"PTR" Acronym - HSS Section? 1

[JoelTXCive]

Does anyone know what the acronym "PTR" stands for?

I spec'd out an HSS 3.5x2.5 x 1/4" beam for some screening.

The contractor made an initial submittal with a smaller HSS section, which I kicked back. Then, they re-submitted the detail below. (I think they must be having problems locating the HSS 3.5x2.5 section).

I'm going to call them to discuss, but before I do......does anyone know what "PTR" stands for?

 

[JStephen]

Per one website:
"We offer square PTRs in a wide variety of dimensions and thicknesses.
"The PTR (Rectangular Tubular Profile) owes its name to the fact that it has 90 ° right angles.
"Regularly, the square PTR is manufactured from hot-rolled steel sheets, so it has greater strength for structural uses."

 

[JoelTXCive]

Thanks JStephen.

I wonder if it's still 46ksi? We'll see if anyone else is familiar with the acronym.

I'm hoping its just the older way of referring to regular HSS, just like "TS" is the old way of referring to round HSS.

 

[BAretired]

People who use acronyms without defining them are a real PITA.

BA

 

[JStructsteel]

BA - People Eating Tasty Animals??

 

[JStructsteel]

Does a PTR equate to the same ASTM as a HSS?

 

[dik]

Maybe something lower than a pain in the neck?

So strange to see the singularity approaching while the entire planet is rapidly turning into a hellscape. -John Coates

-Dik

 

[KootK]

I'm going with PROFILED TUBE RECTANGULAR. The international nature of steel detailing these days has resulted in terminology showing up that had little precedent in north American in days gone by. I suspect that this is a bit of that. I'm sure that the order of the words makes sense in Chilean or whatever.

 

[robyengIT]

KootK : right, in Italian make sense

 

[JoelTXCive]

The ASTM specification is my primary concern.

Is the "PTR" still A500 Grade B with 46ksi yield and 58ksi ultimate strength?

Google has let me down so far. I have a call into the prime contractor now.

 

[dik]

...not Grade C?

So strange to see the singularity approaching while the entire planet is rapidly turning into a hellscape. -John Coates

-Dik

 

[JoelTXCive]

Ohh...yes, you're right the steel manual has Grades B (46ksi) & C (50ksi) as recommended for rectangular HSS sections.

 

[phamENG]

Most shop drawings have a bill of materials - or several if broken out by sheet. Is there a piece number with corresponding steel grade?

 

[hokie66]

Does the yield strength really matter for this application?

 

[JoelTXCive]

I think and hope that Koot is correct on the International nature of suppliers these days resulting in different terminology. The shop drawings are from a local Houston fabricator, but they outsource the steel grating and other small pieces to fabrication shops in Mexico.

Hokie - The small sections of HSS that I have are used to support debris screen grating for a storm water pump station. I used the AISC flexural capacity tables for my design; and all of those values are based on having 46ksi steel.

I called and emailed the contractor today, but haven't heard back. The mystery will have to continue for another day......

 

[hokie66]

Joel,

You have specified a 3.5" deep section, what is proposed is 4" deep. Surely the extra depth and greater stiffness would compensate for any difference in yield strength.

However, if as reported, this is a built up section with sharp corners, it may be more susceptible to trapping debris where you don't want it.

 

[JStephen]

A bit more research appears to show "perfil tubular rectangular" being used in Spanish and likely the source of the acronym.

 

[concepto.ed]

The ASTM specification is my primary concern

In Mexico HSS square members are usually described as PTR (Profile Tube Rectangular). They are usually found in ASTM A500 (Grade B only) and ASTM A513. You may want to make sure they are ASTM A500.

 

[JoelTXCive]

Thank you concepto! And everybody else. The fabricator contacted me today and said the same thing you did. PTR is HSS

They have updated their Material list on the submittal.

Mystery solved! If I had enough budget left on the project, I would give each of you the charge code and tell you to hit-it for .5 hours..