AISC Historical Shapes

[SteelPE]

I have an old building where the architect would like to remove/move a column that is in his way. In order to accommodate his request I would like to know the size of the beam that was observed in the field. In standard fashion, I measure the beam dimensions as follows:

depth = 17 7/8
flange width = 7 3/8"
thickness = 0.46 in

Not quite an W18x50

I know the building was constructed in the 1940's (or there about). I would like to know the properties of this beam.

I know the AISC used to have a historical shapes program that you could use to locate old beams. However, the CD I have with the program on it will not install into my Windows 10 laptop. I have also downloaded the historical shapes xls file from the AISC but that file is a dumpster fire and not easy to figure out.

Does anyone have any way I could easily search old sections?

 

[Celt83]

Edit:Check out SlideRuleEra's site

sounds close to a WF 18x7.5 with a weight of 45 PLF from the ASD 6th edition manual doesn't seem to fit the 40's time period though.

there is also a Historic B18 which would have been by Carnegie or Bethlehem that fits a little closer:

Open Source Structural Applications:

https://github.com/buddyd16/Structural-Engineering

 

[JStephen]

I've got the 1948 and 1959 AISC books, and that 45# beam is not included in either one. Although curiously, it is hand-written in the tables of the 1959 book, along with a number of other sizes. And in each case, those sizes are lighter than the lightest beam shown of that size. And no, I didn't write it, I wasn't around then.

 

[Ingenuity]

Similar to Celt83, very close dimensions to a WF 18x7.5 with a weight/ft of 47 #/ft.

From AISC MSC 3rd Edition, 4th printing, dated 1941:

Dimensions for detailing:

Dimensions for designing:

From the fantastic free - for members - resource at AISC:Link

 

[SteelPE]

I think part of my issue is that the top of the beam flange had a slight bevel to it. I went quickly through SlideRule's website and saw one document where they gave two different flange thicknesses. I measured mine within the first 1" of the flange. I made a mental note in the field that the flange seemed to have a taper, but it was so old and so disgusting to clean that I just cleaned the edge to get a quick measurement.

Evertyhing is coming out to a beam right around a W18x50. I am going to proceed with what is discussed above.

Does anyone have any idea on what Fy could be expected for that time period (I can use Fy= 36ksi but don't want to have this be wrong).

 

[robyengIT]

I have these info

 

[JStephen]

My 1947 version specifies A7 steel. Tensile strength 60,000 psi to 72,000 psi. Minimum yield point 50% of tensile but in no case less than 33,000.

 

[EDub24]

I believe AISC has historical standards for free on their website for members.

 

[robyengIT]

(I got as a free download)

 

[bridgebuster]

For that era, AASHTO would use 33 ksi yield & 66 ksi tensile strength.