Modern Steel Magazine

January 2019
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January 2019
in every issue features

departments 26 Open for Business
BY BENTON JOHNSON, SE, PE
6 EDITOR’S NOTE Steel facilitates an open, efficient floor plan and a building-
9 STEEL INTERCHANGE length atrium in the first structure of a major riverfront
12 STEEL QUIZ development in Chicago.
60 NEWS AND EVENTS
66 STRUCTURALLY SOUND 32 National “Truss” for Historic
Preservation
BY JASON MYERS, SE, PE, SHANE MAXEMOW, SE, PE, AND
resources
TIMON HAZELL
64 ADVERTISER INDEX A new truss brings structural modernization to a century-
65 MARKETPLACE old Washington apartment building.
& EMPLOYMENT
38 VIP Treatment
BY DAVE ROWE, SE
Steel framing plays the gracious host at UNLV’s new
hospitality school in the entertainment capital of the world.
44 Increased Attendance
BY JUSTIN COOK, SE, PE
An upgraded and expanded convention center raises
Spokane’s profile as a conference and exhibition destination.
50 Artistic Arch
BY SHANKAR NAIR, SE, PE, PHD, VINOD PATEL, SE, PE,
NADIA ABOU AND SARAH WILKINSON
A new steel bridge in downstate Illinois adds flair to its
flat surroundings with an eye-catching blue arch.
56 Robotic Revelations
BY GEOFF WEISENBERGER
Fabrication equipment manufacturers weigh in on their
implementation of robotics and the benefits of automation.
columns
steelwise
17 Best of Both Worlds
BY ALANA HOCHSTEIN
Duplex systems employing painting or powder coating over
hot-dip galvanized steel blend long-term protection with
desired aesthetics. Here is some practical advice
on successfully specifying and getting the most out of
a duplex system.
business issues
24 Effective Project Management
BY KEITH RIDING, PE
Strong teams and strong phasing make for
50 strong projects.
ON THE COVER:
C.H. Robinson’s new Midwest headquarters leads the way for Chicago’s ambitious Lincoln Yards development, p. 26 (photo: Courtesy SOM © Tom Harris)
MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION (Volume 59, Number 1) ISSN (print) 0026-8445: ISSN (online) 1945-0737. Published monthly by the American Institute of Steel
Construction (AISC), 130 E Randolph Street, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60601. Subscriptions: Within the U.S.—single issues $6.00; 1 year, $44. Outside the U.S. (Canada and
Mexico)—single issues $9.00; 1 year $88. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, IL and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send address changes to MODERN
STEEL CONSTRUCTION, 130 E Randolph Street, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60601.
DISCLAIMER: AISC does not approve, disapprove, or guarantee the validity or accuracy of any data, claim, or opinion appearing under a byline or obtained or quoted Printed on paper made
from an acknowledged source. Opinions are those of the writers and AISC is not responsible for any statement made or opinions expressed in MODERN STEEL from a minimum of
CONSTRUCTION. All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced without written permission, except for noncommercial educational purposes where fewer than 25 10% recycled content.
photocopies are being reproduced. The AISC and Modern Steel logos are registered trademarks of AISC.
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editor’s note
Editorial Offices
130 E Randolph St, Ste 2000
Chicago, IL 60601
312.670.2400
Editorial Contacts
EDITOR AND PUBLISHER
Scott Melnick
312.670.8314
melnick@aisc.org
SENIOR EDITOR
Geoff Weisenberger
312.670.8316
weisenberger@aisc.org
DIRECTOR OF PUBLICATIONS
Every superhero has an origin story. Keith A. Grubb, SE, PE
312.670.8318
Superman has his birth on Krypton. Batman has the murder of his parents. And Captain grubb@aisc.org
America has his super-soldier formula. But to me, David Ratterman’s story is the most PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
interesting of all. Erika Salisbury
312.670.5427
For those of you who don’t know David, he retired this past December after serving as salisbury@aisc.org
AISC’s legal counsel for more than 30 years. He was an incredibly popular speaker at our GRAPHIC DESIGN MANAGER
conferences and other events, a widely respected author and an active participant in the Kristin Hall
312.670.8313
development of the Code of Standard Practice. He is also a true gentleman, a font of wisdom hall@aisc.org
and a great person with whom to grab a glass of bourbon. His story, though, began way before AISC Officers
his affiliation with AISC. CHAIR
His father was a journeyman plumber who ultimately opened his own business, a business David Zalesne
that was beset with financial difficulty after two contactors defaulted on owed payments. VICE CHAIR
Jack Klimp
David worked for his dad but they never had much money, and when he graduated high
SECRETARY/LEGAL COUNSEL
school, his plan was to move to Alaska and work on the pipeline. He was set on a new path, Edward Seglias
however, when the local plumbers association gifted him with a four-year scholarship to study PRESIDENT
engineering—a gift and an origin story that he never forgot. Charles J. Carter, SE, PE, PhD
Over the years, he often cited this story as the inspiration for the work he did with students, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
work that was so significant that when, a few years ago, AISC created a scholarship program Scott Melnick
VICE PRESIDENT
for the children of full members to help get them started in college, we named it the David B.
Lawrence F. Kruth, PE
Ratterman Fast Start Scholarship and annually award $60,000 in scholarships. VICE PRESIDENT
At his recent retirement dinner, after he was gifted with mementos and a new grill, he Tabitha S. Stine, SE, PE
turned the tables. He announced that he and his amazing wife, Lois Louis, would be gifting VICE PRESIDENT
the AISC Education Foundation with $50,000 for undergraduate scholarships. Annually, AISC Mark W. Trimble, PE
presents or administers more than $100,000 in undergraduate and graduate scholarships, and Editorial Advisory Panel
this contribution will help add funding to a program that develops the future leaders of the Caroline R. Bennett, PE, PhD,
University of Kansas
design community and construction industry.
Keith R. Griesing, PE,
When David first told me about his intended gift, he mentioned that he hoped it would
Hardesty and Hanover
galvanize others to also contribute. And so far, it seems to be working. Immediately after
Steve Knitter,
David’s announcement, Rick Cooper, president of W&W Steel, offered to match the gift. My Geiger and Peters
hope is that others are also willing to step up. It doesn’t matter whether you’re contributing Janice Mochizuki, PE, Arup
$50 or $50,000, all of the money goes towards scholarships and other educational activities; Dylan Olson, Olson Steel
none of the money is used for overhead or administrative costs.
Advertising Contact
Please help create a new origin story for up-and-coming students. Send a check (it’s a ACCOUNT MANAGER
charitable deduction!) payable to the AISC Education Foundation at 130 E. Randolph Street, Renae Gurthet
231.995.0637
Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60601, Attn: Janet Cummins. renae@gurthetmedia.com
Address Changes and
Subscription Concerns
312.670.2400
subscriptions@aisc.org
Scott Melnick Reprints
Editor Erika Salisbury
312.670.5427
salisbury@aisc.org
6 | JANUARY 2019
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AISC
Night School class begins Feburary 2019
Practical
Steel Connection Design
presented by Carol Drucker, SE, PE; Patrick Fortney, PE, PhD;
Larry Muir, PE; Clifford Schwinger, PE;
and William Thornton, PE, PhD
Monday nights 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time

90 minutes per session | 8 sessions total
1.5 PDHs per session
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of the detail design process in addition to technical
guidance.
Topics include:
• delegated connection design
• shear connections
• vertical bracing connections
• moment connections
• seismic connections
• lessons learned
Smarter. Stronger. Steel.

American Institute of Steel Construction
312.670.2400 | www.aisc.org
www.aisc.org/nightschool
If you’ve ever asked yourself “Why?” about something
related to structural steel design or construction, steel
Modern Steel’s monthly Steel Interchange is for you! Send interchange
your questions or comments to solutions@aisc.org.
All AISC Design Guides mentioned can be found at www.aisc.org/dg. sion is assumed. A higher pretension than that assumed in the calcu-
All other AISC publications, unless mentioned otherwise, refer to the lations can only result in greater strength. Therefore the fact that the
current version and are available at www.aisc.org/specifications. bolts have potentially been fully pretensioned will not be detrimental
to the strength of the connection.
I also have to mention that the use of TC bolts does not guar-
Stability of Beams During Erection antee that full pretension will be achieved. Only the use of TC
We are erecting a framed structural steel building with long, bolts in conjunction with the proper installation procedures will
slender beams. The beams have significant camber. Dur- ensure proper pretension.
ing erection the beams are acting more like open web joists
than beams. As soon as a beam is released from the crane, it Limiting the Number of Field Splices
bows out to the side resulting in a need for temporary brac- The erector on our project is insisting that conditions
ing to keep the beams “straight.” The design engineer has indicated as field welded splices in the contract documents
confirmed that the beams are structurally adequate once should be shop welded for economy. Can we shop weld these
the slab on metal deck is poured. Is there a way to anticipate splices?
such erection issues?
Section 6.7.4 of the AISC Code of Standard Practice for Steel
Yes. Page 37 of Design Guide 23: Constructability of Structural Buildings and Bridges (ANSI/AISC 303) states: “Unless otherwise
Steel Buildings provides guidance. It states: “Most girders, as specified in the contract documents, and subject to the approved
designed, are stable only when their compression flange is later- shop and erection drawings, the fabricator shall limit the number
ally supported... As a rule of thumb, most girders with l/b less of field splices to that consistent with minimum project cost.”
than 80 will be stable during erection; for values greater than 80, The key phrase here is “Unless otherwise specified in the con-
the erector should consider some form of temporary support dur- tract documents.” The contract documents must be adhered to
ing and/or after the lift. Note that this ratio is not a substitute for unless a change to the contract is agreed to by the parties.
an engineering analysis.” The presence of camber will also tend to You could submit a request to the engineer of record to mod-
make the beams less stable since it effectively raises the applica- ify the connection so that it would result in reduced field welding,
tion of load. but there is nothing that would require you to do so.
If you think the field weld symbol may have been a mistake,
Pretensioned Bolts in Moment End Plates you could submit an RFI to clarify this, but it is not your job
I have designed moment end plate connections using the to identify errors in the contract documents. This is stated in
procedure in AISC Design Guide 16: Flush and Extended the commentary to Section 3.3, which states: “When a discrep-
Multiple-Row Moment End-Plate Connections, which allows ancy is discovered in the contract documents in the course of
the use of snug-tight F3125 Grade A325 bolts. The erector the fabricator’s work, the fabricator shall promptly notify the
has installed tension control (TC) bolts, which are fully ten- owner’s designated representative for construction so that the
sioned. Will this cause a problem? discrepancy can be resolved. Such resolution shall be timely so
as not to delay the fabricator’s work. See Sections 3.5 and 9.3.
No. The first thing that needs to be recognized is that there It is not the fabricator’s responsibility to discover discrepan-
is no upper limit on the pretension that can be applied to a bolt cies, including those that are associated with the coordination
installed a snug-tight condition. A snug-tight joint is not a joint of the various design disciplines. You cannot change the condi-
without pretension, but more properly should be viewed as a bolt tion shown in the contract documents without approval from
with an undetermined level of pretension—where the level of pre- the engineer of record.”
tension is irrelevant in meeting the requirements of the connection.
Even if (F3125 Grade F1852) bolts had not been installed, it is Grinding Between Weld Passes
likely that the bolts would have significant pretension. We are welding using metal-cored electrodes and have been
The calculations on page 11 of the design guide indicate that the told that the AISC Specification requires that each completed
bolt rupture limit state considering prying action is dependent on weld pass must be ground before the next pass can be depos-
the level of pretension. When the connection is designed assuming a ited. Is this correct?
snug-tight condition, a pretension significantly less than full preten-
Modern Steel Construction | 9

steel interchange
No. Section J2 of the AISC Specification for Structural Steel Buildings (ANSI/AISC
360) states that, with a few exceptions, all provisions of AWS D1.1 apply under the
Specification. Section 5.15 of AWS D1.1 requires that the surface to be welded shall be
free of slag or other items that would be detrimental to the welds. It does not require
grinding between passes.
One of the benefits of metal-cored electrodes is that it produces little slag and
therefore minimizes activities such as grinding, chipping the slag or removing spat-
ter. This is alluded to in AISC Design Guide 21: Welded Connections – A Primer for
Engineers, which states: “GMAW uses a solid- or metal-cored electrode and leaves no
appreciable amount of residual slag.”
Shear Lag
I am designing the connection of an HSS8x8 brace to a gusset using a 10-in.-
wide splice plate. AISC Specification Table D3.1 Cases 4 and 6 address shear lag
on the splice plate and the HSS. However, the Specification does not seem to
address shear lag on the wider plate, the gusset in my case. How should shear
lag be addressed for the gusset?
You are correct that Case 4 is intended to apply to the narrower plate shown in
the figure, not the wider plate. When checking the wider plate, some judgment must
be exercised. A local yielding check based on the Whitmore section is typically used,
as is indicated in the User Note to Section J4.1.
Larry Muir has been AISC's director of

technical assistance for the last five years A Note on Changes at the AISC Steel Solutions Center
but is returning to the consulting world. After five years as AISC’s director of technical assistance, Larry Muir is making
Carlo Lini, who has served as a senior the move back to consulting. He will return to the work he performed for six years
staff engineer in AISC's Steel Solutions prior to joining AISC: providing consulting services, primarily related to connection
Center, replaces Larry as the new director of design, to structural engineers, fabricators, erectors, general contractors and steel
technical assistance. construction-related organizations like AISC and the Canadian Institute of Steel
Construction (CISC). He will also continue his decade-long relationship with the
Steel Solutions Center.
We’re sad to see Larry go but happy to announce that Carlo Lini, a seven-year
AISC employee, will take over as AISC’s director of technical assistance. Prior to
joining AISC, Carlo worked as an engineer with Ruby and Associates and has also
served as secretary of AISC’s Specification committee on Nuclear Facilities Design
and AISC’s Committee on Manuals Member and Systems Design Considerations.
This experienced provided him with additional insight into the topics he must
address every day with the Steel Solutions Center.
In celebration of his new role at AISC, all of this month’s Steel Interchange ques-
tions were answered by Carlo.
Lawrence F. Kruth, PE, AISC Vice President of Engineering and Research
Steel Interchange is a forum to exchange useful and

practical professional ideas and information on all phases
of steel building and bridge construction. Contact Steel
Interchange with questions or responses via AISC’s Steel
Solutions Center: 866.ASK.AISC | solutions@aisc.org
The complete collection of Steel Interchange questions and
answers is available online at www.modernsteel.com.
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.
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This month’s Steel Quiz is based on the guidance and equations on
transfer forces provided in Appendix D of AISC Design Guide 29: Vertical
steel Bracing Connections—Analysis and Design (available at www.aisc.org/dg).
quiz The question and answer were contributed by Hamza Sekkak, a PhD
student at the Illinois Institute of Technology. Thank you, Hamza!
Given the frame shown in Figure 1, NIW % NIW %

calculate the transfer force (TF) at the
highlighted connection in the center

using the configuration shown in Figure

& & &
2. Treat end connections as pinned. The 9%

1.5 k/ft force shown is being delivered
by the attachment of a diaphragm N N N N

% %
to beams B3 and B4. The 10-kip and
20-kip forces shown are being delivered
by the attachment of horizontal bracing

to the beam ends. & & &
&RQQHFWLRQ
9%

Figure 1 Figure 2
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steel quiz ANSWERS
Tension values are shown as positive and compression values Therefore:

as negative.
The transfer force can be determined by summing the forces on
the left-hand side or right-hand side of the column and deter-
mining what force is required to achieve equilibrium. Using the
configuration shown in Figure 2, the TF can be defined using the
x-direction components of the forces as follows: The TF of 120 kips represents the force that is transferred
from the braced frame on the right-hand side of the column
to the braced frame on the left-hand side of the column. Keep
in mind that the AISC Code of Standard Practice states that
when the fabricator is required to design connection details,
the structural design drawings shall provide, among other
The structural analysis of the frame has led to the following things, “data concerning the loads, including shears, moment,
summary of results of internal forces (note that these values axial forces and transfer forces, that are to be resisted by the
can be computed using hand calculations): individual members and their connections, sufficient to allow
Member Label Axial (kips)
the fabricator to selet or complete connection details…” The
approach demonstrated in this quiz is one way to determine
C1 0
C2 0
the transfer force.
C3 -60
C4 0
C5 -90
C6 -90
B1 -10
B2 10
B3 Linear: 0 to -45
B4 Linear: -45 to -90 If you are interested in submitting one question or
VB1 212 an entire quiz, contact AISC’s Steel Solutions Center
VB2 127 at 866.ASK.AISC or solutions@aisc.org.
Sit. Stay. Seismic.

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800.644.2400
14 | JANUARY 2019
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Duplex systems employing painting or powder
coating over hot-dip galvanized steel blend long- steelwise
term protection with desired aesthetics. Here is some BEST OF BOTH
practical advice on successfully specifying and getting WORLDS
BY ALANA HOCHSTEIN
the most out of a duplex system.
AS EVIDENT THROUGH its use in attractive structures and artful sculptures, hot-
dip galvanized steel provides specifiers with a natural and metallic look with long-term
corrosion protection in aggressive environments.
However, there are instances where the metallic or natural matte gray appearance
is not compatible with an architect’s overall design, or color is needed to either pro-
vide branding or blend in with the surroundings. But how to accomplish this without
sacrificing the corrosion protection capabilities of galvanized steel? Via duplex systems,
where a layer or layers of painting or powder coating are added over the galvanized
steel, thus achieving the desired aesthetics or branding while still providing the corro-
sion protection and service life required to make a lasting impression.
Synergistic Effect Alana Hochstein (ahochstein@galvanizeit.

Here’s how it works. When implementing hot-dip galvanizing and paint or pow- org) is the corrosion engineer for the
der coating in a duplex system, the two coatings work together to increase overall American Galvanizers Association (AGA).
longevity and provide a more sophisticated level of corrosion resistance known as the
synergistic effect. This involves the exterior layer of paint or powder coating provid-
ing barrier protection to slow down the rate at which the underlying zinc is consumed.
Then, once the exterior layer has been breached or weathered, the hot-dip galvanized
coating beneath is still available to provide cathodic and additional barrier protection.
Additionally, the hot-dip galvanized coating prevents under film corrosion of the paint
or powder coating system, which increases the longevity of the top coat and extends
paint maintenance cycles at least 50% in comparison to the same paint system applied
over bare steel.
As a result, the overall product is afforded maintenance-free corrosion protection
for 1.5 to 2.3 times the sum of the paint life and hot-dip galvanizing life. In other words,
if you apply a hot-dip galvanized coating expected to last 50 years and a paint system
expected to last 10 years, the duplex system would provide 90 to 138 years of mainte-
nance-free corrosion protection. Or, if routine maintenance is performed on the paint or
powder coating system, the overall coating system will last indefinitely. When discussing
the synergistic effect, the value for the multiplication factor (1.5 to 2.3) is selected based
on the corrosivity of the environment. A minimum value of 1.5 is intended for the most
aggressive environments with high pollution, salt or humidity, while 2.3 is the maximum
value for mild and rural environments. (If needed, the American Galvanizers Associa-
tion—AGA—can be contacted for help in estimating this value.)
Cost Efficiency
The synergistic effect allows for great economic advantages over the life cycle of
a duplex project. While the initial cost of a duplex system is high due to the applica-
tion of two corrosion protection systems, the synergistic effect will result in increased
time between paint maintenance cycles, and therefore a total life-cycle cost that is less
expensive than if the same paint system were to be applied over bare steel.
To analyze the initial and life-cycle cost of a duplex system in comparison to more
than 30 other corrosion protection systems, the AGA has developed a Life-Cycle Cost
Calculator (available at lccc.galvanizeit.org). Based on published cost date and calcu-

steelwise
Yann Weymouth, Salvador Dali Museum, 2011
Specifying a duplex system for the steel components of the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, Fla., located in a highly corrosive coastal
environment, allowed a color selection that would blend with the facility while the galvanized structural tubing beneath ensured the pieces
would be protected inside and out. The museum features a framework of duplexed steel tubing that was painted to minimize distraction from
the 75-ft geodesic glass bubble known as the “enigma.”
lated in accordance with ASTM A1068, Standard Practice for Life- Table 1: Economic Comparison Case Study
Cycle Cost Analysis of Corrosion Protection Systems on Iron and Steel Initial Cost Total Initial Life-Cycle
Products, this calculator allows users to input the details of a project Coating System
$/ft2 Cost Cost
and compare the initial and life-cycle costs side by side.
Black Steel: SSPC SP-10
automated surface prep, $3.14 $157,050 $1,210,500
Example Project Epoxy/Polyurethane
Let's consider an example project, with the following parameters: Duplex System: SSPC SP-16
• 50,000 ft sq. ft surface prep, HDG/ Epoxy/ $5.28 $263,950 $658,000
• Typical mix of structural pieces, simple <50 ft Polyurethane
• 60 Year Service Life
• C3 – Moderately Industrial Environment
• 3% inflation; 4% interest Table 2: Maintenance Comparison Case Study
According to the output of this example project, derived from
Duplex System:
the Calculator, in Tables 1 and 2, the initial cost of a duplex system Maintenance Activity Epoxy/Polyurethane HDG/Epoxy/
is 71% more than paint initially, but the delayed paint mainte- Polyurethane
nance cycles for the example duplex system as exhibited in Table Touch-Up Repaint Years 11, 31, 51 Years 22, 51
2 results in a life-cycle cost savings of 45% in comparison to the
paint system over black steel. Therefore, specifying a duplex sys- Maintenance Repaint Years 14, 34, 54 Years 29, 58
tem for corrosion protection can pay for itself while providing
Full Repaint Years 20, 40 N/A
value and aesthetic appeal throughout the design life.
18 | JANUARY 2019
steelwise
Specifying a Duplex System
Specifying a duplex system can be rela-
tively simple if the steps for surface prepa-
ration are followed, as prescribed in the
relevant specifications. Different specifica-
tions are required for the application of the
hot-dip galvanized coating, surface prepara-
tion of the coating and then application of
the paint or powder coating. The primary
specification for batch hot-dip galvanizing
of structural steel including plate, beams,
tubing, piping and various fabrications is
ASTM A123: Standard Specification for Zinc
(Hot-Dip Galvanized) Coatings on Iron and
Steel Products. For batch hot-dip galvanizing
of any nuts, bolts or other fasteners, ASTM
A153: Standard Specification for Zinc Coating
(Hot-Dip) on Iron and Steel Hardware, should
be specified to ensure parts are centrifuged
or otherwise handled to remove excess coat-
ing which could affect their intended use.
Next, there are additional supporting
specifications to assist in preparation of the
hot-dip galvanized surface. ASTM D6386:
Preparation of Zinc (Hot-Dip Galvanized)
Coated Iron and Steel Product and Hardware
Surfaces for Painting provides detail on rec-
ommended methods to prepare hot-dip
galvanized surfaces for painting. Instruc-
tions are included for smoothing, cleaning
and profiling the surface. Depending on
the identified initial condition of the hot-
dip galvanized surface as defined by the
specification, some of these preparation
practices may be optional.
For preparing the hot-dip galvanized
surface for powder coating, a separate
specification ASTM D7803: Preparation
of Zinc (Hot-Dip Galvanized) Coated Iron
and Steel Product and Hardware Surfaces for
Powder Coating details similar practices for
surface smoothing, cleaning, and profiling
the hot-dip galvanized surface based on the
identified initial surface condition. How-
ever, D7803 also provides instructions for
a heat treatment of the parts after surface
preparation to prevent outgassing of the
galvanized coating during the baking step
in the powder coating curing process.
Photo Courtesy of AGA
Referenced within both D6386 and
D7803 is a specification for sweep blasting Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Columbus, Ohio, houses a seasonal
to profile the hot-dip galvanized surface: butterfly exhibit, a Chihuly exhibit and an extensive plant collection. The varieties of tem-
SSPC SP16: Brush-Off Blast Cleaning of peratures, humidity levels, and herbicides involved make this conservatory a candidate for
Coated and Uncoated Galvanized Steel. This extreme corrosion, but the duplexed structural steel has held up beyond the expectations
of the owner over its 20-year existence.
abrasive blast cleaning standard is the most
common method for profiling of the hot-
steelwise
Reaching high into the dip galvanized surface without damaging
Vancouver sky, the the coating. If an abrasive blast cleaning is
windowed walls of the
Woodwards Building desired but SSPC SP16 is not specified, a
“W” Tower are laced painter unfamiliar with hot-dip galvanized
with duplexed col- surfaces may instead use methods intended
umns of intricately
for cleaning bare steel, which can directly
etched decorative
panels depicting result in peeling or excessive removal of
tangled branches. the hot-dip galvanized coating.
Finally, it is the responsibility of the
architect or engineer to specify the paint
or powder coating system based on the
intended use of the part, the application
method, environmental concerns and the
desired aesthetics. There are many available
options from paint manufacturers that are
designed to work well over hot-dip galva-
nized surfaces. It is possible to consult a paint
manufacturer for the proper paint selection,
or reference SSPC Guide 19: Selection of
Protective Coatings For Use Over Galvanized
Substrates. SSPC Guide 19 is a resource
available to owners and specifiers looking
to select an appropriate coating system for a
duplex system exposed to corrosive environ-
ments. Coating selection is based on evalu-
ation of the environment, condition of the
hot-dip galvanized steel and surface prepa-
ration. After coating selection and prepara-
tion of the hot-dip galvanized surface, the
paint or powder coating should always be
mixed, applied and cured in accordance with
the manufacturer’s instructions.
Clarifying Roles and Responsibilities

Some hot-dip galvanizers market and
sell their own duplex systems while others
partner with a paint shop to provide an all-
in-one duplex coating service. However, it
is more common to see the hot-dip galva-
nizing and painting/powder coating bid as
two separate contracts. When this occurs,
clarifying the roles and responsibilities of
each party (galvanizer and paint applicator)
is critical to the success of a duplex system
and avoiding any schedule delays.
The first topic to be clarified is the accept-
ability of any post-treatments performed by
the galvanizer. Many galvanizers apply post
treatments or perform water quenching of
the galvanized articles to prevent the forma-
tion of wet storage stain or accelerate cool-
ing. The use of post-treatments will alter
the surface chemistry of the coating. Some
post-treatments such as phosphatizing will
produce surfaces acceptable for painting,
20 | JANUARY 2019
steelwise
while others like chromating will result in a
Hot-dip galvanizing and duplex systems are specified for all refurbishment projects at Bos-
surface that is difficult to top coat. Although ton's Fenway Park to reduce maintenance costs without compromising aesthetics and the
water quenching does not change the sur- stadium's well-known shade of green.
face, the quench bath typically contains
small amounts of oil, grease or galvanizing
flux which can interfere with paint adhesion.
It is the responsibility of the owner or paint
applicator to inform the galvanizer ahead of
time that the part is to be duplexed. Once
informed, the galvanizer is responsible for
ensuring quenching and chromating are not
performed.
Another need for clarification arises in
the preparation of the hot-dip galvanized
surface. Some surface conditions present on
hot-dip galvanized coatings such as rough-
ness, small dross inclusions, and zinc runs
do not affect the corrosion protection and
are typically acceptable under ASTM A123.
However, these same surface conditions will
negatively affect adhesion of the paint/pow-
der coating, and are therefore not accept-
able. Instructions for smoothing the surface
Located in the heart of Boston's Chinatown, the Chinatown Park project has a great deal of public exposure, an element that made quality and
craftsmanship important components in the choice to specify a duplex system. As a landmark project representing a major neighborhood in
Boston, a duplex system was specified to provide the longevity and appearance required.

steelwise
The specification of hot-dip galvanizing and duplex systems was integral to the Denver Zoo's Toyota Elephant Passage becoming the first zoo
exhibit in the country to attain LEED Platinum Certification, the highest level awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council. The system allowed
the coated elements to achieve unmatched durability while blending into the surroundings.
are contained within the surface preparation when under customer ownership. Three ered). If the surface is incorrectly identified
standards ASTM D6386 and D7803, but methods are acceptable for the repair of all or if the painter receives a different sur-
these specifications do not clarify whether hot-dip galvanized coatings: zinc metallizing, face condition than expected, there exists
surface smoothing is to be performed by zinc solder and zinc-rich paint. No clarifica- a potential for insufficient cleaning of the
the galvanizer or the paint/powder coat- tion is required for the use of zinc-spray met- hot-dip galvanized surface, resulting in poor
ing applicator. As a result, when two parties allizing or zinc solder for repair of the HDG adhesion of the paint. Where the initial
are involved, this critical surface prepara- coatings to be duplexed. However, if zinc surface condition of the galvanized surface
tion step can sometimes be left out due to rich paint it used, re-coat time windows and is unknown, the preparation steps for a par-
poor communication, resulting in a lumpy compatibility with the paint or powder/coat- tially weathered surface should be used.
coating or poor adhesion. To prevent these ing system should be evaluated by the speci- Duplex systems offer the best of both
issues, ASTM A123 and D6386 were revised fier. Depending on the logistics involved to worlds by offering durable corrosion pro-
in 2017 to clarify that once the galvanizer transport articles between the galvanizer and tection and a wide variety of aesthetic fin-
and painter are mutually aware the article is painter, it may be desired to have the painter ishes. Furthermore, the synergistic effect
to be duplexed, the responsibility for surface perform any repairs using zinc-rich paint in between the hot-dip galvanized surface and
smoothing shall be mutually determined by order to meet suitable recoat time windows. the paint or powder coating system allow
the galvanizer and the purchaser. There are Any further surface preparation required for longer maintenance cycles and signifi-
plans to include similar language within for painting or powder coating hot-dip cant cost savings over the life cycle of the
ASTM D7803 upon its revision in 2019. galvanized steel such as cleaning, profiling, project. However, proper specification and
Although not contained within any sur- and outgassing are the responsibility of the clear communication regarding the roles
face preparation standard, it is also recom- paint or powder coating applicator. These and responsibilities involved is critical to
mended to clarify the acceptability and preparation steps should be performed as reap these benefits. The above recommen-
responsibility for any repairs to the hot-dip required for each surface condition listed dations will allow you to ensure you achieve
galvanized coating. Repairs may be per- within ASTM D6386 or D7803 (newly gal- a durable and stunning duplex coating that
formed either at the galvanizing plant or vanized, partially weathered or fully weath- will benefit many generations. ■
22 | JANUARY 2019
“A must read!”
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business
issues
Strong teams and strong phasing make for
EFFECTIVE
strong projects.
PROJECT
MANAGEMENT
BY KEITH RIDING, PE
THE CRITICAL PATH of most construction projects these days runs through the
steel fabrication shop.
And an experienced project manager is an essential part of a successful project.
There are many tasks a project manager is required to complete, and at times this can
be overwhelming. By breaking the project down into distinct phases, even a very large
project will seem more manageable.
Get a Running Start

No matter how large or small the project size, getting a newly awarded project
started on the right foot is critical. With the fast-paced nature of today’s construction
industry, any early delays on a project can have lasting effects on the success of the job.
Keith Riding (kriding@cives.com) is operations The estimating team that worked on bidding the project should be the project man-
manager with Cives Steel Company, Mid-South ager’s first stop in getting started. A smooth transition from the estimating department
Division located in Rosedale Miss. to the project manager includes a transfer of all information accumulated during the
bidding stage.
Estimators should summarize the requirements of the project as they understand it.
What is the schedule? Are there any long lead time items that need to be purchased?
Are there any special coating requirements for the job? Are there any pricing agree-
ments with material suppliers? Are there any subcontracts that need to be awarded?
Clear communication between the estimating group and the project manager can save
valuable time getting the new project started.
Assemble the Team

The project manager should not feel like they are alone on an island left to fend for
themselves. The successful execution of a structural steel project requires a team effort.
Once the project has been turned over to the project manager, it is time to assemble
the team that will help execute the job. Internally, the fabricator should have a chief
draftsman or engineering manager to help get the detailing started. A procurement
manager should be able to help get material ordered while the shop superintendent or
foreman can help in reviewing specific details to improve shop efficiency.
In addition to internal company resources, the project manager has many outside
resources at their disposal. The project manager must carefully select a detailer and
perhaps a connection design engineer. Subcontractors must also be selected and can
include joist, deck, grating and miscellaneous metals suppliers. On large projects, addi-
tional fabrication shops might also need to be subcontracted. It is important to get
your team assembled so that they can start supporting your efforts on the project.
Stages of a Project
Once a new project has been turned over to the project manager, the first and
perhaps most important part of the project begins. The planning stage is a critical
time in the life of a project. The time spent and decisions made during this portion
of the project sets up all the other phases of the project for success. This is a time
for the project manager to make contact with the customer and engineer of record
24 | JANUARY 2019
business issues
(EOR) for the job and establish contact ager can answer the detailer’s questions smooth erection. If the project manager
points and lines of communication for both without involving the EOR. By limiting takes care of the erector, the erector will
technical and commercial questions. This the number of RFIs sent to the EOR, help take care of the project manager.
is also a time to issue the contract docu- you allow the EOR to focus more time
ments to the project team so they can have answering the questions that truly require Changes to the Project
input on the job. Who will be the erector their input. It is normal these days for the fabrica-
and what special requirements should be During the detailing stage, a compre- tor to be brought onto a project earlier
considered for erection? What is the erec- hensive status report should be created. than what has been typical in the past. As
tion sequence so you can start the detailer The status report is a great tool to help a result, changes to the contract drawings
in the right direction? Are there any special track all aspects of the project and should are a normal part of any steel fabrica-
connection design issues to consider? Are summarize the quantity and status of the tion project. The project manager should
there any shop preferences that should be shop drawings. It should show the fab- have a system to document and track any
considered? Don’t let a third party do the rication and shipping status. For larger changes to the contract documents. When
planning for you. You know what works projects, color codes can be used to help revised documents are received, send a
best in your shop. draw attention to fast approaching due letter to the customer notifying them of
Some fabricators have developed check- dates. This report is a valuable tool to the change. Let them know that you are
lists over many years that can be used dur- share with all members of the team and evaluating the change for any cost or
ing the planning stage. Past lessons learned can be used during weekly conference schedule impact. It is important to alert
can be summarized on the checklist to status calls. the customer right away while the magni-
avoid repeating errors from previous proj- The next step in the execution phase is tudes of the changes are being evaluated.
ects. These checklists are especially help- the shop fabrication. The project manager Once the review is finished, it is time
ful for younger project managers who can should meet with the shop superintendent to submit your change order request. This
draw on many years of experience while several weeks before the start of fabrica- request should be complete and thor-
planning the job. tion to review any special requirements oughly explain exactly what changed and
The planning stage is a fast and furi- or unique fabrication items on the project. how it impacts the cost and schedule. You
ous time for the project manager. It often This will help make sure that there are can mark up a set of drawings showing
means long hours, but it is during the no surprises once fabrication begins. As the before and after so the customer can
planning stage where the project man- fabrication approaches, the project man- visually see what has changed. The more
ager becomes intimately familiar with ager should relay the fabrication sequence time you spend putting a complete change
the job. Once the plan has been set up, and shipping priorities to the shop. Once order request together, the less time you
it should be reviewed with the team. A fabrication begins, frequent visits to the will have to spend explaining where the
face-to-face meeting to review the pre- shop can help the project manager track added cost comes from. Good change
plan with the customer and the EOR will fabrication progress. Also, since the proj- order management can make or break the
help eliminate any surprises during later ect manager is intimately familiar with the success of a project.
phases of the project. job, they may be able to notice and catch The idea of forming a team, creating
The old saying “Plan your work then issues that could cause problems later in a plan and then following the plan is a
work your plan” applies as much today as the project. successful blueprint for any project, no
ever, and the next stage of the project is The final step in the execution stage matter how large or complex. The proj-
the execution phase. The first step in the is the erection of the steel. Once fabri- ect manager must remember to be flex-
execution phase is the detailing. The proj- cation has started, the project manager ible. No matter how detailed the original
ect manager, in consultation with the chief should stay in contact with the erector and plan is, situations change, requiring quick
draftsman, selects a qualified detailer to reconfirm the sequence of erection. This action by the project manager to keep the
be a part of the team. Establish a detailing is another time where it is handy to have job on track. The project manager should
schedule that clearly shows when draw- a checklist of things to confirm prior to always remember that they are part of a
ings will be sent for approval, how long the start of delivery. Have the final issue team and have the proper support to help
the drawings should be out for approval drawings been transmitted for field use? them keep the project headed toward suc-
and when drawings will be ready for the Have the field bolts been delivered? Are cessful completion. ■
shop. Oftentimes during the detailing the shims for the columns loaded on the
stage, several RFIs are generated by the first truck or sent in advance? What is the This article serves as a preview of Session P8:
detailer. It is always a good idea for the coming weather for the next few days? Is “Effective Project Management” at the 2019
project manager to review these detail- erection progressing so we can make the NASCC: The Steel Conference, taking place
ing RFIs before passing them along to next delivery sequence? Communication is April 3-5 in St. Louis. For more information
the EOR. Many times, the project man- the key to material flow to the jobsite and and to register, visit www.aisc.org/nascc.
Open for Business
Steel facilitates an open, efficient floor plan and a building-length atrium
in the first structure of a major riverfront development in Chicago.
BY BENTON JOHNSON, SE, PE
THE BRAND-NEW OFFICE building at 1515 W. Webster Avenue in Chicago

kicks off a major development for the city.
The 207,000-sq.-ft, four-story edifice will serve as the Midwest headquarters for
logistics company C.H. Robinson. Located on the North Branch of the Chicago River
a few miles north of the city’s Loop business district, it is the first building to be con-
structed as part of the ambitious Lincoln Yards project. Proposed by Chicago-based
real estate investment and development firm Sterling Bay, Lincoln Yards is a massive
development that will transform a former industrial area into a modern, multi-building
riverside district interwoven with ample green space. Completed last year and targeting
LEED Gold certification, the building incorporates a structural steel framing system
to achieve large columns bays with efficient office space planning.
Benton Johnson (benton.johnson@som.com) The building maximizes usability for C.H. Robinson, providing flexibility for the com-
is the associate director of Skidmore, Owings pany to grow within the building over time. Architect and structural engineer SOM studied
& Merrill’s Chicago office. the company’s prior office setting, including furniture layouts, ceiling heights and access to
daylighting as part of the design process. This information led to the design of two 345-ft-
long by 67-ft-wide office floor plates, slightly offset from one another, that share a central
26 | JANUARY 2019
Courtesy SOM © Tom Harris
The 207,000-sq.-ft, four-story building at 1515 W. Webster will serve as the Midwest head-
quarters for logistics company C.H. Robinson and is the first building in the vast Lincoln
Yards development.

above: The overall plan involves two 345-ft-long by 67-ft-wide office floor plates, slightly offset from one another, that share a central atrium.
below: The building features large columns bays with efficient office space planning.
atrium. Each floor plate is supported by two column lines forming by cambered W27 girders that span between the columns. The
a typical bay of 30 ft by 52.5 ft, with 7.5-ft circulation corridors that girders are rigidly connected to the columns with bolted end
cantilever from the columns. This layout maximizes occupant desk plate moment connections to stiffen the girders and reduce floor
density for the company while maintaining access to natural daylight, deflections. The columns were designed as deeper W18 sections
yet still minimizing glare on workstations. The steel structure sup- to provide rotational restraint to the ends of the girders, a framing
porting these efficient office floors required careful coordination of approach that also creates a back span for the cantilevered corri-
MEP services to maximize ceiling heights, control floor deflections dors and renders the long spans more economical.
and evaluate vibrations. MEP services were integrated with the steel structure by providing
The typical floor structure consists of lightweight composite shallower floor framing or web openings where required. The main
metal deck supported by W16 composite steel beams supported HVAC ducts are routed below shallow W12 beams supporting can-
28 | JANUARY 2019
MEP services are integrated with the steel structure by providing shallower floor framing or
web openings where required.
tilevered corridors or directly below the deck near the cores. Other ser- the building while also giving the project its visual identity. Daylight
vices such as sprinklers, drain pipes and electrical conduits were routed is also brought into the building through skylights distributed along
through typical web openings in each W27 girder. Web reinforcing was the central atrium roof; a daylighting analysis was performed to locate
only required for girders supporting high live load areas such as the the 18 individual skylights to maximize lighting comfort and minimize
occupied roof deck. The coordination of services and structure allows glare. The skylights are supported by 5-in. square HSS frames that are
for 10-ft ceiling heights with a modest 13-ft, 4-in. floor-to-floor height, disguised as part of the metal roof deck system. The steel supporting
a significant achievement given the large column bays. the metal deck roof was painted and exposed as part of the interior
Daylight management was a key consideration in the building design design, and does not require fireproofing. This is due to the atrium’s
as it impacts sustainability goals and workstation comfort/productivity. height of 55 ft (the local building code does not require fire protection
Continuous aluminum sunshades control daylight at the perimeter of for Type I-B construction located 20 ft or more above floors or for roof

construction above light-hazard occupancy).
The light-filled atrium creates an inviting space
for informal meetings, work breaks and office-wide
announcements. Two connecting stairs were pro-
vided in the atrium to encourage walking circulation
throughout the building. The atrium stairs consist
of 17-in.-deep built-up structural steel channels for
stringers and concrete-filled metal pan stairs. The
atrium stairs are supported by the cantilevered cor-
ridor framing, giving them a floating appearance in
the space, and the 12-in.-deep cantilevered members
supporting the stairs are built up to remain shallow for
HVAC and ceiling height coordination. The vibra-
tion performance of the system was evaluated with
the finite element analysis method recommended
in AISC Design Guide 11: Vibrations of Steel-Framed
Structural Systems Due to Human Activity (available at
www.aisc.org/dg) due to the unusual geometry and
support conditions of the atrium stairs.
Lateral load resistance is provided by braced
frames located in the north and south building
cores at each end of the central atrium. The typi-
cal bracing system consists of bolted double angles
concealed within nonstructural walls. The north-
above: The atrium under construction... ern-most braced frame is located along a circula-
tion corridor and expressed to the outside of the
below: ...and completed. It ties together the two slightly offset floor plates of the building.
building. This braced frame consists of 7-in. square
HSS braces and W10 columns, protected with an
intumescent paint system, and is back-lit at night
to draw focus to C.H. Robinson’s logo signage.
Structural steel was selected for its ability to
provide the open and flexible space requirements
of the project while meeting budget requirements.
The structural steel package was well below budget
upon award, resulting in a significant savings in
the overall project cost. The efficiency of the steel
system can be attributed to ease of erection and
prefabrication, and all typical connections for the
project were bolted in the field or welded in fabri-
cator Lenex Steel’s shop, such as the column trees
with shop-welded W12 cantilevers. Field welding
was limited to the flanges of column splices and
unique conditions such as the expressed HSS brac-
ing to gusset plate connections.
The building represents a strong start to Lin-
coln Yards, anchoring the northernmost parcel.
The integrated design of the steel structure with
the architectural goals and MEP systems was key
to the success of this project and serves as a positive
example as the site continues to be developed. ■
Owner
Sterling Bay
General Contractor
Power Construction
Architect and Structural Engineer
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, LLP
Steel Team
Fabricator
Lenex Steel Company, Indianapolis
Detailer
MoldTek Technologies, Inc.
30 | JANUARY 2019
above: The light-filled atrium creates an inviting space for informal meetings, work breaks and office-wide announcements.
below: The building and Lincoln Yards as a whole are located northwest of Chicago’s Loop central business district.

National “Truss”
for Historic
Preservation
32 | JANUARY 2019
A new truss brings structural modernization
to a century-old Washington apartment building.
BY JASON MYERS, SE, PE, SHANE MAXEMOW, SE, PE, AND TIMON HAZELL
1789 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE

NW has housed the high society of Wash-
ington, D.C., for more than a century.
One of the oldest luxury apartment
buildings in the city, it has been home to
several distinguished individuals over the
years, including millionaire industrial-
ist and art patron Andrew Mellon. And in
1976, it became home to the National
Trust for Historic Preservation.
In recent years, the owner proposed
long-needed repairs and moderniza-
tions. These included a new penthouse
above the existing roof and a full floor
added below the original historic build-
ing footprint.
New Truss
From a structural and architectural
standpoint, perhaps the most notable fea-
ture of the building was a new assembly
space, which required the removal of mul-
tiple columns at the first floor. But how
to do it? Introducing traditional transfer
beams would have disrupted the historic
exterior and required a lower ceiling height
in the new space. Instead, structural engi-
neer Silman devised a story-deep truss,
incorporated into a corridor wall on the
floor above, to transfer loads in the direc-
tion parallel to the long dimension of the
assembly space. This counterintuitive solu-
tion maintained the ceiling depth, moved
the work zone away from historically sensi-
tive areas and greatly reduced floor deflec- Jason Myers (myers@silman.com) is an
tions that would have potentially endan- associate, Shane Maxemow (maxemow@
gered some historic finishes. silman.com) is a senior engineer and Timon
In most truss designs, configuration Hazell (hazell@silman.com) is a senior BIM
of the connection geometry is equally engineer, all with Silman.
Courtesy of Silman important to the optimization of member
sizes. This was even more the situation
with this particular truss. The concep-
tual design of the truss started with the
existing steel structure. The goal was to
incorporate as much of the historic steel
structure into the truss as possible, and
where not possible, to envelope the exist-
ing steel to minimize protrusion into
architectural space.
An advantage of steel construction
is this ability to implement connections
that accommodate varying existing steel
construction. The 72-ft-long, 14-ft-deep,
20-ton truss incorporates existing historic
steel columns as truss verticals and support
columns. The existing columns were 10H
and 12H sections, oriented in different
directions. Therefore, 12-in. wide-flange
sections were chosen for the top chord,
oriented web-horizontal and nested under-
neath the existing third floor beams. This
allowed the connection plates to sandwich
the existing columns and align with the
chord flanges for a simple full-penetration
weld. The floor beams at the bottom chord
were removed and replaced with 12-in.
wide-flange sections, oriented web-hori-
zontal and connected through the columns
like the top chord. Truss diagonals were
also chosen to be 12-in. wide-flange web-
horizontal sections, thus allowing the con-
necting gusset plates to align with top and
bottom chord flanges and top and bottom
chord sandwich plates.
The existing support column to the east
was reinforced for the additional load by
boxing the column with steel plates. This
allowed the gusset plate for the chord and
diagonal to sandwich the existing column
and bear directly on the reinforcement
Multiple existing columns were removed at the first floor to create a new assembly space, and plates. The existing support column to the
a story-deep truss was incorporated into a corridor wall on the floor above to transfer loads in west had a plan offset of 1 ft to the north,
the direction parallel to the long dimension of the new space.
which allowed a new steel column to be
nested adjacent to the existing and take the
entire load of the new truss.
An additional challenge was ensuring
that the existing column splices were stable
for the truss verticals with compression and
could transfer tension when needed. To
accomplish this, the gusset plate connections
were extended up and a sequence was devised
to remove existing cap and splice plates that
protruded from the face of the columns while
attaching the new gusset plates.
All truss work was completed with the
existing structure in place, except for the
floor beams that were removed for the bot-
tom chord. The existing steel columns were
hydraulically jacked within the first floor
to remove load, then thermodynamically
cut in a sequential controlled process. The
Courtesy of Silman
34 | JANUARY 2019
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off-axis bends, formed shapes and extrusions.
Visit cmrp.com for more information.

jacks were then released to allow the truss to
engage. Actual deflections at column loca-
tions immediately after column removal
were 1∕ 8 in. less than analysis predicted given
the actual state of the structure above.
Reinforced Stair
Another notable feature of the design
was the central historic marble-clad steel
stair. The ability to make sensitive surgical
modifications to the existing steel stair with
new steel elements allowed it to become a
Courtesy of Silman
feature of the building. This stair, partially
supported by corner posts from an eleva- The new truss incorporates existing historic steel columns as truss verticals and support columns.
tor to be removed, required new supports
to be hidden from view. New HSS col-
umns were placed behind the existing stair
wall, with plates cantilevered to the inside
corner of the stair to provide support for FABRICATION
the existing steel plate stringers where the
elevator posts were removed. Each outside
PERFORMANCE
steel plate stringer was notched to accept
two kinked 1-in. by 7-in. steel plates, one
on each side of the HSS column, to slip
through and connect to the inside corner
of the stair stringers. MULTI SYSTEM INTEGRATIONTM
New Support from Below Voortman’s Multi System IntegrationTM PROCESSES SHOWN IN LAYOUT BELOW
A third notable feature of the proj- is fully-automated steel processing

that reduces manual labor, minimizes
ect was the full-story excavation beneath bottleneck issues and increases
sawing drilling centerpoint
marking
milling thread
tapping
this historically sensitive building. The efficiency while monitoring the entire
design for 1789 Mass. Ave. required an process in real time.
counter layout numbering coping
approach that maintained a high level sinking marking
of sensitivity to the historic integrity of

the façade and other nonstructural ele- FREEDOM IN SHAPES
ments while incorporating heavy load A V808 robotic thermal cutting machine at the end
CONTINUOUS, UNMANNED PRODUCTION
of a fully automated MSITM steel processing line can
transfers and aggressive excavation. Inte- Buffers synchronize variable processing
process any complex profiles and copes needed.
rior columns were re-supported on new times between machines and prevent
bottlenecks in production. 3
9 5∕ 8-in.-OD steel micro-pile groups 1
(four per column) drilled through exist-

SHORT PRODUCT REMOVAL
ing foundations prior to excavation, with
A failsafe short product removal system
wide-flange steel grillage spanning from allows continuous, unmanned operation,
micro-pile to column. This steel grillage increasing productivity significantly.
was used to hydraulically jack load into 2
the micro-piles prior to excavation. The
micro-piles were socketed 15 ft into rock
that was approximately 20 ft below the
lowest level. As excavation proceeded,
the micro-piles were temporarily laced
together with steel angles and gusset
plates for stability.
Once the bottom of the new excava-
“WE HAVE THE COMPLETE PACKAGE AND THE REALLY COOL THING ABOUT
tion was reached, a new pile cap was
HAVING A COMPLETE PACKAGE IS EVERYTHING IS TALKING TOGETHER.”
placed around the piles, and the load was JON HAAS | HME, INC.
hydraulically jacked into a new column
extending to the lowest level. New base-
ment walls combined traditional under- AUTOMATION FOR FABRICATORS AND MANUFACTURERS
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settlement. Throughout the process,

above: Model views of the stairwell and entire building, showing new (red) and existing
(gray) steel framing.
left and below: The central historic marble-clad stairwell, partially supported by corner
posts from an elevator to be removed, required new supports to be hidden from view.
New HSS columns were placed behind the existing stair wall, with plates cantilevered
to the inside corner of the stair to provide support for the existing steel plate stringers
where the elevator posts were removed.
Courtesy of Silman
36 | JANUARY 2019
Interior columns were
re-supported on new
steel micro-pile groups
(four per column) drilled
through existing founda-
tions prior to excavation,
with wide-flange steel
grillage spanning from
micro-pile to column.
Courtesy of Silman
building conditions and movements were material testing was performed to under- Owner
monitored continuously to establish stand weldability and inform methods to American Enterprise Institute for Public
movements relative to those predicted, connect new steel to historic steel (165 Policy Research
and contingencies were made for antici- tons of new structural steel was incorpo- General Contractor
pated levels of repairs. rated in all). These initial investigations Grunley
In addition, a nonlinear analysis was and tests were critical to understanding
Architect
implemented to evaluate both the con- the nature and sensitivity of the struc-
Hartman-Cox Architects
tribution of the existing masonry façade ture to settlement-induced damage, the
on the lateral/torsional resistance of the potential foundation options and the risks Structural Engineer
steel-framed building and to limit dam- of immediate and long-term settlement at Silman
age to the historic façade under seismic the point of transfer of loading. Specialty Foundation Contractor
forces thereby reducing internal lateral The historic fabric of this National Berkel & Company Contractors
force-resisting elements. Historical Landmark was paramount dur- Steel Fabricator, Erector and Detailer
The success of the modernization ing renovation of the structure. Through Superior Iron Works
was entirely dependent on having a advanced analysis techniques, intimate
highly qualified design team to per- knowledge of historical steel within the
form thorough initial investigations into structure and careful execution of sensitive
the historic construction as well as the modifications to and with steel, the beauty
geotechnical conditions at the site. Steel of this landmark was preserved. ■
VIP
Treatment
BY DAVE ROWE, SE
THE UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA LAS VEGAS’ William F. Harrah College

of Hospitality is consistently ranked among the top five hospitality programs in the
world—rather fitting for its location mere blocks from the famed Las Vegas Strip.
And now its 2,300 students have a brand new, state-of-the-art home. The four-story,
93,500-sq.-ft steel-framed architectural showpiece, located at the heart of UNLV’s
campus, houses classrooms, meeting and office spaces, a PGA golf management learn-
ing center, a student café and a high-tech kitchen. Open-air balconies shaded by can-
tilevered roof and floor elements appear to float in the air and provide sweeping views
of the city. A natural wood-clad grand staircase leads upward from the sunlit first-floor
lobby, creating an environment akin to the high-end hotels and casinos where the stu-
dents hope to one day work.
Dave Rowe (drowe@wrighte.com) is a To fit the desired architectural program and interior configuration, a structural
principal structural engineer with Wright system comprised of composite roof and floor decks on a frame of ASTM A992 50-ksi
Engineers in Las Vegas. steel beams and columns was selected (the project uses 740 tons of structural steel in
38 | JANUARY 2019
Steel framing plays the gracious host
at UNLV’s new hospitality school in
the entertainment capital of the world.
A steel “tree”
consisting of two
main columns with
cantilevered beams
extending as far as
15 ft out each side
at the third and
fourth floors, as
well as at the roof.
Eric Jamison | Studio J Inc.
all). In order to accommodate architecturally important column fourth floors above cantilever out over the main lobby area and
placements, columns supporting offset cantilevered roof beams are supported by a steel “tree”—two main columns with canti-
bear atop floor beams, which in turn are supported by girders or levered beams extending as much as 15 ft out each side at the
columns bearing on other cantilevered beams. Because of these third and fourth floors, as well as the roof. One side of the tree
discontinuous load paths, structural engineer Wright Engineers supports a clear span of 70 ft at each of the upper levels to ensure
put special emphasis in the design and model on addressing the the atrium remained aesthetically open and free of columns.
effects of the cumulative deflection of all the supporting elements Due to the non-symmetrical cantilevers of the tree, erection and
below in. At the second-level auditorium, for example, two-story- sequencing of the steel frame and steel deck was monitored and
high columns support the fourth floor and roof. These columns corrective measures were taken as required to ensure deflections
then bear at the cantilevered ends of the major floor beams that and movement were appropriate for continued serviceability.
comprise the sloping floor of the two-level space. While delegated connection design is common for projects in
The two-story glass exterior wall at the entry atrium area is Las Vegas, the complexity of this project led to Wright Engineers
hung from the third-floor framing, with no exterior columns performing the work themselves. These scopes included the steel
at the perimeter of the space. To accomplish this, the third and connection and steel stair design, and a variety of unique connec-

The structural system is comprised of composite roof and floor decks
on a frame of ASTM A992 50-ksi steel beams and columns.
40 | JANUARY 2019
tion designs were used to meet the archi-
tectural intent. Many were standard shear
plate bolted connections, but the sup-
ported columns and associated large reac-
tions at the transfer beams required the
transfer beams to bear on a column seat.
The connection points for the suspended
glass wall at the atrium also required
significant coordination as well as field
adjustments to ensure proper fitting of the
glass wall. Because of the complexity of
the structure and the unique connections
involved, performing the connection and
stair design in-house simplified the design
process as well as shop drawing develop-
ment and review time. Details of girder
The floors at the exterior balconies at beams at columns.
the third and fourth levels are covered 1. Drag bars per plan.
with concrete pavers over an elevated ped- 2. 1-in. x 12 x 7 plate.
estal system. This pedestal system allows 3. 1-in. x 7 x 18 plate cope
for the exterior finish floor to match the at bolt interference.
interior finish floor without the need to 4. Connection per
slope the finished floor surface for drain- typical shear plate
connection schedule.
age. This required a 17-in. vertical offset
5. Studs per plan.
between interior and exterior structural
6. ¾-in.-diameter x 6-in.
floor levels and necessitated the use of
studs at 6 in. o.c.,
unique drag and chord details at the steps full length of beam.
in the diaphragm. Drag and chord forces 7. Provide standard hook
at end of drag bars.
,yW ZdΠ
Test Reports

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in the lower-level diaphragm are transferred through this step
into the upper-level diaphragm by anchoring reinforcing in the
lower-level slab to structural steel beams that support the upper-
level and then transferring the load from the steel beams through
welded studs to the upper-level slab. In addition, the second and
fourth floors have large, irregular openings. Because of these
openings, the two wings on the west side, and the overall irregu-
lar shape of the floor diaphragm, chord and drag reinforcing was
carefully dimensioned and detailed on the plans to ensure proper
fit within the confined space.
These irregular shapes necessitated using a semi-rigid definition
of the diaphragms in the modeling software. The model showed
that torsion was a concern due to the large triple elevator core at the
The four-story, 93,500-sq.-ft steel-framed project, under construction.
2 2
3
4
Details of girder beams at columns.

1. ¾-in. stiffener plate each side.
2. (2) 1-in.-diameter A325 bolts.
3. 1-in. plate top and bottom.
4. ¾-in. plate.
42 | JANUARY 2019
west side of the building and the small single elevator core at the east Owner
side. Based on ASCE 7 requirements, the structure had an extreme The University of Nevada Las Vegas
torsional irregularity, resulting in the torsional forces needing to be General Contractor
increased with a torsional amplification factor per ASCE 7. The semi- McCarthy Building Companies, Las Vegas
rigid diaphragm also allowed the diaphragm deflection and story drift
Architect
limits to be accurately modeled and kept within code limits.
Carpenter Sellers Del Gatto Architects, Las Vegas
Because of the complicated framing and discontinuous
load paths necessary to accomplish the architectural vision for Structural Engineer
the building, structural steel framing proved to be the ideal Wright Engineers, Las Vegas
structural solution, both in terms of flexibility to accommodate Specialty Foundation Contractor
design conditions and construction cost. The result is a land- Berkel & Company Contractors
mark building on UNLV campus that is worthy of the world- Steel Fabricator
class program it houses. ■ Beck Steel, Lubbock, Texas
The project uses 740 tons of structural steel in all.

Increased
Attendance BY JUSTIN COOK, SE, PE
Peter Hassel Photography
A $55 million expansion to the Spokane Convention Center added 90,000 sq. ft of space.
Garco Construction
44 | JANUARY 2019
An upgraded and expanded convention center raises
Spokane’s profile as a conference and exhibition destination.
COMPETING FOR CONVENTIONS is always tough, especially when going up

against larger, well-known markets in a region.
But Spokane, Wash., aimed for the big leagues with a $55 million expansion to the
Spokane Convention Center (SCC). The project, which added 90,000 sq. ft of space to
the existing facility along the Spokane River, provided the opportunity to transform the
SSC into a regional economic driver and an event destination that could compete with
larger cities in the west like Seattle, Portland, Boise and Salt Lake City.
The steel-framed expansion melded new building design with existing build-
ing structure, increasing usable space for several areas. The second-floor exhibit
hall, which was expanded toward the river, gained 20,000 sq. ft, growing to nearly
103,000 sq. ft in all, and is expandable to 120,000 sq. ft when including the new
pre-function space. The expansion also added 13,000 sq. ft of ballroom and meet- Justin Cook (jcook@dci-engineers.com) is a
ing room space at the ground level as well as new exterior space, including a terrace principal with DCI Engineers.
area and a pedestrian walkway that connects visitors to the nearby Centennial Trail
and the river.
The new 30-ft-tall, 225-ft-long exhibit hall on the second floor is surrounded by
glass on three sides and delivers expansive views of the river. To add a second floor, the
project team demolished and removed part of the existing roof and built new expan-
sion roof and floor systems. The structural engineer for the project, DCI Engineers,
achieved a column-free floor plan and more adaptable exhibit space by designing a roof
framing system of long-span trusses to fluidly connect the new and old spaces. The
trusses varied in length and used wide-flange sections for the top and bottom flanges
and HSS section for the web members. Each truss had to be capable of supporting rig-
ging loads of 2,500 lb located at 15 ft on center in each direction.
The new structure was built alongside the older building structure, and new transfer
trusses were incorporated so that existing columns, reaching from the floor of the exhibit
hall to the roof, could safely be removed to create a column-free space in the expanded
exhibition space, while salvaging almost all of the existing roof structure. One new transfer

SPOKANE CONVENTION CENTER
truss spans 220 ft and cantilevers 40 ft off each end support. The truss seismic elements. The isolation system involves a seismic gap between
is exposed to the exhibit space, painted with intumescent paint and the two buildings as well new supports, incorporating slide bearings,
also supports a glazing wall. In order to support the existing roof in to replace the removed columns. This allowed the new and exist-
the columns’ absence, another transfer truss, this one 110 ft long, was ing vertical framing systems to be integrated while also allowing the
also installed. The exhibit floor systems are supported by wide-flange existing roof and new roof to move laterally independent from one
beams and a composite floor system that was designed to support a another on the low-friction slide bearings. The shorter, 110-ft-long
300-psf live load for maximum flexibility of use. transfer truss carries the slide bearings along with the new and existing
To integrate the two building structural systems, DCI analyzed the roof structure and was also used to provide a column-free space in the
performance of a combined lateral force-resisting system (LFRS) of new pre-function space.
existing and new structural components, and ultimately decided upon The LFRS consists of a combination of cantilever steel, con-
a seismic system that isolated and separated the new building roof crete columns and steel braced frames. The exhibit hall was later-
structure from the old. The seismic system required some compli- ally supported by steel braced frames, and the expansion tied the
cated isolation detailing but avoided a retrofit of the existing building’s two systems together and used additional braced frames to prevent
46 | JANUARY 2019
The project team devised construction
sequences for staging steel because of the
large member sizes and weight; 1,257 tons of
steel was used on the project. The main girder
truss was designed to be installed in place,
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additional loading on the existing LFRS.
The roof was supported by cantilevered

columns, so the addition and the existing
roofs were isolated at the roof level.
The project team also devised construc-
tion sequences for staging steel because of
the member sizes and weight; 1,257 tons
of steel was used on the project. The main
girder truss was designed to be installed in
place and the long-span roof trusses were
assembled off-site, then fully installed upon
delivery. The main girder truss was too large
to ship, so it had to be assembled on-site.
The transfer truss, with a white intumescent paint finish coat partially applied at the far right.
The columns were removed from the floor of the exhibit hall to the roof, so a new 110-ft transfer truss was installed to support the existing roof.
B2 B3 B4 B5 B6
25'-0 25'-0 25'-0 25'-0
12'-6 CL. OF 7'-6 CL. OF

SPLICE SPLICE
EL50'-11 1/2
(T.O.S.)
SPLICE
3 3
CL. OF
3
W.P. W.P. 3 3
W.P. W.P.
W8X18
5'-
6
3'-41/2
3'-41/2
/1
3 11
3
11 /1
1103
5'-11/2
5'-11/2
1101
5'-
1105
5'-91/2
DET.5 W14X342
14
W14X342
6
W14X342
5'-
X
/1
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28
DET.7 (TYP)
3
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5'-
(TYP) (E503)
6
(E503)
02
1W214X2
8 3
09
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12
0983
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3
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8
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12
W
0283
14
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(E503)
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12
DET.2
12
26
26
(OPP.)
105/16 105/16
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(E503)
12
13 /1
105/16
13 /1
21'-37/8
21'-37/8
DET.4
6
6
28'-57/16
105/16
30'-0
(E503)
19'-117/8
21'-37/8
21'-37/8
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DET.2
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(TYP)
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(E503)
1204
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1201
1201
W14X90
W14X90
DET.7 DET.8
DET.7
(SIM.)
(OPP.)
(E503)
(E503) 10
EL22'-71/8
DET.6
(T.O.S.)
(E503) (OPP.)
(E503)
(TYP)
3'-8
3'-8
(E503) (E503)
10
2'-7
1104
1'-11
1'-11
1102
5'-
W14X500
5'-
W14X500
6
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/1
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1 /16
5'-
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W.P. 3 3
W.P. W.P. 10 W.P.
3 3 1315 8- 1303
(MATCHLINE)
10- 1303 10 1303

(REF:E502)
3
PL /8"X13 PL5/16"X4 1/4
5 1
PL /16"X4 /4 5 1
PL /16"X4 /4
1314
12"DIA_PIN
1309 9'-5 CL. OF

48 | JANUARY 2019
5 1
PL /16"X4 /4
SPLICE
1001
W14X500
The visual aspects of the truss didn’t accommodate large plated Owner
joints blocking the river view, so the chord members were connected Spokane Public Facilities District
to 3-ft stubs of the web members together using complete pene- General Contractor
tration welds. The remaining middle web sections were installed Garco Construction
on-site with smaller plates aligned with the flanges. The construc- Architects
tion sequencing also minimized impact on the existing facility and ALSC Architects
allowed the convention center to operate while the new spaces were LMN Architects
under construction, and the shoring of the top and bottom chords
Structural Engineer
had to be very precise to fit the middle web sections in place and
DCI Engineers
then bolted into the permanent configuration.
The SCC can now accommodate more than 10,000 conference Steel Team
attendees, and center officials say that the facility is now gaining Fabricator
interest from groups that previously overlooked Spokane as a Metals Fabrication Company, Inc., Spokane, Wash.
major event location. ■ Detailer
Tru-Line Drafting Services Inc., Surrey, B.C., Canada
Tony Roslund
The SCC can now accommodate more than 10,000 conference attendees.
The new transfer truss was integrated so that existing columns could be safely removed while salvaging almost all of the existing roof structure.

Artistic
Arch
BY SHANKAR NAIR, SE, PE, PHD, VINOD PATEL, SE, PE,
NADIA ABOU AND SARAH WILKINSON
IN THE VILLAGE of Meredosia, Ill., small-town charm is a staple of everyday

life. Located roughly 45 miles west of the capital city of Springfield, the town’s
1,000 residents relied on an existing crossing, built in 1936, of Illinois Route 104
(IL-104) over the Illinois River. By 2007, the bridge was deemed structurally defi-
cient and the following year, design firm EXP was authorized to begin planning for
its replacement.
As Meredosia and the region awaited a new bridge crossing the Illinois River, the
big questions became where and whether a river crossing would be available during the
bridge replacement. The bridge served as a backbone to the region’s mobility and trans-
portation network, and its closure would have required an extensive detour and greatly
impacted the region’s commercial traffic and many farmers. A new bridge bypassing the
village would not be good for the local businesses. Finding an optimum solution for the
bridge’s replacement required creativity and close collaboration with the community
and several agencies. An extensive environmental assessment and a context-sensitive
solutions study were completed, evaluating multiple alignments and bridge types in
search of a solution that would be efficient and aesthetic while still keeping the traffic
flowing through the village.
The study determined the ideal location of the replacement bridge to be
approximately 255 ft north of existing bridge, as it met the project’s primary pur-
pose of providing a reliable and safe river crossing as well as the local and regional
economic needs. After selecting the alignment, a bridge-type study evaluated
truss, tied-arch and cable-stayed configurations for the new bridge. A tied-arch
bridge was selected for ease of inspection and maintenance as well as the Illi-
Shankar Nair (shankar.nair@exp.com) nois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) experience and familiarity with tied
is senior vice president and Vinod Patel arch bridges. The new 2,125-ft-long bridge features a 590-ft-long tied-arch main
(vinod.patel@exp.com) is department man- navigation span and nine welded plate girder approach spans ranging from 142
ager of bridges and structures, both with EXP ft to 200 ft, requiring approximately 3,360 tons of steel in all. The new bridge
Design in Chicago.
50 | JANUARY 2019
A new steel bridge in
downstate Illinois adds flair to
its flat surroundings with an
eye-catching blue arch.
EXP
carries two 12-ft lanes and two 10-ft shoulders and provides nearly 74 ft of verti-
cal navigation clearance above normal pool. The bridge’s design required com-
plex analysis and used state-of-the-art programs to determine loads and perform
design checks. With the arch rising nearly 200 ft above the water, the new crossing
opened this past summer to an excited crowd and will serve as an attractive gate-
way to the region for the next 100 years.
A Tied Arch Seen from the Distance

Part of this attractiveness is due to the paint job. Now known by residents and
onlookers for its piercing blue arch, and serving in stark juxtaposition to its surround-
ings, the new bridge features a simple and direct approach to design and steel detail-
ing. Form followed function in design, aesthetics and implementation, a strategy that
allowed the bridge to take its distinctive presence.
During the construction phase, the previous bridge remained open to traffic to
reduce mobility restrictions and economic impacts to the village. The contractor
elected to erect the arch through cantilevered erection, with stay towers erected on top
of the main river piers and inclined back-stays anchored to the approach superstructure
near the adjacent approach pier on both sides of the arch span. The uplift component
of the tension in the back-stays was resisted by vertical hold-down cables anchored in
to the approach pier footing and the horizontal component was balanced by the thrust
at the arch knuckles, all through the approach superstructures. This allowed for the
completion of the 590-ft span without falsework towers in the river and an unrestricted
navigation channel for the river traffic. The fully constructed arch span, including the
concrete deck, was designed for prestressed assembly to counteract flexure in the ribs Nadia Abou (nadia.abou@exp.com) is
and ties due to dead load. The bridge was also designed for additional load combina- corporate communications coordinator and
tions beyond those required in AASHTO LRFD, as arches can be particularly sensitive Sarah Wilkinson (sarah.wilkinson@exp.com)
to certain unbalanced load patterns. is director of corporate marketing, both with
EXP Design.

EXP
The blue arch creates a new structural icon for the area.
The substructures consist of stub-type abutments and archi- maintenance concerns. The curved arch ribs (box sections)
tecturally enhanced hammer-head approach piers and dual-col- were all fabricated by Industrial Steel Construction, including
umn portals for the main span, all founded on steel H-pile foun- bending the top and bottom flanges of the rib box sections, then
dations. The foundations were designed with all vertical H-piles welding the flanges and the side (vertical) web plates together
counting on the soil-structure interaction to resist lateral loads. to form the curved rib segments. Nicholas Petkus, the compa-
Using all vertical H-piles as opposed to conventional batter piles ny’s vice president of sales and estimating, worked closely with
resulted in a simple and constructable pier and cofferdam system, the EXP design team and comments, “The I-Girder design of
and helped reduce foundation costs by 40%. the ties proved to be very economical, in both cost and time,
The tied arch span uses 9-ft-deep I-shaped tie girders that compared to the welded or bolted boxes that we typically see.
greatly reduce fracture-critical and long-term inspection and This helped, not just throughout the fabrication process, but
An elevation view of the new bridge during erection.
52 | JANUARY 2019
also in the standup assembly of the deck
floor system. When it came time to drill
the connections, it was not necessary
to have our people working inside the
boxes; this was a major time saver. The
girders were easier to handle compared
to boxes. This switch was the most inter-
esting on the project.”
Compact
The uniqueness of the I-shaped tie
resulted in an unusual but efficient rib
SPACE SAVING
BEAM LINE
ATC
CENTERPOINT
CALIBRATION
Reversible
FEED SYSTEM
SteelPRO
The state of the art in structural steel.
Courtesy of Hanson Professional Services, Inc.
www.inovatechengineering.com INOVATECH ENGINEERING CORP.

Industrial Steel Construction Industrial Steel Construction
Fabrication of the new 2,125-ft-long bridge, which features a 590-ft-long tied-arch main navigation span and nine welded plate girder approach
spans ranging from 142 ft to 200 ft, requiring approximately 3,360 tons of steel in all.
EXP
The main span of the bridge, coming together in the middle.
54 | JANUARY 2019
EXP
The new bridge carries two 12-ft lanes and two 10-ft shoulders and provides nearly 74 ft of vertical navigation clearance above normal pool.
The bridge’s design required complex analysis and used state-of-the-art programs to determine loads and perform design checks.
EXP
to tie connection at the arch knuckle. Careful detailing of fea- Owner

tures such as simple floor-beam-to-tie-girder connections, Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)
Vierendeel arch rib bracing with large strut spacing and struts Structural Engineer
offset from the hanger locations made the structure more effi- EXP, Chicago
cient and easier to construct.
Contractor
The new IL-104 bridge required extensive coordination
Halverson Construction, Springfield, Ill.
amongst the owner, agencies, designer, contractor, steel fab-
ricator and community to create a transportation landmark Construction Engineering
to replace an obsolete and structurally deficient span. Innova- Hanson Professional Services Inc., Springfield
tive design methods, coordination and precise steel fabrication Steel Team
resulted in the enhancement of a traditional tied arch bridge, Fabricator
yielding a striking new gateway to let visitors and locals access Industrial Steel Construction, Gary, Ind.
Meredosia’s small-town charm. ■
Detailer
Graphics for Steel Structures, Inc., Hicksville, N.Y.

Robotic
Revelations BY GEOFF WEISENBERGER
ROBOTIC PRODUCTION HAS long dominated many manufacturing industries

but has been less common in structural steel fabrication shops, typically due to the
customized nature of steel framing projects.
Still, its use in the structural steel industry has increased in recent years as shop
management has looked to automation to address a couple of key issues: 1) fabricat-
ing jobs faster and with more efficiency and 2) a shortage in skilled labor. We recently
asked representatives from several shop equipment manufacturers—AISC members
and/or 2019 NASCC: The Steel Conference exhibitors—their thoughts on robotics
and automation:
How has robotics/automation influenced the design of your equipment?

Geoff Weisenberger (weisenberger@aisc.org) In which area of the fabrication shop do you see robotics having the
is the senior editor of Modern Steel Construction. biggest impact?
Daito USA: Daito was one of the first manufactures to build a plasma robot for the
structural steel industry, and showed its first plasma robot, the CR4816, at the 2005
Steel Conference in Montreal. The plasma robot has become a key piece of equip-
ment for all of our steel fabricating customers, either as a standalone machine or an
56 | JANUARY 2019
Fabrication equipment
manufacturers weigh in on
their implementation of
robotics and the benefits
of automation.
addition to any beam line system. The biggest impact is on pro- industrial robot with a seventh auxiliary axis, requiring very little
duction—more production without the backbreaking task of doing maintenance in a very dusty environment, compared to linear axis
everything by hand. And in areas where finding good employees is equipment. The robots minimize the number of components, thus
difficult, the plasma robot can help with production while keeping improving reliability. There have also been significant advances
a lean crew. in vision and non-contact sensing, which improves accuracy and
Voortman USA: Automation has totally changed the way we reduces maintenance requirements.
process steel in the modern structural fabrication shop. The days AGT Robotics: As a robotic integrator, the biggest impact we
of needing a person at each machine are long gone with the onset see in fabrication shops is with welding applications. Historically,
of automation and real-time tracking of each piece as it is pro- robots were exclusively used for large-volume productions (mainly
cessed to the production control system. A complete line such as a automotive) but now a lot of smaller fabricators can also use robots
shot-blaster, layout/drill/saw machine with a piece removal system, for their production. It helps them to stay ahead of their competi-
a robotic cutting system and a robotic welding cell can be achieved tion and overcome the fact it has become more and more difficult
with only three operators. to find welders.
Burnco and Prodevco Robotic Solutions, Inc.: The robot Peddinghaus: The introduction of robotic technology for the
is at the center of our design, and it has always been our objec- fitting and tacking of structural steel components has been piv-
tive to implement current robotic developments and accessories as otal for today’s fabrication shops. The position of a fitter is one
much as possible. Our Prodevco equipment is based on a six-axis of the most skilled roles in a shop, making it one of the hardest

areas to find qualified employees. The Ped- ers into programmers, thus nullifying the plex and can be cost-prohibitive for many
diAssembler system has successfully allevi- gains in labor efficiency. Software is also fabricators. Our system allows for 360°
ated the challenges our fabricators face due key when it comes to probing or sensing scribing/layout in two work zones, which
to a reduced workforce, and it continues to capabilities. The system needs to know all significantly reduces the fitting workload.
increase their tonnage outputs. the characteristics of each piece due to mill Typically, fitting and layout are the bot-
tolerance issues such as toed-in or toed-out tleneck in many shops, so fabricators can
What new or emerging equipment flanges, off-center webs or deviation in the greatly benefit from this feature.
technologies have you seen that plate that is to be welded. All of these issues AGT: Lots of technologies are now
you think would benefit steel have to be addressed before the robot can improving to make robots more flexible and
fabricators? perform the weld. Laser capture is another adaptable, such as seam-finding and tracking
Voortman: The largest impact for fab- technology that addresses mill tolerance methods. Programming methods for indus-
ricators going forward will be robotic weld- issues, but it is affected by various surface trial robots are also evolving, and off-line
ing capability, which has been pioneered conditions, so I would say this is still work programming software packages are con-
by European manufacturers for structural in progress. tinuously improving and making it easier for
steel shops. A large part of the capability of Burnco/Prodevco: In addition to end users to program their own robots. At
these systems is tied to the software. If the advances in robotic plasma cutting, another AGT, we even pushed it further and made a
welding information isn’t in the 3D model, emerging trend is the introduction of system for structural steel fabrication where
you have to manually enter data. In such robotic fitting and welding systems, though we automated the process of programming,
a scenario, you have changed your weld- these integrated systems are very com- meaning that programs are auto-generated
Something New, Something Old

While automation clearly has its advantages, most fabricators use it for backing bars and runoff tabs for CJP welds (most of
don’t boast a shop full of robotic solutions up and down the our plate is processed on the burn table or plate processor).
production line. We asked attendees of AISC’s Future Leaders Ryan Ayesh, general manager, Metal Pros, LLC
Ideas Lab (FLIL) about their most recently purchased equipment New equipment: Ocean Avenger Beamline. A typical stair
as well as their old favorites (FLIL is designed for representa- stinger that would take 75 minutes to layout and mag drill by
tives of AISC full member fabricators who have either recently hand is reduced down to less than 10 minutes.
moved into or anticipate moving into a senior management Old favorite: Our radial arm drill press. It can handle drilling
position during the next few years). Here’s what we heard: 3-in.-plus holes when needed.
Owen Parrish, PE, production manager, NAFCO Darren J. Cook, vice president, Texas Division, SteelFab
New equipment: The Peddinghaus PeddiWriter. It performs New equipment: Peddinghaus PeddiWriter. It basically lays
layout of connection material on each piece and significantly out the detail on a main member as well as puts part numbers
decreases the amount of time that each piece spends in fitting, and weld symbols on the member. This saves time for our fit-
as well as increases fit-up accuracy. ters as they spend less time measuring and laying out pieces. It
Old favorite: We use our old track burner for a little bit of also reduces errors as it takes some of the human element out
everything: beveling, splitting tees, preheating and cambering. of the process.
It’s a tool with a lot of uses when newer or more conventional Old favorite: Our oldest piece of equipment is probably an
equipment can’t be used. old Iron Worker. It’s good for making small parts as you can
Jacob Moore Perrin, sales manager, Owen Steel Company, Inc. shear and punch without having to program and set up a
New equipment: Kinetic plate machine. It processes up to 8 machine. It is especially useful for shop orders; a lot of times
in. material for the shop. those are just one or two pieces, and it is counterproductive
Old favorite: A double-end mill of unknown make. It allows us to stop a big machine from making parts for small orders
to mill any size piece at both ends at the same time. like this.
Darrin Kelly, PE, executive vice president and general manager, Nathan Michael, operations manager, Zalk Josephs
DeLong’s, Inc. Fabricators, LLC
Recent equipment: Controlled Automation Flange Drill. We New equipment: Our recent shop overhaul implemented
used to sub-drill splice plates and then drill them full-size in a FICEP automated handling and processing system, which
laydown assembly with manual air drills. We now drill through includes: a shot blaster, two Endeavor Drilling centers, a
the solid in laydown assembly with this CNC drill. Less piece robotic coper, a miter saw and over 500 ft of rollers for trans-
fabrication and much faster, more accurate drilling. ferring the steel through the system and into the fabrication
areas. While labor needs on every project are different, on
Old favorite: A twin-head submerged arc welder with a trac-
average this system helped us reduce our man-hours per ton
tor drive. It accomplishes flange-to-web welds for girders, both
by almost 30%, as well as increased safety when it comes to
flanges at once.
material handling.
Greg Rajek, Merrill Steel Old favorite: The oldest piece of equipment we use is the
New equipment: Zeman Steel Beam Assembler. It has the capa- Behringer Saw. We keep it around because it can cut through
bility to fit and weld assemblies. It has placed more labor demand anything, given enough time. This is the saw we used to cut
in the office (programming) but has saved labor in the plant. the 36x924 wide-flange beams used on the 150 N. Riverside
Old favorite: Plate shear machine. This is a very reliable project in Chicago (for more on this project, see “Above and
machine that can quickly cut plate down to size. We primarily Beyond” in the July 2017 issue at www.modernsteel.com).
58 | JANUARY 2019
by software, without human intervention.
I personally think the future of robotics
doesn’t necessary lie in the robot itself, but
rather in the software that controls it.
Peddinghaus: The use of camera sys-
tems and scanning technology is consis-
tently being enhanced. This allows for
structural shapes to be recognized and
assists the software with determining the
optimum robotic movement to efficiently
produce a finished product.
Have you recently introduced

anything new in terms of robotics
that advances the industry?
Daito: The new DCM1050 is high-speed
carbide drilling, layout marking and plasma
robot, allowing fabricators to save space while
maintaining all the benefits of drilling, layout
marking and plasma cutting in one machine.
Voortman: At The Steel Conference
AISC Member Equipment Manufacturers
in St. Louis, we will be introducing the
Here is a list of equipment manufacturers that are AISC members and/or 2019
new Voortman V631 drilling system with NASCC: The Steel Conference exhibitors. For more on The Steel Conference,
integral layout marking, web support and including a full exhibitor list, visit www.aisc.org/nascc.
milling capability. The machine can also be
incorporated into the Voortman MSI sys- 2019 NASCC
tem to reduce labor content. AISC Member
Exhibitor
Burnco/Prodevco: Our systems abil-
AGT Robotics Yes
ity to process round tube on the Prodevco
PCR 42 robot cell has been improved, and Akyapak USA Yes Yes
fabricators can take advantage of seamless Automated Layout Technology, LLC Yes
production of all structural shapes. The Combilift Ltd. Yes Yes
recent integration of the Hypertherm XPR Controlled Automation, Inc. Yes Yes
300 has allowed some of our specialty fab-
Cosen Saws Yes
ricator customers to now process stainless
Daito USA, Inc. Yes Yes
and aluminum shapes.
AGT: Our BeamMaster Weld is con- Davi, Inc. Yes Yes
stantly improving, especially in terms of Electro-Mechanical Integrators, Inc. Yes
software. The auto-generation of programs Ercolina - CML USA, Inc. Yes
is always getting better. FICEP Corporation Yes Yes
Peddinghaus: There is always some-
Hypertherm, Inc. Yes Yes
thing to see in our booth at The Steel
Conference when it comes to new tech- Inovatech Engineering Corp. Yes Yes
nologies! PeddiAssembler robotic fit- Kinetic Cutting Systems, Inc. Yes Yes
ting and welding systems are in U.S. and KMT Waterjet Systems Yes
Canadian shops and are working accu- Koike Aronson, Inc. Yes
rately. Come see us in St. Louis to set up
Kranendonk Production Systems BV Yes
an on-site demonstration. ■
Lincoln Electric Yes Yes
Answers were provided by the following manu- Machitech Automation Yes Yes
facturer representatives: Miller Electric Mfg., LLC Yes
Ocean Machinery, Inc. Yes Yes
AGT–Denis Dumas, marketing manager
Pacific Press Technologies Yes Yes
Daito USA–Christian Prouty, sales manager
Peddinghaus Corporation Yes Yes
Burnco and Prodevco Robotic Solutions,
Prodevco Robotic Solutions Yes Yes
Inc.–Marc Jobin, general manager and tech-
nical engineer PythonX, A Lincoln Electric Company Yes
Peddinghaus–Todd Cordes, international ROUNDO Yes
sales manager Trilogy Machinery, Inc. Yes Yes
Voortman USA–Adrian Morrall, president Voortman USA, LLC Yes Yes

news and events
IN MEMORIAM
Alex Wilson, Prominent Metallurgical Expert, Dies
Alexander (Alex) Daniel Wilson, one of involvement with Steel Market Develop-
the steel industry's most distinguished ment Institute's (SMDI) corrosive advisory
metallurgical engineers, died on Novem- and welding groups.
ber 23, 2018, at the age of 73. During his His influences reached beyond bridge
41-year career with ArcelorMittal USA applications, impacting military, structural,
and its predecessor companies, he helped and pressure vessel applications with his
advance the material properties of steel high-strength steel and weldability work.
and in 2012, he was awarded an AISC Over the years, Wilson also conducted
Lifetime Achievement Award. research with clean steels, fracture mechanic
Wilson was well known and highly evaluations and plate steel development,
respected for the development and testing published more than 65 papers and shaped
of new technologies for the bridge indus- the development of bridge material speci-
try, including weathering steel and high- fications. Looking to the next generation
performance steels, both of which provide of talent, he oversaw the establishment of
cost-effective and durable alternatives SMDI’s Robert J. Dexter Memorial Lecture,
to other materials and are widely used in which opens the SMDI Steel Bridge Task
bridge construction today. He also contrib- Force to promising structural engineers
uted to innovations in welding, steel pro- beginning their careers, providing a platform
duction and steel bridge design through his to present their research and new ideas.
SEISMIC DESIGN
New Prequalified Seismic Moment Connection Supplement Available
Engineers now have more options for ified moment connections in special and
seismic design. AISC’s recently released intermediate moment frames for seismic
Supplement No. 1 (ANSI/AISC 358s1- applications,” said Michael D. Engel-
18) to the 2016 version of the AISC stan- hardt, chairman of the AISC CPRP. “Sup-
dard, Prequalified Connections for Special plement No. 1 includes a new prequalified
and Intermediate Steel Moment Frames for connection, known as the SlottedWeb
Seismic Applications (ANSI/AISC 358-16), moment connection. The supplement also
allows designers to specify slotted web significantly expands the existing prequal-
moment connections. In addition, the ification for the SidePlate moment con-
supplement includes a field bolted option nection to include a field bolted option.
for the popular SidePlate moment con- With this supplement, there are now a
nection. The supplement has been fully total of 10 prequalified moment connec-
integrated into the standard, and the com- tions available to designers.”
plete document is now available for free ANSI/AISC 358 is an essential compan-
download at www.aisc.org/standards. ion to the AISC Seismic Provisions for Struc-
The supplement has been approved tural Steel Buildings (ANSI/AISC 341-16,
by the AISC Connection Prequalifica- also available at www.aisc.org/standards),
tion Review Panel (CPRP) and is ANSI as it outlines the requirements for the
accredited. “The recently released sup- prequalification of specific seismic moment
plement to ANSI/AISC 358-16 expands connections consistent with Chapter K of
options available to designers for prequal- the Seismic Provisions.
correction
In the list of annual AISC scholarship winners in the arship winner, Conor Schafer, a student at the University of
December 2018 news section (available at www.modern- Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, was inadvertently left out.
steel.com), the photo of AISC/UIUC Architecture Schol- Here is Conor:
60 | JANUARY 2019
news and events
FORGE PRIZE
ACSA, AISC Announce New Competition for Visionary Designs in Steel
AISC has partnered with The overall winner will receive an additional $10,000 award,
the Association of Colle- for a grand total of $20,000.
giate Schools of Architec- The Forge Prize is open to designers practicing in the U.S. or
ture (ACSA) to establish Canada. Entries will be accepted for individual as well as team sub-
a new opportunity for missions. Team submissions are required to have a designated Team
emerging design profes- Lead. Individuals or the Team Lead should be an emerging profes-
sionals to be recognized for their innovative designs. The Forge sional, in the process of licensure or within 10-years of licensure.
Prize recognizes innovation in the use of steel. The prize invites The Forge Prize Jury consists of world-renowned architecture
designers to submit proposals for visionary designs that embrace professionals with decades of experience in research, design, teach-
steel as the primary structural component. It is intended to engage ing and publishing:
designers in developing imaginative designs that bolster steel as • Terri Meyer Boake is a full professor at the School of Archi-
the 21st century building material of choice through a two-stage tecture at the University of Waterloo in Canada. She has been
design challenge, culminating with a public announcement event teaching building construction, structures, environmental
of winners this summer. design and film since 1986. She works with CISC, ACSA and
Projects can focus on architecturally exposed structural steel AISC developing teaching resources for Architectural educa-
(AESS), modular construction, long-span solutions, reuse, sys- tion specializing in AESS.
tems, urban density, etc., but are not limited in their scope or • Joseph G. Burns, SE, PE, CEng, is a managing principal at
complexity. The Forge Prize is open to all innovative uses of Thornton Tomasetti in Chicago. Burns is a passionate advo-
structural steel. cate for the deeper integration of architecture and engineering,
During Stage One, a jury of experts will convene to identify up which he promotes through technical innovation in the design
to three conceptual submissions that will be awarded a $10,000 of structural systems, collaboration in practice and leadership in
stipend to continue on to Stage Two. To the extent possible, AISC building science education. A member of Thornton Tomasetti’s
will pair the three projects with a steel fabricator to help continue board of directors, he oversees the firm’s operations in Europe,
design development and work out further technical or structural the Middle East, India and Brazil.
revisions to refine and enhance the viability of the conceptual • We are awaiting confirmation on an additional architect juror.
design in a real-world application. Here is the schedule for the award program:
Stage Two contestants will prepare a final submission and pres- • Stage One Submission Deadline: January 16, 2019
ent to the jury this May. The contestants and jurors will participate • Stage One Winners Announced: February 2019
in a public event, where each of the three finalists will present their • Stage Two Submission Deadline: May 2019
designs, and the jury will announce the winner they selected and • Final Winner Announcement and Event: Summer 2019
provide critical commentary on all three submissions. For more on the Forge Prize, visit www.forgeprize.com.
NASCC
NASCC 2019 NASCC Registration Opens January 2
Planning to attend NASCC: The Steel Conference? You should
be! It’s your once-a-year opportunity to meet 5,000 other industry
practitioners, talk with the leading experts in the steel community
and catch up with your peers. The 2019 Steel Conference takes
place April 3-5 in St. Louis and will offer around 150 technical
sessions on the latest design concepts, construction techniques and
cutting-edge research. The conference will also feature more than
250 exhibitors showcasing everything from fabrication equipment
to structural engineering software.
You can earn up to 17 PDHs by attending the conference’s
dynamic, expert-led sessions (plus an additional 12 PDHs if
you attend the optional pre-conference short course). One low
registration fee gains you access to all of the technical ses-
sions, the keynote sessions, the T.R. Higgins Lecture and the
exhibition hall.
Registration opens January 2. For more information, visit
www.aisc.org/nascc.

news and events
ENGINEERING JOURNAL
First Quarter 2019 EJ Now Available
The first quarter 2019 issue of AISC’s Engi- on the plate thickness and the distance 134. Results show that localized bending
neering Journal is now available. You can from the inner surface of the flange to the in the plates due to the out-of-plane post-
access the current issue as well as past issues edge of the plate. The results of this study, buckling deformations appear to be a sig-
at www.aisc.org/ej. Below are summaries which was limited to only eight specimens, nificant factor in the ultimate shear post-
of this edition’s articles: validated the common practice of cutting buckling capacity of the plate.
the edge square at doubler plates less than Also, the compressive stresses continue
Observations from Cyclic Tests on 1 in. thick. For doubler plates thicker than to increase beyond the onset of elastic
Deep, Wide-Flange Beam-Columns 4 in., a groove angle, α, of 15°to 30° may be buckling in some regions of the plate, con-
Paper by Gulen Ozkula, John Harris and required to ensure consistent weld quality. trary to current design assumptions. Over-
Chia-Ming Uang all, this study provides new insights into the
Discussion by Bruce F. Maison. Post-Buckling Mechanics of a Square mechanics of shear post-buckling behavior
Slender Steel Plate in Pure Shear of thin plates that can be exploited for
Clearance for Welded Joints Maria E. Moreyra Garlock, Spencer E. design procedures that are consistent with
Bo Dowswell Quiel, Peter Y. Wang, José Alós-Moya and mechanical behavior.
Inadequate clearance can affect weld Jonathan D. Glassman
quality and efficiency. In extreme cases, Thin (slender) steel plates possess shear Complementary Evaluation of
obstructions may cause a lack of fusion strength beyond the elastic buckling load, Diagonal Tension Field Inclination
between the base metal and the weld metal, which is commonly referred to as the post- Angle in Steel Plate Shear Walls
causing a reduction in strength. Although buckling capacity. Semi-empirical equa- Yushan Fu and Michel Bruneau
flux cored arc welding (FCAW) and gas tions based on experimental tests of plate Complementarily to previous stud-
metal arc welding (GMAW) have replaced girders have been used for decades to pre- ies, research was conducted to investigate
shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) as the dict the ultimate post-buckling strength of whether the equivalent constant angle of
primary fabrication processes for structural slender webs. diagonal tension field action should be
steel fabrication, existing clearance recom- However, several recent studies have taken as either 40° or 45° for ductile steel
mendations are based on the SMAW pro- shown that the current models for pre- plate shear walls (SPSW) designed per
cess. Because the geometry of a FCAW or dicting the ultimate shear post-buckling current codes. A two-dimensional finite
GMAW welding gun is much different from capacity of thin plates are based on some element (FE) model was first calibrated
that of a SMAW electrode, the historic val- incorrect assumptions regarding their against results from a prior study of “lim-
ues recommended for the SMAW process mechanical behavior. As a result, the cur- ited-ductility SPSW” by comparing effec-
may not apply to FCAW and GMAW. rent design equations provide an approxi- tive stress contours and average angle of
Experimental specimens were fabri- mate estimate of capacity for the range of diagonal tension field action at different
cated with the FCAW process to deter- parameters in the test data upon which locations across the web plate.
mine practical limits on connection geom- they are founded. This paper explores the Then, this SPSW was redesigned as
etry for welding joints with limited access. fundamental behavior of thin plates under a ductile SPSW in compliance with the
Each specimen was evaluated by sectioning pure shear. Such a fundamental examina- 2016 AISC Seismic Provisions to have fully
and etching the weld at two locations along tion of shear post-buckling behavior in restrained beam-to-column connections
the length. Two weld clearance issues are thin plates is needed to enable design pro- and analyzed using strip models and finite
addressed: (1) fillet welding near obstruc- cedures that can optimize a plate’s shear element models, respectively. The AISC
tions and (2) doubler plate welds. strength and load-deformation perfor- moment-axial force interaction equa-
The obstructed fillet weld specimens mance for a wider range of loading and tion was used to compare demands in the
were used to determine the minimum design parameters. SPSW boundary elements obtained from
clearance requirements for joints welded Using finite element analyses, which the strip and finite element models.
with the FCAW process. The cross-sec- are validated against available results of With respect to the use of a single angle
tioned welds showed that as the distance previous experimental tests, outputs such in design, it is shown that using an inclina-
between the weld and the obstruction as plastic strains, von Mises stresses, princi- tion angle of 45° is slightly (but not signifi-
plate decreased, both the production effi- pal stresses, and principal stress directions cantly) more conservative than using 40°
ciency and the penetration into the base are examined on a buckled plate acting in as far as boundary element design is con-
metal decreased. Revised clearance rec- pure shear. The internal bending, shear, cerned. On the basis of these observations,
ommendations for FCAW and GMAW and membrane stresses in the plate’s finite along with findings from previous research
welding were proposed. elements are also evaluated. In this study, on the diagonal tension field inclination
The doubler plate specimens were used these evaluations are performed for a sim- angle, it is recommended that a single con-
to provide information regarding the root- ply supported plate with an aspect ratio stant angle of either 40°or 45° can be used
pass penetration for square-cut plates, based equal to 1.0 and slenderness ratio equal to for the design of SPSW.
62 | JANUARY 2019
news and events
CONSTRUCTION MARKET
2019 Construction Holding Steady, Says Dodge Report
The 2019 Dodge Construction Outlook a pattern that typically takes place as an U.S. economy, some easing of bank lending
report from Dodge Data and Analytics pre- expansion matures,” said Robert A. Murray, standards, still healthy market fundamen-
dicts that total U.S. construction starts for chief economist for Dodge. “After advancing tals for commercial real estate and greater
2019 will be $808 billion, staying essentially 11% to 14% each year from 2012 through state financing for school construction and
even with the $807 billion estimated for 2015, total construction starts climbed 7% enhanced federal funding for public works.”
this year. Deceleration in total construction in both 2016 and 2017, and a 3% increase The report was released at Dodge’s
growth is expected to continue, reflecting a is estimated for 2018. There are, of course, 80th annual Outlook Executive Confer-
mixed pattern by project type. mounting headwinds affecting construc- ence in National Harbor, Md., this past
“Over the past three years, the expan- tion, namely rising interest rates and higher fall; AISC was a sponsor of the confer-
sion for the U.S. construction industry has material costs, but for now these have been ence. You can order a copy of the report
shown deceleration in its rate of growth, balanced by the stronger growth for the at www.construction.com.
CONFERENCES
2019 Pacific Structural Steel Conference Now Accepting Papers
The 2019 Pacific Structural Steel Conference (PSSC ’19) is The conference is an opportunity to present and discuss various
accepting abstracts for papers to be presented at the conference at structural steel research and design topics with peers internationally.
the Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan, November 9-11. Abstracts will be accepted until January 31 and should be around
Now in its 12th year, PSSC brings together industry experts from 300 words. Authors will be notified of their abstract acceptance by
around the world to promote cooperation, communication and March 31 and will be required to submit a final paper by June 30.
technical information in the field of steel construction. AISC is a For more about the conference and submitting a paper abstract,
co-organizer of the conference. visit pssc2019.jp.
MEMBERSHIP
AISC Board Approves New Full and Associate Members
Full Members
AT&F Cleveland, Ohio
Center Point Contractors, Inc. Bentonville, Ark.
Dale Miller Enterprises d.b.a. Larrance Steel Lawton, Okla.
Ehresmann Engineering, Inc. Yankton, S.D.
GSI (Grain Systems, Inc.) Omaha, Neb.
Maryland Iron, Inc. Glen Burnie, Md.
NMI Industrial Holdings, Inc. Sacramento, Calif.
Patriot Steel Fabrication, Inc. Church Creek, Md.
Spokane Metals, LLC Airway Heights, Wash.
Associate Members
Acme Steel Draper, Utah Detailer
Blanco Steel Detailing Mysore, India Detailer
Crobim Dublin, Ireland Detailer
FastCAM, Inc. Chicago Software Vendor
Foster’s Structural Detailing Denham Springs, La. Detailer
Machitech Automation Saint-Marc-des-Carrieres, Quebec, Canada Equipment Manufacturer
MSD Steel Idaho Falls, Idaho Detailer
Sam Bender Detailing Pittsburgh Detailer
Schulz Iron Works Raleigh, N.C. Erector
Steel Tek Unlimited Eden Prairie, Minn. Detailer
Tekcad Steel Detailing Scarborough, Ontario, Canada Detailer

news and events
SAFETY
AISC Now Accepting Annual Safety Awards Submissions
To a customer, visiting an unsafe shop or award, presented for a perfect safety as important, it means a lot to the workforce
job site is like visiting a messy house. Even record of no disabling injuries—the to see that their efforts are recognized by an
if safety is not an explicit requirement, its Merit Award (0 < DART ≤ 1) and Com- industry leader like AISC.”
absence leaves a bad impression. On the mendation Awards (1 < DART ≤ 2). The AISC Safety Awards program is
other hand, seeing a shop or job site where “AISC’s annual Safety Awards program open to all full fabricator members and
the organization achieves a commendable recognizes excellent records of safety per- erector associate members of AISC. For
level of safety gives a good impression. It is formance, and we commend these facilities more information about the program as
reasonable to think that a company manag- for their effective accident prevention pro- well as safety resources available for the
ing safety is also successfully managing programs,” said Tom Schlafly, AISC’s director fabricated and erected structural steel
duction and quality. AISC encourages you of safety. “Periodic recognition of safety in industry, visit www.aisc.org/safety.
to manage safety to achieve that commend- the workplace has been demonstrated to
able record, and we want to help you display provide worker incentive and a reminder of
your success with an AISC Safety Award. the importance of safe practices.”
AISC member steel fabricators and “Owners and clients pay attention to
erectors are eligible and encouraged to these awards,” notes Kathleen Dobson, AISC
submit their company’s safety record Safety Committee member and safety direc-
for AISC’s annual Safety Awards. The tor for Hillsdale Fabricators/J.S. Alberici
awards, given in the Fabricator Category Construction (an AISC member/certified).
and Erector Category, include the Honor “They want to know that a fabricator or erec-
Award (DART = 0)—AISC’s top safety tor is proud of their safety records—and just
CODES
2018 International Green Construction Code Released
The International Code Council (ICC), ASHRAE, the U.S. Green collaboration, the green code correlates with the International
Building Council (USGBC) and the Illuminating Engineering Energy Conservation Code, ASHRAE Standard 90.1: Energy Effi-
Society have released the 2018 International Green Construction Code ciency Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Build-
(IgCC). The IgCC is part of the ICC’s family of comprehensive, ings and many other referenced standards. It helps governments
coordinated and modern model codes—including the International streamline code development and adoption, saves them the time
Building Code, International Mechanical Code, International Plumbing and money needed to develop their own codes and creates uni-
Code and International Fire Code—used around the world. formity among adopting jurisdictions.
The IgCC provides a whole systems approach to the design, You can purchase the 2018 IgCC at stage.iccsafe.org. To
construction and operation of buildings and includes cost-effec- learn more about steel and sustainability, visit www.aisc.org/
tive measures that result in lower operating costs, better indoor sustainability. And to view sustainability-related articles in our
environments, lower impact on natural resources and improved November 2018 issue—“Building (for) the Future,” “Redefining
neighborhood connections and walkability. A public-private Net Zero” and “Double Impact”—visit www.modernsteel.com.
advertiser index
AISC 8 | 14 | 16 | 23 | back cover Peddinghaus Corporation 2

Applied Bolting Technology 12 PythonX, A Lincoln Electric Company 67
Chicago Metal Rolled Products insert QuickFrames USA 47
FICEP Corporation 5 SDS/2 7
Grating Fasteners 53 Simpson Strong Tie 13
IES 11 St. Louis Screw & Bolt 41
Inovatech Engineering 53 Trimble 3
IMPACT 15 Voortman Corporation 35
MDX Software 47
64 | JANUARY 2019
marketplace & employment
Structural Engineers Join us at Barton Malow!
Are you looking for a new and exciting opportunity? As a 100% American and employee-owned firm, Barton
We are a niche recruiter that specializes in matching great Malow provides construction services through a variety
structural engineers with unique opportunities that will help of delivery methods. Focused on safety, quality and
you utilize your talents and achieve your goals. productivity, we bring self-perform capabilities and custom
• We are structural engineers by background and enjoy technology applications to market in support of industrial
helping other structural engineers find their “Dream Jobs.” and institutional clients across North America. Established
• We have over 30 years of experience working with in 1924 and now recognized as a Top 30 ENR Contractor,
structural engineers. our team includes over 2,200 employees across 15 offices.
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Barton Malow’s Self-Perform Structural Steel team is currently
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finding a new job.
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• For Current Openings, please visit our website and
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• Please call or e-mail Brian Quinn, PE (616.546.9420 or
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Brian.Quinn@FindYourEngineer.com) so we can learn
more about your goals and interests. Please visit our site to learn more and apply
All inquiries are kept confidential. www.bartonmalow.com/careers/career-opportunites
SE Impact by SE Solutions, LLC | www.FindYourEngineer.com
LATE MODEL STRUCTURAL

STEEL FABRICATING EQUIPMENT
Peddinghaus FPDB-2500 CNC Heavy Plate Processor, 96” W, (3)
Spindles, HPR260 Plasma, (1) Oxy, Siemens 840D, 2008 #27974
Controlled Automation DRL-336 CNC Beam Drill, 36” x 18”, (3)
15 HP Spindles, Hem WF140 Tandem Saw, 2005 #29344
Peddinghaus PCD-1100 CNC Beam Drill, 44” x 18”, (3) Spindles,
13.5 HP, 900 RPM, 3” Max. Diameter, 13” Stroke, 2008 #29286
Controlled Automation DRL344 CNC Beam Drill Line, Hem
WF140 Saw, Tandem Line, 2008 #24937
Ficep Gemini 324PG Plate Processor, 10’ x 40’, 15 HP Drill,
HPR260XD Plasma Bevel Head, (1) Oxy, 2014 #28489
Ficep Gemini 36-HD Plate Processor, 12’ x 40’, 35 HP Drill,
HPR400XD Plasma Bevel Head, 2012 #28490
Peddinghaus 623-0 CNC Angle Line, 6” x 6” x 5/8” Capacity, 75
Ton Punch, 230 Ton Shear, Siemens CNC Ctrl, 2006 #29317
www.PrestigeEquipment.com | Ph: +1.631.249.5566
sales@prestigeequipment.com
Plant Manager
One of the leading structural steel fabricator in the nation is seeking Connect with AISC on
a Plant Manager for its Southeast location. Complete responsibility of
steel fabrication including but not limited to productivity, safety, quality,
employee relations, equipment maintenance, and training. This person
SOCIAL MEDIA
shall be familiar with work scheduling and diverse work force planning,
shipping and on time delivery, understanding of fabrication codes and
standards, familiarity with Peddinghaus and Controlled Automation
equipment, budgets and forecasting, continuous improvement facebook.com/AISCdotORG
processes, and Fabtrol software experience.
Plant Manager shall provide leadership by promoting team concepts,
coaching, counseling, retaining, mentoring, training, and individual
development. Drives a culture of accountability and results through
strategy deployment and effective performance management.
Demonstrated ability to organize and manage multiple priorities using
@AISC @AISC
effective problem solving/resolution skills and a team focus. Excellent
interpersonal and communication skills.
10 years’ experience as Plant Manager or 15 years of experience as
supervisor in multiple departments including parts, fit & weld, and
painting department for a fabricator over 100 employees and over youtube.com/AISCSteelTV
20,000 Tons annually.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills required. Send all resumes
to P.O. Box 362, Cedar Mi. 49621 or ggraber@gurthetmedia.com.
Search employment ads online at www.modernsteel.com. To advertise, call 231.995.0637 or email renae@gurthetmedia.com.
structurally sound
EQ Office Blackstone courtesy of Gensler
BOTTOMS UP
SINCE IT WAS COMPLETED in 1973, much attention has tenant use that will house a fitness center, multiple lounges, pri-
been paid to the top of Chicago’s Sears Tower (now Willis Tower). vate event space and concierge services. The renovated and new
Its roof height of 1,450 ft made it the tallest building in the space will complement the nine 75-ft by 75-ft structural “tubes”
world for more than two decades—even without counting its two that define the building’s footprint. The project is being built in
“rabbit ears” antennae, which soar to 1,729 ft. And with over a mil- two phases, with the first expected to open later this year and the
lion visitors a year, Willis Tower’s observation deck is one of the second in 2020. The first phase will include the reopening of the
city’s biggest tourist attractions. new Wacker and Jackson entrances and lobbies, while the second
Now, Blackstone Group, the tower’s owner, is hoping to make phase will include the completion of the new Franklin lobby and
the base of the building an attraction in its own right. While thou- opening of the retail spaces and public amenity spaces inside the
sands of tourists ascend the tower every day to take in the spec- tower base.
tacular views—not to mention the more than 15,000 people that Designed by architect Gensler and structural engineer Thorn-
work in the building and the thousands of other workers and visi- ton Tomasetti, with Turner/Clayco acting as general contractor,
tors in the immediate vicinity on a daily basis—the building’s base the structural steel framing includes more than 100 column trans-
was identified as the key to its repositioning. The three building fers in order to transition the structural tube grid of the tower to
entrances had been built at different times and were not in har- the lower levels’ irregular grid, which was originally designed to
mony, and the amenities within the tower were not in synch with support a future hotel building. Long-span structural steel mem-
the iconic office space. As such, the tower is currently in the midst bers, together with a grid-shell structure, will create exciting new
of a $668 million renovation involving a five-story, 300,000-sq.-ft open spaces within the addition.
steel-framed addition at the base (three floors above grade and two In all, the addition and renovation space will incorporate 2,500
below) that will house retail space and multiple dining options, tons of structural steel, fabricated by Zalk Josephs Fabricators, LLC
including a food hall, and will be topped by 30,000 sq. ft of roof (an AISC member/certified fabricator) and erected by Chicago Steel
deck and garden space as well as expansive skylights. The project Construction, LLC (an AISC member/certified erector).
also encompasses the reconfiguration of 460,000 sq. ft of exist- Visit www.modernsteel.com/willis for more construction pho-
ing building space, including 150,000 sq. ft of space reserved for tos of the project. ■
66 | JANUARY 2019
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CA30-110618AS1-0 ©2018 Lincoln Global, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

NASCC:
THE STEEL CONFERENCE
incorporating the World Steel Bridge Symposium and the SSRC Annual Stability Conference
• 250+ exhibitors It's the premier event for

technical sessions
• 5,000+ design and everyone involved in the design
networking
construction professionals and construction of steel-framed
product showcase
• 140+ educational seminars buildings and bridges.
registration opens St. Louis, Missouri

JANUARY 2 April 3–5, 2019
www.aisc.org/nascc

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in every issue features

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Given the frame shown in Figure 1, NIW % NIW %

using the configuration shown in Figure

2. Treat end connections as pinned. The 9%

by the attachment of a diaphragm N N N N

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A third notable feature of the proj- is fully-automated steel processing

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The four-story, 93,500-sq.-ft steel-framed project, under construction.

Details of girder beams at columns.

The project uses 740 tons of structural steel in all.

Given the frame shown in Figure 1, NIW % NIW %

2. Treat end connections as pinned. The 9%

by the attachment of a diaphragm N N N N