Allowance for connections in cost estimate for Structural Steel

[bjb]

I'm reviewing a cost estimate, where the estimator assumed that the cost of the connections would be 30% of the structural steel cost. There are no moment connections, everything is connected with simple shear connections. This is a two-story structure; total height is about 44' above ground.

The 30% seems high to me.

What are other's opinions regarding a cost allowance for simple shear connections?

Thanks

 

[WARose]

I always bump up the steel quantity by 10% to account for connections (if they are all simple shear). 30% seems high to me too.

 

[JacksPanic]

i agree. Tonnage of connections allowed for is usually betw 10-15 %

 

[ukengineer58]

10 for simple 20 for moment as a rough guide.