BAR JOIST STEEL GRADE 2

[JTPE]

Can anyone verify the grade of steel that was typically used in bar joist construction in 1977, how about 1984? Is there a web page or publication for reference? I have already found the archives on bethsteel.com, but they seem to skip these time frames. Thanks.

 

[JAE]

Go to the website of the Steel Joist Institute. There is a 50 year digest of all their load tables and specifications that should help you.

http://www.steeljoist.org

 

[Ron]

Open web joists may use a variety of materials for construction. Many components are common ASTM A36 steel, but could also be A572, A588 and others. The actual fabricator would be able to tell you this if still around.

Pull the piece-mark tag from the end of a joist. These are usually still in place. From this you might be able to trace the fabricator and get some relevant info. Otherwise, if critical, you'll have to get some testing done to verify properties.

The SJI 60-year compendium is not specific as to which materials will go with specific joists. This is a fabricator's prerogative. As for design strengths, a minimum yield of 36ksi is to be used and a maximum of 50ksi was used in the 1977 literature from the compendium.