. (Drucker, 2004)
by HeaTH MiTCHeLL, P.e., aND MaTTHeW braDy, P.e.
{ }
Source Material for Best Tips of the 21st
CenturyPart 1
57 Tips for reducing Connection Costs,
by Victor schneur, P.e. (July 2003 MSC)
30 Good rules for Connection Design,
by Carol Drucker, s.e. (May 2004 MSC)
24 Tips for simplifying braced frame
Connections, by Victor schneur, P.e.
(May 2006 MSC)
59 Tips & More for economical Design,
compiled by Geoff Weisenberger
(January 2008 MSC)
in the Moment, by Victor schneur, P.e.
(June 2009 MSC)
98 Tips for Designing structural steel, by
James M. fisher, P.e., Ph.D., and Michael
a. West, P.e. (september 2010 MSC)
all articles are available as free downloads on
the MSC website, www.modernsteel.com/
backissues.
A collection of some of the decades most useful
concepts gleaned from the pages of MSC.
7. Consider fnishing to bear. For connections with high compressive
loads, it could be more economical to fnish the steel to bear and pro-
vide AISCs minimum-required weld size instead of transferring the
compressive force through large fllet or groove welds. When steel is
to be fnished to bear, it must be indicated on the connection detail.
The detail also should call for the beam fanges to be square to the
beam web. In detailing, stiffeners might need to be longer than d-2t
f

for beam overrun in depth and variation in beam-fange thickness. Per
AISC Specifcation Section M, gaps not exceeding
1
16 in. are permitted
in bearing connections. (Drucker, 2004)
8. At beam-to-HSS column moment connections, use direct moment
connections when possible. Moment connections in which the beams
fanges or fange plates are welded directly to the face of the HSS col-
umn are the most economical moment connection to an HSS column.
It is preferred over cut-out plate (doughnut) or throughplate connec-
tions. If the resistance of the direct moment connection is insuffcient,
then a cut-out connection is preferred to an expensive through-plate
connection. The limit states for direct moment connections are given
in the HSS Specifcation in AISCs LRFD Manual of Steel Construction,
3rd Edition. They include effective fange width, and yielding, crip-
pling, and punching shear and buckling of the side walls. The HSS
Specifcation does not include the limit state for yielding of the HSS face
given in equations (5-2) and (5-3) in AISCs HSS Connections Manual.
Based on conversations with AISC, this limit state was omitted due to
limited testing and does not need to be considered. (Drucker, 2004)
9. Dont use fully restrained moment connections to resist torsion.
Typically, a
5
16-in. or
3
8-in. end plate shop-welded to both fanges or
bolted fange angles will provide adequate strength. Note that con-
nection fexibility can be provided by keeping bolts at the end plate
between the fanges, or using snug-tight bolts in the slotted holes in
horizontal legs of fange angles. (Figures 1 and 2 illustrate these con-
nection concepts.) (Schneur, 2009)
10. Shop-weld short cantilevers to the column as shown in Figure 3.
This will make the erection much safer. (Schneur, 2009)
11. At cantilever-to-beam connections, when the bottom fange is
always in compression, use an end-plate connection extended below
the bottom fange as illustrated in Figure 6, on the following page.
In this case, top-fange tensile force will be resisted by a CJP weld or
fange plate, and bottom-fange compressive force will be resisted by
bearing. Any feld connection (CJP weld or fange plate) is eliminated
at the bottom fange. The same concept can be applied to:
Cantilever and backing beam-to-column moment connections
when the bottom fange is always in compression.
Field splices for beams and plate girders when the top fange is
always in compression. (Schneur, 2009)
12. When rolled beams and plate girders need to be feld-spliced, use
end-plate connections described in AISC Steel Design Guide 16, Flush
and Extended Multiple-Row Moment End-Plate Connections, when pos-
sible. (Schneur, 2009)
13. Moment connections to embedded plates in concrete require spe-
cial details because of the different tolerances for steel and concrete.
When designing these connections:
Make embedded plates larger than required for connections to
allow for concrete tolerances.
Size embedded plate thickness conservatively; it may be moved
from the design position, and fange tensile force will not be
applied at the theoretical location. (Schneur, 2009)
Fig. 1: end-Plate
Connection for
Torsion
Fig. 2: flange-
angle Connection
for Torsion
Fig. 3: shop Welded short Cantilever

Heath Mitchell, P.E., is AISCs
director of technical assistance.
Headed studs are preferable to transfer beam
fange tensile force. When large moments
need to be resisted and long anchors/rebars
are required, consider using anchors that are
feld attached to the plates or feld-screwing
anchors into the couplers shop-welded to the
plates. This will make fabrication and installa-
tion easier.
All connection material needs to be feld-
welded to the embedded plates because of
interference with formwork.
Flange-plated connections feld-welded to both
the beam and embedded plate are preferred
because of much tighter tolerances for steel than
for concrete members. (Schneur, 2009)
Fig. 6: Cantilever Moment Connection at
W-beam when end Moment is not reversible
(bottom flange is always in Compression)
14. When using a feld-bolted top fange plate, make a note to provide deck
bearing at the fange connection. A -in. shim between plate and fange can
be extended providing support in lieu of a standard deck angle. Figure 7
shows an example with a -in. shim. (Schneur, 2009)
15. Make embedded plates a minimum 6 in. to 8 in. larger than required for
connections as a rule of thumb. Field fxes for embedded plates that are mis-
located are time-consuming and expensive. (Weisenberger, 2008)
16. Maximize work requiring intermittent rather than continuous inspection.
As codes and standards have evolved, the amount of third party inspection
has increased. These inspections are in addition to the quality control work
of the contractors and can impose a signifcant burden on the project. The
types of connections used will affect the amount of third party inspection
work that has to be performed in the feld and the associated costs. Inspec-
tion is covered in Chapter 17 of the International Building Code and in Chap-
ter N of the 2010 AISC Specifcation for Structural Steel Buildings. For a dis-
cussion of inspection terminology and requirements, see Quality Time,
Modern Steel Construction, March 2010 (available at www.modernsteel.
com/backissues). (Fisher and West, 2010)
17. Minimize the need for stiffeners and doubler plates. This greatly reduces
costs (see table). (Fisher and West, 2010)
10 Things to Keep in Mind About Structural Steel Connections
Matthew Brady, P.E., is the newest member of the AISC Steel Solutions Center
team. In addition to providing conceptual studies to decision makers on a wide
variety of building projects looking to utilize structural steel as their framing
system, he also answers incoming technical questions. Prior to joining AISC in
December, Brady worked in Chicago designing buildings at Holabird & Root,
and bridges for Alfred Benesch, as well as working for Lockheed Martin on FAA-
related projects. He also is company commander for the 631st Engineer Support
Company of the Illinois Army National Guard.
Here are 10 key ideas, from MSC articles published over the last 10 years,
each with additional related points, that he recommends keeping in mind. The
source for each is noted in parentheses.
1. Review the member sizes for connection economy:
a. Preferably, a supporting beam should have at least the same depth as the
supported beam. (Schneur, 2003)
b. Dont frame W8 beams into the webs of heavy W-shapes or plate gird-
ers. The thick fanges of the heavier shapes will require excessiveand
sometimes impossiblecopes in the W8. (Schneur, 2003)
c. Favor W12 and W14 sections (especially for typical gravity columns)
whenever possible. The distance between fanges makes web connec-
tions easier. Unless architecturally required, avoid W10 and W8 columns
because they have very limited space between fanges, which makes con-
nections more diffcult. (Schneur, 2003)
d. Consider using heavier member sizes (especially in column sections) to
eliminate reinforcement (stiffeners and doublers). Chapter 3 in AISC
Steel Design Guide 13, Stiffening of Wide-Flange Columns at Moment Con-
nections: Wind and Seismic Applications, provides suggestions and cost com-
parisons. (Schneur, 2003)
Estimated Steel Requirements for Stiffeners

1 pair of fillet welded stiffeners 300 lb
2 pair of fillet welded stiffeners (at top and bottom girder flanges) 600 lb
1 pair of groove welded stiffeners 1,000 lb
2 pair of groove welded stiffeners (at top and bottom girder flanges) 2,000 lb
1 doubler plate 350 lb
Table data for fisher & West No. 81
Matthew Brady, P.E.,

is an advisor in the
AISC Steel Solutions
Center.
Fig. 7: Deck bearing at bolted flange-Plate
Connection
e. Provide adequate fange width at perimeter members. Pro-
vide beams that frame slab openings to support deck and
pour stops, and to weld studs. (Schneur, 2003)
f. Least weight is NOT always least cost! Select member sizes
with suffcient depth to provide reasonable connections. For
example, use a W1626 rather than a W1422, especially if
the member is coped. (Weisenberger, 2008)
g. Do not reinforce beam web penetrations unless absolutely nec-
essary. (Weisenberger)
2. Make embedded plates a minimum 6 in. to 8 in. larger than
required for connections to allow for concrete tolerances. Field
fxes for embedded plates that are misallocated are time and
money consuming. (Schneur, 2003)
3. Use single pass fllet welds where possible:
a. Limit the maximum fllet weld size to
5
16 in. (especially in
the feld). This is the maximum-size weld that can be com-
pleted in a single pass using the shielded-metal arc-welding
(SMAW) process. Smaller, longer welds are preferred over
larger, shorter welds. (Drucker, 2004)
b. Select fllet welds over partial-penetration groove welds
when possible. Select partial-penetration groove welds over
full-penetration groove welds when possible. (Weisenberger,
2008)
c. Larger weld sizes generally require multiple passes and may
require increased levels of inspection and thus add cost.
(Fisher and West, 2010)
4. Avoid the weld-all-around symbol.
a. For column base plates, fllet welds that wrap around the
fange ends (fange toes) and web-to-fange fllets take addi-
tional time because of changing weld positions and may lead
to cracks due to high residual stresses in the welds. Also, these
welds add very little to the strength. (Schneur, 2006)
b. Try to stay with welds on both sides of the web and fanges,
if possible. (Schneur, 2006)
c. Gravity columns to base plates should rarely need welding
all around. Normally welding one side of the web, the out-
side of one fange and the inside of the other fange is suf-
fcient. (Weisenberger, 2008)
5. At bolted fange-plated connections, the fange plate should
not be the same width as the beam fange. Allow at least a -in.
difference on each side of the plate at bolted fange platted
connections. If bolt holes misalign in the fled, there will be
suffcient shelf dimension to place longitudinal fllet welds to
compensate for the missing bolts. (Drucker, 2004)
6. Avoid slotted holes in plates thicker than the bolt diameter.
Slots in thick plates are hard to punch and must be fame-cut,
which is diffcult and costly. Standard holes or oversized holes
are preferred. (Drucker, 2004)
7. Do not over-economize connections:
a. If the overall connection confguration is virtually the same,
reducing the amount of weld or bolt count in a single non-
repetitive connection, by even a large percentage (e.g., in
excess of 25% to 30%), will probably increase the overall
time and expense of the project. Repeating connections
will reduce connection design, detailing, layout, fabrica-
tion, and erection costs due to the reduced learning curve.
(Weisenberger, 2008)
b. Time spent on connection design should be consistent with
time spent on analysis and member design. Remember that the
majority of shop and feld labor is in the connections. Approxi-
mately 30% of the cost of structural steel relates to material
costs. The rest is highly dependent on connection costs. Spend
time thinking through the connections. (Fisher and West,
2010)
8. When showing stiffeners or other plate material, use popular
fat bar sizes and UM plate sizes:
a. (usually
3
16 in., in.,
5
16 in., in.,
5
8 in., in., and 1in. thick-
nesses and widths 1 in. through 6 in., 8 in., 10 in., and 12 in.).
(Weisenberger)
b. Bars make more sense than handling a 96-in. by 20-ft plate
just to cut a few fttings. (Weisenberger, 2008)
c. Also, avoid extremely large and thick angle sizes when deal-
ing with a small amount of fttings. (Weisenberger, 2008)
9. Read ASTM 6:
a. An understanding of steel mill production tolerances will
play a major role in the design and detailing of steel frames
and their connections. Designers should be familiar with
mill tolerances when selecting members and designing con-
nections. Essential parameters are permissible variations in
overall depth, fange tilt, and the position of the web in the
wide-fange shape. Recognizing these allowable variations
from square and true will guide designers to design connec-
tions that are complete and relatively easy to ft up. Allowance
for the variations must be included in the connection design.
This is usually accomplished with gaps for shims, and over-
sized and slotted holes. (Fisher and West, 2010)
b. Always design and detail connections for the tolerances.
At every moment connection, the web and both fanges of
the framing beam are connected to the supporting member.
Disregarding tolerances may make connections unworkable
and lead to costly modifcation. Refer to ASTM A6/A6M/
AISC Code of Standard Practice for Steel Buildings and Bridges,
and AWS D1.1 for the allowable mill, fabrication and erec-
tion tolerances. Depending on actual connections, there are
a number of different ways to provide for tolerances. For
example, for directly welded fange-to-plate connections
at column webs, specify connection plates thicker than the
fanges; use slip-critical bolts in oversized holes for fange-
plated connections, etc. (Schneur, 2009)
c. And never forget constructability and clearances for welds
and bolts. For example, when a directly welded moment
connection is made to a column web, locate the bolt group
for the web connection outside of the column fanges. This
simplifes erection and bold pretensioning and reaming, if
required. (Schneur, 2009)
10. Be aware of OSHA Subpart R rules for steel erection. OSHA
1926.756(c)(1) prohibits double connections at columns and/or
beam webs overall column where all the bolts are common to
both connections, unless means is provided to secure the frst
beam erected from falling away when the second beam is erected.
Figures 2-13 through 2-17 in AISC Detailing for Steel Construc-
tion, Third Edition, provide common solutions that conform
to the rule. If staggered connections are used, check that the
T-dimension can accommodate the extra row of bolts. Other
OSHA Subpart R rules are cited in this article and the complete
list is available at www.osha.gov. (Fisher and West, 2010)
O
Incorporated into the new IBC, the new 43rd Edition Specifcations
and COSP include two key changes for designers using
open-web steel joists and joist girders.
OPEN-WEB STEEL JOISTS are easy to use, very economi-
cal and commonly utilized in many building applications. With
the variety of uses it can be diffcult to have an all-inclusive yet
concise specifcation. In the creation of the 43rd Edition of the
Steel Joist Institute Specifcation, which includes the K-series,
LH/DLH-series, Joist Girders and Code of Standard Practice
(COSP), a more practical approach has been taken to better
defne the actual uses of these products.
Provisions and products that are no longer valid have been
removed. The Specifcation and COSP have been reviewed to
better defne areas that might have been subject to interpre-
tation in the past. They also have been expanded to better
establish design methods so that these products will be more
fexible and simpler to specify. The result is a more practical
Specifcation and COSP.
The revision to the 43rd Specifcation and COSP was pre-
pared for inclusion by reference in the 2012 International
Building Code (IBC). Due to the extent of the changes, 40
balloted revisions were included in the 43rd Specifcation.
Some of these revisions include previously unpublished
design checks and assumptions, better use of mandatory
code language and reorganization of certain sections for
better clarity. Most importantly, the changes are all aimed
at making SJI products safer, easier to use and more eco-
nomical. This article highlights just two of the changes in
the 43rd Edition of the open-web steel joist and joist girder
specifcations and Code of Standard Practice that will interest
the specifying design professional.
The Code of Standard Practice
Although the COSP is not technically part of the Specif-
cation, it is a valuable document explaining the common uses
of the product and the established methods for specifying
open-web steel joists. The COSP was also modifed in con-
junction with the 43
rd
Edition to provide greater clarity and
provide more fexibility in how they can be specifed.
Add-Load and Bend-Check Load
Two new design terms have been introduced into the
COSP in an effort to accommodate loads that may be diff-
cult to locate at the time of design. Commonly these loads
are designed to travel or move along the length of the joist
which allows for more fexibility in design and in the feld.
Although manufacturers have used terms such as traveling
load, adload and bend load in the past, the COSP has now
fully defned these types of loads. These terms are now Add-
Load and Bend-Check Load.
An Add-Load is a single vertical concentrated load that
may occur at any panel point along the joist chord. This load
is in addition to any other specifed gravity loads. For design
by bruce brothersen, P.e., and tim holtermann, s.e., P.e.
a more
Specification
Joist
Practical
of the chords, a concentrated load with the magnitude of
the Add-Load is placed at the panel point closest to the cen-
ter of the joist to maximize the design moment. For each
web member, a concentrated load is placed throughout the
length of the joist to maximize the design shear.
A Bend-Check Load is a vertical concentrated load used
to design the joist chord for the additional bending stresses
resulting from loads being applied between the panel points.
The accompanying gravity load must already be included in
the specifed joist designation, uniform load, concentrated
load or Add-Load. The Bend-Check Load is only used to
add additional bending stress in the chord and does not con-
tribute to the overall axial forces within the joist. Also, as
part of the design requirements of this type of load, it must
be specifed whether the Bend-Check Load is to be applied
at the top chord, bottom chord or both. An ideal use of this
type of load is for cases when incidental loads, accounted for
in the design loads, may induce additional bending stress due
to their occurring at any location along the top or bottom
chord of the joist.
The use of an Add-Load and/or a Bend-Check Load will
aid the specifying design professional in accounting for loads
that are hard to locate and gives more fexibility to the joist
products. As an example, there may be a design need to have
a 500 lb load occur at any location on the top or bottom
chords of the joist. This can be easily defned by specifying a
500 lb Add-Load and a 500 lb Bend-Check Load on the top
and bottom chords.
The use of these loads will increase the cost of the joist
due to the increased weight. However, an Add-Load is more
economical in many cases than trying to accommodate the
same overall loading with a uniform load. Also the Bend-
Check Load can diminish the need to feld install web mem-
bers for loads that are not located at panel points. While the
joists may be more expensive than a simple uniform load
design, the overall cost of the system may be less with the
appropriate use of an Add-Load and Bend-Check Load.
Specifying Joists and Joist Girders
The COSP indicates and illustrates fve methods for spec-
ifying joists.
Option 1 is to select a standard joist designation from
the SJI load table. This works well for joists that are subject
only to uniform loads. Joists with additional loads should be
specifed by one of the following appropriate options.
Option 2 is for joists supporting more than uniform loads.
A standard joist designation can be selected from the SJI
load table. Alternatively the designer can specify a joist type
and uniform load in the designation such as 24LH300/200
where 300 lb per lineal foot (plf) is the total uniform load
and 200 plf is the uniform live load. Then the magnitude
and location of any additional loads can be provided on
the structural plan with the note Joist manufacturer shall
design joists for additional loads at locations shown. This
option works well for joists with concentrated or snow drift
loads with known magnitudes and locations.
Option 3 is for joists using Add-Loads and Bend-Check
Loads. The uniform load of the joist can be designated as
either a uniform load or as a standard SJI designation method
listed in Option 2. For additional point loads where exact
locations are not known, or for incidental loads, or both, an
Add-Load and Bend-Check Load can meet the design need.
An example of suggested design notes is in the COSP that can
be used to defne an Add-Load and/or Bend-Check load.
Option 4 illustrates the use of KCS series joists. These
joists are used when it is easier to specify the required shear
and moment capacities of the joist rather than numerous
loads and locations that may occur on the joist. It is inap-
propriate to add additional loads or to use an Add-Load and
Bend-Check Load with KCS series joists.
Option 5 is for joists with numerous loads and load com-
binations including wind and seismic cases. Unless noted
otherwise on the contract documents the joist manufacturer
will use the load combinations in the applicable national
building code. If regional building codes are specifed, it is
desirable to note any additional requirements that must be
met in the design of the joists. For an ASD design using IBC
2006, the following load cases are used:
Basic Load Combinations
1. D
2. D + L
3. D + (L
r
or S or R)
4. D + 0.75L + 0.75(L
r
or S or R)
5. D + (W or 0.7E)
6. D + 0.75(W or 0.7E) + 0.75L + 0.75(L
r
or S or R)
7. 0.6D + W
8. 0.6D + 0.7E
Bruce F. Brothersen, P.E., is the engineering
manager of Vulcraft-Utah, Brigham City, Utah,
and chair of the Steel Joist Institute Education
Committee. Tim Holtermann, S.E., P.E., is the
corporate engineering manager for Canam Steel
Corporation and is based in Washington, Mo. He
also chairs the Steel Joist Institute Engineering
Practice Committee.
Special Seismic Load Combinations
9. D + 0.7E
m
10. D + 0.525E
m
+ 0.75L + 0.75(L
r
or S or R)
11. 0.6D + 0.7E
m
When using these combinations it is important that all
the loads are clearly defned, including uniform dead load
and live load. It is important to recognize that the red live
loads listed in the load table for standard SJI joist designa-
tions are shown only for defection and may not refect the
actual live load value. Due to these load combinations, not-
ing simply that an additional top chord axial load is required
is not adequate any more. For the load cases listed in the
building codes an additional top chord axial load must be
classifed as wind (W) or seismic (E or E
m
). In the case of seis-
mic it is very helpful to indicate whether the loads are fac-
tored, listed axial load = 0.7E or unfactored, listed axial load
= E
m
. Whereas it is the responsibility of the specifying design
professional to provide the design loads, a proven effective
method is to communicate this information in a load table.
An example of such a table is shown below and can be modi-
fed to meet the actual requirements.
Bridging
The sizing of bridging historically has been governed
only by slenderness ratio limits. The limit for horizontal
bridging is L/r < 300. For diagonal bridging, the limit is L/r
< 200, where the connected intersection of the X is consid-
ered a braced point and L is the distance from the connec-
tion at the joist chord to the connection near the middle of
the bridging piece. However, both horizontal and diagonal
bridging must meet a strength requirement and resist a com-
pressive axial bracing force. The horizontal component of
this force is now clearly identifed as P
br
in the new Specifca-
tion and COSP. When installed separately, both horizontal
and diagonal bridging must be capable of resisting the force
P
br
in compression.
For horizontal bridging, the slenderness ratio limit often
governs and suffcient compressive strength is achieved at
the slenderness ratio limit. However, for larger joist desig-
nations and certain joist spacings, the required compressive
strength can control. This is why, for example, 1 by 1 hori-
zontal bridging angles can be used for a 5-ft 0-in. spacing on
a 24K6 joist, but not on a 24K12. The horizontal bridging
charts in the COSP have been updated, adjusting the allow-
able joist spacing for various bridging sizes, while also dis-
playing the required compressive strength, P
br
.
As an alternative to selecting horizontal bridging from
the chart based on bridging size, joist designation (chord sec-
tion number) and joist spacing, a new chart has been added
to the COSP. Table 2.7-1c provides the maximum allowable
bridging force, P
br
, for various combinations of joist spacing
and bridging size, which can be used in conjunction with the
equations provided in the Specifcation for computing P
br
.
For diagonal bridging, the bridging force, P
br
, is the hori-
zontal component. The axial force in the diagonal bridging
member is then a function of the angle of the diagonal mem-
ber relative to the horizontal plane. The deeper the joist and
the narrower the joist spacing, the more axial bridging force
increases relative to the horizontal component.
For the most typical combinations of joist spacing and
joist depth, the slenderness ratio limit of 200 for diagonal
bridging provides suffcient compressive strength to resist
the horizontal bridging component, P
br
. In the rare cases
where L/r of 200 would not provide adequate strength,
there are two options. The bridging member size can be
increased, or horizontal bridging can be provided in addi-
tion to the diagonal bridging. With the addition of horizon-
example of open-web steel joist load table.
LOADING (plf)** Minimum

MARK DESIGNATIONS* AXIAL/MOMENT ADD-LOAD W E Em MOMENT
TRANSFER DETAILS TL/LL WIND SEISMIC SEISMIC of REMARKS
Joists: (TL/LL in plf) Downward Net Uplift @ GRIDS ( in kips) (kips) (kips) (kips) INERTIA
Girders: (TL/LL in kips) DL (plf)***** LL (plf)**** Lr/S/R (plf) W (+) plf W (-) plf TC BC (in**4)
J1 28K7 95 plf for W&E* 200 plf for defl 180 plf 160 7/S8 @ 2,3,4 0.5/0.0 W=15.0 E=18.5 See LD1 for addtitional loads
J2 28K7 95 plf for W&E* 160 8/S8 @ 4,5; 6/S8 @ 6 W=15.0 E=18.5 Em=30.0

T1 32LH224/128 180 9/S8 @ 7; 10/S8 @ 8 W=18.0 E=23.4
T2 32LH224/129 160 9/S8 @ 7,8,9 1.0/1.0 0.5 W=15.0 E=23.4
T3 32LH224/130 160 11/S8 @ 4; 12/S8 @ 6 W=15.0 E=25.2 Em=50.0
T4 32LH09 95 plf for W&E* 160 11/S8 @ 7,8,9 W=15.0 E=25.2 Em=50.0
G1 30G5N7.1K/3.4K 250 1/S8 @ A; 4/S8 @ B W=25.0 E=125.0
G2 30G5N7.1K/3.4K 250 3/S8 @ B,C,D,E,F W=25.0 E=125.0 Em=200.0
G3 48G6N11.2K/6.0K 300 2/S8 @ A; 4/S8 @ B 2.5 1.0 0.5 W=27 E=125.0
G4 48G6N11.2K/6.0K 300 2/S8 @ C,D,E,F,G W=27 E=125.0
G5 52G7N14.4K/6.3K 500 2/S8 @ A; 4/S8 @ B W=30 E=125.0
G6 52G7N14.4K/6.3K 500 1/S8 @ G,E; 3/S8 @ A W=30 E=125.0 Em=250.0
*Joist designations are to include all uniform gravity loads.
**Loading values are not required if designation loading values are correct for deflection and load combinations.
****LL (plf) are to be used for deflection and load combinations if Lr/S/R is not speicfied, if Lr/S/R is specified that value will be used for loads combinations.
*****When standard SJI designations are used the dead load is required for load conditions with wind or seismic.
******When no Wind Load is specified it is assumed that it does not govern.
Add-Load = definition per COSP
Bend-Check Load = definition per COSP
Values in this table shall be multiplied by the factors in ASCE7-05 section 2.4.1 by the joist designer.
LOAD
(in kips)
TOP CHORD AXIAL
WIND PRESSURE ****** BEND-CHECK


tal members, the behavior of the diagonal
bridging changes and can be considered
acting in tension only. In tension, by meet-
ing the slenderness ratio limit, the mem-
ber size will always have adequate strength
for the full range of SJI designations. In
the 43rd Edition, it was decided to require
the addition of horizontal members for
narrow and deep joist spaces. As noted,
this changes the forces in the bridging to a
tension system, rather than impose a com-
pressive strength requirement.
The bridging fgure above demon-
strates the new requirement that appears
in new Table 2.7-3 in the COSP. When
the joist depth is 52 in. or greater, and the
joist spacing is less than 0.7 times the joist
depth, horizontal members are required
in addition to the diagonal members. For
example, 72DLH joists spaced less than 4
ft, 2 in. apart would require both diago-
nal bridging and horizontal members,
with the required horizontal member size
shown in Table 2.7-3. For 72DLH joists
spaced 4 ft, 2 in. or more, diagonal bridg-
ing with a slenderness ratio limit of 200 or
less is adequate.
The possibility of narrow spaces and
deep joist becomes more likely with a new
expansion of the DLH-series Load Tables
in the 43rd Edition. In the tables the maxi-
mum depth for a DLH joist increases from
72 in. to 120 in. and the maximum span
increases from 144 ft to 240 ft.
Conclusion
Although this article has highlighted a
few key revisions in the 43rd Edition of
the SJI Specifcation and COSP, there are
many more equally signifcant items that
have not been noted. These revisions are
the culmination of years of research and a
concerted effort to have a more practical
and concise specifcation, so that the use
of open-web steel joist products is simpler.
In 2011, the SJI will be conducting webi-
nars to explain the changes in more detail.
Visit the SJI website, www.steeljoist.org,
to learn more about new publications and
educational opportunities.
example of new bridging requirement.
1915 Old Philadelphia Pike
P.O. Box 10008
Lancaster, PA 17605-0008
717.207.4303
www.highsteel.com
N
NESTLED WITHIN AN EXPANSIVE golf community in
Scottsdale, Ariz., the Brown Residence enjoys stunning des-
ert views from almost every space. The architectural objec-
tives for this single-family home were accomplished, in part,
through the extensive use of exposed structural steel.
Careful architectural design made it possible to edit
views of the neighboring houses, while focusing them on the
distant mountains. Architecturally Exposed Structural Steel
(AESS) was a natural choice for the more open elements of
the house, particularly the family room and the formal liv-
ing/dining pavilion. Structural steel frames large expanses
of glass walls and oversized pivot doors allowing abundant
light and air into the spaces. Broad overhangs framed with
structural steel wide-fange shapes and shading devices of
closely spaced HSS sections provide protection from the
harsh desert sun.
The roughly 3,600 sq. ft, single-story residence pres-
ents an unassuming, modest scale to the street, but steps
down with the slope of the site allowing the spaces inside to
become quite generous. Simple stucco volumes play against
the more voluminous steel and glass pavilion of the living/
dining room, which anchors the site and creates a private
courtyard. Concrete garden walls and concrete and stone
hardscape defne this courtyard and other exterior spaces. A
Creatively positioning a simple steel grid yields
openness while preserving privacy.
desert
Steel
oasis
a
in
by scott Williamson, P.e.
steel-clad swimming pool adjacent to the informal family room
provides a pleasant escape from the desert heat.
The lower-profle stucco volumes of the residence are framed
with concrete masonry unit (CMU) walls and wood joists. How-
ever, even on these structures, steel is used for the large, cantile-
vering shading devices. Steel wide-fange shapes cantilever more
than 8 ft supporting HSS sections, shading the primary views from
these areas. These structures are kept to a functional minimum
so as to not detract from the view. This was best accomplished
through the use of structural steel.
The large family room is framed entirely of structural steel.
Four-in. steel wide-fange columns are spaced at 8 ft on center,
Scott Williamson, P.E., earned his bach-
elors and masters degrees from the
University of Texas and joined Datum
Engineers after graduating in 1999.
Capitalizing on his passion for design
and eye for detail, he is the leader of
Datums Signature Projects Studio,
which focuses on unique projects with
architecturally exposed structures.
the clean lines and earth tones of the structural steel framework
express the honesty of the structure while allowing occupants to
focus on the views beyond.
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bill timmerman
datum engineers
Above, left, and below:

using a uniform, simple,
light steel framework of W4
col umns and W8 beams
provi ded the necessary
structural support whi l e
minimized visual obstruction.

Welding the exposed steel connections
provided a clean, modern appearance and
helped seal the building envelope.
{ }
datum engineers
How to Get the Right Look
frequently structural steel framing is designed to remain
exposed to view after the structure is completed. especially
in high-end structures where appearance is important, engi-
neers and architects may wish to specify closer dimensional
tolerances and smoother fnish surfaces than what is required
for ordinary structural steel framing.
to that end aisc has established the designation architec-
turally exposed structural steel (aess). the various require-
ments for aess are covered in section 10 of aisc Code of
Standard Practice for Steel Buildings and Bridges, available
as a free download at www.aisc.org/freepubs.
a good additional reference is the aess supplement to the
may 2003 issue of Modern Steel Construction. it includes a
sample aess specifcation and discusses some of the aspects
of specifying aess that may add signifcant costs to the steel
package. for a free online version of that supplement, go to
www.modernsteel.com/backissues. for more up-to-date
pricing information regarding the use of aess, contact the
aisc steel solutions center at www.aisc.org/ssc.
supporting 8-in. wide-fange beams. Struc-
tural steel decking spans the 8 ft between
the beams, and therefore, no other fram-
ing is necessary. Fixed glass panels alternate
with oversized glass pivot doors along the
exterior wall to fll the area between the
columnsfoor to ceilingin order to
maximize the view. The steel columns were
left exposed, as are the bottom fanges of
the steel beams.
Specifying AESS dictated the tolerance
and fnish requirements necessary for this
approach to be successful. Ceiling pan-
els span in-plane and between the bottom
fanges of the beams to conceal mechani-
cal, lighting and insulation. A glass and steel
skylight framed entirely of structural steel
angles, T-shapes and metal decking pops
up roughly 3 ft at the north end of the fam-
ily room. The skylight has a solid roof with 21-in. overhangs,
allowing light to enter only around the glass perimeter and
shading the harshest direct sun. Reinforced CMU walls on
the three remaining sides of the space provided the necessary
lateral stability, allowing the steel elements to remain as mini-
mal as possible rather than relying on any frame action. This
also allowed the use of simple bolted connections at concealed
locations. Welded connections were still used at exposed loca-
tions to create the cleanest, most modern appearance and, in
some cases, to seal the building envelope.
The main focus of the entire residence is the steel and
glass pavilion of the formal living/dining room. Using struc-
tural steel minimized the framing and maximized the views
of the relatively tall, voluminous space. To keep the columns
to the smallest possible 4-in. wide-fange shapes, they are
spaced at only 6 ft on center on all sides of the pavilion, and
lateral loads were resisted by well-concealed bracing rather
than frame action.
To optimize the framing for both gravity and lateral
loading, a 3D model of the pavilion was analyzed with
RISA-3D. The roof of the pavilion is framed entirely of 8-in.
wide-fange beams on the same 6-ft spacing as the columns,
eliminating the need for transverse girders. However, using
matching wide-fange fllers in the spaces between the beams
provides a uniform sofft.
Because all of the steel is exposed, all connections are fully
welded to seal the structure, which also provides additional
stiffness. The use of structural steel allowed for the expan-
sive 8-ft overhang in all directions, while keeping the depth of
the structure minimal. The bottom fanges of the beams are
coped for the fnal 2 ft, 6 in. of the overhang, further reducing
the mass of the roof, and 1-in. structural steel deck, exposed
from below, is all that is required to span between the beams.
Because the majority of the structural steel is exposed, and
most of the spaces between the structure are flled with glass,
the tolerances for fabrication and erection of the steel were
much tighter than traditionally allowed. Likewise, connections
were detailed with aesthetics and simplicity in mind. In gen-
eral, fnishes on and around the steel were kept to a minimum,
expressing the honesty of the structure and allowing the occu-
pants to focus on the views beyond.
Architect
lake flato, san antonio, texas
Structural Engineer
datum engineers, austin, texas
General Contractor
the construction Zone, Phoenix
Software
risa-3d
using filler beams the same depth as the main support system provided for a uniform soffit.
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This year NSBA invites you to help select the
most outstanding award-winning bridges
since the competition began.
THE NATIONAL STEEL BRIDGE ALLIANCE
Prize Bridge Competition honors signifcant and
innovative steel bridges constructed in the United
States. The competition began in 1928 with frst
place awarded for the Sixth Street Bridge in Pitts-
burgh, coincidentally just a few blocks down the
river from where this years NASCC: The Steel
Conference will be held. Since then, more than
300 bridges have won frst place in a variety of cat-
egories, which today include long span, medium
span, short span, movable span, major span, recon-
structed, and special purpose.
In the past, the Prize Bridge Competition has
taken place every other year with the winners being
announced at NSBAs World Steel Bridge Sympo-
sium. Because the next WSBS will be co-located
with NASCC: The Steel Conference in 2012, we
are taking this opportunity to spice things up a bit
in 2011 with the most exciting steel bridge compe-
tition in history.
The 2011 Prize Bridge Competition will take a
look back, focusing on the top Prize Bridge Award
winners of all time, and you are invited to be part in
this years voting.
Winning bridges will be selected in two con-
current levels of competition, resulting in both
Industry Choice and Peoples Choice award win-
ners, selected from a pool of all the award-winning
bridges recognized since the competition began in
1928.
NSBA will present the 2011 Top Prize Bridge
Awards to the designers and owners of the top
three steel Prize Bridge Award winners at the 2011
AASHTO Subcommittee on Bridges and Struc-
tures Annual Meeting in May in Norfolk, Va.
Voting will take place during the month of
March 2011. Please stay up to date with competition
developments by signing up for NSBAs monthly
e-newsletter at www.steelbridges.org and follow-
ing us on Twitter @SteelBridges.
in search of the top
1937 Prize bridge award:
the Golden Gate bridge, san francisco.

{
Select the Best Bridges
Industry Choice Awards
a panel of judges will select their top 10 Prize
bridges of all time based on:
innovation
aesthetics
environmental sensitivity
design and engineering solutions

following the selection of those 10, the bridge
design and construction community will vote online
to determine the top three selections.
Peoples Choice Awards
members of the general public will vote online
for their favorite bridges. the pool of candidates will
include all of the prize-winning bridges recognized
since the inception of the Prize bridge competition.
2007 Prize bridge awardmajor span: the burro creek bridge
on u.s. 93 between Phoenix and las Vegas.
2007 Prize bridge awardmovable span: the louisa bridge, st.
mary Parish, louisiana. louisianas longest steel girder double-leaf
bascule bridge.
10 steel bridges
2001 Prize bridge awardlong span: the Paper mill road
bridge in baltimore county, md., features a steel box arch.

STOP READING THIS no really STOP! Look at the top
right hand corner of this page. Did you notice the AISC Cer-
tifcation Programs logo? Last month, we welcomed the new
year by placing the logo on the Quality Corner column. As
the incoming AISC vice president of certifcation, I would
like to highlight the various programs the AISC certifcation
department manages, all of which respond to the needs and
advancement of the structural steel industry. In a continu-
ously changing marketplace AISCs Certifcation Programs
confrm to the design community and the construction
industry that a company has the personnel, organization,
experience, procedures, knowledge, equipment and commit-
ment to meet the AISC Standards for that specifc certifca-
tion category.
Readers of this column are very familiar with one
such certifcation program offered by AISC: The Quality
Management Systems Certifcation (QMS). The AISC QMS
Certifcation sets the quality standard for the structural
steel industry and is the most recognized national quality
certifcation program for that industry. Companies that
are AISC QMS Certifed have been through a rigorous
initial evaluation, and are subject to annual reviews. The
QMS Certifcation requires an examination to evaluate a
companys quality management system rather than just a
specifc product. QMS Certifcation focuses on processes
and procedures, since it is easier to manage quality into
a project and impossible to inspect for it after the fact. I
would direct the reader to two past MSC columns: 100%
Inspection is not QA (January 2010) and What is a Quality
Management System? (May 2010). Both are available as
free downloads at www.modernsteel.com/backissues.
The QMS Certifcation Program starts with three essen-
tial elements, a one-page application, a required payment
and a documented QMS plan. Upon receipt of all three ele-
ments AISC internally conducts an in-depth administrative
review, and then requests an independent initial documenta-
tion audit followed by an independent initial on-site audit.
When a company successfully completes the certifcation
process, a certifcate valid for one year is issued to note the
accomplishment. What is of importance to note is that cer-
tifcation does not end thereas that would have labeled it
as the completion of a QMS Audit only. We call it a QMS
Certifcation Program. Why? What additional steps do we
take to make it a program? Are you aware of these additional
steps and initiatives?
The ideas for these initiatives have come from both our
desire to improve our own program and from feedback of
our participants and users. These are the people who are
asking, What else are you doing to make the program even
better? Below is a list of our current efforts:
Recurring annual on-site audits (based on a three-year
cycle) demonstrate that a participant is not only meeting
the program requirements but is also continually improving
each year.
The Qualifed Random Audits Initiative is our newest
program addition that addresses concerns that our partici-
pants are not meeting the program requirements through-
out the year. The initiative started during the 4th Quarter
of 2010, with the frst random audits being conducted in
the frst half of 2011. For additional information, see the
October 2010 edition of this column (AISC Certifcation
Qualifed Random Audits) available as a free download at
www.modernsteel.com/backissues.
Fraudulent Activity, Allegations, Complaints, and Appeals
were highlighted in the April 2010 edition of this column
to address the importance of program accountability to our
participants and users. That article, Accountability and
AISC Certifcation, is also available as a free download at
www.modernsteel.com/backissues.
Quality Corner is a monthly feature that covers topics ranging from how to specify a certifed company to how long it takes to
become a certifed company. if you are interested in browsing our electronic archive, please visit www.aisc.org/QualityCorner.
What Does the Future Hold for
AISC Certication Programs?
by Jacques cattan
With new leadership, AISC continues to strengthen Certifcation and to
plan for the future.
quality corner
Jacques Cattan is the AISC vice presi-
dent of certifcation. He can be reached at
cattan@aisc.org.
No More Waivers is an ongoing initia-
tive to help participants and users respond
to the pressures of waiving a projects qual-
ity requirements. For additional informa-
tion on this initiative, please visit www.aisc.
org/nomorewaivers.
Supplemental on-site audits initiative
allowing AISC to request additional on-site
audits of a candidate company if necessary.
Ongoing feedback from our users and
participants is one of the cornerstones of
our program. Have you visited www.aisc.
org/certfeedback? What are we doing
right? How could we improve?
In addition to these specifc ongoing
initiatives, the current Certifcation Com-
mittee will be restructured in 2011. It will
be renamed the Certifcation Standards
Committee (CSC) and will become part of
AISCs Engineering and research depart-
ment (E&R). This realignment is a natu-
ral outgrowth of AISCs efforts to improve
its standards development process. While
AISCs technical standards have always
been consensus documents, AISC formal-
ized that commitment by becoming ANSI-
accredited by the committee method in
2000 and as an organization in 2002. Cur-
rent certifcation standards have also been
developed using the same consensus-based
approach. The CSC will be responsible for
the development and maintenance of the
standards used by the structural steel indus-
try certifcation programs and the commit-
tee will follow AISCs ANSI-accredited
procedures.
As for the future, I have heard and seen
the desire for an expansion of our current
QMS Certifcation Program to the nuclear
structural steel industry, a separate green
certifcation program, a possible energy
certifcation program, and a business man-
agement certifcation program for starters.
Regardless of our future path, AISC will
continue to strive and provide certifca-
tion programs driven by the needs of the
structural steel construction industrys mar-
ketplace and grounded in the strength of
its technical expertise. While we currently
focus our efforts on the QMS Certifcation
Program, I welcome all your comments and
encourage you to contact me directly.
AISC Certication
Quality Management
Systems (QMS)
Future Market-Driven
Need Systems
TBD Available
Certifcates
Future Nuclear
Industry Bridge
Component
Erector
Certifcation
Programs
Component
Manufacturer
each aisc certification Program offers several certificates focused on the needs of
the structural steel industrys marketplace.
Phone: 281-20-9749 Fax: 281-20-9771

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sixth_page_04-06-2010.pmd 4/5/2010, 8:26 AM 1
Steel Building
Structures
Steel
Bridges
Sophisticated
Painting
Endorsement
Fracture
Critical
Endorsement
Fabricator
Advanced
Erector
Erector
Qualifed Random
Audits Initiative
No More
Waivers
Fradulent Activity,
Allegations, Com-
plaints, and Appeals
Supplemental
On-site Audits
Initiative
Initiatives
TBD
Initiatives
If you call AISC member Douglas Steel Fabricating Company,
youll hear all about the companys low Experience Modifcation
Factor and excellent safety record while you wait for the call to
transfer. What is this factor? Why would you use it as a selling
point to promote your frm? And how can you improve yours?
THE EXPERIENCE MODIFICATION FACTOR is
a multiplier applied to the base rate of a frms Workers
Compensation Insurance to determine its premiums. Most
employers fnd that deciphering their Workers Compen-
sation Experience Modifcation Factor, or Experience Mod,
is like reading the foreign language version of instructions
for installing an electronic device. There is very often con-
fusion about how the Experience Mod is calculated and
how it ultimately affects what they pay for their Workers
Compensation coverage.
At its core, the Experience Mod is the ratio of the dollars
the insurance company has to allocate this year to cover the
costs of injuries to the dollars they expected to allocate during
your prior three policy years. The amount of time included in
the Experience Mod can vary if the renewal of your Workers
Comp policy changed. So, be sure to check with your agent.
Every work classifcation that exists, from fle clerk to
welder, has an expected loss rate. The rate is the amount of
money an insurance company should expect to spend for
employee injuries for every $100 of payroll.
For instance, if your expected loss rate is 1.0, for every
$100,000 in payroll costs you are expected to have $1,000
in employee injury expenses. If you have less than that,
your Experience Mod drops below 1.0, and, if you have
more, it goes north of 1.0. The Experience Mod multiplies
your base premium. Go above 1.0 and you pay a surcharge.
Drop below 1.0 and you receive a credit.
Unfortunately, most employers are not familiar with
this basic information about their Experience Mod. They
see a number the insurance company has assigned, but
many dont know the road taken to get there, or what can
be done to adjust it.
Here are four key points employers should know about
their Experience Mod to better understand the process
and control their Workers Compensation costs.
1. Frequency is worse than severity. An Experience Mod
will be impacted more by 10 injury claims at $5,000 than
by one claim at $50,000. The frst $5,000 spent for every
employee injury is counted dollar for dollar ($7,000 in
California), thus all 10 of the small claims will fully impact
the Experience Mod. With one $50,000 claim, 100% of
the frst $5,000 is included but only a percentage of the
remaining $45,000 is counted. This percentage can vary
between 4% and 80%, depending on the total amount the
insurance company expects to spend on a companys em-
ployee injuries over a three-year period.
Although this approach gives greater weight to accident
frequency than severity, severity is still relevant. When
paired with frequency, severity of employee injuries will be
even more detrimental to an Experience Mod. Employers
that work to reduce the frequency of injuries and have a
return to work program to help reduce severity are in the
best position to control their Experience Mod.
2. Your Experience Mod is compared only within your
particular industry. There is a misconception among many
employers that their Experience Mod is as high as it is be-
cause they are being unfairly compared against less injury-
prone occupations, such as fle clerks and bank tellers. But
in reality they only are being compared to other businesses
within the same classifcation. Welders are compared to
welders. Machine shop workers to machine shop workers.
There are dozens of distinct manufacturing-related class
codes, and many are very similar, so it is important to make
sure your employees are correctly classifed.
3. Dont assume that because your Experience Mod
is below 1.0 everything is hunky-dory. Just because your
Experience Mod is below 1.0, dont assume it cant be, or
shouldnt be, lower. Make it a point to know what the mini-
mum Experience Mod is for your company and strive to
reach it. For example, if your Mod is 0.85, but the mini-
mum Mod is 0.61, 0.24 of your Mod is controllable. With
BY KEVIN RING
As a simple indicator of how your safety record compares to
previous years expectations, this number deserves your attention.
Four Things You Should Know About
Your Experience Modication Factor
Kevin Ring is the lead workers compensation ana-
lyst for the Institute of WorkComp Professionals,
which trains insurance agents to help employers
reduce Workers Compensation expenses. A licensed
property and casualty insurance agent, he is the co-
developer of a new Workers Comp software suite
that helps insurance professionals in working with
employers. He can be contacted at 828.274.0959 or
kevin@workcompprofessionals.com.
business issues
a $100,000 premium, lowering the Mod to
the minimum would save $24,000. Lower-
ing your Experience Mod even a few more
points can save you signifcant money in
the long run. Dont settle for average.
4. Insurance companies dont pay for
your employees injuries. Claims are paid
by employers through the Experience
Mod, often at 200% 300% interest. Each
state has a limit at which an employee in-
jury ceases to impact the Experience Mod
and when you have a very large claim, the
insurance company does wind up footing
some of the bill. In most cases, though, the
insurance company is simply temporarily
fnancing it on the employers behalf.
No employer is expected to know every-
thing about Experience Modifcation Fac-
tors. And, in fact, many insurance agents
are baffed by its inner workings. But by
possessing even the most basic information,
such as why your Experience Mod is what
it is, what it took to get to that point, and
steps you can take to lower it, youll fnd
yourself saving hundreds, if not thousands
of dollars in Workers Compensation costs
over the long run.
Cost Savings
The V800 Series boast up to 15:1
savings. Thats 15 manual labor hours to
1 machine operating hour. Voortman has
perfected this innovative technology.
Voortman USA Corporation / Unit F / 450 South Spruce st. / Manteno IL-60950 USA
(t) 1 815 468 6300 / (f) 1 815 468 6333 / (e) info@voortmancorp.com / (w) www.voortmancorp.com
Bolt Holes
Block out
Cope
Marking
Slots
Mitre Cut
and Trim
Flange Thin
witness excellence at:
www.youtube.com/voortmanusacorp
How Are You
Coping?
Features
Hypertherm HPR260XD
Oxy-Fuel
Robotic Arm Cuts and Marks On All 4 Sides
Roller-Feed Measuring
Fully Enclosed
Ease of use
The V800 series can stand alone or
enhance your existing beam line.
VACAM, Voortmans proprietary opera-
ting software seamlessly integrates with
all detailing and MRP software packages.
new products
All products submitted are considered for publication, and we encourage submittals related to all segments of the steel industry: engineering, detail-
ing, fabrication, and erection. Submit product information via email to Tom Klemens (klemens@modernsteel.com). To be included in MSCs online
products directory, contact Louis Gurthet (gurthet@modernsteel.com).
Each month Mscs product section features items from all areas of the steel construction
industry. In general, these products have been introduced within the past six months. If youre looking for a specific product,
visit MSCs online product directory at www.modernsteel.com/products. You can browse by product category or search on
any term to help find the products you need, fast.
Explosion Proof lEd light
Larson Electronics offers a new explosion proof LED light suitable for paint
and powder spray booth applications. With a UL rating of Class 1 Division
1 and Class 2 Division 1, the intrinsically safe EPL-LED7W-SFC can be pen-
dant, wall or ceiling mounted within hazardous location areas. The 7 watt
LED light provides 40% more light at 10 feet than a 100 watt incandescent
light. The specially designed LED module operates below ambient tem-
peratures and focuses all light produced in a downward direction, optimiz-
ing usable the light available for general area lighting.
For more information, visit www.magnalight.com or call 800.369.6671.
cordless impact wrench and light
Hiltis cordless SIW 18T-A CPC lithium ion high torque impact wrench
delivers increased torque which allows you to do more with cordless tools.
Its impressive battery performance packed into a rugged, compact design
offers complete mobility. The impact mechanism has been finely tuned for
maximum efficiency when fastening metal bolts, wood lag bolts and con-
crete screw anchors. In addition to achieving best-in-class performance in
terms of the total number of fastenings per battery charge, its motor also
provides maximum torque when needed. The same battery can be used
with Hiltis drop-resistant SFL 18-A CPCP lithium ion flashlight to provide
cool white light for an expected lifetime of more than 4,000 hours.
For more information, visit www.us.hilti.com or call 800.879.8000.
cnc Pipe Fabricator
Vernon Tool, a Lincoln Electric Company subsidiary,
offers its MasterPipe Profiler with an integration of
features and functions designed to benefit small- to
medium-sized fabricators. The economically priced
two-axis, CNC controlled pipe cutting machine cuts
and profiles pipe from 1-in. to 12-in. OD and up to 40
ft in length. Standard cuts include mid-section holes,
miters, multi-intersection, centerline offsets, saddles
and straight cuts. Its Windows-based operating sys-
tem, WinMPM, uses an icon-driven touch screen inter-
face for quick operator training and implementation.
The system comes outfitted with a large pre-loaded
cut library, providing maximum pipe configuration
flexibility.
For more information, visit www.vernontool.com or call
760.433.5860.
ultra-thin cutting wheel
Improvements in the Zip Wheel from Walter Surface
Technologies feature abrasives with an improved engi-
neered formulation, for a wheel that is more durable and
has even better cohesion. Its patented integrated rib
design also enables an operator to cut faster and more
comfortably, while using less pressure than standard thin
cut-off wheels. Heat is reduced resulting in less discol-
oration and minimal burr. The new Zip Wheel is heavily
reinforced for extra safety, yet remains very flexible and
resistant to twisting and bending.
For more information, visit www.walter.com or call
860.298.1100.
automated PdF creator
Bluebeam Q is a server-based tool for creating PDF files from Solidworks
and AutoCAD files as well as Microsoft Office documents. Because it is installed
on the server, users can easily convert files to PDF without extra software installed
locally. Designed for firms with large numbers of end users, Q integrates seamlessly into
other document management systems. Its Watched Folders option allows drag and drop
PDF creation, and a powerful script engine enables automation of PDF-related processes.
For more information, visit www.bluebeamq.com or call 866.496.2140.
rugged rFid tags
Three new RFID tagsweldable WoW, FRAC and Sling/Hangdeveloped
by Technologies ROI (TROI) are being exclusively distributed in North
America by William Frick & Company. All three tags are highly resistant to
impact, pressure and water, and are readable at long range. Each tag has an
innovative attachment mechanism, like a nylon-coated steel loop or the abil-
ity to be welded, so it can be securely fastened to whatever asset it needs to track. Additionally, each tag can be laser-etched,
providing a layer of redundancy that makes the information easy to read with just the naked eye. The tags were field-tested for
24 months in rigorous oil and gas industry applications.
For more information, visit www.fricknet.com or call 847.918.3700.
marketplace
To advertise, call 231.228.2274 or e-mail gurthet@modernsteel.com.
Search employment ads online at www.modernsteel.com.
Call: 312.861.3000
Email: Information@atema.com
www.atema.com
AIsc certification
Training
Certified Steel Erector
February 15, 16 1.5 days
Building & Bridge Fabricators
April 12, 13, 14 2.5 days
Sophisticated Paint Endorsement
April 14, 15 1.5 days
AISC Quality Certification
Admit it...
You NEED it!
NOW!
JAMES M. MOONEY & ASSOCIATES
Call 941.223.4332
jmmoon94@aol.com
on-site guidance and training
increase productivity
reduce drawing and shop errors
reduce/eliminate field back charges
no hidden charges
Maximize profit
100 TEKLA Structure Licenses
WITH TECHFLOW
Accelerating Detailing Revolution
24x7
Commercial Projects
schools malls casinos stadiums churches
office buildings Hospitals airports Hotels
car Parking structures
Industrial Projects
Petrochemical refineries Duct Work conveyors
offshore structures Power and Process industry
equipments
2596 Harman Park Court, Duluth, Georgia, USA
Phone: 770.881.8455 / 770.495.1446
Fax: 770.495.1448
Email: techflowus@techflowengg.com
Website: www.techflowengg.com
200
from old school veterans combine the latest technologies from sDs/2
and tekla structures to reduce delays and maximize your profits.
866.677.6161
info@quebecconnection.com www.quebecconnection.com
North American Detailers
and superior management
advertise in steel marketplace!
Contact: Lou Gurthet
Gurthet Media Sales, LLC
telephone: 231.228.2274 fax: 231.228.7759
e-mail: gurthet@modernsteel.com
HOLTEC
STRUCTURAL STEEL DETAILING
International Engineering & Detailing Company with over
600 Professionals
Extensive Experience in Commercial, Industrial & Institutional
Structural Steel Detailing Projects of up to 30,000 Tons for
Leading U.S. Fabricators
Tekla, SDS/2 & AutoCAD Platforms
ISO 9001 Certified, Member of AISC, NISD, Steel Plus Network
Phone: (646) 915-0941 (ext. 210)
+91-124-4693200
Email: rsa@holtecnet.com
Web: www.holtecnet.com/ssds
Peddinghaus BDL-1250/9A CNC Beam Drill Line w/Loader,
Maximu Beam Width 50, New 1999/Refurbished 2007 #18288
Peddinghaus ABCM-1250 3-Torch CNC Beam Burning/Coping Machine,
Maximum Beam Size 50, New 1999/Refurbished 2007 #18289
Peddinghaus FDB 1500/3E CNC Plate Drill w /Oxy/Plasma Cutting Torches,
Maximum Plate Width 60, 1998 #17696
Peddinghaus FPB 1500/3E CNC Plate Punch w/ Plasma Cutting Torch,
Maximum Plate Width 60, New 1998 #17634
Ficep 1001-D CNC Beam Drill (1) Spindle, 40x 40Maximum Beam,
50 Maximum Length, Fanuc CNC, Thru-Spindle Coolant, New 2003 #19265
Peddinghaus 38/18 Twin Column Band Saw, New 1990 #18286
Peddinghaus 44/19 Twin Column Band Saw, New 2000 #18287
170 Ton Peddinghaus F1170B CNC Plate Punch, New 2005, 3 Available #19377
Peddinghaus AFCPS-623L 6x 6x 1/2, CNC Angle Line, 1998, 2 Available #19900
www.PrestigeEquipment.com
New York ~ Philadelphia ~ Chicago
Tel:631.249.5566 Fax:631.249.9494
sales@prestigeequipment.com
employment
To advertise, call 231.228.2274 or e-mail gurthet@modernsteel.com.
Search employment ads online at www.modernsteel.com.
ProCounsel, a member of AISC, can market your skills
and achievements (without identifying you) to any city
or state in the United States. We communicate with
over 3,000 steel fabricators nationwide. The employer
pays the employment fee and the interviewing and
relocation expenses. If youve been thinking of making
a change, now is the time to do it. Our target, for you, is
the right job, in the right location, at the right money.
recruiter in structural miscellaneous
steel Fabrication
Buzz Taylor
procounsel
toll free: 866-289-7833 or 214-741-3014
Fax: 214-741-3019
mailbox@procounsel.net
Structural & Misc. Steel Fabrication
Our organization has been recruiting for the Structural and Misc. Steel
Fabricating industry for over 20 years. current positions include:
Project manager General manager Quality control
Plant superintendents estimators Detailers
chief Draftsman checkers
Please send resume to:
richard stauffer
united employment associates, P.o. box 8, east texas, Pa 18046
phone: (610) 437-5040 fax: (610) 437-9650
e-mail: rstauffer@unitedemployment.com www.unitedemployment.com
AISC Steel Solutions Center Advisor
One of the most interesting parts of any structural engineers job is the
conceptual design phase, agreed?
Now imagine a job where you can spend most of your time working
with decision makers in developing conceptual solutions for their steel
construction projects while also spending time assisting in answering a wide
variety of technical questions on structural steel.
Imagine working at AISC.
As an Advisor in our Steel Solutions Center, youll be able to share your
structural design experience and creativity to help other professionals
like yourself in the design and construction industry develop innovative
conceptual solutions for their steel construction projects. You will also use
your current talents and experience to answer technical questions that come
into us from the construction and design decision makers. All the while, you
will be trained on a wide variety of topics in the industry to help you become
a future leader in the structural steel community.
Work among our staff of experienced engineers and marketing professionals,
and connect with a fascinating group of industry leaders to develop the knowledge,
resources, and expertise youll need to provide the best answers and technical
assistance to the design and structural steel community we serve. We offer
an excellent salary and benefits package, along with an awesome working
environment, flexible working hours, and professional development opportunities.
To be considered for this position, you must have a BS degree in Engineering,
along with a minimum of 3 years experience as a consulting structural engineer
or construction project engineer and proficiency with structural design software.
AISC is committed to employing only U.S. citizens or those authorized to work in
the U.S. To apply for this position, please send your resume and cover letter with
your desired salary requirements to: sTIne@AIsc.org
Join AISC and become part of the solution.
check out aiscs new Podcasts
www.aisc.org/podcasts
PODCASTS PODCASTS
Assistant Project Manager
in Schenectady, NY
We are looking for an experienced, self motivated, practical
problem solver to help create effective fabrication and erec-
tion details from contract drawings and to resolve shop and
feld drawing questions. This person would also help expedite
drawing approvals and coordinate work with subcontractors.
Familiarity with shop and feld means and methods, AISC code
of standard practice and AWS D1.1 is essential. Familiarity
with bridge fabrication and the AWS D1.5 code is a plus.
Excellent compensation available including employee stock
ownership plan and opportunity for growth.
Email resume to Glenn Tabolt of STS Steel, Inc.
at glennt@stssteel.com
Head Plant Manager/Superintendant
Universal Steel, Inc.
Universal Steel Inc, an AISC certifed fabricator is looking for an experienced plant
manager. Responsible for all phases of the fabrication process including knowledge
of equipment, interpreting shop drawings, Q.C., shipping and scheduling. Work
closely with project manager to meet project schedule. Must have strong super-
visory skills, organizational skills, and ability to motivate. Metro Atlanta area, frst
quarter of 2011 start needed.
Send resume and salary requirements to P.O. Box 797, Lithonia, Ga. 30058, ATTN:
Brad Bourne Or Fax: 770-482-4795. Email: rblocker@universalsteelinc.com
Structural Engineers
are you looking for a new and exciting opportunity in 2011?
We are a niche recruiter that specializes in matching great structural
engineers with unique opportunities that will help you utilize your talents and
achieve your goals.
We have over 30 years of experience working with structural engineers.
We have relationships with people responsible for hiring decisions with
companies throughout North America.
We will save you enormous time in your job search and provide ad-
ditional information and help during the process of finding a new job that
you couldnt find anywhere else.
Call or e-mail us TODAY to learn more about how we can help you!
For current openings, please visit our website and view Hot Jobs.
se solutions, llc
Main Office West Coast Office
brian Quinn, P.e. lisa Willard, P.e.
(616) 546-9420 (805) 482-8436
www.FindYourengineer.com
Change, Opportunity, and Balance
In addition to running a New England steel fabrication business,
Hollie Noveletsky has a medical career with a global dimension.
people to know
Hollie Noveletsky spent
two weeks in December
2009 volunteering in
Africa with Women for
Women of Sierra Leone,
www. wwsl - i nc. org,
and plans to go again in
June. She is the owner
of AISC member Novel
Iron Works, Greenland,
N.H., www.noveliron.
com.
THE STRUCTURAL STEEL INDUSTRY has no short-
age of well-educated people with advanced degrees, including
Hollie Noveletsky, who heads AISC member firm Novel Iron
Works in Greenland, N.H. But theres a surprising twist to
her credentials; the Ph.D. she earned is in nursing. And even
with the demands of running the 54-year-old steel fabrication
business, Noveletsky still maintains a small medical practice.
I love it, she said. I still do. Specializing in geriatric
psychiatry, Noveletsky spends much of her time dealing with
dementia, depression and psychosis. Comparing that work to
her responsibilities at Novel Iron, she says, Theyre so oppo-
site that it gives me balance. I come back here and its a relief.
Ralph Noveletsky started the firm in 1956, three years
before his daughter Hollie was born. He ran the company
until his death in 1999. He was the most wonderful person
there was in the world, she said. He made this company.
I was in and out of the business over the years,
Noveletsky said, as all the family members have been. I
started out as the blueprint girl and the errand girl, then was
in and out of the computer room and estimatingwhile I was
in nursing. Those experiences inside the company turned out
to be very helpful when she took over the task of running the
day to day operations after her fathers sudden death.
The steel business was just one of many things Noveletsky
learned from her father. Another was the importance of help-
ing others. My father was a tremendous adventurer and you
never had to ask him twicehe was always there for whoever
needed him. I just learned by example. In 2005, shortly after
Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, an interesting
opportunity came Noveletskys way.
I got an email saying they were looking for volunteers
to help with hurricane victims, and I said Ill go! It was an
opportunity to help others as well as an adventure. In all she
made three trips to the region.
Following those experiences, Noveletsky was ready and
willing when she heard about Women for Women of Sierra
Leone. The New York-based organization sends volunteer
medical professionals twice a year to operate a two-week
free clinic for victims of that countrys civil war, which raged
from 1991-2002.
An email came saying they were looking for people to do
primary care, she said. Im trained in primary care, although
Im really more of a psychiatric care nurse practitioner. But
the group organizer said, We can use you, and I said Ill go.
Sierra Leone is one of the poorest countries in the world.
Even though diamonds are a plentiful natural resource, their
sale as so-called blood diamonds provided financing for the
countrys long and destructive civil war. In addition to turning
the nations infrastructure into ruins, the war left much of the
population wounded, mutilated, and generally needy.
Noveletsky spent two weeks in December 2009 in Sierra
Leone volunteering at the clinic in the amputee camp, which
was set up for people mutilated in the Blood Diamond War.
The clinic is open for just two weeks each in June and
December. We saw patients from morning to well into the
night, Noveletsky said. Sometimes I wouldnt get home
until midnight. We were able to address a lot of phantom
limb pain, which we could treat using medications the clinic
had shipped over from the U.S., and other conditions. And
everybody had malaria, including me.
But those are the loveliest people in the world. I never felt
threatened. I felt safe. At the clinic in the other village they
would get 100 people waiting. They would travel days on foot
to get there and wait for two weeks to be seen. And they all
were very appreciative. Id go back in a heartbeat. And in fact
Noveletsky is already planning to return in June 2011.
I had a really bad year this past yeareverybody did. The
economy was really bad, I got malaria, my house was damaged
by a microburst. It was just one thing after another. After
about six months, she said, she knew she needed to go back.
Doing this volunteer work really puts things in perspec-
tive. We have a great life and we have a great country. Despite
everything thats going on, despite the economy, regardless of
our politics, we have a great country.

Modern Steel Construction Feb-2011

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February 2011

Existing Certied Erector Facilities

Newly Certied Fabricator Facilities

to fnd a certifed fabricator or

FEBRUARY 2011 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION 17

Los Angeles-based AISC member Reliance

City zoning rules and regulations allow for an existing build-

26 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION february 2011

february 2011 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION 27

abt. ms 1-3 . jan 11:Layout 1 12/9/10 11:25 AM Page 1

incorporating the annual stability Conference

images this spread by Halvorson and Partners

february 2011 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION 33

near the BART station by adding a signature pedestrian bridge for

Ignacio Barandiaran, P.E., is a

36 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION february 2011

february 2011 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION 37

copyright 2010 steel deck institute

february 2011 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION 39

WHEN REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT FIRM Keystone Corpo-

Ashley Parker, P.E. is a structural

An Adaptable Structure in a Good Location

Fig. 3: shop Welded short Cantilever

Estimated Steel Requirements for Stiffeners

Matthew Brady, P.E.,

LOADING (plf)** Minimum

Above, left, and below:

54 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION february 2011

february 2011 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION 57

design and engineering solutions

58 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION february 2011

Phone: 281-20-9749 Fax: 281-20-9771

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