USA Steel Design Codes 2

[IH1980]

Guys,

I am a UK engineer and I need a little advice. I have contract to design some compression members to the US steel codes. These will be 'special sections' so not off the shelf, therefore I will be working from first principles.

I am a bit confused as to what the actual 'design code' is. I have done a little research, will I need the 'AISC Specification for Structural Steel Buildings'? Is this what is considered as the 'design code'? In the UK there would be separate docs relating to material characteristics, is that the case for the US - i.e. are there other codes I will need in addition to the steel code (if there is one as such!)?

Thanks in advance, Ian.

 

[PT999]

The answer is more complicated.

Every jurisdiction in the US, not just States, but also cities, towns and even villages adopt their own building codes. But fortunately, by and large, these codes by reference within their codes, adopt the AISC Specifications you referred to. But they don't always adopt the latest edition of the AISC specifications. In fact they often are a cycle behind the latest code editions.

So you first have to determine the specific building code for the jurisdiction where the building is to be built, then review the structural section to confirm what I just stated, and then review the appendix of the code for the correct edition.

In answer to your question about other codes, yes, AISC will reference other codes also, but for design purposes, you should be OK with just reviewing the AISC Specifications for Structural Steel Buildings.

 

[JAE]

I'd agree with PT999.

First find the jurisdiction in which your "project" will occur (i.e. usually a city). Then get on their city website where they will (usually) indicate their adopted building code.
This typically is some version of the IBC published by the ICC (ICC Link)

Once you know the correct/applicable IBC code, you check its chapter 35 to see what technical codes it references out to.

If you don't have copies of the IBC, then you could post here at Eng-Tips and someone could look it up for you.
For steel it would be some version of AISC's Steel specifications - found here for free)



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[JStephen]

There are separate specifications for bridges, for tanks & vessels, for cold-formed steel, for stainless steel, for aluminum, for welding of all these items, etc., so it depends on what you're doing as well.
The AISC specification itself should be a free download.
Not all structures are covered under a building code, but generally, the AISC specification would be considered a reasonable design basis for things not covered by some other code.

 

[Ingenuity]

If you don't have copies of the IBC, then you could post here at Eng-Tips and someone could look it up for you.

Or you can use this FREE public online service for the IBC: Link

 

[IH1980]

Thanks guys - the work is a generic check of a specific component to be used within a scaffold system, thus is independent of location. I will need to review the relevant scaffold codes of course, but it sounds like from what was said above the AISC spec for structural steel buildings is a good starter in terms of the actual design of the members.

 

[woodman88]

The IBC's etc are available to see and download for free at

http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/icod/index.htm

Garth Dreger PE - AZ Phoenix area
As EOR's we should take the responsibility to design our structures to support the components we allow in our design per that industry standards.

 

[cvg]

scaffolding design needs to conform to OSHA

 

[cvg]

https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3150/osha3150.html

 

[IH1980]

Thanks for all the help - the links posted are really useful.

 

[BUGGAR]

And don't forget AWS welding codes.
Also, scaffolding is usually under OSHA jurisdiction, usually on a state by state basis.