Industrial Stairs, Tubes of Angles?

[pinoymaker]

This is my first post in this forum.

I am currently designing and detailing a steel stair for an industrial project. From a strength point of view, I can use an L5x5x3/8 for the columns. I thought this would make a nice clean connection to the channels supporting the walking surface. However, my supervisor would rather have tubes as columns. Is there any particular reason to have tubes instead of angles? Even though strength wise, the angle is sufficient. I thought the tubes is more for an architectural decision than engineering.

thank you

 

[Bagman2524]

Internal corrison of HSS is discussed in section B.3.11 of the AISC commentary.

 

[charliealphabravo]

I second IFRs. Make sure that tube sections are not a non-starter with your client. I also have worked on industrial sites where closed sections were not permitted. In this case it was a refinery and the concern was that hazardous gases might be trapped inside the sections (HSO2, CO, etc).

 

[pinoymaker]

Just an update, our project manager/construction intervened and had the same cost concern. The HSS are gone, we will use 6-in wide flanges instead. Thank you everyone.

 

[IFRs]

Holy extra strong handrails, Batman!!! This must be a cost-plus contract or you work for an architectural firm....