MSC October 2013 PDF

MODERNSTEEL CONSTRUCTION
IN THIS ISSUE
Cost Estimating
The Future of Fabrication
Non-Building Structures
MSC
October 2013
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4 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION OCTOBER 2013
MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION (Volume 53, Number 10.) ISSN (print) 0026-8445: ISSN (online) 1945-0737. Published monthly by the American Institute of Steel
Construction (AISC), One E. Wacker Dr., Suite 700, Chicago, IL 60601. Subscriptions: Within the U.S.single issues $6.00; 1 year, $44. Outside the U.S. (Canada
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AISC does not approve, disapprove, or guarantee the validity or accuracy of any data, claim, or opinion appearing under a byline or obtained or quoted from
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CONSTRUCTION. All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced without written permission, except for noncommercial educational purposes where fewer than
25 photocopies are being reproduced. The AISC and MSC logos are registered trademarks of AISC.
October 2013
ON THE COVER: Edward P. Evans Hall at the School of Management, Yale University, New Haven, Conn., p. 34. (Photo: Foster + Partners)
steelwise
17
Bracing for Nonbuildings Similar
to Buildings
BY ROBERT J. WALTER, S.E., P.E.
What are the options when selecting a
bracing system for a nonbuilding structure
similar to a building?
product expert series
21
Tomorrowland
BY CHRIS MOOR
Meet George Jetson, the fabricator of the
future.
business issues
25
Facilitating Estimating
BY TABITHA STINE, S.E., P.E.
Increasing value with a conceptual cost-
estimating checklist.
economics
31
Construction Cycles
BY JOHN CROSS, P.E.
Despite how the construction market
looks on paper, predicting its behavior
is by no means an exact science.
people to know
66
Puppy Love
A structural engineer and his wife prepare
furry, four-legged friends for futures as
guide dogs.
34
Ivy League Steel
BY STEPHEN CURTIS, CENG, AND ALAN
ERICKSON, P.E.
Yale intends to introduce its new business
building with a bang.
38
The Winds of Time
BY MATT JACKSON, S.E., P.E.
Increased wind load requirements and the
bad timing of the 2008 economic downturn
couldnt keep a Manhattan skyscraper from
topping out ahead of schedule.
42
Consolidating Care
BY ANDY KIZZEE, P.E., AND KYLE
MAXWELL, P.E.
The University of Tennessee combines its
disparate pharmacy buildings into a new
facility at the Memphis Medical Center.
columns features
departments
6 EDITORS NOTE
9 STEEL INTERCHANGE
12 STEEL QUIZ
60 NEWS & EVENTS
resources
64 MARKETPLACE
65 EMPLOYMENT
in every issue
50
46
Boulevard Beacon
BY JACK LESTER
New, prominent signage for one of Las Vegas
premier hotel-casinos serves as a lighthouse of
sorts in a city of lights.
50
Sea and Space
BY ZACHARY D. KATES, P.E., AND ROHAN
TALWALKAR
A new sail-shaped structure welcomes visitors
seeking cruise ships and spaceships on Cape
Canaveral.
56
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Editorial Offices
1 E. Wacker Dr., Suite 700
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Editorial Contacts
EDITOR & PUBLISHER
Scott L. Melnick
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melnick@modernsteel.com
SENIOR EDITOR
Geoff Weisenberger
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DIRECTOR OF PUBLISHING
Areti Carter
312.670.5427
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GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Kristin Egan
312.670.8313
egan@modernsteel.com
AISC Officers
CHAIRMAN
William B. Bourne, III
VICE CHAIRMAN
Jeffrey E. Dave, P.E.
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.
VICE PRESIDENT
Jacques Cattan
VICE PRESIDENT
John P. Cross, P.E.
VICE PRESIDENT
Scott L. Melnick
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editors note
A FEW YEARS AGO, I VENTURED ACROSS THE POND TO TAKE A LOOK AT A
BRITISH PROGRAM THAT CERTIFIES SUSTAINABILITY IN FABRICATORS. I was
intrigued because the emphasis on what constitutes sustainability was so different than
what I had been thinking about.
To me, sustainability was another word
for greenreduced energy use, increased
use of recycled materials, fewer greenhouse
gas emissions. But our elders in the UK
had a more mature outlook and considered
sustainability as a three-legged stool. Not
only did they look at green attributes, but
they also considered whether a company
itself was sustainable (Did it pay its employ-
ees adequately? Were its fee structure
and workload sufficient for the long-term
health of the company?) and most intrigu-
ing, whether a company and its employees
worked to better society.
That last leg seems awfully highfalutin
but in practice is anything but. How do a
company and its employees benefit soci-
ety? The sustainability program looked at
practical characteristics such as whether the
company sponsored a local youth team or
whether it encouraged staff to volunteer.
I like to think of AISC as a good example
of a company that tries to meet its societal
obligations. Obviously, as a non-profit were
engaged in activities that enhance public
safety (through development of standards,
for example), have an extensive scholar-
ship program (through the AISC Education
Foundation) and engage in numerous green
activities (such as donating extra food from
lunches at NASCC: The Steel Conference).
But we also do a lot of the small things I
hope all companies do. For example, many
of our staff participate annually in a chari-
table home-rebuilding project. On an even
more simple basis we participate in jeans
days where employees who make a small
$5 donation to a given charity are allowed
to wear jeans that day. And Im not sure how
to even count the number of hours our staff
donates to groups ranging from animal shel-
ters to local baseball leagues. (By the way,
the easiest way to get involved with a schol-
arship program is to make a donation to an
already established organization, such as the
AISC Education Foundation.)
I urge all companies and all individuals
to think about how they can give back to
their community. Anecdotally, the pool of
volunteers seems to be shrinking. When I
go to a school function, its always the same
parents who have volunteered. And when I
go to a community activity, I see the same
parents who volunteered at school.
Id love to hear how you, either as a
company or an individual, help your com-
munity. Lets all work for a sustainable
world and a better society.
SCOTT MELNICK
EDITOR
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OCTOBER 2013 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION 9
Fabrication Tolerances
ASTM A6 Table 22 tabulates the permitted variations
in length for W-shapes as +/-
3
8 in. for W24 and smaller
sections that are less than or equal to 30 ft in length.
Larger tolerances are allowed for greater depths and lon-
ger lengths. Alternatively, the AISC Code of Standard Prac-
tice Section 6.4.1 stipulates the fabrication tolerances on
the length of beams and columns as ranging from +/-
1
32 in.
to
1
8 in. Are these tolerances meant to work in conjunc-
tion with one another? How does a fabricator fabricate to
within the +/-
1
32 in. to
1
8 in. range if the material received
from suppliers arrives at an acceptable
3
8 in. under-length?
Mill material is usually sold in stock lengths that are then
cut by the fabricator. Thus, the A6 tolerance applies to what
the mill sells and the AISC Code tolerance applies to what
the fabricator makes from that. They are not applied in
conjunction with each other as a result. There is more to it as
well, so let me expand upon this.
Ultimately, the steel must be fabricated and erected within
the tolerances stated in the AISC Code of Standard Practice.
Also, neither the mill tolerances nor the fabrication tolerances
(or any combination of the two) can be such that the structure
cannot be erected within the AISC Code erection tolerances.
AISC Code Section 6.4.1 does not state that the length of
the wide-flange section must be within +/-
1
32 in. to
1
8 in., but
rather says that the length of the member must be within these
tolerances. For example, consider double-angle connections
shop welded to the beam. The distance from the end of the
angles at one end to the other must be within this AISC Code
tolerance; the wide-flange section itself could be a little longer
or a little shorter. Now consider the same beam with shear tabs;
the holes in the beam that accept the shear tab connection must
be within the AISC Code tolerance, but again the length of the
wide-flange section could be a little longer or a little shorter,
and this tolerance is not governed by the AISC Code.
Mill tolerances are governed by ASTM A6. In the past it
was common for fabricators to order steel cut to length. When
this was done, ASTM A6 governed the tolerances unless some
other purchasing agreements were worked out. Fabricators,
therefore, had to use details that could accommodate the
mill tolerances. Many fabricator engineers perform their
calculations with these tolerances baked in. In other words,
fabrication practice acknowledged and accepted these mill
tolerances through standard practices. Today, however, this
may not be necessary as steel is rarely bought cut-to-length
and is instead typically bought in standard lengths and then
cut to order by the fabricator.
For the vast majority of situations (gravity-loaded beams)
there is no conflict between the mill tolerances and the
fabrication tolerances, as standard fabrication practices have
been developed to accommodate the mill toleranceseven if
the beams are ordered to-length. There are instances, however,
where ordering to-length without recognizing the mill tolerances
could present a problem. As an example, consider a column with
only a cap plate and a base plate that is intended to bear between
two other members. AISC Code Section 6.4.1 allows only a
1
32 in.
tolerance, but the mill has a
3
8 in. tolerance. Obviously in such
a case the fabricator must order a piece that is long enough to
ensure the final column will be long enough even if the section
received is on the lower end of the length tolerance.
Larry S. Muir, P.E.
Heat-Straightening
What resources are available for the use of heat-
straightening to repair damaged steel sections?
AISC 360 Section M2.1 and AWS D1.1 Clause 5.26.2 provide
an allowance to use heat as a means to correct or repair
sections that have been damaged or are out of tolerance.
These provisions also provide the maximum temperature
requirements so that the application of heat does not adversely
affect the metallurgical properties of the steel member. The
following are some resources on the topic:
What You Should Know about Heat-Straightening
Repair of Damaged Steel, Engineering Journal, 1st
Quarter 2001 (www.aisc.org/ej).
Heat-Straightening of Steel: From Art to Science
by Richard Avent, 1988 AISC Conference Proceedings
(proceedings are free download at www.aisc.org/
searchtaxonomy/conproceedings.aspx?id=4424).
Principles and Practice of Heat-Straightening Repair
by Richard Avent, 2001 AISC Conference Proceedings.
AISC 2005 Code of Standard Practice Section 6.4 for
cross-sectional tolerances used in fabrication.
Cambering Steel Beams by David Ricker, Engineering
Journal, 4th Quarter 1989.
Heat-Straightening Repairs of Damaged Steel Bridges,
Report No. FHWA-IF-99-004, U.S. Department of
Transportation, Federal Highway Administration,
October 1998.
Erin Criste
Fillet Weld Directional Strength Increase
Can the directional strength increase for fillet welds
found in AISC 360-05 Section J2.4 be used for out-of-
plane loading? AISC 360 Sections J2.4 (a) and (b) seem to
restrict the use to in-plane loading, but the eccentrically
loaded weld group tables in Part 8 of the AISC Steel Con-
struction Manual seem to apply the strength increase to
welds loaded out-of-plane. Which is correct?
steel
interchange
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.
For a number of years an unusual situation existed in which
the AISC Specification restricted the directional strength
increase for use with in-plane loading, while the AISC Manual,
in the Part 8 eccentrically loaded weld tables, accounted for
the directional strength increase even when the loading was
out-of-plane. Practice among individual engineers varied.
The in-plane restriction existed because some were
concerned that there was not enough ductility to justify the
use of the directional strength increase for welds loaded out-
of-plane. More recent testing has shown that these concerns
were not warranted and the in-plane restriction has been
removed from the 2010 AISC Specification.
Larry S. Muir, P.E.
Plasma Cutting of Bolt Holes
Is a CNC plasma cutter an acceptable alternative to drill-
ing or punching bolt holes in structural steel?
Thermally cut holes for bolted connections are explicitly allowed
in the AISC Specification; see Section M2.5, which states:
Bolt holes shall comply with the provisions of the RCSC
Specification for Structural Joints Using High-Strength Bolts,
hereafter referred to as the RCSC Specification, Section
3.3 except that thermally cut holes are permitted with a
surface roughness profile not exceeding 1,000 in. (25 m) as
defined in ASME B46.1. Gouges shall not exceed a depth of
1
16 in. (2 mm). Water jet-cut holes are also permitted.
The glossary to the Specification then defines thermally
cut as being cut with gas, plasma or laser (see page 16.1-liv
of the 2010 Specification).
So, assuming that the plasma equipment can produce holes
of the necessary quality, it would be permittedand indeed
plasma equipment is becoming extremely common due to the
efficiencies they can provide.
The above applies to buildings and building-like structures.
If you are working on bridges, thermally cut holes may
be prohibited by the owner. However, plasma equipment
manufacturers currently are working with DOTs and FHWA
to eliminate this restriction.
Martin Anderson
Beam Camber
Can you camber a beam that is spliced at mid-span?
Yes. The process of furnishing and erecting a cambered
assembly is to draw and fabricate the individual pieces with
their camber requirements defined from a work line oriented
to that piece. This usually is a chord through the end points
of the bottom flange. Camber in the shipping pieces will be
formed either with heat or a mechanical press. This can be
done in one or more locations along the piece as required to
obtain a reasonably smooth profile.
For field operations, the detailer should provide an
assembly sketch showing the assembly with an offset from
another work line (this time, a chord through the outer ends
of the assembled pieces). The erector will use the drawing and
assemble the pieces in the cambered profile before making
the splice. The erector will either lay the pieces down in an
assembly (if they have the space and lift capacity to place the
piece after it is assembled) or will set the piece on shoring
(or hold it with a second crane) so that it is in the cambered
geometry before the splice is made.
Thomas J. Schlafly
Clevis and Turnbuckle Factor of Safety
We suspend elements from building roofs quite often
using standard rigging components (i.e., cable slings,
shackles, turnbuckles, etc.). The objects are permanently
suspended. We have typically used a factor of safety equal
to 5 for most components. I have been told a factor of
safety equal to 3 is sufficient for permanent installation. Is
this correct?
Part 15 of the 14th Edition Manual lists a safety factor of 3
rather than the historical 5 for clevises and turnbuckles. This
was a decision made by the Manual Committee years ago
to address differences between permanent and temporary
installations. The factor of safety of 5 is intended for rigging
and lifting operations and accounts for uncertainties inherent
in those operations, but is not intended for static, permanent
applications.
It should also be noted that these items are often subject
to proof testing to twice the service load when used in
lifting operationssomething not required for components
in building structures. In addition, ASCE publishes a guide on
the design of cables (ASCE 19-10). This document also does
not use a factor of safety of 5.
Ultimately, you must use your own judgment to decide
what is appropriate for your situation. When making your
judgments, you should compare the uncertainties involved
in rigging and lifting applications to those inherent in your
intended applications.
Larry S. Muir, P.E.
steel interchange
Tom Schlafly is director or research, Martin Anderson is solutions center specialist and Erin
Criste is staff engineer, technical assistance at AISC. Larry Muir is a consultant to AISC.
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:
1 E Wacker Dr., Ste. 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.
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Scan to read a case study
This months quiz is all about industrial buildings. Most of the answers can be
found in the AISC Specifcation, AISC Steel Construction Manual and AISC Design
Guides, as well as on the AISC and Modern Steel Construction websites (www.aisc.org
and www.modernsteel.com).
steel
quiz
1 Use of the _________ yield strength is recommended
when checking lateral-torsional buckling of crane girders
built up from an A36 cap channel and A992 wide-flange.
a) Smaller b) Larger c) Average
2 True or False: When checking shear strength in plate
girders, single-sided transverse stiffeners are required
to be attached to the compression flange.
3 True or False: Tapped holes in structural steel plates are
easily used in lieu of a high-strength nut for structural
steel connections.
4 True or False: Post weld heat treatment (PWHT) is not
required for thick flanges of hot-rolled wide flanges
subjected to seismic loading.
5 True or False: Web-tapered member design requirements
are included in an Appendix to the AISC Specification.
6 True or False: Chapter M in the AISC Specification
requires drain or vent holes in all HSS.
7 True or False: In general, welding of quenched and
tempered fastener components (such as bolts and
nuts) is not recommended as it can affect the material
properties in unpredictable ways.
8 AISC Specification Section J2.2 provides a maximum
weld size for thicknesses greater than in. to ensure
sufficient edge remains. Which figure below illustrates
the correct detail?
9 AISC Specification Table J2.4 provides the minimum
fillet weld sizes that are based on material thickness of
the _________ part joined.
a) thicker b) thinner
c) average d) None of the above
10 True or False: The AISC Specification allows bolt holes
to be thermally cut.
Apparent weld
throat
Apparent edge
of plate
Actual
weld throat
Actual edge
of plate
before
welding
Actual edge
of plate is
distinguishable
Actual weld
throat is distinguishable
a) b)
c) None of the above
TURN TO PAGE 14 FOR ANSWERS
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ANSWERS steel quiz
1 a) Smaller. Crane girder design
i s di scussed i n Secti on 18 of
AISC Design Guide 7, Industrial
BuildingsRoofs to Anchor Rods
( www. ai sc. org/dg) . I t states
on page 57 that If A36 channel
caps are used on A992 steel
beams, lateral-torsional buckling
requirements must be based on
the A36 material. Also, the weak
axis strength must be based on the
channel cap material. Bonus info:
Did you know that 50-ksi channels
are increasingly common today?
2 True. This is discussed in AISC 360
Section G2.2 and its associated
Commentary. A connection to the
compression flange is required for
single-sided stiffeners in order to
resist uplift due to torsion in the
flange. This requirement applies
whether or not tension field action
is considered.
3 False. The nuts used with high-
strength bolts are matched so that
they develop the strength of the
shank of the bolt. This simplifies
the design of the connection by
el i mi nati ng fai l ure modes l i ke
thread stripping. Using a tapped
plate in lieu of a properly matched
nut would require much more than
the usual bolting limit states to
ensure a proper design.
4 True. PWHT is not required in
the AISC Specification or in the
AISC Seismic Provisions. The use
of PWHT is not common in steel
building construction. (If youre
welding a steel tank, however,
Secti on 5. 8 of AWS D1. 1-10
provides guidance.)
5 False (but take half a point if you
know that it used to be true).
Recent AISC specifications have
eliminated the old appendix, and
current design recommendations
can be found i n AISC Desi gn
Guide 25, Frame Design Using
Web-Tapered Members.
6 False. The AISC Specification does
not require vent or drain holes in
all HSS. However, it does require
that water be kept out of the
member, both during construction
and in the final structure. AISC
Specification Section M2.10 states:
When water can collect inside
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.
HSS or box members, either during
construction or during service, the
member shall be sealed, provided
with a drain hole at the base or
protected by other suitable means.
7 True. AI SC Desi gn Gui de 21,
Wel ded Connecti onsA Pri mer
for Engineers Section 4.5.2 says:
As a general principle, welding
shoul d not be done on bol ts
or nuts. However, i f essenti al ,
the composition of the bolt (and
nuts, if involved) must be carefully
considered. In addition, standard
s t r uct ur al f as t ener mat er i al
standards, such as A563 for nuts,
are not considered prequalified by
AWS D1.1 Clause 3; thus the weld
would need to be qualified per
AWS D1.1 Clause 4.
8 b) For lap joints over in. thick, it
is possible for the welder to melt
away the upper corner, resulting
in a weld that appears to be full
size but actually lacks the required
weld throat dimension as shown
in answer (a). Accordingly, the
maximum fillet weld size is
1
16 in.
less than the plate thickness, t,
which is sufficient to ensure that the
edge remains as shown in answer
(b). Below -in. thickness, t, the full
weld throat is achieved, even if the
edge is melted away.
9 b) The minimum fillet weld size is
based on the thinner part joined.
Thi s i s a change from practi ce
l ong ago that has been made
possible by use of low-hydrogen
consumables and modern preheat
requirements.
10 True. AISC 360 Section M2.5 states:
thermally cut [bolt] holes are
permitted with a surface roughness
prof i l e not exceedi ng 1, 000
in. (25 m) as defined in ASME
B46.1. Gouges shall not exceed a
depth of
1
16 in. (2 mm). Water jet-
cut holes are also permitted. The
Commentary clarifies that the
use of controlled or mechanically
guided equipment is anticipated for
the forming of thermally cut holes.
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Table 1 lists the eight possible steel bracing systems from
ASCE 7 Tables 12.2-1 and 15.4-1. The table includes the
response modifcation coeffcient (R), height limitation and
detailing requirements.
North-South Bracing System
From Figures 1 and 2 we see that column line 3 has brac-
ing connections with no out-of-plane support at the third level.
Therefore, the north-south bracing in column line 3 is consid-
ered as K-brace framing per the AISC 341 Glossary.
Option 1: Since additional members would cause piping
interferences, the link beam bracing requirements of
Section F3.4b cannot be met at level 3.
Options 2 and 5: K-braced framing, as defned in the
Glossary, is not permitted for SCBF systems per Section
F2.4c. Therefore, the bracing in the north-south
direction cannot be classifed as a SCBF system because
column line 3 contains K-Bracing.
WHEN IS A NONBUILDING STRUCTURE similar to a
building? The defnition, per Chapter 11 of ASCE 7-10 Mini-
mum Design Loads for Building and Other Structures, is as follows:
A nonbuilding structure that is designed and constructed in
a manner similar to buildings will respond to strong ground
motions in a fashion similar to buildings, and has a basic
lateral and vertical seismic force-resisting system conform-
ing to one of the types indicated in Tables 12.2-1 or 15.4-1.
Thus, a nonbuilding structure similar to a building may be
designed using the lateral force resisting systems of a building
(Table 12.2-1) or the additional options for nonbuilding struc-
tures similar to buildings (Table 15.4-1). Because of the geom-
etry or functional requirements of the nonbuilding structure,
some of the available lateral force resisting system options may
not be practical or possible.
To illustrate the selection process of a steel vertical bracing sys-
tem, lets consider the eight available bracing systems, using Seismic
Design Category D, for a sample four-level industrial structure that
supports process equipment and associated piping on levels 2 and 4.
Each bracing system will be reviewed to determine if both ASCE
7-10 and AISC 341-10 requirements can be met.
Figures 1 and 2 show the elevation of the structure, Figure
3 shows the plan view of levels 2 and 4 and Figure 4 shows the
plan view of level 3 (all fgures are on page 18). The X-bracing
shown in Figures 1 and 2 represents locations where any bracing
confguration (X-brace, inverted V or eccentric) may be used. To
avoid interferences with piping and process equipment, beams
cannot be placed on level 3 between column lines 2 and 3. Also,
bracing cannot be placed between column lines 2 and 3 on both
the north and south faces of the structure. In addition, supple-
mentary beams and horizontal bracing cannot be added to pro-
vide lateral bracing.
BRACING FOR
NONBUILDINGS
SIMILAR TO
BUILDINGS
BY ROBERT J. WALTER, S.E., P.E.
steelwise
What are the options when selecting a
bracing system for a nonbuilding structure
similar to a building?
Robert J. Walter (rwalter@
cbi.com) is a principal civil
and structural engineer with
CB&I and is a corresponding
member of the AISC Task Group
on Industrial Buildings and
Nonbuilding Structures.
OPTION
ASCE 7
TABLE
BRACING SYSTEM R
HEIGHT
LIMIT
DETAILING
REQUIREMENTS
1 12.2-1 Steel eccentrically braced frame 8 160 AISC 341
2 12.2-1 Steel special concentrically braced frame (SCBF) 6 160 AISC 341
3 12.2-1 Steel ordinary concentrically braced frame (OCBF) 3 35 AISC 341
4 12.2-1 Steel buckling-restrained braced frame (BRBF) 8 160 AISC 341
5 15.4-1 Steel special concentrically braced frame (SCBF) 6 160 AISC 341
6 15.4-1 Steel ordinary concentrically braced frame (OCBF) 3 35 AISC 341
7 15.4-1 Steel ordinary concentrically braced frame with permitted height increase 2 160 AISC 341
8 15.4-1 Steel ordinary concentrically braced frame with unlimited height increase 1 No Limit AISC 360
Table 1: Available bracing congurations per ASCE 7 Tables
12.2-1 and 15.4-1

Options 3, 6 and 7: K-braced framing, as defned in
the Glossary, is not permitted for OCBF systems per
Section F1.4b. Therefore, the bracing in the north-
south direction cannot be classifed as an OCBF sys-
tem because column line 3 contains K-bracing. Also,
Options 3 and 6 are not permitted because the height
of the structure exceeds the height limit of 35 ft.
Option 4: K-braced framing, as defned in the Glossary,
is not permitted for BRBF systems per Section F4.4b.
Therefore, the bracing in the north-south direction
cannot be classifed as a BRBF system because column
line 3 contains K-bracing.
Option 8: As indicated in ASCE 7 Table 15.4-1, this
option does not need to meet the AISC 341 Seismic
Provisions and can meet the other code requirements
of ASCE 7 and AISC 360.
Thus, none of the bracing systems options meet the AISC
341 requirements for the north-south bracing. However, since
Option 8 doesnt need to meet AISC 341 requirements, it
becomes the only acceptable option.
East-West Bracing System
Option 1: Since additional members would cause piping
interferences (OCBF), the link beam bracing require-
ments of Section F3.4b cannot be met at level 3.
Options 2 and 5: It is possible to meet the SCBF require-
ments.
Options 3 and 6: These options for OCBF cannot be
used since the structure height exceeds the ASCE 7
height limitations.
Option 4: It is possible to meet the BRBF requirements.
Option 7: It is possible to meet the OCBF requirements.
Option 8: As indicated in ASCE 7 Table 15.4-1, this
option does not need to meet the AISC 341 Seismic
Provisions and can meet the other code requirements of
ASCE 7 and AISC 360.
Thus, Options 2, 4, 5, 7 and 8 may be used for the east-west
bracing to meet code requirements.
Know your Options
In the north-south direction, only Option 8an OCBF with
unlimited height increasecan be used to meet all code require-
ments. For the east-west direction, there are several options.
Keep in mind that the use of systems with higher R values in only
the east-west direction would not likely provide a more econom-
ical design. Furthermore, systems with higher R values would
not likely reduce the foundation size since the north-south direc-
tion has more impact on the design of the foundation. Therefore,
the most practical way to design this nonbuilding structure is by
using ordinary concentric X-bracing or inverted V-bracing in
both directions detailed per AISC 360 in accordance with ASCE
7 Chapter 15 (Option 8). As illustrated here, ASCE 7 Chapter 15
can be very important, since it may provide the only options to
meet code requirements for certain nonbuilding structures.
steelwise
Figure 4:
Plan view level 3
Figure 1: Braced frame elevation

column lines A and B
Figure 2: Braced frame elevation
column lines 1, 2 and 3
Figure 3: Plan view levels 2 and 4
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THE STEEL INDUSTRY is more integrated and automated
than ever before.
Weve already seen on several projects whats possible
when building information modeling (BIM), in tandem with
a collaborative team environment, is adopted or a highly
automated fabrication workfow is employed.
And, as you can imagine, integration, automation and 3D
modeling will continue to drive the construction process
moving forward.
This isnt just speculation. Ive taken the liberty of
interviewing a fabricator from the not-too-distant future. (I
wont get into the details on how this was possible, but Ill just
say that as AISCs director of industry initiatives and chair of
the National BIM StandardUnited States Project Committee,
I have access to some pretty amazing technology.) As hed
prefer to keep his identity a secret, lets just call himGeorge.
George Jetson. My discussion with him was very revealing and
confrms many of my projections on what the future holds for
the fabricated structural steel industry.
Chris Moor: How has your current workfow affected
your costs?
George Jetson: As a steel fabricator my business is very
capital-intensive. Ive invested in a lot of machinery that allows
me to use my skilled labor more effectively while also increasing
my accuracy, effciency, productivity and overall quality. Not
only that, it also decreases my waste (consumables) and allows
for very accurate scheduling, planning and forecasting.
CM: Where does software come in?
GJ: The advancement of technology, IFC (industry
foundation classes) development and other secure methods of
sharing information have had a profound effect on my business.
Beyond the fact that I get to choose the tools I want to use when
I want to use them, without concern about being able to work
with others, my overall fabrication business is simply more
effcient. No longer do I have to guess at costs and schedules.
No longer do I need to (re)build a model from a designers set
of drawings. No longer do I need to issue paper for engineers
to review. And no longer do I have to issue thousands of fles to
my fabrication shop.
CM: Does 3D modeling play into the bidding process?
GJ: Are you kidding? We even bid from models now! Some
narrative and specifcation is, of course, still needed but even
that is embedded in the model. There is very little room for
speculation. The model is much more than design-intent as
the contract drawings of the past used to be. The model we get
is so complete, even at bid stage, that we can quickly enhance
it, run it virtually through our shopwhich of course is
something thats been possible for a long time, nowand
provide a very detailed estimate of our own costs, even down to
our projected power bill. We know to the minute how long the
project will take to process and fabricate. After that its a case of
building in variables and risk, and were good to go.
At the end of the day, when everything is installed and
fnished, the model becomes the handoff: a fully detailed
virtual building. Laser scanning or photogrammetry has been
an ongoing process throughout the life of the construction
cycle, constantly adjusting and updating the virtual model and
providing a precise copy of the as-built project.
CM: So its a situation of the best model wins the
project?
GJ: Oh, no. Most of the time, we are selected based on our
qualifcations and the value we bring to the overall project. We
are involved in collaborative delivery methods (CDM) 90% of
the time if not more.
In these cases, once chosen (and we are chosen very early
in the design phase), we provide the digital model of our shop
capabilities so the project team can use it as a tool to constantly
refne and improve the design for maximum beneft to the
owner. Providing access to a digital virtual fabrication shop
enables the designer to see the cost and schedule effects of
various designs on the fy.
Steel prices and projected availability are also automatically
embedded in the model, even during the design stage. This
ensures that the designer uses available steel shapes that ft
the schedule, and also provides the contractor with up-to-date
pricing information. Its actually a two-way street: The mills
and suppliers also use the information about what is being
designed and where the job is, so they can plan their rolling,
production and stock levels accordingly. The ability for mills
to access this information across the country has stabilized steel
pricing, reduced lead times and schedules and improved the
cost estimation of steel-framed structures beyond belief.
Meet George Jetson,
the fabricator of the future.
BY CHRIS MOOR
product
expert series
TOMORROWLAND
Chris Moor (moor@aisc.org) is
AISCs director of industry initiatives.
CM: How did software evolve to its
(your) current state?
GJ: For a while, it appeared as
though technology was going to
converge in a way that would make
it diffcult to distinguish where one
software packages capabilities ended
and anothers began. Steel detailing
software, structural analysis software,
connection design tools, planning and
scheduling tools, coordination and
collaboration tools all appeared to be
merging and overlapping and generally
confusing the market.
But in the end, the lines between
them actually ended up being much
clearer. This was due in large part to
the emergence of the IFC data model as
a viable means of sharing data that can
be effectively used by other applications.
AISC took IFC and drove forward with it,
as well as its other BIMsteel initiatives, to
ensure that the steel supply chain could
successfully interoperate. The adoption
and popularity of IFC meant there was
less pressure from end users asking their
software tools to do more in the same
environment; they could just as easily
share data with other software tools
to get the job done. From a software
developers point of view, the success of
IFC meant they could focus on their core
strengths and their own niche product
while pursuing IFC exchanges as a
means to satisfy the real-world needs of
their clients. This actually strengthened
the vendor-client relationship.
CM: On that note, how has BIM
affected your relationship with the
other players on the design and
construction team?
GJ: Early on, there were concerns
that the convergence of technology
and the adoption of BIM would lead
to a confusing mass of changed roles,
changed responsibilities and shifting
risk and liabilities. To some degree
and in some areas this has happened
roles have changedbut again, the
development of IFC, the ability to share
information wisely, the advancement of
technology in general and the overall
increase in quality output from each and
every player in the industry has actually
helped maintainand enhanceroles
and disciplines as we always thought
of them. The architect has become
the master builder (again), the general
contractor is a master of organization,
scheduling and coordination and the
sub-trades are streamlined, effcient
machines.
We generally work alongside the
designer. The model from which
we need to fabricate is basically an
enhancement of the designers model.
We take in the information, we add what
we need (connections, process and other
fabrication data; scheduling data; any
architectural or additional elements; etc.)
and then we are ready for fabrication.
Because this is a seamless process
with information constantly shared,
updated and coordinated between the
various roleswe move directly from
fnished model to fabrication without
interruption. In the past, we had to go
through a painful and schedule-altering
review and approval process, a process
that was necessary to ensure we had
interpreted the designers intent correctly.
That whole process (and others) is now
gone, which saves us and the project a lot
of time and money. As we get the model
ready for fabrication, we are constantly
running the project through our virtual
fabrication shop to fnd the best schedule
(among and against other projects) and
to assess our overall shop use. (This also
enables us to have input to the design
should we need to change something for
the good of the overall project.)
CM: What effect has this evolution
had on personnel?
GJ: Our shop is largely driven from
an offcean offce that can be anywhere.
Our shop workers are split primarily into
two groups: one to maintain machines
and keep them in top condition, and
another to perform complex assemblies
and big trusses. We have a couple of
people to manage stock and material
logistics, but otherwise the shop runs
itself. Its one big, linked machine
managed by a single production manager,
what we now refer to as an intelligent
steel fabrication shop (ISFS).
CM: Take me through a typical
project.
GJ: The ISFS receives the work order,
and from that point forward everything is
automatic. Stock material is automatically
analyzed for optimum usage and the
material is then located and loaded into
the system. (Of course, this sometimes
requires a human, depending on the
location and size of the piece, but most
of the time its an automatic process.)
The ISFS then takes the raw material
and routes it through the shop, running it
through the processes required: saw, drill,
cope, etc. This is preprocessing and once
it is complete, the individual pieces are
then automatically routed to an assembly
machine. The assembly machine collects
and then connects the clip angles, plates
or stiffeners as required with spot welds
and moves the assembly through to the
robotic welding machine. The multi-head
welding robot quickly lays the required
welds and, as required, non-destructive
testing can be specifed. The philosophy,
at least in our shop, is that each machine
performs just a single task (or parallel
tasks) and then moves the piece on. We
fnd this reduces bottlenecks and supports
the Lean process.
Throughout the process the
production manager gets real-time
feeds of what each machine is doing
or where each piece of the project
is. There is no guessing anymore.
Additionally, at each stage of this
process, laser scanning checks the
validity of the piece against the model,
and this is also the last checkrunning
the fnished assembly through an
airport-like laser scanner to check
dimensions and quality and at the same
time feeding back the fabrication status
of that piece to the project team.
Prior to assembly all pieces still go
through preprocessing, as required, but
they are then routed to specially ftted
out assembly bays. During preprocessing,
one machine is responsible for applying
sensors that adhere to the steel, allowing the
workers heads-up displays, which are built
into their safety glasses, and sensor-lined
gloves to recognize the piece, its orientation
and position. (The sensors, a relatively new
technology, also come into play when the
assemblies are at the job site, ready to be
installed). Every piece they touch or pick up
is recognized by the technology, and step-
by-step visual instructions are provided for
an accurate ft-up. Mobile welding robots
perform the welding as specifed in the
product
expert series
product
expert series
model and in about half the time it used to
take, the job is done.
CM: What about the job site?
GJ: The job site has largely become
an extension of the design office.
Erection of the whole building is
planned very early on and constantly
refined and fine-tuned right up until
the final day. Planning shipping among
different trades from different locations
is a crucial part of the overall process,
especially as there are virtually no jobs
where site storage is allowed or tolerated.
Material arrives as it is needednot a
day or an hour too soon.
The site planning and erection sequence
is stored and refned within a virtual model
accessible from anywhere. As on the shop
foor, holographic displays are available
to everyone through his or her heads-up
displays or in the site offce. These displays
include the location of people, tools and
machinesall in real time. The location
of everyone and everything is precisely
tracked at the job site and, as in the shop,
there is no guesswork. Augmented reality
overlays highlight the work to be done and,
along with material sensors and precise
instructions, ensure everything is done
right frst time.
CM: So whats your advice for the
fabricators of 2013?
GJ: Dont stand still. Accept that
change is inevitable. While some of the
processes and technologies Ive mentioned
will be very new to your readers, others
are already taking place to a certain degree.
Back in 2014 I attended NASCC: The
Steel Conference in Toronto and learned
what was already available to help kick-
start the future.
Ill also add that you dont need a
brand-new facility to start thinking about
employing the technology and machinery
we have (much of which was available in
its early forms back in 2013/2014). You can
start small, with one machine, in one bay
or one section of your shop. Our facility
is over 100 years old. We didnt have the
luxury of starting with a new, fully planned
and purpose-built facility. We had to
work with what we had. But we did have a
plana visionand we shared that vision
with our suppliers and worked with them
to achieve what we have today. It took a
while but it was worth it!
This article was written as part of the
National BIM StandardUnited States 2021
Vision Task Force (VTF). The VTF (chaired
by the author) has collected more than 30 of
these visionary papers from all corners of the
construction industry in an effort to build a
roadmap for the industry to become more
effcient. We are in the process of weaving the
essays together to create a single, compelling
and tangible vision of what the future may
look like, along with the steps the industry may
need to take in order to get there.
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TOO OFTEN STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS fall into the trap
of designing a project based simply on the weight of the frame
rather than considering the entire project. But thinking strate-
gically about structural engineering is integral to adding value
and generating future business for your frm.
While some structural
engineers are content to
design an effcient frame
that minimizes weight,
others realize the process
is much more involved. Is
the frame easy to fabri-
cate and construct (which
impacts both the cost and
time of construction)?
Does the design easily
accommodate the mechan-
ical system? Whats its
impact on foundations and
faade attachment?
Why is conceptual esti-
mating important to structural engineers? Simply put, the more
value a structural engineer can bring to a project, the more in-
demand theyll be.
The structural engineer should step up to be the facilita-
tor in conceptual estimating. A good conceptual estimate is a
team sport, one in which a collaborative group of people are
willing to explore hypotheticals, discuss implications with other
trades and share historical cost and schedule data. Even when
the engineer leads the discussion in how these items impact the
project, they cant answer everything on their own. The most
successful projects include open communication and collabora-
tion between all decision makers.
Too often we depend on rules of thumb weve developed
during our career and information on other projects weve
completed. Unfortunately, these numbers often do not refect
current market conditions or construction techniques. So what
should we be doing?
On every project, the team should start with a checklist,
such as the one that follows, to determine the path to the best
solution. While this list is not comprehensive, its an excellent
starting point. As you gain more experience with conceptual
estimating youll be able to fne-tune the list, adding or sub-
tracting questions.
Is the framing system structurally efcient and
economical for this project?
Its important not to focus solely on pounds per square foot
(psf), as is traditional for an S.E. The biggest value a designer
can bring to the process is to stop talking solely about psf
and start talking dol-
lars. Remember that least
weight is not always least
cost in member, connec-
tion and foor design/
layout. Does the chosen
psf make sense as the
more economically eff-
cient system against other
projects? Does the design
address the most economi-
cal solutions for defection,
vibration and sound trans-
mission? Does the speci-
fcation include the most
readily available materials
currently produced (for a list of these for structural steel struc-
tures, go to www.modernsteel.com/materialspecs)? Have
feld connections been minimized and does the design use as
many shop connections as possible to reduce costs (and has the
local fabricator been asked bolted vs. welded?) as well as con-
sider other potential cost reductions as showcased in the article
at www.modernsteel.com/detailsavings? Are the contractor
and available labor force familiar with the material and chosen
construction method?
FACILITATING
ESTIMATING
BY TABITHA STINE, S.E., P.E.
business issues
Increasing value with a conceptual
cost-estimating checklist.
The more collaboration and research
done to hone in on specifc project factors
and how they affect other decisions
the more accurate the
conceptual estimate will be.
Tabitha Stine is AISCs director
of technical marketing. You can
reach her at stine@aisc.org.
Are there construction schedule limitations due to a
xed opening date?
Time is of the essence. Value can be brought by selecting a
system that can speed up the construction time line and allow
more time for other trades to get on the job sooner and pos-
sibly reduce overall general conditions costs. How do all of the
decisions impact the project schedule? Has a Gantt chart been
reworked to evaluate the best approach to streamline the proj-
ect to save time and money?
What is the controlling building code on the project?
Understanding the structural design criteria is important. But
what does the code say about fre protection requirements, use
of innovative or proprietary sys-
tems, egress and accessibility or
sustainability goals or require-
ments (which can all have cost
impacts depending on how they
are addressed and managed)?
Are there constraints for
lay-down space or cold
weather limitations for
construction/erection?
Without adjacent site space
for subassembly of pieces, con-
struction staging can be quite diffcult and expensive. Closing
streets, renting adjacent sites and even working in the winter can
all cause increased general conditions costs and economic chal-
lenges. Explore more pre-assembled options such as truss assem-
blies (consider a staggered truss that can be erected by a crane
directly from the trailer), modular construction of entire foor
system panels and working with more hollow core plank and
steel in areas where erection will be taking place in the winter.
What are the current material pricing trends for the
construction materials?
In developing a conceptual estimate it is best to note
that the structural steel package is approximately 10% of
the entire project cost. The material portion of a steel
framing package will be only approximately 30% of the
overall steel package and a 5% variation in material prices
will result in a 1% to 2% change in the cost of the steel
package. In the same way, it should be recognized that fab-
rication and erection prices vary over time and that if a
project is significantly delayed between the time of design
and construction, all project estimates should be updated.
Understanding the current material pricing trends for
structural steelas compared to products such as ready-
mixed concreteand also considering the costs of fabrica-
tion and erection compared to the labor costs of placing
and formwork for the concrete system is vital. The AISC
Steel Solutions Center tracks this information for the steel
industry and you can receive a copy by reaching out to us
at solutions@aisc.org.
What are the required oor-to-oor height, usable
square footage per oor, future expansion needs or
faade constraints?
The framing system and foor/deck selection cannot be eco-
nomically optimized without consideration of these items. Can
the S.E. recommend an innovative system that is outside the box?
Can there be more effcient braced frames on the perimeter or
do the window systems limit the design to more costly moment
frames externally and braced frames at the core? Does the project
need to be able to expand up or out in the futureand how will
that be handled? Can the MEP systems run through openings in
the steel webs to reduce the foor-to-foor heights and save faade
and elevator costs with a shorter structure? Has the most effcient
bay framing been selected for
reduced piece count to reduce
erection time and costs? Are the
spans optimized to bring more
fexibility to the tenants space
with fewer columns, which can
help the owner have a more
economically attractive space to
lease? Have these considerations
all been measured up to the same
challenges in the concrete fram-
ing system?
Which foundation type should be used based on soil
conditions and current/future loading needs?
A steel-framed structure can weigh up to 20% less than a
similar concrete-framed structure. Also, longer spans could
require fewer column locations or footings. Poor soil condi-
tions also should be noted early on to anticipate how best to
reduce the overall foundation cost. Framing system selection
should also consider these foundation implications.
How do the project teams contractual relationship and
delivery approach impact the costs?
Will building information modeling (BIM) be used to inte-
grate various trades early on to preclude normal on-site clashes
or for the full delivery of the design deliverable? Can 3D shop
drawing review (www.aisc.org/modelreview) be incorporated
to save time in the review process, which will give schedule
slack back to the owner and save money for the team? If there
isnt a design-build or BIM approach to the job, is there a col-
laborative project team that is vested to sitting down and hav-
ing an open dialogue with one another to avoid as many con-
ficts and constraints as possible throughout the project life?
Does the contractors cost per sq. ft of the structure
look at comparative material package options as
apples-to-apples or apples-to-oranges?
The value of conceptual estimating is only recognized when
all material options are compared in an apples-to-apples envi-
ronment. Dont compare a steel frame to a concrete frame;
rather, compare the entire building (including the frame).
business issues
The value of conceptual estimating
is only recognized when
all material options are compared in an
apples-to-apples environment.
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business issues
Many of the questions/consider-
ations above are based on early discus-
sions with the entire project teamwith
input from respective subcontractors and
trades. Early collaboration is a necessity
to ensure that the best decisions are made
for the project. The more these items are
discussed and handled early on, the more
money the project will save. Every proj-
ect will not have partners that are open
to sharingor are contractually set up to
easily facilitate sharing. The S.E. needs to
highlight which items in their conceptual
estimate may be unknown, assumed or
require clarifcation by a subcontractor
at a later date. This challenge reinforces
the need for the S.E. to keep their own
sources of cost information outside the
confnes of the project. Its unlikely that
anyone has the answer to every concern,
but by facilitating discussions early on the
team will be more capable of handling
them as the project moves forward.
Improving Estimating Skills
As a tool for future projects, all the
items in the checklist should be considered
for future use. By categorizing the above
information in a spreadsheet with the proj-
ect information (including project name,
location, number of stories, structure usage,
team members, budget information, bid
pricing and fnal costs) you will be able to
use the information for comparison and
checks on future jobs.
Using the steps above, a good concep-
tual estimate can get you to within 8% to
12% of the fnal project costs. Obviously,
the more collaboration and research done
to hone in on the specifc factors (and how
they affect other decisions), the more accu-
rate the conceptual estimate will be. The
time involved varies based on the complex-
ity of the project.
Here are some suggestions for taking
the dive into proper conceptual estimating:
The AISC Steel Solutions Center
(solutions@aisc.org) is available to
provide ideas for optimal steel framing
solutions for projects. Prototypes are
available to provide effcient steel lay-
outs and cost-effective approaches for
various project challenges at www.aisc.
org/myproject.
The best resource is the development of
an in-house parametric spreadsheet of
all captured project information, includ-
ing estimates and bids for previous proj-
ects. Future estimates will directly ben-
eft from this historic information.
Invest in technology that enhances the
estimating process. Using analysis soft-
ware to run various iterations of differ-
ent bay framing sizes, lateral systems and
different materialswith the capability
to quickly export the piece count/mate-
rial specifcations into an estimating
software packagewill help streamline
the process. To gain the confdence in
the estimating softwares results, spend
time checking it against past projects
and assumptions before using it on a
real job!
Continue to collaborate with subcontrac-
tors and other project team members.
Understand their decision-making pro-
cess and what effciencies can be gained
when interfacing with them early on.
Subscribe to resources that discuss not
just the structural aspects of a project
but also the cost implications. Design
Cost Data (www.dcd.com) is one such
monthly publication that publishes proj-
ect costs by division for a variety of proj-
ect types.
Use common sense. Always take a step
back and ask yourself, Does this make
sense? Think of the process as a con-
tinual review of how each facet of the
project changes through the design and
construction cycle and how the subse-
quent trades are economically impacted.
Remember that a conceptual cost estimate
is not just a number. It is necessary to always
explain your assumptions, scope and limita-
tions within your conceptual estimate. The
structural engineer can bring great value to
the project by approaching every project
with the mindset that this is an opportunity
to provide the owner with a better project
that is completed sooner at a lower cost.
On projects in todays recovering mar-
ket, clients are looking for effciencies at
every turn. Stand up and show the value
you bring to the table by showcasing your
skill set in conceptual estimatingand the
process you take to bring value and money
back into their projects.
Sign up for our Roof Deck Design
webinar and receive a free copy of our
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P.O. Box 426 Glenshav, PA l5ll6
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OCTOBER 23, 2013
NOVEMBER 13, 2013
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AWARD CATEGORIES
In the past, awards have been presented in a variety of categories including those listed below:
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COMPETITION
WHO IS GOING TO WIN this years Super Bowl? may be
the question on many minds as summer gives way to fall.
But for those in the construction industry the real question is
What will 2014 and beyond look like for building construction?
Regretfully, it is probably easier to pick the winner of Super Bowl
XLVIII than to predict building construction activity over the
next several years.
Construction volumes for nonresidential and multi-story
residential buildings in 2013 have increased by approximately
8% over the similar period in 2012. It is anticipated that this
growth rate will continue or slightly increase during 2014. While
a growth rate of 8% to 10% seems quite healthy, keep in mind
that this growth is still occurring from a very low base. (Remem-
ber, from 2006 to 2010 the construction market dropped 62%.)
Even if growth continues at an 8% pace during the remainder of
2013, 2013 activity will still be only half of what it was in 2006.
The market has regained only 12 points of the 62 points it lost.
Even if the market grows by 10% in 2014, this means the market
would still be down 45% from the peak.
The predictive model followed by AISC since 2008 has been
based on gross domestic product (GDP) and employment levels.
The premise of that model has been that limited growth will oc-
cur when both GDP and employment growth are positive, but
that annualized GDP growth must exceed 3% and the number of
employed persons must exceed previous peak employment levels
for robust growth. Since 2010 GDP growth has averaged in the
range of 2% with slow growth in employment not yet reaching
the total number of employed persons in 2007.
The continuing slow growth in construction next year is
predicated on a continuing GDP growth rate of less than 3%
(current 2014 predictions for U.S. GDP are averaging between
2.5% and 3.0%, with the majority of the growth coming late in
the year) and U.S. employment not regaining 2007 levels until
mid-2014 (as of September 2013, U.S. employment is still 1.8
million jobs below the 2007 peak of 138 million). In other words,
were looking at a recovery that is proceeding slower than earlier
recoveries.
The following table on building construction cycles, while
perhaps somewhat confusing, visually depicts typical construc-
tion cycles. Rather than graphing absolute building construc-
tion in square feet, the chart presents the change in construc-
tion square footage from the prior trough or low point. In doing
so, the cyclical pattern of building construction activity can be
clearly seen. Historically, building construction cycles last about
eight years, returning to a low point of approximately 900 mil-
lion sq. ft of construction starts per year. The major exception to
that pattern was the cycle from 1992 to 2003 (the green line on
the chart), which lasted 12 years before dipping to a low point
in 2003 of 1.4 billion sq. ft, which was 50% higher than earlier
troughs. The next cycle from 2003 to 2010 (red) then followed
a similar growth pattern, but then fell quickly in 2008 through
2010 to a historic low of 686 million sq. ft.
CONSTRUCTION
CYCLES
BY JOHN CROSS, P.E.
economics
Despite how the construction market
looks on paper, predicting its behavior
is by no means an exact science.
John Cross is an AISC vice
president. You can reach him at
cross@aisc.org.
1,200
1,000
800
600
400
200
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-400
-600
-800
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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Building Construction Cycles
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Years from Prior Low
19751982 19821992 19922003
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In fact, it has been argued that the infusion of consumer
spending that originated from mortgage refinancing actu-
ally short-circuited the expected down-cycle in 2003, creat-
ing a false peak in 2006 and 2007. The secondary impact
was that the significantly lower trough in 2009 and 2010
was the result of over-construction during the false peak of
2006 and 2007. In a real sense, the false peaks of 2006 and
2007 dug an even deeper hole for the construction econo-
my to climb out of.
The cycle that the construction industry now fnds itself in
(purple) is increasing at the slowest rate of any of the prior cycles.
This slow growth rate is directly related to the slow growth rate
in GDP and job creation. This will result is a lengthening of the
time it will take construction activity to reach its next peak, which
will probably occur in the 2016 to 2017 time frame. Once GDP
growth accelerates and employment reaches previous levels, the
growth rate for building construction will accelerate as well to a
new peak in the range of 1.3 billion sq. ft of construction starts.
So what will this look like graphically in terms of building
construction volume? (See the table above.)
The bottom line? Next year will look a great deal like this
year. Construction activity will accelerate further in 2015
and 2016 to a peak in 2017 approximately 25% below the
peak of 2006. A cyclical downturn will occur once that peak
is reached. And it must be remembered that just like chal-
lenges that injuries, unmet expectations, missed feld goals
and chance plays can create for predicting the winner of the
next Super Bowl, a variety of external factors can quickly
derail any prediction of building construction activity! No
football team wins the Lombardi Trophy one or two games
into the season, and no prediction of construction activity is
a sure bet.
economics
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Overall
Apartments
Dormitories
Hotels
Misc. Nonres.
Amusement
Religious
Government
Hospitals
Schools
Manufacturing
Parking
Offices
Warehouses
Stores
Go to www.aisc.org/seminars for more information.
$350 for Members,
$600 to Bring-a-Buddy (Sign up two people and save $50 per registrant!)
The 2nd Edition Seismic Design Manual will be available for purchase for $100
(a discount from $175 member price/$350 non-member price)
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Introducing the New Louis F. Geschwindner Seminar
Seismic Design Manual and Application
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Written by Thomas A. Sabol, S.E., Ph.D. | 0.8 CEUs/8.0 PDHs
AISC
2013 seminars
Theres always a solution in steel.
American Institute of Steel Construction
One E Wacker Drive, Ste. 700
Chicago, IL 60601
www.aisc.org 312.670.2400
Ivy League
Steel
Yale intends to introduce its new business building with a bang.
BY STEPHEN CURTIS, CENG,
AND ALAN ERICKSON, P.E.
THIS COMING JANUARY, Yale University will open its
new $189 million, Foster + Partners-designed Edward P. Evans
Hall at the School of Management with a three-day conference
attended by leaders from academia, government and business.
A dramatic and complex building will welcome them. With a
structural system designed by Buro Happold, the 242,000-sq.-
ft facility features exposed exterior columns; a curved, four-
story glass faade; slim interior vertical elements; and intricate
connections, all formed using structural steel, to achieve the
demanding architectural vision and provide unobstructed views,
both inside and out.
Evans Hall will double the size of the School of Management
and house diverse offce and classroom spaces arranged around
a central, outdoor courtyard. It also includes an academic center,
study areas, a 350-seat auditorium and parking for 150 vehicles.
This addition to the Yale campus in New Haven, Conn., will
enable the school to expand the student body and faculty, offer
more community facilities and grow its executive program
offerings.
An Opening for Steel
The building is comprised of fve stories above grade and two
stories below grade. Buro Happold used steel construction for
the above-grade structure and reinforced concrete fat slab con-
struction with drop panels spanning to cast-in-place columns for
the below-grade foors. The engineering team selected steel for
the above-grade portionusing more than 1,900 tonsbecause
they considered it to be the best material with which to achieve
an architectural design allowing for large, column-free areas and
clear, unobstructed faades.
There is a rich history of precast concrete across Yales
campus, said Erleen Hatfeld, regional discipline leader for
Chicago Metal Rolled Products Saved Their Customer
More Than 80,000 lbs. of 12 Sq. Tubing.
Early involvement in the University of Phoenix Stadium (2007 IDEAS
2
National Award Winner) allowed
Chicago Metal Rolled Products to save their customer time and money when curving 402 tons of 12 x 12 x
5
8
and 12 x 12 x
1
2
tubing to radiuses from 1000 to 1200 feet for the roof trusses.
Using advanced technology, Chicago Metal curved 52 feet of distortion-free arc from stock only 54 feet long.
With traditional curving methods, 6 to 10 feet of each tube would be lost to scrap. Chicago Metals solutions
also substantially reduced freight charges.
Always meeting the fabricators schedule, the company received 213 pieces of tubing from mills, stored it clean
and dry, and then curved and shipped it over the course of five months.
According to the project manager and subcontract administration manager, this project went almost flawlessly
despite its complexity and challenging schedule. A tribute to the teamwork of the roller, the fabricator and
the erector.
FULL HT.
STIFF PL
4
13
3
3
66 PL
A325-N
BOLT, TYP
2L33
TOPPING
AND FINISH
WT522.5
@64O.C.MAX
CONC. SLAB ON
METAL DECK
FAADE CONNECTION
BRACKET, BY OTHERS
FAADE CONNECTION
BRACKET, BY OTHERS
FAADE PANEL,
BY OTHERS
GRILL, SEE ARCH.
3
8"6GRILL
SUPPORT PLATE
V
A
R
I
E
S
1
2

M
I
N
.
The 240,000-sq.-ft Evans Hall
opens on Yales campus early next
year.
Stephen Curtis (stephen.curtis@burohappold.com) is an associate
principal and Alan Erickson (alan.erickson@burohappold.com) is a
senior structural engineer, both with Buro Happolds New York ofce.
Stephen led the rms team on the Yale School of Management
project and Alan was an engineer on the project.
A detail of a diagonal kicker assembly with
faade attachments.
structural engineering in North America at

Buro Happold. So, during the early project
phases we explored both cast-in-place and
precast concrete as options. However, only
steel could deliver such an open design and
still provide the required structural support.
Foster + Partners envisioned a four-
story, curved, glazed faade to serve as a
prominent feature in the courtyard. The fa-
ade is supported only at its top and bottom,
thereby making an atrium within the build-
ing as it bypasses the intermediate foors.
To achieve this long vertical span without
needing large structural members that
would interrupt the view, the design team
decided to hang the faades weight entirely
from the roof with the bottom support used
only for lateral bracing. Buro Happold de-
signed custom steel sleeve connections to
integrate the faades vertical element with
the second foors structural steel. This al-
lowed seamless integration and vertical
movement between the second foor and
the facade, even though a separate contrac-
tor provided each.
Halfway up the faade, a mezzanine ex-
tends within several feet of it but does not
connect. This created a cantilever condi-
tion ranging from 10 ft to 17 ft that had to
ft within the thin foor profle. To achieve
this, the W27 cantilever beams were de-
signed for strength only and 2-in.-diameter
defection control hanger rods were added
at the ends of the cantilevers. As the rods
were designed for defection control only,
they did not need freproofng and there-
fore lessened the structures impact on the
architectural design.
Foster + Partners
The auditorium, located beneath a proposed entertain-
ment/multi-function space, had strict acoustical criteria in
terms of vibration and noise transfer for the structure sup-
porting the space. To meet the vibration criteria, Buro Hap-
pold designed 49-in.-deep plate girders for the 50-ft span and
also made provisions in the design of the plate girders to ac-
commodate penetrations for the building systems, as the steel
members took up all of the available ceiling space. In addition,
the criteria for limiting noise transfer into the auditorium
from the space above was met via a 7-in.-thick normal weight
concrete-on-steel deck slab.
Exterior architecturally exposed structural steel (AESS) col-
umns, while part of the desired aesthetic, presented several chal-
lenges. These columns would be exposed to view from both the
inside and outside of the building, and the architects wanted
them to feature a thin, elegant profle. They also had to be de-
signed to incorporate thermal effects and, since the roof-hung
faade was supported on the exterior columns, their design had
to be coordinated with the faade contractor. The exterior HSS
columns ranged up to 64 ft tall and are unbraced, yet had to sup-
port a signifcant portion of the foor, which created undesirable
freproofng issues. To resolve this, Buro Happold performed
detailed fre engineering studies proving that these HSS18
columns could do a better job withstanding fre than what was
anticipated by local building codes. Consequently, the engineers
determined that the freproofng on these key architectural ele-
ments could be reduced and, in some cases, eliminated.
Geometric Challenges
From the beginning of the project, it was clear that the
buildings success depended on the team working together to
solve its geometrical complexities. The design team leveraged
Revit modelling at the start of construction documents to allow
real time 3D coordination of all trades. While this proved help-
ful, it became apparent that more advanced BIM was required
on several fronts. The architects vision left little room in the
ceiling void for both the MEP and structural systems. Further
complicating matters, a zoning decision had reduced the build-
ings plan area while not allowing an increased height. An addi-
tional foor had to be added, reducing available space in the ceil-
ing cavity. The only way to ensure successful construction was
to deliver design team-coordinated models to the contractor;
these models would need to be clash-free prior to handover.
Structurally, this involved detailed modelling of complex steel
geometries and connections as well as MEP system penetra-
tions throughout the building.
The universitys clash-free requirement really challenged
our design team to create a coordinated design and then
The courtyard faade hangar base as a Tekla model...
Evans Hall doubles the size of Yales School of Management

and houses diverse office and classroom spaces arranged
around a central outdoor courtyard.
Buro Happold
Buro Happold
Buro Happold
...and during construction.
demonstrate this, said Hatfeld. Using
sophisticated technologies such as BIM,
our engineers successfully managed this
complex project and completed it to
everyones satisfaction.
Buro Happold designed the connec-
tions and completed a Tekla model with
the connections already modelled prior to
bidding of the steel. As they were able to
use the members and connections in the
model as a reference, all of the bidders
came in within 1% of each other in terms
of tonnage.
Having the steel bids so close together
indicated a clear understanding of the scope,
reducing the risk for change order requests
and improving our cost certainty, said Jon
Olsen, Yales senior project manager.
As construction progressed, the value
of the models became even more apparent.
The shop drawing process was streamlined
for both the fabricator, Shepard Steel, and
the engineers. In addition, the contrac-
tor did not need to spend time develop-
ing, submitting, revising and resubmitting
complicated connection designs, which
resulted in all shop drawing approvals oc-
curring within fve months and virtually no
ft-up problems during erection.
Since the drawings were so detailed,
both the shop drawing process and the
steel erection went very smoothly, said
Joe Bolton, senior project manager with
the projects general contractor, Dimeo.
The connection designs and 3D model-
ing done by Buro Happold really showed
their value in terms of staying on sched-
ule and budget.
Owner
Yale University, New Haven, Conn.
Design Architect
Foster + Partners
Architect of Record
Gruzen Samton, New York
Structural Engineer
Buro Happold, New York
General Contractor
Dimeo Construction Company,
Providence, R.I.
Steel Team
Steel Fabricator
Shepard Steel Co., Inc., Hartford,
Conn. (AISC Member/AISC Certied
Fabricator)
Steel Detailer
Arcan Detailing, Inc., Windsor,
Ontario, Canada (AISC Member)
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The
Winds
of Time
Increased wind load
requirements and the
bad timing of the 2008
economic downturn
couldnt keep a Manhattan
skyscraper from topping
out ahead of schedule.
BY MATT JACKSON, S.E., P.E.
A SOON-TO-BE-OPEN New York sky-

scraper is doing its part to grow the nations
largest business district.
The sleek 40-story, 600-ft-tall 250 West
55th Street, which brings almost one mil-
lion sq. ft of commercial space to Midtown
Manhattan, is set back on a 50-ft-tall podi-
um that, together with column-free interior
spans, allows maximum light and views. The
tower design maximizes effciency not only
in the programmatic layout and tight design
of the core, but also in the use of new struc-
tural technologies.
As is typical for New York City offce
towers, the building has a steel frame with a
steel braced core and composite foors. The
foor structure is based on a 29-ft, 6-in. typi-
cal bay size, with spans from core to perim-
eter varying from 30 ft to 43 ft, and foor
beams typically W18 to W21 in size. The
slightly offset core was limited in width to
45 ft to optimize the offce layouts for future
tenants; to meet stiffness needs the core
columns were plated jumbo W14 sections at
the base of the core. To gain additional lat-
eral stiffness, a hat truss formed by bracing
the perimeter columns behind mechanical
louvers was added at the top of the tower,
and this was connected to the core with a
series of outriggers. This system effectively
joins the core columns to the perimeter col-
umns and uses them to provide additional
stiffness to resist wind loads.
Dynamic Damping
The framing design was initially based
on ASCE 7 wind loads. Once the schematic
The building uses approximately 10,000
tons of steel in all, 9,000 tons of which
were stored for several years while the
project was on hold.
Boston Properties
Matt Jackson (matt.jackson@
arup.com) is an associate
principal and structural engineer
with Arup.
design was completed, wind engineering frm RWDI carried out
wind tunnel testing, and the initial results showed that the actual
wind loads and base moments were lower than those predicted
by ASCE 7 and the New York City Building Code; however, the
accelerations were somewhat above typically acceptable ranges.
The primary reasons for this were that 1) at lower levels there
was signifcant shielding from other existing buildings, reducing
the loads substantially, while 2) at higher levels the structure was
also subject to some buffeting from wind interacting with sur-
rounding tall buildings.
Based on these fndings, two options for meeting the accelera-
tion limits were considered: Increase the stiffness by approximate-
ly 20% or increase the damping. The design team determined that
adding damping was the more effcient option and considered
several damping methods, including conventional tuned mass
dampers (TMD) and sloshing dampers, before fnally settling on a
system, from Taylor Devices, that effectively replaced some of the
braces in the outrigger trusses at the top of the tower with viscous
dampers. The specifcation for the dampers was quite different to
those normally used for seismic applications in buildings, as the
dampers are required to provide damping at very small displace-
ments but also cycle constantly whenever there are high winds.
Despite the high performance required of the seven dampers,
their total cost was signifcantly less than that of a conventional
TMD or sloshing damper. Also, because the fnal wind tunnel test-
ing revealed that the actual loads were lower than expectedand
Installing the viscous dampers.

The buildings floor structure is based on a 29-ft, 6-in. typical bay
size, with spans from core to perimeter varying from 30 ft to 43 ft.
A layout of the damper system.
Arup
Boston Properties
Arup
because the damping system provided more than the re-
quired dampingit was possible to further optimize the
steel package while still meeting acceleration criteria, lead-
ing to additional cost savings once the system was incor-
porated.
Designing a viscous damper system into a structure re-
quires more effort on the part of the designer, as a conven-
tional linear elastic analysis cannot be used, and the damped
structural system must be analyzed as a whole with the en-
tire structure rather than just analyzed as a separate bolt-on
system. We used MSC-Nastran for the analysis and opti-
mization of the damping system; however, as most of the
steelwork is not governed by the damper forces, we were
able to use conventional analysis processes for the vast ma-
jority of it.
Waiting Game
In addition to the challenges typical of a large construc-
tion project, the 2008 economic crisis also became a factor,
hitting just after construction started; the week before the
cranes were scheduled to mobilize in March 2009, Bos-
ton Properties made the decision to suspend construction
until the market was more favorable, and the design and
construction team quickly moved to put a plan in place to
allow for an orderly demobilization and effcient restart.
Foundation construction and steel fabrication was already
under way at this time, so the team decided to complete the
structure up to grade level to both stabilize the perimeter
walls and allow the site to be more easily waterproofed and
protected. Fabricator Owen Steel continued fabricating the
remaining steel and set up a plan that would allow for stor-
age and monitoring of the steel for an unknown duration
and a quick restart when needed. The plan included fnd-
ing a site large enough to store 9,000 tons of steel, which
ended up being spread out over fve acres, stacking the steel
to avoid the collection of water and minimize corrosion and
organizing the steel into the order in which the loads would
be needed once construction restarted in the fall of 2011.
The corresponding comparison of the foundation loads.
Model Wind in X direction Wind in Y direction
Load Shear Moment Shear Moment
(k) % (kft) % (k) % (kft) %
ASCE 7 2,740 100% 826,567 100% 2,461 100% 742,396 100%
RWDI 1,733 63% 609,134 74% 1,376 56% 504,961 68%
NYC 2,092 76% 647,766 78% 1,879 76% 581,803 78%
The framing system of the buildings basement.

800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0
ASCE 7 Exp B
Assumed in Mode
NYCBC
RWDI Back Calc
Net Wind Pressure (psf)
H
e
i
g
h
t

(
f
t
)
Wind Loading
A wind loading comparison for the building.
Much of the projects steel resided at fabricator Owen Steels storage

yard while construction was on hold.
Owen Steel
Arup
At that point, the team was concerned about the corrosion that
had developed on the surfaces that had been prepared for slip-crit-
ical connectionsin particular, those that had been blast cleaned
to achieve a Class B surface. The RCSC Specifcation suggests that
some corrosion for up to a year should be acceptable, but no fur-
ther data was available to specify exactly what level of corrosion
over what period of time would still perform in a satisfactory way.
We decided to test a sample of representative connections
from the stored pieces and verify the coeffcient of friction di-
rectly. The resulting tests showed that the stored steel exceeded
the required 0.5 coeffcient of friction. As such the steel required
no further blast cleaning and could be trucked straight from the
storage yard to the site in the order planned several years earlier.
Construction Reboot
When construction restarted, the steel erection progressed well
ahead of schedule. This was in part due to the restart plans prepared
at the time construction was halted, but also to the extensive 3D
modeling that had been used for coordination; Revit was used from
the beginning of schematic design. Although this process is more
common now, it was somewhat unusual when the design started
in 2007, requiring the team to fnd new ways to share models and
coordinate in 3D. As is more widely understood now, this process
required more information and detail at an earlier stage but also al-
lowed for much tighter coordination of elements such as the core,
which was critical to an effcient commercial development. Plus, the
model made it easier to pick up on the project even after a substan-
tial delay and changes to the job team during the delay.
The 3D work was carried through to the fabrication process,
with the detailers Tekla models reviewed and coordinated ahead of
any piece drawings being prepared. These same models were also
used for fnal architectural coordination. Once erection of the tower
restarted, general contractor Turner Construction used the models
as the basis of a detailed trade coordination process, with 3D mod-
els also being prepared by the mechanical and electrical contractors.
This led to a signifcant reduction in both the number of RFIs dur-
ing fabrication and the number of feld hits requiring fxes.
The building topped out in June 2012 and achieved the frst
certifcate of occupancy in May 2013, beating the original sched-
ule by a signifcant margin. Fit-out for the frst tenants is already
underway, with occupancy planned for early next year.
Owner/Developer
Boston Properties, New York
Structural Engineer
Arup, New York
Architect
Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, New York
General Contractor
Turner Construction, New York
Steel Team
Steel Fabricator
Owen Steel Company, Columbia, S.C. (AISC Member/
AISC Certied Fabricator)
Steel Erector
Cornell & Company, Inc., Woodbury, N.J. (AISC Member/
AISC Advanced Certied Steel Erector)
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Consolidating
Care
The University of Tennessee
combines its disparate pharmacy buildings
into a new facility at the Memphis Medical Center.
BY ANDY KIZZEE, P.E., AND KYLE MAXWELL, P.E.
THERES A LOT going on at the Memphis Medical Center.
The complex, home to the University of Tennessee Health
Science Center (UTHSC) campus, also includes the Regional
Medical Center, Methodist Teaching Hospital, Le Bonheur
Childrens Hospital, VA Medical Center, Memphis Bioworks
Foundation and around 35 other world-class health facilities.
UTHSCs new $65 million, 185,000-sq.-ft, seven-story College
of Pharmacy building is one of the newest additions to this ever-
growing healthcare epicenter. The facility consolidates the univer-
sitys College of Pharmacy from six separate buildings spread over
the campus into one research, learning and applied pharmaceutical
technology center and is part of 1.4 million sq. ft of new laboratory,
research, education and business space planned for the Memphis
Medical Center. The building is separated into two distinct uses: of-
fce and education/research, which are physically separated into a
single-bay-wide six-story offce complex and a two-bay-wide seven-
story laboratory, research and education tower. The two building
components are joined together with a full-height atrium and linked
at each foor with three full-bay bridge components.
Site Constraints
The building is situated on the east end of the UTHSC
campus on property previously occupied by the Baptist Hos-
pital Physicians Building (circa 1920). The site was confned
on three sides by an existing access drive and utility corridor, a
new plaza and service dock (under construction) and an exist-
ing access drive to the plaza service dock. These limitations, as
well as the grade change across the existing site, necessitated
the design to incorporate a basement under the frst foor to
allow on-grade deliveries under the plaza level and a split-level
west entrance. A 32-ft retaining wall on the west side of the
building was used to frame mechanical areas. In addition to the
space issue, Memphis is located near the southern end of the
New Madrid Seismic Zone. On top of that, the existing soils
on-site were not adequate to resist the loads from the seven-
story building using conventional footings, prompting struc-
tural engineer Smith Seckman Reid (SSR) to employ auger-cast
reinforced piles extending 50 ft into the soil.
When it came to the gravity framing system, SSR analyzed
two different options early in the project: a one-way concrete-
framed pan joist system or a composite steel beam with light-
weight composite slab system. The physical separation of the
two halves of the building created a unique column layout. Due
to the geometry of the column spacing and building orientation,
the steel-framed system offered the most economical solution,
and its comparatively lower mass reduced the seismic loads on
Courtesy of Inman-EMJ Construction
the building. Typical gravity framing in-

cludes columns ranging from W12210 on
the bottom foor to W1296 at the top level.
Members on the 29-ft single-bay offce
portion of the tower were W2455 girders
and W1222 infll beams, and those on the
56-ft-wide two-bay laboratory portion were
W27102 girders and W2144 infll beams.
After the gravity framing system was de-
termined, SSR analyzed two different lateral
force resisting systems for the project: a steel
special concentrically braced frame system
and a special steel moment frame system.
Building geometry played a major factor in
this decision as well, and the latter option
was deemed inappropriate for defection is-
sues related to itand also because the of-
fce tower is only one bay wide. Therefore,
braced frames were chosen. The bracing in
the laboratory portion was all single diago-
nal braces, varying from HSS1010
5
8 at
the base to HSS55 at the top. The offce
portion required inverted V-bracing, most
of which was HSS88; this inverted V
orientation required W36328 beams.
Keep em Separated
To execute the proposed foor plan, SSR
investigated separating the two components
of the facility with an expansion joint. As the
original plan did not accommodate the re-
quired width of this expansion joint, particu-
larly at the three crossover bridge elements,
the team designed W1272 X-braced frames
in the foor framing of the bridges that acted
as horizontal diaphragm links on each level,
effectively tying the building component dia-
phragms together. In addition, they strategi-
cally located braced frames near the crossover
bridges through the atrium space to reduce
the span and stresses of the foor diaphragm.
Furthermore, the vertical special
concentrically braced frames were
coordinated with the architectural foor
plan to accommodate corridors, doors,
laboratory equipment and fnishes where
the braces were exposed in the laboratory.
One particular design challenge with
the framing system was the architectural
programming requirement of a column-
free auditorium located on the frst foor
directly below the laboratory foors. This
required that a six-story column be
terminated on the second foor with a
transfer girder; however, there was not
enough ceiling space in the auditorium for
the transfer girder and the architectural
The project uses nearly 2,500 tons of

structural steel in all.
The monumental stair is framed with a con-
tinuous exposed HSS144
3
8 stringer.
Andy Kizzee
(akizzee@ssr-inc.
com) is a structural
engineer and Kyle
Maxwell (kmaxwell@
ssr-inc.com) is a senior
engineer, both with
Smith Seckman Reid in
Memphis.
Courtesy of Inman-EMJ Construction
foor plan of the second foor did not allow for the use
of a full-height transfer truss. In response, SSR designed
multiple transfer girders on the upper foors, the largest of
which was a W40397. These multiple girders transferred
the column loads to the exterior columns and reduced the
column load at the second foor to level that allowed the
use of another W40 transfer beam, rather than using a
plate girder or full story transfer truss. In addition, as the
upper-level foor framing under the laboratories needed to
resist vibrations caused by human traffc (to accommodate
the sensitive equipment), the size of the girders and joists
was increased and optimized under the composite slab in
the laboratories.
The most visible structural element in the fnished
building is the multi-foor monumental stair located be-
tween each foor, spanning from the crossover bridges in
the atrium to the next foor above. This element is sup-
ported by cantilever beams on the upper foors and is
framed with a continuous exposed HSS144
3
8 stringer.
Construction Cooperation
In an effort to minimize potential for transfer mistakes
and facilitate accurate shop drawings, SSR provided the
steel fabricator, Steel Service Corporation, with its RAM
Structural model, which was used in the initial creation
of the detailing model in SDS/2 and in coordination with
A typical braced frame connection.

Braced frames and a horizontal diaphragm.
Courtesy of Evans Taylor Foster Childress
the fnal construction documents and de-
tails. In many cases, Steel Service was able
to identify conficts within specifed con-
nections, bolt hole interferences and other
miscellaneous interferences in the pro-
duction of the shop drawings, and bring
the issues to SSRs attention for resolution
prior to fabrication and erection instead
of in the feld. This level of cooperation
and coordination limited the in-feld is-
sues and changes during the steel erection,
facilitating a smooth construction process.
Of course the project, like most, was
not completely free of construction-relat-
ed design changes. During construction of
the temporary retaining wall, a previously
unknown existing gas line was discovered,
and its proximity to the basement walls
and associated steel stair framing neces-
sitated a revision in the foundation walls
supporting the west entrance. SSRs solu-
tion was to relocate the foundation walls
below grade and support a 2-ft, 8-in.
square grade from a cantilevered portion
of the retaining wall. This grade beam
provided a foundation for the above-grade
steel framed entry, thereby not affecting
overall exterior appearance and function-
ality of the architectural design.
The structural steel for the entire pro-
jected amounted to 2,468 tons and helped
address the design challenges related to
seismic concerns, building geometry and
site constraints. The completed College
of Pharmacy adds a new research, educa-
tion and economic engine to the UTHSC
and the Memphis Medical Center, helping
Memphis epitomize the citys vision to be
the city of choice in which to live, learn,
work and play.
Owner
University of Tennessee Health
Science Center
Architect
Joint venture: TRO Jung Brannen
(currently brg3s architects) and Evans
Taylor Foster Childress, Memphis
Structural Engineer
Smith Seckman Reid, Memphis
General Contractor
Inman Construction (currently Inman-
EMJ Construction) Memphis
Steel Fabricator, Erector and Detailer
Steel Service Corporation, Jackson, Miss.
(AISC Member/AISC Certied Fabricator)
East elevation, under construction.
The exposed monumental stair, under
construction.
Courtesy of Evans Taylor Foster Childress Courtesy of Evans Taylor Foster Childress
WHEN CITY CENTER OPENED in Las Vegas in late 2009,
it was one of the largest private industry development projects
in the world.
A mixed-use urban complex in the heart of the Strip, it in-
cluded four individual hotels/condominium buildings, a casino
and a vast shopping, dining and entertainment center. The devel-
opment was even large enough to have its own on-site fre station.
However, it eventually became apparent to the owner that the
signage wasnt up to par in terms of providing clear directions
to the casino at one of the City Center hotels, ARIA Resort and
Casino. Upgrades and additions to existing signage were called
for, including a new pylon sign adjacent to Las Vegas Boulevard.
This two-legged pylon is impossible to miss, even smack-dab
in the middle of a landscape of constantly glittering lights. Ex-
tending 260 ft above the sidewalk, it is 65 ft wide and varies in
thickness from 9 ft, 6 in. at the ends to 16 ft, 9 in. at the center.
Most of the north and south faces of the sign are populated with
25mm LEDs totaling 26,300 sq. ft, with the remaining 17,000
sq. ft covered with a composite aluminum skin. The total sign
weight is 644 tons, including 435 tons of structural steel.
Long Tall Signage
When it comes to steel framing systems, signs are very different
from typical building and bridge projects. Where these structures
are generally assembled and erected on-site, with the foors and
mechanical systems following the framing, signs tend to be pre-
assembledmechanical systems, painting, skin, catwalks, ladders
and everything elsethen shipped to the site as plug-and-play
elements, with the individual shipping modules match-assembled
(stacked) to ensure alignment prior to shipping to the site.
Such was the case with the ARIA sign. There are six fabricated
steel sections for each of the signs two legs. Each section consists
of four vertical wide-fange members with square HSS diagonal
and horizontal bracing. The column truss sections were designed
as trapezoids to maximize the strength in the available space be-
tween the north and south curved faces of the pylon. The weight
of these 12 shipping sections varied from 42.5 tons for the bot-
tom sections to 9.5 tons for the top. The total weight of both leg
sections was 312 tons.
Jack Lester is the manager of YESCOs engineering
department. You can reach him at jlester@yesco.com.
Boulevard Beacon
New, prominent signage
for one of Las Vegas premiere
hotel-casinos serves as a lighthouse
of sorts in a city of lights.
BY JACK LESTER
ARIAs new sign rises 260 ft above Las Vegas Boulevard.
The sign uses 435 tons of structural steel.

Images courtesy of YESCO
There are nine individual LED cabi-
nets, most of which (excluding the lower
pole covers) were 65 ft long by 16 ft, 9 in.
wide by 10 ft tall. The heaviest was the top
cabinet, at 23.5 tons, and the roofng pro-
vides drainage through the sign as well as
davits that give access to the exterior of
the sign for periodic washing of the faces.
Most of the electrical components can
be maintained from the inside, with each
cabinet level having 750 sq. ft of interior
foor space.
One of the most signifcant challenges
of the project was that the western leg
of the sign needed to ft through an ex-
isting opening of the elevated walkway
for pedestrians crossing both Las Vegas
Boulevard South and Harmon Avenue.
The clearance from the sign leg to the
opening was about 8 in. on two oppos-
ing sides. This same leg then extended
down through an existing fower bed,
then through a steel-supported concrete
garage roof, and continued down to a
new footing at the garage foor. This
footing would eventually use some exist-
ing piles in addition to new piles (drilled
reinforced concrete piles) that needed to
be drilled in a horizontally and vertically
restricted space. The eastern leg of the
sign was sandwiched between a number
of utilities, including a long storm water
catch basin adjacent to Las Vegas Bou-
levard and the existing basement wall of
the parking garage.
Another challenge was fnding an ap-
propriate crane. It would have to accom-
modate the proximity of existing build-
ings and ever-busy Las Vegas Boulevard
while also meeting the lift requirements
of 42 tons and a vertical reach require-
ment of 300 ft (in order to accommodate
the signs height). The construction team
ended up selecting a 300-ton Liebherr
LR-1300 with ample reach and weight
capacity: 368 ft of boom and 138 tons of
counterweight. The crane pad was placed
atop (or adjacent to) the catch basin for
which a cover had to be designed to sup-
port the cranes weight. In addition, the
walls of the basement had to be braced
against the crane surcharge.
The project was fnished on time with
no disruption to pedestrian or vehicular
traffcand now stands as a prominent
beacon to guide that traffc to the heart of
City Center.
Owner
ARIA Resort and Casino, Las Vegas
Structural Engineer
YESCO LLC, Las Vegas
The framing system for both legs.
Framing for the east leg of the sign.

The industrys largest educational and networking event
returns for a fth successive year.
Come and visit your structural steel industry across the country.
SteelDay
is an annual event hosted by the American

Institute of Steel Construction, its members and
partners. Plan your SteelDay
visits and see rsthand

why it makes sense to build with steel.
@aisc
/AISCdotORG
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Its coming... October 4, 2013
Come see what we do.
SteelDay
One East Wacker Drive, Suite 700
Chicago, IL 60601
312.670.2400 www.aisc.org
Now you know where to nd it.
A new sail-shaped structure welcomes
visitors seeking cruise ships and spaceships on Cape Canaveral.
BY ZACHARY D. KATES, P.E.,
AND ROHAN TALWALKAR
PORT CANAVERAL has long been the gateway to Floridas
Space Coast.
More recently, it has also been the gateway to the areas grow-
ing cruise industry. And now a major redevelopment, geared to-
ward transforming the area into a tourist destination, is underway
with the new Port Canaveral Welcome Center serving as the cen-
terpiece. The facility, which is expected to be inaugurated by the
end of this year, marks a signifcant leap toward providing more
effcient and fast-track solutions for steel buildings through inte-
grated design and construction support services.
Hurricane-Ready
The facility is designed in accordance with ASCE7-10, which
classifes the Cape Canaveral area as a hurricane-prone region and
requires the structure to withstand up to 150-mph design-level
wind speeds. Due to its unusual shape and the presence of canopy
framing and louvers, a wind consultant, CPP, joined the design
team to perform a wind tunnel study in order to predict more ac-
curate loads on the structure and cladding. By taking into account
the drag coeffcient for the louvers, the wind tunnel study helped
to reduce the design wind pressure on the canopy members, en-
abling structural engineer Thornton Tomasetti to provide an aes-
thetically pleasing, slender structural frame.
Designed by Baltimore-based architects GWWO, Inc., the
welcome center is a 22,000-sq.-ft, seven-story structure that hous-
es four stories of exhibit space, a cafeteria, a gift shop, offce space
and an indoor and outdoor observation deck. Paying homage to
its geographic location, the building is designed to celebrate engi-
neering achievements in transportation. Steel was ideal to accom-
modate the sail-shaped structural frame, which consists of a curved
metal panel shell, sloping exposed columns, cantilevered foor
plates, a column-free interior and architecturally exposed structur-
al elements such as the louvered canopy atop the building. Typical
foor framing consists of steel beams and peripheral columns with
composite slab. Two stair towers on the east and west sides of the
building, consisting of 10-in.-thick reinforced concrete walls, form
the lateral system.
The back side of the structure has a curved metal panel shell
whose shape is governed by the geometry of a partial ellipse.
Segmented wide-fange columns (ranging from W14132 at
the bottom to W1490 at the top) follow the elliptical shape
and support horizontally curved HSS126
5
8 girts that back
up the curved, cold-formed studs directly supporting the
metal panel wall. Straight-line structural framing members
such as columns and spandrel beams were used on the curved
faade whenever possible to minimize fabrication costs. The
&
Thornton Tomasetti
Zachary Kates (zkates@thorntontomasetti.com) is a vice president

and Rohan Talwalkar (rtalwalkar@thorntontomasetti.com) is an
engineer, both with Thornton Tomasetti, Inc.s Washington, D.C., ofce.
straight members were W1631 and W2144, and the other
half of the horizontal beams in this curved wall were rolled
W1871 and W2168 members, with a rolled MC1250 weld-
ed to the top fange. The elliptical geometry was established
using curved plate at the edge of slab locations and horizon-
tally curved HSS girts.
Two exposed HSS columns support the entire front side of the
structure and extend above the roof to support the canopy struts.
To maintain the slender profle desired by the architects and sup-
port the structural loads, 16-in.-diameter HSS was specifed. Each
foor plate cantilevers up to 16 ft beyond these exposed columns.
An exposed steel canopy towering approximately 70 ft above
the roof level is the structures most prominent feature. Arced
HSS2012
5
8, profled to a three-point curve, extend from the top
of the curved metal panel wall and gracefully join together at the
apex, and the steel canopy is in-flled with airfoil-shaped aluminum
louvers. Structural steel for the project totals 265 tons, of which 36
tons is architecturally exposed structural steel (AESS).
The crown canopy of the facility, installed...

...being hoisted...
...and on the ground.
Paying homage to its geographic location, the building is
designed to celebrate engineering achievements in trans-
portation, evoking both a rocket and sail.
Met-Con Skanska
Skanska
Wide-flange columns supporting wind girts.

The canopy weighs 38 tons.
The facility, nearly completed here, is scheduled to be inaugurated by
years end.

Thornton Tomasetti
Thornton Tomasetti
Skanska
Compressing Time
Skanska USA was brought on board as
construction manager during the design
phase and quickly identifed steel as a critical
path item in terms of schedule. With a goal
of compressing the steel timeline, Thornton
Tomasetti proposed to provide steel detailing
and connection design services for the project.
As part of the proposal, Thornton Tomasetti
would issue a fully connected Tekla model
concurrent with the structural construction
documents to be used in the competitive bid
process. The Canaveral Port Authority (CPA)
recognized the potential benefts and accepted
the proposal, and the detailing work began
roughly one month prior to the completion of
the construction documents.
With Thornton Tomasetti performing de-
tailing in addition to engineering, they were
able to provide a concept design for numer-
ous key connections to GWWO for their
input, which would then be incorporated in
the design. The connection at the apex of the
canopy and connections at the canopy struts
were refned by such collaborations between
the designers and architects using the Tekla
renderings. This was especially helpful for
the AESS members as aesthetic value was the
chief aspect that needed to be considered in
their design and detailing. Architectural com-
ponents such as stainless steel handrails were
coordinated into the steel detailing model
early, preventing changes during construction.
The access to design information stream-
lined the detailing process, and the complex
shell and canopy geometry, already defned in
the structural REVIT model, was used as the
basis for the steel detailing model. The con-
nection designers communicated directly with
the structural designers to resolve issues that
would have slowed a conventional shop draw-
ing process, and the actual number of steel-
related RFIs barely surpassed single digits.
By issuing the steel detailing model for
bid, all bids were based on actual connection
designs without contingency factors associ-
ated with the typical bid-build process. And
because connection design and the model
were complete at the time of bid, Thornton
Tomasetti was able to produce shop drawings
very soon after the selection of the steel fab-
ricator, Met-Con, Inc. At the kickoff meeting,
Met-Con suggested changes to some of the
feld and shop splice locations based on ma-
terial availability and erection methods (while
Thornton Tomasetti was responsible for the
shop drawings, Met-Con checked, reviewed
and commented on all drawings). Modif-
cations were quickly made, sequences were
implemented, Tekla detailing templates and
standards were obtained from Met-Con and
C.S.E.
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Users checks, wide set of simplified automatic
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Includes automatic FEM modeling and solving of single or multiple com-
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Free q hours multimediu lessons available at website. PDF, CHM guide.
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the frst sequence of shop drawings was generated within a few days.
Since Met-Con also runs Tekla Structures, they were able to help
Skanska retrieve information from their Tekla model that would
have been more diffcult to fgure out by simply looking at the con-
tract drawings. The Tekla model was also used by Met-Con to de-
velop the lift plan, design the lifting rigging and detail, fabricate and
install the airfoil-shaped aluminum louvers. This compressed pro-
duction approach provided approximately two months of schedule
savings over the conventional process and brought the total review
period for structural steel to less than two months.
Precision Erection
Steel erection culminated with the installation of the canopy.
Met-Con, who also did the erection work, constructed the entire
canopy in the horizontal position at grade. To accommodate the ar-
chitectural vision, the majority of canopy connections were welded
and feld-welded splices were detailed into the canopy system to join
shop-welded assemblies, such as the apex, to the remaining canopy
members. Measuring 85 ft in length (with a true vertical of 71 ft) and
68 ft wide and weighing 38 tons, the completed canopy was lifted
and set on the receiving stub columns as one unit.
The team itself acted as one unit as well, forming a partnership
that was marked by ongoing communication, a sharing of ideas and
a passion for steel construction
Owner
The Canaveral Port Authority, Cape Canaveral, Fla.
Architect
GWWOInc./Architects, Baltimore
Structural Engineer
Thornton Tomasetti, Inc., Washington, D.C.
Construction Manager
Skanska USA
Steel Fabricator and Erector
Met-Con, Inc., Cocoa, Fla. (AISC Member/AISC Certied
Fabricator/AISC Advanced Certied Steel Erector)
The facility uses 265 tons of structural steel in all.
The framing system for the seven-strory building.

Steel, in transit.
Met-Con
Thornton Tomasetti
Thornton Tomasetti
See whats up
with AISCs
interoperability
initiatives.
One East Wacker Drive, Suite 700
Chicago, IL 60601
312.670.2400 www.aisc.org
Exchanging data
got you down?
SteelDay Live Webinar
AISC BIMsteel Initiatives
Thursday, October 3
www.SteelDay.org
BIMsteel
Interoperability Initiatives for the
Structural Steel Industry
If your experience of
exchanging data, sharing
models and coordinating
information is well, up and down,
check out AISCs BIMsteel initiatives
to discover how we are working toward
improving interoperability, data sharing and
collaboration for the structural steel industry.
Head to www.aisc.org/BIMsteel to nd out more.
Breathing
Room
Wisconsins largest technical college
greets increased enrollment with open arms and
an open-plan campus addition.
BY ABIE KHATCHADOURIAN, AIA, PAUL BENEDICT, S.E., P.E., AND BOB COOPER, SR., AIA
56 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION OCTOBER 2013 McMahon Engineering
FOX VALLEY TECHNICAL COLLEGE is growing by
leaps and bounds.
The Appleton, Wisc.-based college had experienced a 30%
increase in enrollment in the three years leading up to 2012. In
2011, it served more than 53,000 people, more than any other
technical college in the state, with 90% of its graduates fnding
employment within six months of graduation.
To accommodate this growth and success, the college is in the
midst of seven different expansion projects at its various loca-
tions (to be completed by 2015), two of which are taking place as
additions to the main campus building in Appleton. One of these,
the Student Success Center, will add 23,700 sq. ft. In addition,
95,700 sq. ft of the existing building will be renovated.
The Student Success Center concept is relatively new to two-
and four-year higher education institutions and is designed to
help facilitate recruitment, enrollment, advising, retention and
graduation of students. Visioning sessions with selected Fox
Valley faculty members led to the development of a goal to cre-
ate a degree of openness within this addition as a counterpoint
to the relatively windowless main building. To support this
concept, steel and glass were chosen as a means of setting the
stage, bringing natural light into the facility. The building is
designed to support active and open student-faculty collabora-
tion spaces with a minimum of visual obstruction, offer exterior
views while admitting daylight and serve as a focal point for its
connection to the existing building, which is being remodeled
as an Information Commons. The design also had to create an
open and visually signifcant building entrance, which doubles
as a major entrance to the college.
In addition, the north half of the building is designed as a
curve to act as a counterpoint to the rectilinear shape of the
original buildings. A roof overhang at the second foor provides
sunscreening while a large skylight opening at the juncture be-
tween the new and existing buildings brings additional natural
light to the interior spaces. Metallic champagne-colored alu-
minum panels form the exterior faade, which is designed to
appear lightweight and open.
This open design concept was best accommodated by a steel
structural system, as it allowed for smaller columns (10-in.-
diameter HSS). The framing plan consists of 27-ft column bay
Abie Khatchadourian (abiek@eua.
com) is the higher education market
leader and Bob Cooper, Sr. (bobc@
eua.com) is a senior project designer,
both with EUA. Paul Benedict
(pbenedict@mcmgrp.com) is an
associate/senior structural engineer
with McMahon Engineering.
Steel Joist
See Plan
Metal Deck
See Plan
New Steel Beams
See Plan
HSS33
5
16 Stud
ColumnSee Plan
for Location
HSS84
Skylight Frame
3
16
Skylight
See Arch. Plan
T.O. Steel
Elev.1306
The building uses just over

100 tons of structural steel.
A detail of the skylight
framing.
The Student Success Center is

scheduled to open next summer.
McMahon Engineering
spacing in the north-south axis to match the column spacing of the
existing building, with roughly 24-ft column spacing in the east-
west direction. Since the addition is being built directly adjacent to
the existing building, steel also allowed for the new construction to
match the existing facility as closely as possible. In addition, it facili-
tated a faster enclosure of the building and minimized the need for
cold-weather construction.
The steel roof framing system consists of a metal deck support-
ed by steel joists and steel beams. This system allowed for a large
curved faade and accompanying 5-ft overhang to be relatively sim-
ple and repeating; steel roof beams, W16 or W18, cantilever beyond
the plane of the building to support the roof overhang. Custom steel
joist seats helped facilitate small steel framing members at the over-
hangs, which lends a thin and light appearance to the cantilever.
The foor framing system consists of 6 in. of concrete on 3-in.
steel deck, supported by steel beams (W1626 composite purlins
and W2150 composite girder beams). Three major openings are
featured in the foor framing, with a central opening over the east
reception area and two open stairs. A cantilevered second foor
overhang at the central opening was accomplished through moment
connections within the framing system.
The lateral support system consists of braced frames, either sin-
gle diagonal or chevron braced frames with tube bracing members,
allowing the lateral framing columns to be the same size as the grav-
ity framing columns while also limiting the foor space interferences
by locating the frames along the buildings exterior. The foundation
consists of conventional spread footings to match the existing con-
struction system. Steel framing allowed for relatively light loads to
the foundation, which was important at the columns adjacent to the
existing construction.
The addition, which uses 106 tons of structural steel, is scheduled
to open next summer and will provide some relief to existing cam-
pus facilities as well as room to grow.
The building is one of several recent expansions to Fox Valley Tech-

nical College.
The steel roof framing system consists of a metal deck sup-

ported by steel joists and steel beams. This system allowed for
a large curved faade and accompanying 5-ft overhang to be
relatively simple and repeating.
McMahon Engineering
McMahon Engineering
Architect
Eppstein Uhen Architects, Milwaukee
Structural Engineer
McMahon Engineering, Neenah, Wisc.
Construction Manager
Miron Construction Co., Inc., Neenah, Wisc.
Steel Team
Fabricator
Spirit Fabs, Inc., Green Bay, Wisc. (AISC Member/AISC
Certied Fabricator)
Detailer
CompuSteel Detailing, Inc., Chilton, Wisc., (AISC Member)
Eppstein Uhen Architects

news
People and Firms
Thor nton Tomasetti has
p r o mo t e d Mi c h a e l J .
Squarzini, P.E., LEED AP, to
managi ng pri nci pal . Based
in the New York office, he is
Thornton Tomasettis East U.S.
region leader and also oversees
the growth of its So Paulo
office. He has been with the
firm since 1993.
Michael Purchase has become
the new president of Anchor
Lami na Ameri ca, I nc. , a
manufacturer of tool, die and
mol d components f or the
metal worki ng and pl asti cs
industries. Based out of the
companys Farmington Hills,
Mich., headquarters, Purchase
will oversee the companys
operations in the U.S. and
China.
FabTrol Systems has recently
released FabTrol Pro Version
2.1, an update to Version 2.0
of its production and project
management software, which
was released this past spring.
The latest upgrade includes
new production, purchasing,
materi al management and
internationalization capabilities.
BI MForum, a nat i onwi de
group of building information
modeling users, has released
a fi rst-of-i ts-ki nd standard
that establishes definitions
for the level of completion a
model needs to be at for
different stages of the design
and constructi on process.
The new standard, known as
the Level of Development
Speci fi cati ons (LOD), was
developed under an agreement
with the American Institute
of Ar chi t ect s. For mor e
information and to download
the new specification, go to
www.bimforum.org/lod.
PUBLICATIONS
Blast-Resistant Structures Guide Now Available
Design professionals now have a valu-
able new resource on blast-resistant
structures in AISC Design Guide No.
26, Design of Blast Resistant Structures,
co-authored by Ramon Gilsanz of
Gilsanz Murray Stefcek LLP, Ron-
ald Hamburger of Simpson Gumpertz
& Heger, Inc., Darrell Barker of ABS
Consulting, Joseph L. Smith of Ap-
plied Research Associates, Inc., and Ah-
mad Rahimian of WSP Cantor Seinuk.
The publication provides guidance for
the design of blast-resistant structures
and progressive collapse mitigation and
is available in hard copy or as a PDF
download at www.aisc.org/dg.
The purpose of this guide is to dissemi-
nate knowledge of blast resistance and pro-
gressive collapse mitigation to the structur-
al engineering community, presenting basic
theory with design examples so engineers
can achieve simple and effective designs,
said Gilsanz, lead author of the guide.
Design Guide 26 explores an ap-
proach that will help structural engi-
neerd effectively interact with a security
or blast consultant. Background infor-
mation and basic principles are reviewed,
and design examples are presented.
The major topics covered in this
guide are: blast loading, design crite-
ria for buildings and where to find it,
structural response to blast loads, blast-
resistant design and analysis and resis-
tance to progressive collapse.
Design Guide 26 is available as a
free download to AISC members, and
nonmembers can purchase it for $60
(visit www.aisc.org/designguides to
download this and other AISC Design
Guides). The printed copy is avail-
able at www.aisc.org/dg or by call-
ing 800.644.2400 (product code: AISC
826-13); the cost for the printed copy
is $40 for AISC members and $80 for
nonmembers.
NSSBC
2014 NSSBC Rules Posted
The offcial rules for the 2014 ASCE/
AISC National Student Steel Bridge
Competition (NSSBC) are now posted at
www.aisc.org/steelbridge.
Now in its 23rd year, the competi-
tion convenes engineering students
from across North America to build
their designed and fabricated steel
bridges under the pressure of the clock.
Structured to simulate a real-world
project, teams build a 1:10 scale model
bridge to meet a particular challenge,
which is different each year.
Throughout the academic year, student
teams work for months perfecting the de-
sign, fabrication and construction of each
bridge. To reach the national event, each
team must place among the top schools
in one of 18 regional competitions held
across the country each spring.
You can read about the results from
this years national competition in the
August issue of MSC. In addition,
several photos of the competition are
available on AISCs Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/AISCdotORG in
the NSSBC 2013 photo album, and
a video showing highlights from the
competition is available on AISCs You-
Tube channel at www.youtube.com/
AISCSteelTV.
The 2014 NSSBC finals will be held
on May 23-24 at the University of Ak-
ron in Akron, Ohio, and coincides with
the 100th anniversary of the univer-
sitys Department of Civil Engineer-
ing. To learn more, visit www.aisc.org/
steelbridge.
news
The 2013 edition of Selected ASTM
Standards for Structural Steel Fabrica-
tion (AISC 503-13) is now available
from AISC in paper format for $225
for AISC members and $450 for non-
members. AISC also has a limited
number of CD-ROM-based electronic
copies available for the same price as
the printed copy. This valuable re-
source contains virtually all ASTM
standards that apply in the design and
construction of structural steel build-
ings and bridges.
We collaborate with ASTM to
produce this compilation of standards
as a service to the design community
and structural steel industry, said
AISC vice president and chief struc-
tural engineer, Charlie Carter, S.E.,
P.E., Ph.D. If purchased individually
from ASTM, these standards would
cost more than $2,000.
The compilation was last published in
2011. The new edition includes updated
versions of many of the standards as well
as one that has been added to the col-
lection since then: A108513 Standard
Specifcation for Cold-Formed Welded Car-
bon Steel Hollow Structural Sections (HSS).
This new standard is a big step forward in
simplifying HSS design and usage. Ben-
efts include tighter material tolerances
and a single minimum yield stress of 50
ksi, maximum specifed yield stress of 70
ksi, and standard requirement for notch
toughness.
The new 575-page volume includes
59 ASTM standards relating to structural
steel fabrication and selected by AISC.
To purchase the book or to view a list
of all of the ASTM standards included,
please visit www.aisc.org/astm. The
individual standards in this compila-
tion are published and copyrighted by
ASTM International.
PUBLICATIONS
New Edition of Structural Steel Standards Collection
Who is the next generation of senior
management at your fabrication com-
pany? Are they ready for the job? The
AISC Future Leaders Ideas Lab is de-
signed for fabricators under the age
of 45 who have either recently moved
into, or anticipate moving into, a senior
management position during the next
decade. The two-day event, for full
member fabricators only, will be held
in Nashville, October 2425, 2013, at
the Omni Hotel Nashville.
To register or view the preliminary
agenda, visit www.aisc.org/ideaslab.
Participants will learn about a wide
range of issues, from workers comp to
a look at the best ideas from several
fabricators. Theyll gain valuable in-
sight into contracting as well as man-
agement, and will also have a chance to
discuss common issues with employees
from other fabrication companies at a
series of casual networking events. Its
a great opportunity to brainstorm with
peers about problems and solutions.
And since this is the in-
augural Future Leaders
Ideas Lab, attendees will
help to set the direction
for future meetings.
The Future Lead-
ers Ideas Lab is intended
to help prepare the next
generation of fabrication
leaders. However, space
is limited, and prospective
attendees are required to
apply for attendance. If
your application is not
accepted, your payment
($150, including meals but not hotel) will
be refunded in full.
If you have any questions about the
Lab, you can contact AISCs Carly Hurd
at hurd@aisc.org or 312.670.5442.
FABRICATORS
Future Leaders Ideas Lab Prepares Next Generation of Fabricators
N
A
S
H
V
I
L
L
E
O
C
T
O
B
E
R

2
4
2
5
,

2
0
1
3
The AISC Safety Committee will pres-
ent a free webinar on Hazard Com-
munication Training for Fabricators
and Erectors with a focus on the new
Globally Harmonized System (GHS).
The Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) recently ad-
opted GHS under its hazard communi-
cation standard and the changes require
steel fabricators and erectors to provide
training to their employees on the new
requirements by December 1, 2013.
This webinar details what the new GHS
requirements are, how to comply with
them and how to meet the training re-
quirements.
The 75-minute webinar will be con-
ducted by Lawrence Kruth, P.E., of
Douglas Steel Fabricating Corporation
(an AISC member and AISC certifed
fabricator) on October 30 at 11:30 a.m.
(Central Time). To register for this free
webinar, go to www.aisc.org/hazcom-
webinar. There is no fee to attend the
webinar but registration is required.
Registrants will also receive access to a
PDF of the presentation slides prior to
the webinar.
To learn more about AISCs live
webinars, visit www.aisc.org/webinars.
For more information on safety in the
fabricated and erected structural steel in-
dustry, visit www.aisc.org/safety.
SAFETY
Hazard Communication Training Seminar
news
Libyas frst steel teaching sculpture was
recently built at the University of Tripolis
engineering building courtyard. Profes-
sors Mustafa Taghdi and Ezzedine Jaluta
and a crew of their civil engineering stu-
dents assembled the sculpture this spring.
Taghdi, a graduate of the University of
Ottawa in Canada, always had his sights
set on bringing an AISC Steel Sculpture
to Libya and using it to teach his students
about different steel structural shapes
and connections. He contacted AISC for
help, and although they werent able to
provide him with the structure (given the
distance between the two countries), they
did provide several detailed drawings of
the steel teaching sculpture and recom-
mended that he contact a local steel fab-
ricator as well as sponsors and donors for
the project. Senior engineer Ali Salem
Bani in Tripoli was intrigued by the idea
and agreed to support the project.
This project is one of the frst of its
kind in North Africa and the Middle
East. Since the North American shapes
used in the drawings supplied by the
AISC were not available locally, they
were replaced by equivalent European
shapes.
After the welded pieces were fabri-
cated, they were coated with two layers
of anti-corrosion materials (galvanized
then painted). The choice of color for the
structure was infuenced by educational
considerations. I chose the gray scale
so that students can focus, said Taghdi.
The colorful option would have dis-
tracted them.
The fruits of this structure will be
Libyan engineers who will soon build steel
skyscrapers and bridges that will contrib-
ute to the advancement of our country.
STEEL SCULPTURE
Libyas First Steel Teaching Sculpture
Last month, more than 40,000 Scouts
and Scouters visited the Summit Bechtel
Reserve in West Virginia for its inaugural
event: the 2013 National Boy Scout Jam-
boree. Making its debut at this national
event was the Sustainability Treehouse,
a 6,000-sq.-ft facility that embodies the
Summit Bechtel Reserves site-wide goal
of sustainable design, infrastructure and
construction practices.
Towering 125 ft above grade, the
structure is supported by a weathering
steel frame designed by Tipping Mar and
fabricated by SteelFab (an AISC member
and AISC certifed fabricator/advanced
certifed steel erector), creating a seam-
less fusion of architecture and structural
engineering. Completed this summer,
visitors can ascend multiple indoor and
outdoor platforms and experience the
forest of the Summit Bechtel Reserve
from many vantages, from the forest
foor to the canopy.
The interactive learning facility is
targeting the Living Building Chal-
lenge, a green building certifcation
program, and it was designed to harvest
its own energy through grid-connected
cogeneration using photovoltaics, wind
turbines and fuel cells. Some of its other
sustainable attributes include an HVAC
system that includes radiant cooling/
heating with displacement ventilation
air supply, as well as geothermal wells
with ground-coupled heat pumps that
generate chilled and hot water; energy-
recovery and desiccant dehumidifcation
strategies used to reduce ventilation
cooling loads; capturing, treating and
using rainwater for a grey-water system
for public restrooms; composting toilets
and solar-heated water; and low-level
lighting with effcient fuorescent or
LED sources.
PROJECTS
Sustainability Treehouse
SteelFab SteelFab
news
The American Iron and Steel Institutes
Steel Market Development Institute
(SMDI) Steel Bridge Task Force and the
American Association of State Highway
and Transportation Offcials (AASHTO)
Technical Committee for Structural Steel
Design have named Ronald D. Medlock,
P.E., as the recipient of the 2013 Rich-
ard S. Fountain Award. Medlock is vice
president of technical services at High
Steel Structures, Inc. (an AISC member
and AISC certifed fabricator/advanced
certifed steel erector).
Named for the founder of the Steel
Bridge Task Force, the Richard S. Foun-
tain Award recognizes leadership in steel
bridge research and outstanding efforts to
advance AASHTO specifcations. Med-
lock received the award at the Steel Bridge
Task Forces recent meeting in Baltimore.
We are pleased to present this award
to Ronnie Medlock, who has made many
outstanding contributions to the steel
bridge industry through his fabrication
and welding-related code activities, said
Alex Wilson, chairman of SMDIs Steel
Bridge Task Force and manager of cus-
tomer technical services for ArcelorMittal
USA (an AISC member), and one of the
presenters of the award. He co-founded
and leads the AASHTO/National Steel
Bridge Alliance Collaboration, a group of
steel bridge professionals who have pub-
lished standards that make it easier for
bridge owners, designers and engineers
to choose steel for cost-effective bridge
design solutions.
The AASHTO/NSBA Collaboration
has published more than a dozen standards
related to steel bridge detailing, shop draw-
ing review, fabrication, inspection, coat-
ings, bearings, erection and analysis.
As vice president of technical servic-
es at High Steel, Medlock is responsible
for steel bridge fabrication engineering
and quality control and leads advances
in technology, particularly with respect
to welding and modeling. Before join-
ing the company in 2006, he worked for
the Texas Department of Transporta-
tion (TxDOT), where he was responsi-
ble for steel bridge fabrication inspec-
tion. At TxDOT, he initiated the Texas
Quality Council, a multi-disciplined
group that established best practices for
design, fabrication and erection of steel
bridges in Texas. He also participated
in the AASHTO Technology Imple-
mentation Group Panel on accelerated
bridge construction. He is active in the
following organizations and serves in
committee leadership positions for sev-
eral: NSBA, the AASHTO Subcommit-
tee on Bridges and Structures, Ameri-
can Welding Society, American Railway
Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way
Association and the Transportation Re-
search Board. In 2010, Medlock was
recognized with a Special Achievement
Award by AISC.
MEMBER NEWS
Medlock Honored by AISI and AASHTO
The Northridge 20 Earthquake Sympo-
sium will take place in Los Angeles Janu-
ary 16-17, 2014.
Organized by FEMA, the sympo-
sium commemorates the 20th anniver-
sary of the magnitude 6.7 earthquake in
Northridge, Calif., on January 17, 1994
that resulted in 57 deaths, thousands
injured and over $20 billion in direct
damage. The earthquake spurred impor-
tant changes to the current practice of
earthquake engineering and risk mitiga-
tion worldwide. These changes included
modifcations to building codes for vul-
nerable steel structures and multi-unit
wood buildings, reexamination of near-
feld and basin effects for seismic sources
and radical modifcations to the risk as-
sessment and insurance sectors. AISC is
a sponsor of the event and has organized
a track of steel sessions, which are sched-
uled for January 17.
Northridge 20 will open with a multi-
disciplinary plenary session, Northridge
Earthquake: Impacts, Outcomes and
Next Steps, and continue with concur-
rent technical and educational sessions
on a wide variety of related topics. At-
tendees will have the opportunity to
discuss the impacts of the earthquake,
highlight accomplishments of the past
two decades and identify necessary steps
moving forward to make our communi-
ties more resilient to future earthquakes.
More information, including reg-
istration details, speakers list, agenda
and participating organizations, will be
available soon on the event website at
www.northridge20.org.
SEISMIC DESIGN
Symposium Marks 20th Anniversary of Northridge Earthquake
Ronald D. Medlock, P.E. (third from left),
receives the 2013 Richard S. Fountain
Award from Gregory R. Perfetti (far left),
Professor Dennis Mertz from the Univer-
sity of Delaware (second from left) and
Alex D. Wilson (far right).
SMDI
To advertise, call 231.228.2274 or e-mail gurthet@modernsteel.com.
marketplace
Looking for something from an old issue of
Modern Steel Construction?
All of the issues from MSCs first 50 years are now
available as free PDF downloads at
www.modernsteel.com/backissues.
Search employment ads online at www.modernsteel.com.
AISC Quality Certification
WHY STRUGGLE?
This year Get Certified!
Need Steel Erection Certification? Call Jim Mooney
Your Quality Certification Connection
JAMES M. MOONEY & ASSOCIATES
941.223.4332
jmmoon94@aol.com
On site assistance
Reduce drawing and shop errors
Reduce field back charges
Increase productivity
Maximize profit
Are you looking for software, products, or services for your next project?
You can find it in Modern Steel Constructions online product directory.
http://modernsteel.com/product_categories.php
If youre a provider of software, products, or services and would
like more information about being listed or enhancing your current listing,
contact Louis Gurthet at:
gurthet@modernsteel.com or 231.228.2274
Visit steelTOOLS.org
Join the conversation at AISCs new
le-sharing, information-sharing website.
Here are just a few of the FREE resources now available:
More than 160 steelTOOLS utilities available for downloading
Discussion blogs where your can connect and share ideas with
your peers
Files posted by your peers in special interest libraries, including:
A Pocket Reference to W Shapes by Depth,
then Flange Width
Welding Capacity Calculator
Moments, Shears and Reactions for Continuous Bridges
Video: Bridge Erection at the SeaTac Airport
Got Questions? Got Answers?
Participate with us at steelTOOLS.org.
AISC Continuing Education Seminars
www.aisc.org/seminars.
Like AISC on Facebook
facebook.com/AISCdotORG
Follow AISC on Twitter
@AISC
LATE MODEL STRUCTURAL
STEEL FABRICATING EQUIPMENT
Peddinghaus Ocean Avenger II 1000-1 CNC Beam Drill, Siemens 840D
CNC, (1) Drill Head, 40 x 60 Beam Capacity, 2004 #20877
Peddinghaus BDL1250 CNC Beam Drill, 50 Max. Beam, (3) 10 HP
Spindles, PC Ctrl (Upgrade 2005), 2000 #21739
Peddinghaus FPB 1500/3E CNC Plate Fabricator, 177 Ton, Fagor CNC, 60
Max. Width, 1.25 Max. Thickness, HT2000 Plasma, 2000 #22993
Peddinghaus F1170B CNC Plate Punching Machine, 170 Ton, Fagor CNC,
30 x 60 Trvl., Triple Gag Head, Ext. Tables, 2005 #19659
Peddinghaus AP-645L CNC Angle Punch, 6 x 6 x 1/2, (4) 80 Ton Heads,
250 Ton Shear, 40 Infeed, PC Based CNC #23321
Controlled Automation BT1-1433 CNC Oxy/Plasma Cutting System, 14 x
33, (1) Oxy, (2) Hy-Def 200 Amp Plasma, 2002 #20654
Voortman VB1050S Horizontal Straight Cut Band Saw, 20 x 44,
135-400 SFPM, 2.64 Blade Height, 15 HP, 2007 #22645
HEM DC-2038RB Double Column Horizontal Band Saw, 20 x 38, 45-60
Deg. Miter, 2 Blade, 15 HP, 75-400 SFPM, 2006 #22215
+1.631.249.5566 | sales@prestigeequipment.com | www.PrestigeEquipment.com
Visit www.PrestigeEquipment.com for our inventory & services
JOIN US AT FABTECH 2013! BOOTH S2040
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
Detailing Project Manager
IDS is seeking motivated individuals to fill the position
of project manager in our St. Louis office. Project managers are responsible
for managing all aspects of detailing & connection design, including
coordination with the fabricator, design team, and other suppliers to the
project as well as maintaining drawing quality, project schedules, costs, and
overall customer satisfaction. IDS offers a benefits package, competitive
salary, and relocation allowance.
Please email your resume to Michelle Smith at msmith@ids-inc.net.
Structural Engineers
Are you looking for a new and exciting opportunity in 2013?
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 additional
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
Business Development Representative(s)
AISC is looking for seasoned business development professionals, preferably
on the West Coast, to join our growing team of Business Development
Representatives and help promote the use of structural steel to decision
makers in the construction industry across the U.S. and show others the
advantages of designing and building with steel. Email your resume and
cover letter (including salary requirements) to:
HR@aisc.org
Advertiser Listing
Acecad Software.......................................... www.strumis.com.................................................. 59
AISC............................................................ www.aisc.org....................................... 30, 33, 49, 55
AZCO Steel Co. (Bushwick Metals) ................ www.azcosteel.com ............................................... 37
AZZ Galvanizing Services.............................. www.azzgalvanizing.com........................................ 11
Bentley Systems .......................................... www.bentley.com...................................... Back Cover
Bluebeam Software, Inc................................ www.bluebeam.com................................................. 8
Castalia sri .................................................. www.steelchecks.com/MSC.................................... 53
Chicago Metal Rolled Products...................... www.cmrp.com..................................................Insert
Controlled Automation.................................. www.controlledautomation.com.............................. 23
CoreBrace LLC ............................................ www.corebrace.com .............................................. 37
CSC World................................................... www.cscworld.com/Regional/UK.aspx ..................... 27
FabTrol Systems Inc. .................................... www.fabtrol.com.................................................... 45
Gerdau........................................................ www.gerdau.com................................................... 24
Graitec ........................................................ www.graitec.com................................................... 13
High Steel Structures ................................... www.highsteel.com................................................ 15
IES ............................................................. www.iesweb.com................................................... 14
LNA Solutions .............................................. www.LNAsolutions.com/ICC-ES............................... 53
Max Weiss Co., LLC. .................................... www.maxweiss.com............................................... 19
New Millennium Building Systems................. www.newmill.com.................................................... 5
Nucor Vulcraft/Verco Group........................... www.vulcraft.com.................................................. 20
Peddinghaus Corporation ............................. www.peddinghaus.com............................................ 2
RISA Technologies........................................ www.risa.com........................................................ 67
SDS/2 Design Data ...................................... www.sds2.com........................................................ 7
Simpson Strong-Tie ..................................... www.strongtie.com................................................ 16
Society of Manufacturing Engineers .............. www.fabtechexpo.com........................................... 29
St. Louis Screw & Bolt .................................. www.stlouisscrewbolt.com...................................... 41
Steel Deck Institute ...................................... www.sdi.org .......................................................... 28
Tekla........................................................... www.tekla.com........................................................ 3
True North Steel ........................................... www.TrueNorthSteel.com ....................................... 12
Schuff Steel Company, a leader in the
fabrication and erection of structural steel,
is currently recruiting for Project Managers,
Estimators, Sales and several other positions
for its locations in Florida, Kansas, Texas,
California and Arizona. Schuff Steel offers
competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. For a complete
listing of open positions, please visit our website at www.schuff.com. Or
you may email your resume to resume@schuff.com. EOE/AA
NSBA Managing Director
AISC is looking for an accomplished executive to join our senior management
team as the leader of our bridge division. The National Steel Bridge Alliance
(NSBA) is the technical and marketing arm of the steel bridge community and
is dedicated to increasing the market share of steel bridges.
The NSBA Managing Director will develop key relationships with bridge
owners, government ofcials, designers and constructors, and will provide
strategic leadership and direction for the NSBA team to implement programs
and tactics to address all facets of marketing, government relations, and
technical support for the steel bridge industry.
To apply, please email your resume and cover letter
(including salary requirements) to: HR@aisc.org
WHEN LEONARD JOSEPH and his wife, Nancy, became
empty-nesters, a relative suggested they get a dog.
So they did. But they took the suggestion a lot further than that.
Having just retired from heading the New York Law
Institute, and with their son off to law school, law librarian
Nancy noticed a poster at a library soliciting volunteer puppy-
raisers for the local guide dog school. Realizing this would
provide an excellent opportunity to have a dog and help others
at the same time, the couple became puppy-raisers for Guide
Dogs for the Blind (GDB) upon moving to Laguna Beach,
Calif., from Long Island, New York.
Nearly 10 years later, they are still at it. Leonard, a princi-
pal at Thornton Tomasetti with more than 38 years of struc-
tural engineering experienceincluding structural design for
Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and the steel-
framed Taipei 101 in Taipei, Taiwanexplains the training
process, noting that it starts at birth; all of GDBs dogs come
from their own breeding program, which allows them to track
both behavioral and medical traits.
Once they reach two months, puppies are weaned and
delivered to volunteer puppy raisers to be trained in good
house manners, including proper relieving habits, staying calm
(for a puppy) and responding promptly to a dozen basic obedi-
ence commands, such as Sit and Wait and Come (crucial
for their blind future partners). Once four months old and
protected by vaccinations, they are gradually taken out and
about, wearing the puppy coat that means on duty to them
and I am learning to the public. Raisers socialize the puppies
on walks, bus and train rides and visits to stores, restaurants,
movie theaters, offices and other public places so that these
will be familiar settings once they are doing guide work.
At approximately 16 months of age they are mature enough
to return to GDB (which is based in San Rafael, Calif.) for
formal guide training, including traffic, curbs and stairs, height
obstructions and much more. At the end of that process, tak-
ing at least two months, the successful dogs are paired with
their visually impaired partners to train another two weeks
together. All this effort and support is provided solely through
donations, as GDB receives no government funding and
charges nothing for the dogs or the training.
Fortunately, the puppies generate plenty of interest and
curiosity on their own. Walk a puppy-in-training and the
whole world wants to meet you (and him or her), says Leonard.
We try to always take the time to answer questions because
you never know the outcome. One couple we met at a local art
show ended up joining our group and has raised several puppies.
Another couple at the weekly farmers market was so impressed
with our pups demeanor that the visually impaired husband has
signed up to get a guide dog. So even the pups that dont go on
to become guides end up serving a positive purpose.
The Josephs have raised nine puppies thus far: a black
Labrador retriever and eight yellow Labs. Theyve had
their current trainee, Newcastle, a male yellow Lab, for four
months. While they enjoy their work immensely, giving the
puppies back for training is always difficult.
Practice doesnt make it any easier, says Leonard. But
watching your pup, or another dog, graduate and do good
guide work confirms exactly why the effort is worthwhile.
These dogs not only enhance mobility and travel safety, they
also are best buddies and furry icebreakers against the isola-
tion that loss of vision can cause.
With a decade of experience in training puppies, Leonard
is adamant about proper etiquette when approaching guide
dogs in public. He notes that people shouldnt reach out and
pet or call to a dog in coat or harness without asking the
partner first, as this can cause the dog to lose focus by look-
ing for attention from bystanders. He also explains that other
dog owners should restrain their pets around working dogs
since once bitten, a guide dog will never be able to guide
safely again; it will focus on avoiding other dogs rather than
watching for traffic and steps.
While the dogs are trained to take their work seriously,
they still know how to have a good time.
People worry about whether the dogs have any fun, says
Leonard. Yes, they do! Once the puppy coat or guide harness
comes off at home, they romp, play tug-of-war, chew on their
toys, roll around, get lots of loving and handlingjust about
everything a pet would do, except catch and fetch games,
which could be distracting and dangerous when guiding.
And those dogs that graduate from training have suc-
ceeded because they enjoy the work, whether having the
opportunity to get out and about, taking charge or thinking
through a novel challenge such as a construction barrier on
a familiar route. As with humans, do what you love and youll
never have to work a day in your life.
A structural engineer and his wife prepare furry,
four-legged friends for futures as guide dogs.
people to know
PUPPY LOVE
Leonard Joseph and Newcastle, a seven-month-old yellow
Labrador retriever.

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MODERNSTEEL CONSTRUCTION

cosre||ored & ce||u|or beoms

18 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION OCTOBER 2013

Figure 1: Braced frame elevation

. See Fastrak for yourself

, synchronize it as many times as

structural engineering in North America at

Evans Hall doubles the size of Yales School of Management

A SOON-TO-BE-OPEN New York sky-

Installing the viscous dampers.

The framing system of the buildings basement.

Much of the projects steel resided at fabricator Owen Steels storage

the building. Typical gravity framing in-

The project uses nearly 2,500 tons of

A typical braced frame connection.

OCTOBER 2013 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION 47

The framing system for both legs.

Framing for the east leg of the sign.

is an annual event hosted by the American

visits and see rsthand

Zachary Kates (zkates@thorntontomasetti.com) is a vice president

The crown canopy of the facility, installed...

Wide-flange columns supporting wind girts.

52 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION OCTOBER 2013

The facility uses 265 tons of structural steel in all.

The framing system for the seven-strory building.

The building uses just over

The Student Success Center is

The building is one of several recent expansions to Fox Valley Tech-

The steel roof framing system consists of a metal deck sup-

Eppstein Uhen Architects

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