Why are W8 sections unlisted in 3rd edn AISC Zx selection table?

[hippo11]

For instance, on pg 5-48 of the 3rd edtition, the selections stop at W10 x 12. But in the 2nd edition, the W8 sections are listed in the Zx table...what's up with that?

 

[dougantholz]

Because most engineers have found that a W10 is the smallest bending member they use. If you cope out an inch of the top of the beam to make the connection like a purlin to girder connection, then you don't have very much room to fit the 2 bolt connection into. Besides, for bending the W10x12 is only 2 lbs heavier than the smallest 8.

 

[nutte]

To discourage their use as beams, for the reasons stated above.

And to save room in the manual by having fewer pages.

 

[hokie66]

Wouldn't be popular in Australia. We use a lot of W8 and W6 beams for small spans. But then we don't try to bolt to the web.

 

[DonPhillips]

W8's are used a lot in residental construction in the US.

Don Phillips

http://worthingtonengineering.com