Modern Steel Construction • June 2021 • Staying in Sync

AISC’s latest Guide for Architects works to ensure that architects and engineers are on the same page when it comes to designing steel buildings.

ARE YOU A STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

who would benefit from working with architects who knew a bit more about designing with steel— such as calculating preliminary beam depths and/or allocating sufficient structural depths for the spans?

If so, fear not! AISC has a new tool for you to share with your architectural friends and clients: The Third Edition of Designing with Structural Steel: A Guide for Architects. The attractive, 9-in. by 9-in. coffee table-style book is filled with useful steel information geared toward architects.

The first two editions of the Guide for Architects were published in the late 1990s and early 2000s as three-ring binders that could supplement an architect’s notes and other collected steel resources. The latest version is organized a bit differently, providing overviews and nuggets of information in a hard-bound booklet supplemented with links to relevant websites that offer robust resources and tools for architects. It includes information on preliminary sizing of beams, steel coating systems, sustainability, architecturally exposed structural steel (AESS), enclosure system detailing, and much more. Simply put, this guide should be on every architect’s desk (or coffee table). The publication was originally organized into seven chapters (as shown in Figure 1), though a new chapter has recently been added to the online version and will also appear in the next printing of the hard copy (see page 50 for information).

The guide provides insights about when and why steel structures are advantageous. Here are a few highlights.

The Engineering Basics section is a refresher on fundamental structural engineering concepts but is presented in layman’s terms and with graphics. A concise recap of basic concepts such as how loads flow through buildings, both vertically and horizontally, will be familiar to most professional architects. In addition, this section offers architects a refresher on lateral system options to consider, including moment frames and different braced frame configurations. Also included are diagrammatic bracing details that remind architects to consider gussets and other connection components in their details.

This section also references specific pages at aisc.org/why-steel/architect, pointing architects to robust design tools like the Steel Dimensioning Tool and the Preliminary Beam/Column Sizing Tool. The Steel Dimensioning Tool is an online, one-stop dimensioning resource for all the rolled sections listed in the 15th Edition AISC Steel Construction Manual (aisc.org/why-steel/architect/engineering-basics). The actual member depth, width, flange thickness, web thickness, and cross-sectional area for virtually every steel shape is only a click away with this tool. This information is not only useful to architects as they design and detail around the steel frame but also to structural engineers.

The Preliminary Beam and Column Tables are two particularly useful tools in the Engineering Basics section. Prior to engaging a structural engineer, architects are sometimes required to make structural depth assumptions when crafting their initial concepts. The Preliminary Beam and Column Tables provide approximate beam and girder depths for various bay sizes and loading conditions, helping architects to better “ballpark” floor-to-floor heights and structural depth requirements. The tables capture different floor loading classifications, such as office, assembly, and storage loadings (see Figure 2). The tables define the design criteria for the values provided and consider different beam spacings for both lightweight and normal-weight concrete topping on steel deck.

It’s critical to consider enclosure systems and detailing options early in a project. Even determining the perimeter slab edge dimensions from the primary structure can be the difference between the need for a light-gauge deck edge and a steel bent plate. Carefully considering these choices with the architect can result in signi cant cost savings to a project.

The Detailing Considerations section of the guide focuses on enclosure systems and various attachment details that should be considered. It includes wall sections for various enclosure (façade) materials and provides commentary on issues to be considered when attaching to the steel frame (see Figure 3 on page 50). This section also provides insight on allocating adequate space for structural, MEP, and lighting systems when evaluating floor-to-floor heights and the interstation space required for the steel building’s systems (see Figure 4).

These are only some of the topics covered in the new edition of Designing with Structural Steel: A Guide for Architects. You can contact AISC for a hard copy or download a free PDF version at aisc.org/why-steel.

This article summarizes the session “Architect’s Guide to Designing with Steel,” which was presented at the 2021 NASCC: The Virtual Steel Conference in April. To watch a video of the session, visit aisc.org/2021nascconline.

(deckmann@mka.com) is a senior principal with Magnusson Klemencic Associates.

PRELIMINARY BEAM, GIRDER AND COLUMN SIZE TABLES

This chapter is now available online and will help you approximate column sizes and floor and roof system depths in the early stages of a project, before a structural engineer is engaged.