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MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION

April 2009

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24 30 36

project features columns 44

24 Physically Fit s teelwise
By mark tamaro, p.e., matthew horne, p.e., 49 The Sounds of Silence
and calvin austin By Rob Kinchler, P.e.
A new home for Navy athletics. Dispelling the myths about steel and
sound transmission.
30 Drop it in the Slot
by michael a. moore
business
Perfect placement of a 100-ton truss tops
off a new arts and athletics facility. 55 Grow Your Career—Right Now
By anne scarlett
36 Shopping Around The down economy is the perfect
By stephen v. desimone, p.e., leed ap, james time to give your career a stimulus
bonanno, p.e., and karen wu package.
Full-story transfer trusses separate retail
from residential in an outer-borough high- quality corner
rise. 57 ABy Better Tomorrow
dennis arter
40 Focal Point
By lawrence d. mcdowell, p.e.
Quality auditors don’t just assess
organizations; they also help them
A movie theater is the headliner at a new
plan for a more prosperous future. departments
Florida retail complex.
regional connections
44 Chrome and Steel
6 Editor’s note
By dale williams 60 Notes from the West
By nina Kristeva, P.E., Leed ap 9 Steel Interchange
The two metals are on full display at the
Harley-Davidson Museum. Now is the time to tap into the
available resources to make 12 Steel quiz
informed—and creative—material
16 News & Events
decisions on your next project.

topping out resources

66 Greenwashing the 62 new products
Construction Industry
By Graeme sharpe, P.e., leed ap 64 marketplace
Talking the green talk without walking
the green walk misses the whole 65 Employment
(green) point.

on the cover: Wesley A. Brown Field House, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md. (Photo: Blake Marvin Photography, HKS, Inc.)
Modern Steel Construction (Volume 49, Number 4). ISSN (print) 0026-8445: ISSN (online) 1945-0737. Published monthly by the American Institute of Steel
Construction (AISC), One E. Wacker Dr., Suite 700, Chicago, IL 60601. Subscriptions: Within the U.S.—single issues $6.00; 1 year, $44; 3 years $120. Outside the
U.S.—single issues $9.00; 1 year $88; 3 years $216. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, IL and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send address changes
to Modern Steel Construction, One East Wacker Dr., Suite 700, Chicago, IL 60601.
AISC does not approve, disapprove, or guarantee the validity or accuracy of any data, claim, or opinion appearing under a byline or obtained or quoted from
an acknowledged source. Opinions are those of the writers and AISC is not responsible for any statement made or opinions expressed in Modern Steel
Construction. All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced without written permission, except for noncommercial educational purposes where fewer than
25 photocopies are being reproduced. The AISC and MSC logos are registered trademarks of AISC.

4 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION april 2009

editor’s note

Editorial Offices
ONE OF ThE AXIOMS OF JOURNALISM IS: “IF YOUR MOThER SAYS ShE LOvES YOU, 1 e. Wacker dr., Suite 700
ChECk IT OUT.” So when i recently heard an account of someone mentioning Comcast on a tweet Chicago, il 60601
312.670.2400 tel
and getting an immediate response from the company, i knew i had to check it out for myself. 312.896.9022 fax
But before I get into the details of my test, I can be viewed by anyone (though some people Editorial Contacts
guess a little explanation is in order. An increas- actively follow the messages written by certain editor & puBliSher
Scott l. Melnick
ing amount of communication and social inter- people). Lately, some people have been using 312.670.8314
action is occurring online. And while probably Twitter for business purposes, which is the whole [email protected]
every reader has sent an email, fewer have sent point of this story. Senior editor
Geoff Weisenberger
a text message, joined Facebook or Linkedin, or So as part of my test, I tweeted “Why can’t 312.670.8316
sent a tweet through Twitter. And if you’re saying Comcast get it right? They offered me digital, I [email protected]
“Huh?” right about now, you’re not alone; here accept, and they say they’ve twice sent me a digi- direCtor oF puBliCationS
areti Carter
are some definitions for you. tal box, but…” Within three minutes (three min- 312.670.5427
According to Wikipedia (an online encyclo- utes!) I had a reply from Comcast (remember, I [email protected]
pedia created by its own users), “Text messaging didn’t send a message to Comcast; I simply men- GraphiC deSiGner
kristin egan
or texting is the common term for the sending of tioned Comcast in a message sent to no one in 312.670.8313
‘short’ (160 characters or fewer, including spaces) particular). When I then emailed them my con- [email protected]
text messages from mobile phones using the Short tact info, they called me within a day and actually AISC Officers
Message Service (SMS).” If your cell plan doesn’t resolved the issue with an even better result than ChairMan
include unlimited texting, you’ll probably be I asked for. And apparently Comcast isn’t alone rex i. lewis

charged something like $0.20 for each incoming or in monitoring Twitter messages; rumor is that ViCe ChairMan
david harwell
outgoing text. If you’re like my niece Beth Ann, you GE and several other big corporations do it too treaSurer
might send 4,000 texts a month (including texting (you’ll have to run your own test). Stephen e. porter
her boyfriend when he’s sitting right next to her!). Another use for Twitter is at conferences. I’ve SeCretary & General
And if you’re under 30, this is pretty common. been to a couple now where there was both an of- CounSel
david B. ratterman
Facebook is a social networking site that used ficial Twitter stream (we’ll have one at NASCC: preSident
to be open only to students but has since ex- The Steel Conference) to give announcements roger e. Ferch, p.e.
panded to just about everyone (since joining the about room changes, when lunch is being served, ViCe preSident and ChieF
free service, I’ve reconnected with many old high etc., to attendees as well as where attendees will StruCtural enGineer
Charles j. Carter, p.e., S.e.
school friends – nothing monumental, but kind be tweeting about the conference (we’re asking ViCe preSident
of fun). You post a profile on the site and can be people who write about the conference to refer- john p. Cross, p.e.
found by “friends.” Fortunately, you get to ac- ence #nascc to make it easier for people to find ViCe preSident
cept, reject, or ignore those who want to be your their messages). You can receive tweets on your louis F. Geschwindner, ph.d., p.e.
ViCe preSident
friend. (Feel free to search for me on Facebook!) laptop, as text messages, or, if you have a Black- Scott l. Melnick
Linkedin is a business-oriented social net- berry, through the free Twitterberry service.
working site mainly used for professional net- Does any of this have a professional applica- Advertising Contact
account Manager
working. Again, you post a profile and as others tion? Who knows. But now might be the time louis Gurthet
link to your profile, you can expand your profes- to expand your professional network so when the 231.228.2274 tel
231.228.7759 fax
sional network by seeing who they link to. Kind economy begins to recover, you’ll be better posi- [email protected]
of like playing Kevin Bacon and six degrees of tioned. Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter. They’re all For advertising information, con-
separation. (Yes, I’m on Linkedin too.) free. And if nothing else, familiarity with them tact louis Gurthet or visit
www.modernsteel.com
Twitter is the strangest of them all. It’s a so- will better help you understand the people you’ll
cial networking and micro-blogging service. Es- soon be hiring. Address Changes and
Subscription Concerns
sentially, people write 140 character tweets that 312.670.5444 tel
312.893.2253 fax
[email protected]
SCOTT MELNICk Reprints
editor Betsy White
the reprint outsource, inc.
717.394.7350
[email protected]

6 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION april 2009

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 steel interchange
If you’ve ever asked yourself “why?” about something related to structural steel design or construction, Modern
Steel Construction’s monthly Steel Interchange column is for you! Send your questions or comments to [email protected].

Cb for HSS Beams? Bolts can be reused if they have not been pretensioned. ASTM
A325 bolts that are not galvanized can be reused even if they have
Are Cb values permitted in the design of HSS beams? Are Cb
been pretensioned. ASTM A490 bolts and galvanized A325 bolts
values greater than 2.3 permitted, in any case, in ASD? Is there
cannot be reused once they have been pretensioned.
an instance where Cb = 4.7 for an unbraced square HSS cantile-
The Commentary to Section 2.3.3 of the RCSC Bolt Specification,
ver with a concentrated load at the end is justifiable?
which can be downloaded for free from www.boltcouncil.org, states:
Pretensioned installation involves the inelastic elongation of the por-
The amplification of beam strength by Cb cannot result in a value
tion of the threaded length between the nut and the thread run-out.
that is larger than the full yield strength of the member (Fy Z) – that
ASTM A490 bolts and galvanized ASTM A325 bolts possess sufficient
is, Cb can only be applied to the lateral-torsional buckling portions
of the beam curve up to the value of full yield of the section. This ductility to undergo one pretensioned installation, but are not consistently
is demonstrated graphically on page 3-4 of the 13th edition AISC ductile enough to undergo a second pretensioned installation. Black ASTM
Manual. Since HSS beams are not subjected to lateral-torsional A325 bolts, however, possess sufficient ductility to undergo more than one
bucking and are always controlled by the yield or local buckling pretensioned installation as suggested in the Guide, which can also be
strength of the member, Cb does not apply. downloaded from www.boltcouncil.org (Kulak et al., 1987). As a simple
Speaking more generally, the upper limit on C b is 3.0, as rule of thumb, a black ASTM A325 bolt is suitable for reuse if the nut can
given by formula F1-1 of the 2005 Specification. So yes, a value be run up the threads by hand.
greater than 2.3 is permitted. However, there is no case where Larry S. Muir, P.E
Cb = 4.7 can be used.
Chris Hewitt, S.E.
Brace Stiffness
I have been questioned about calculations for a stability bracing
ASTM F1554 vs. ASTM A449 Anchor Rods member per AISC 360-05 Appendix 6, Equations A-6-7 and
I am trying to better understand when to specify F1554 vs. A-6-8. I can calculate the required brace stiffness, but how do I
A449 for anchor rods. Table 2-5 in the Manual does not indicate calculate the actual brace stiffness provided?
a preferred material specification for high-strength anchor
rod. Is there a reason for this? Is there a preferred material for The required brace stiffness from Equation A-6-8 in the AISC
anchor rods? Specification represents the required axial stiffness of the brace. The
actual brace stiffness provided can be calculated using the relation-
ASTM F1554 and ASTM A449 refer to specific material types that ship Δ = PL/AE.
meet specific ASTM Standards. Both of these material types are Kurt Gustafson, S.E., P.E.
permitted for use as anchor rods under the auspices of the AISC
Specification. Table 2-5 in the 13th edition Manual shows ASTM Fire Rating of Concrete-Filled HSS
F1554 grade 36 as the usual grade for the general case. If you are Where can I locate fire rating information for concrete-
specifically going to use a high-strength anchor rod, ASTM F1554 filled HSS?
is the preferred type, since this is a standard specifically developed
for anchor rods. There is a method of determining the fire rating of concrete-filled
The ASTM F1554 anchor rods are available in three grades of HSS columns shown on page 28 of AISC Design Guide 19, which
36, 55, and 105 ksi minimum yield stress material, and are available is available for free download by AISC members at www.aisc.
in specified lengths, with threading lengths as specified. ASTM org/epubs. This discussion is based on research conducted at the
A449 is a general material standard that is applicable to other appli- National Research Council of Canada and presented in ASCE/
cations of bolts, screws, and studs as well as for anchor rods. ASTM SFPE 29-99.
A449 does not have stipulated minimum yield strength; however, Amanuel Gebremeskel, P.E.
the material exhibits tensile strengths similar to some of the ASTM
F1554 grades. Since the nominal tensile stress listed in Table J3.2 Welding or Bolting?
is determined based on the Fu of the material, the EOR is able to Does welding steel decrease the strength as opposed to bolt-
assess the tensile capacity of the ASTM A449 rods. ing? What are the benefits/pros to bolting versus welding?
Kurt Gustafson, S.E., P.E.
Welding does not reduce the strength of steel.
Reuse of ASTM A325 Bolts The choice between welding and bolting is often driven by eco-
ASTM A325 bolts have been specified to connect lifting nomics and shop and field preferences. It is common to try to limit
lugs to column cap plates. After the columns are loaded welding to the shop and provide bolted connections in the field.
onto trucks, the lifting lugs need to be removed due to However, even these preferences can vary by application, contrac-
shipping height restrictions. Can these bolts be reused at tor preferences, and regional conditions. Ask the fabricator on your
the job site to lift the columns again, if the bolts are just project what details will be best for the project. They will probably
snug-tight previously? be more than happy to help.
Larry S. Muir, P.E.

 april 2009 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION 9

steel interchange
Design Guide 11—Walking Speeds Round hSS or Pipe?
I could not find information in AISC Design Guide 11 What is the difference between round HSS and pipe shapes?
whether to assume "fast," "moderate," or "slow" walking
speed criterion when designing for sensitive equipment. Round HSS most typically are manufactured in the U.S. to the
The remainder of the criteria for sensitive equipment ASTM A500 Standard. Pipes covered under the AISC Specifica-
vibration calculations seems rather straightforward. My tion are manufactured to the ASTM A53 Grade B Standard. The
problem is that I can easily achieve good results for walk- materials have different minimum specified yield strengths but
ing speeds of 75 steps per minute (moderate) or less, but similar dimensional characteristics in the cross-sections that match
it’s nearly impossible to achieve this for fast walking speeds between these different products. Fy = 42 ksi for ASTM A500
of 100 steps per minute. The examples indicate that fast Grade B Round HSS, whereas Fy = 35 ksi for ASTM A53 Grade B
walking speeds are generally conservative, but I could use Pipe. For further information about differences and similarities, see
additional direction. The moderate criterion for 75 steps “Are You Properly Specifying Materials?” in the January 2009 issue
per minute seems reasonable to me, but I have no refer- of MSC (available online at www.modernsteel.com).
ence. Do you know of any additional sources of information Kurt Gustafson, S.E., P.E.
that provide guidance as to where fast, moderate, and slow
walking speeds should be used? Extended Single-Plate Shear Connection
I have a question pertaining to Example IIA-19 (Extended
The following response was offered by Dr. Thomas Murray, lead Single-Plate Connection—Beam-to-Column Web) from the
author of AISC Design Guide 11: Design Examples CD that is issued with the 13th edition
To my knowledge there is no hard-and-fast guidance for AISC Steel Construction Manual. Why is e = 10.5 in. used for
when the various walking speeds are to be used. I recommend calculating shear strength of the bolt group, while a = 9 in. is
the following: used to calculate the required strength of the plate? Should
• For laboratories with one or two technicians, use slow we use a = 10.5 in. in this case?
walking.
• For laboratories with three and more technicians, use The design example is correct. An eccentricity measured from the
moderate walking. face of the support to the center of the bolt group is used to check
• For laboratories adjacent to corridors using the same the bolts, but an eccentricity measured from the face of the support
framing, and with high traffic, use fast walking. to the first line of bolts is used to check bending on the plate. This
Design Guide 11 recommends 100 steps per minute for is done to account for the fact that some of the load has been trans-
fast walking, and as you said, that results in very stiff floor ferred out of the plate through the bolts at that first line of bolts.
requirements. Many designers use 85 steps per minute for Larry S. Muir, P.E.
fast walking situations, which results in more reasonable
requirements. the complete collection of Steel interchange questions and
Thomas M. Murray, Ph.D., P.E. answers is available online. Find questions and answers related to
Emeritus Professor of Structural Steel Design just about any topic by using our full-text search capability. Visit
Department of Civil Engineering Steel interchange online at www.modernsteel.com.
Virginia Tech
kurt Gustafson is the director of technical assistance and amanuel
Gebremeskel is a senior engineer in aiSC’s Steel Solutions Center.
Column Leveling Plate larry Muir and Chris hewitt are part-time consultants to aiSC.
For column bases, what is the relationship between the base thomas Murray is lead author of aiSC design Guide no. 11.
plate size and leveling plate size?
Steel interchange is a forum to exchange useful and practical
Use of leveling/setting plates is one method of column erec- professional ideas and information on all phases of steel building
and bridge construction. opinions and suggestions are welcome
tion that can be selected at the option of the erector. There
on any subject covered in this magazine.
are no specific requirements listed in the AISC Specification
the opinions expressed in Steel interchange do not necessarily
as to when this method (or another) is to be used or as to the
represent an official position of the american institute of Steel
size of the plates required. When the method is used, setting Construction, inc. and have not been reviewed. it is recognized
plates are usually about ¼ in. thick and slightly larger than the that the design of structures is within the scope and expertise of a
base plate, and they are grouted in place in advance of column competent licensed structural engineer, architect or other licensed
erection. A plate this thin has a tendency to warp when fabri- professional for the application of principles to a particular structure.
cated and thus, this method is typically limited to a maximum if you have a question or problem that your fellow readers might
plate dimension of about 24 in. Individual preferences on help you solve, please forward it to us. at the same time, feel
this limit—and the column erection method in general—will free to respond to any of the questions that you have read here.
Contact Steel interchange via aiSC’s Steel Solutions Center:
vary. See AISC Design Guide 10 at www.aisc.org/epubs for
a discussion of the various column erection methods that are
commonly used.
Kurt Gustafson, S.E., P.E. one east Wacker dr., Suite 700
Chicago, il 60601
tel: 866.ASK.AISC • fax: 312.803.4709
[email protected]
10 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION april 2009
steel quiz
Looking for a challenge? Modern Steel Construction’s monthly Steel Quiz tests your knowledge of steel design and
construction. Most answers can be found in the 2005 Specification for Structural Steel Buildings, available as a free download
from AISC’s web site, www.aisc.org/2005spec. Where appropriate, other industry standards are also referenced.

This month’s Steel Quiz was developed by AISC’s Steel Solutions Center. Sharpen your pencils and go!

1 In which of the following stan-

dards are minimum radii for cold
bending of plates specified? (a)
5
True/False: Steel to receive spray-
applied fire protection should not
be primed or painted.
8 Can beams with moment con-
nected ends be cambered?

ASTM A6 (b) ASTM A992 (c) AISC

360 (d) All of the above
6
For the seismic force resisting
system in high-seismic applica-
9 True/False: The connection of all
beams and girders to columns in
structures over 125 ft in height is

2 To what dimensional tolerances tions (that is, those that must required to be slip-critical bolted.
are welded built-up members comply with AISC 341), where
fabricated? How about bolted
members?
can one find the requirements for
technician qualification and test- 10 True/False: The cut surfaces of
beam copes that are specified to
be galvanized must be ground.
ing protocols for non-destruc-

3 Tr u e / F a l s e : T h e f a b r i c a t o r
is required to maintain an
identification process for mill
tive testing? (a) AISC 360 and
AISC 341 (b) AWS D1.1 and AISC
341 (c) AISC 341 and AWS D1.8
material until the entire project is (d) All of the above
complete.

4 What is a good rule of thumb for

a practical thickness up to which
7
A fillet weld on the acute side of a
skewed plate is prequalified and
fully effective as long as the skew
steel can be cut using a plasma angle is at least equal to: (a)  15°
cutting process? (a) Gauge (b) 30° (c) 45° (d) 60°
thicknesses only (b) ¼ in (c) ¾ in
(d) 1¼ in Turn to page 14 for answers

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 steel quiz

2009
ANSWERS

1
(a) Appendix X4 in ASTM A6 pro-
vides minimum radii for cold bend-
ing of plates. This information is
7 (d) Note that an acute angle as
low as 30° is still prequalified per
AWS D1.1. However, a reduction
SDI and SJI Joint Seminars also found in Table 10-12 of the to the effective throat must be
13th edition AISC Steel Construc- made for angles of less than 60°
tion Manual. to recognize that the weld cannot
reliably penetrate to the root.

2 For welded built-up members,

dimensional tolerances are given in
AWS D1.1 Section 5.23 (and primar- 8 No. The usual intent of camber is
to accommodate deflection dur-
ily relate to distortional control for ing concrete pours. Cambering
the welding operations). For bolted usually occurs after the beam is
built-up members, however, no fabricated. At that point if using
similar provisions exist in another end plated moment connections,
standard. When desired, the EOR the end plates will not be parallel
can specify tolerances, and it is to the column flange. If using top
common to use tolerances that are and bottom plates welded to the
similar to those found in ASTM A6 column and bolted to the flanges
or ASTM A500. of the beam (paddle plates), the
bolts will not be aligned in the

3 False. According to Section M5.5 in

the 2005 AISC Specification, “The
fabricator shall be able to demon-
connection. If using a welded
moment connection, the root
opening at the bottom flange
strate by a written procedure and by will exceed AWS tolerances. If
actual practice a method of mate- the connections are fabricated to
rial application and identification, accommodate these problems,
visible at least through the ‘fit-up’ the camber will never come out
operation, for the main structural of the beam during concrete
We’re saving you a seat. elements of each shipping piece.” pours.

4 (c) Plasma cutting is very efficient for

plates up to ¾ in. thick. This is not a
thickness limit, and larger thicknesses
9 False. According to Section
J1.10(2) of the 2005 AISC Speci-
fication, pretensioned joints,
can be cut with a plasma process. slip-critical joints, or welds shall
However, the oxy-acetylene cutting be used for beams and gird-
process usually becomes more effi- ers that connect to columns in
cient above a thickness of ¾ in. multi-story structures that are
over 125 ft in height.
5 True. Steel that is to be fire

10
protected should not be primed True. Section M2.2 of the 2005
or painted, because the coating AISC Specification requires that
decreases the adhesion of the fire beam copes (and weld access
protection. When such steel must
holes) in shapes that are to be
be painted, additional measures
galvanized must be ground.
must be taken to ensure adhesion.
See FAQ 11.1.7 at www.aisc.org/
faq for more on this topic.

6 (c) These requirements currently exist

in similar form in two places: AISC
341 Appendix W and AWS D1.8. This Anyone is welcome to submit questions and
answers for Steel Quiz. If you are interested
Register today at www.sdi.org overlap exists because AISC 341 was in submitting one question or an entire quiz,
to learn more about specifying and published before AWS D1.8 existed. contact AISC’s Steel Solutions Center at 866.
designing with steel deck and joists. The 2010 revision of AISC 341 will ASK.AISC or at [email protected].
incorporate these requirements in
AWS D1.8 by reference.
STEEL DECK

s
INSTITUTE

® P.O. Box 25 • Fox River Grove, IL 60021 • (p) 847.458.4647

14 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION april 2009

news
INDUSTRY PROMOTION
Reaching Future “Tinkerers”
A new entity dedicated to inspiring Gerald Shankel and Terrence Egan will and make stuff, and dream about inventing
America’s youth to consider careers in direct the new organization, serving as things. The groundwork we’ve laid and the
manufacturing has been created through president and director, respectively, and programs we’ve implemented in the past
the partnership of two leading founda- John Ratzenberger will continue to serve will continue to be the core of our work.”
tions—one of which was founded by Cliff on the governing board and lead the Ratzenberger will contribute his extensive
Clavin of Cheers. Foundation’s national public policy and experience with American manufacturers
The Nuts, Bolts and Thingamajigs media campaigns. and valuable relationships in the entertain-
Foundation (NBTF), founded by actor   “This partnership combines John ment, political, social and corporate arenas.
John Ratzenberger, has joined with the Ratzenberger’s voice and passion on an “I can think of no enterprise more
Fabricators and Manufacturers Association issue so dear to his heart with FMA’s infra- worthy than one devoted to inspiring the
(FMA) Foundation to create a charitable structure and resources to spread the mes- next generation of engineers, builders and
organization: Nuts, Bolts and Thingamajigs, sage that manufacturing is a viable career manufacturers,” said Ratzenberger. “I am
the Foundation of the Fabricators and option,” said Shankel. “We will be even proud to join forces with FMA and know
Manufacturers Association, Intl. (NBT). more effective working together to spark that with each child who attends one of
The new organization will feature an interest among young people in the indus- our camps or receives one of our scholar-
18-member board of directors; six members try and help revitalize the future of manu- ships, we are rebuilding America’s founda-
from the former NBTF will join the 12 for- facturing in America.” tion one tinkerer at a time.”
mer FMA Foundation board members.  “As a champion of manufacturing, John Visit www.fma-foundation.org/nbtf
The initiative allows NBT to broaden Ratzenberger will have a great impact on for more information.
operations and increase charitable activi- fostering media coverage on this quest and
ties that include providing grants to edu- help us spread the word that it’s honor-
cational institutions offering manufactur- able to work with your hands,” said Egan.
ing camps and awarding scholarships to “The focus is on inspiring young people
students pursuing manufacturing careers. to ultimately explore the manufacturing
Former FMA Foundation executives career path by getting them to tinker, fix,

BRIDGES

Steel Bridge Kicks Off Infrastructure Stimulus Program

The first infrastructure project to move forward under the new “We’re pleased to have a project so close to home—only
federal economic stimulus package was recently announced. about 35 miles from our fabricator shop—close enough for our
The project, a replacement bridge in Miller County near employees to be able to see and use,” said Gary Wisch, DeLong’s
Tuscumbia, Mo., was approved for construction as a top prior- vice president of engineering. “We’re also proud to be the steel
ity for the State of Missouri at a cost of $8.5 million, which fabricator for the first project built with funds made available by
will be funded by the stimulus plan. Because of the desire for the federal stimulus bill.”
rapid and economical construction, steel was selected for the Roger E. Ferch, P.E., president of AISC, said, “The speed of
bridge’s main span. construction and longer term benefits of flexibility and durabil-
“Today, the Show Me State again showed the nation we are ity from using fabricated structural steel in this project provide
leaders in transportation by having the first economic recovery Missouri residents with a bridge that will serve extremely well
act project in the country under construction,” said Missouri for a long time.”
Department of Transportation director Pete Rahn. “We promised
we would be ready to go to make the best use of every dollar we
standards
receive through the economic recovery act to create jobs and
make our highways safer. We delivered on that promise and then New Coatings Standard from ASTM
some.” American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
The new 1,000-ft long, 28-ft-wide steel bridge will replace International Committee A05 on Metallic-Coated Iron and
the existing 75-year-old Osage River Bridge, which is the same Steel Products has approved a new standard, ASTM A1059/
length and just 20 ft wide. The bridge crosses a Missouri River
A1059M, Specification for Zinc Alloy Thermo-Diffusion Coatings
tributary near the middle of the state, where the average daily
(TDC) on Steel Fasteners, Hardware and Other Products. The
traffic is more than 1,000 cars per day. However, it has been off-
limits to large trucks since 2007 because of its poor structural new standard is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee
condition. A05.13 on Structural Shapes and Hardware Specifications.
The new bridge, built by general contractor APAC of The technology described in ASTM A1059/A1059M has,
Kansas City, will use 395 tons of structural steel for the 570-ft over the last 15 years, become a popular means for providing
main span and will be positioned just upstream from the exist- an environmentally friendly way to replace toxic materials,
ing bridge. The steel is scheduled to be delivered by DeLong’s, such as cadmium and chromium compounds, used for corro-
Inc. (an AISC/NSBA Member and AISC Certified bridge fab- sion protection.
ricator) this fall. Visit www.astm.org for more information.

16 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION april 2009

 news
IN MEMORY

Long-Time Certification Committee Member Bill Ashton Dies

Structural Steel in the sales department. grew into a highly successful company.
Shortly thereafter, he enrolled at the Bill was also heavily involved
University of Minnesota to pursue an with AISC. He was a member of the
engineering degree. After many years Certification Committee for more than 20
of attending late-afternoon and night years and was recently honored with the
courses, he received his Bachelors of Special Citation Award for his key role in
Civil Engineering degree in 1983. developing standards that ensure safe steel
Over the 19 years he spent work- structures.
ing at St. Paul Structural Steel, Bill With twinkling blue eyes and an
moved up the ladder to one of the top engaging smile, Bill was easy to get to
William Ashton with his wife, Judy. positions in the company and served know and often had interesting stories
as project manager on several notable of travel and recreational adventures to
William Ashton, 65, died peacefully at projects in the Twin Cities, includ- share. One of his many proud accom-
Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux ing the IDS Tower and the Hennepin plishments was the hole-in-one that he
Falls, S.D. on February 13, from com- County Government Center. As with hit on July 7, 2005 on the 17th hole at
plications from ALS (also known as many other steel companies, St. Paul Prairie Green Golf Course in Sioux
Lou Gehrig’s Disease). He had been Structural closed in 1983 and that Falls.
diagnosed with the disease just last September, Bill accepted a position Bill is survived by his wife, Judy, his
October. as production manager for fabricator sons William Jr. and Steven (Kristine), his
Bill was born in St. Paul, Minn. on Egger Steel Company (AISC Member) siblings Richard, Carol Ashton McMahon,
July 14, 1943. Upon graduating high in Sioux Falls. He was eventually pro- Charles (Jeanne) and Michael, and his
school, he joined the U.S. Navy, where moted to vice president of production stepchildren Chad (Nicole) Schilmoeller
he served until he was 21. His career in for the company. After 20 years with and children Luke and Brooklyn, and
the steel industry began in July of 1964, Egger Steel, he started his own struc- Nicole (Thomas) Benning and children
when he joined steel fabricator St. Paul tural steel detailing business, which Ashley and Austin.

IN MEMORY

Certification Innovator Farnham Jarrard Dies

Charles Farnham in Bristol, Va. He also served a term as teach, and cared about everyone he was
Jarrard, Jr. died Bristol’s mayor. in contact with,” said Sandi McCracken,
March 8, 2009 at Farnham served as the first president formerly of Quality Management
his home in Bristol, of Quality Auditing Company, the pre- Company and Allied. “His kindness and
Va. after a battle cursor to AISC’s Quality Management willingness to give a female a chance in
with cancer. Company. In that role, he initiated the the auditing of steel construction has
Farnham was hiring and activities of the company, enhanced my life beyond my biggest
born April 8, 1933 participated with the Certification dreams.”
in Berwyn, Ill. Committee, and was instrumental in ini- Prior to his involvement in
During his youth, tiating the Erector Certification Program. Certification, Mr. Jarrard was a leader
C. Farnham Jarrard, Jr. his family moved He was also the first chairman of AISC’s on the committee that wrote the Quality
to Lake Geneva, Quality Criteria and Inspection Standards Control and Inspection Criteria, a docu-
Wisc., where he Committee. ment which has now evolved into some
attended schools and graduated high He was made an honorary life mem- of AISC’s original FAQs. He is also a
school. Upon graduation, he attended ber of AISC in 1989—one of only 11 to past president of the Central Fabricators
the University of Wisconsin, served two achieve this dinstinction—and received Association.
years in the Army, and graduated from an AISC Special Achievement Award in He is survived by his wife, Amelia
Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisc. 1999 for his advancement of the AISC Osborne Jarrard, two sons—Charles
in 1958. Certification program. Farnham Jarrard, III, his wife Geri, and
He entered the steel business shortly “Farnham helped get the qual- their daughter, Kaysa; and David Stewart
after college and eventually became ity assurance program started and was Jarrard—step-daughter Amelia Stone
president and CEO of fabricator Allied instrumental in its success,” said for- Rose, her husband, Scott and their son
Structural Steel in Hammond, Ind. mer AISC Board president Bob Stupp, Will; and a step-daughter in-law, Teresa
Following his career at Allied, he spent chairman of fabricator Stupp Bros., Inc. Stone, and her children Farnham and
16 years as a senior vice-president at (AISC Member) in St. Louis. Evelyn Stone.
fabricator Bristol Steel and Iron Works “Farnham encouraged, took time to

 april 2009 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION 17

news & events
EVENTS EVENTS
Sawing Symposium and 2010 Structures and Analysis Conferences:
Exhibition Call for Proposals
Behringer Saws is inviting professionals AISC and the Structural Engineering section of the program. Presentations will
involved in metal cutting and fabrica- Institute (SEI) of ASCE are joining forces be selected from the open call and by invi-
tion operations to its Morgantown, Pa. in 2010 to host the first-ever combined tation. For more details on how to submit
headquarters May 12-14 for a sawing Structures Congress/North American Steel a proposal to the Structures Congress, visit
symposium and exhibition. The free Construction Conference (NASCC) May www.seinstitute.org.
event will feature practical technical 12-14, 2010 in Orlando, Fla. Technical The event will also include the 19th
seminars while also spotlighting an programs are being developed for each, Analysis and Computation Specialty
extensive offering of product introduc- with close coordination between the pro- Conference, and presentation proposals
tions. Attendees will learn about the gram committees. are also currently being accepted for this
latest trends in metalworking during Proposals are currently being accepted event. Visit www.asce.org.
daily seminars, and live cutting demon- for complete sessions and individual papers Proposals for both conferences are due
strations will also be presented, using to be presented in the Structures Congress June 10, 2009.
sawing technologies developed from
interaction with customers and real- EVENTS
world applications. Hong Kong to Host 2010 Tube Symposium
Seminar schedules are staggered
The University of Hong Kong will lar structures, researchers, academics,
across all three days to accommodate
host the 13th International Symposium and postgraduate students.
visitors’ schedules. For more informa-
on Tubular Structures in Hong Kong, Prospective authors of papers and pre-
tion visit www.behringersaws.com or
December 15-17, 2010. Held in a dif- sentations are invited to submit abstracts
call 888.234.7464.
ferent international city every year, the of 300 to 400 words (in English) before
symposium is a showcase for tubular August 15, 2009 on the following topics:
structures and an international forum Tubular Structures, Static and Fatigue
for the discussion of research, develop- Behavior of Connections, Earthquake
ments, and applications in the field of and Dynamic Resistance, Specification
hollow steel. Attendees include manu- and Standard Developments, Fire
facturers of hollow sections or related Resistance, and others. Authors will be
construction products, architects, trade notified of provisional acceptance on
associations, design engineers, steel fab- November 30, 2009. For more informa-
ricators, owners or developers of tubu- tion visit www.hku.hk/civil/ISTS13.

Jessica Sladek

SPECIFICATIONS

Public Review of 2010 AISC Specification

The 2010 draft of the AISC Specification are also available (for a $12 nominal
for Structural Steel Buildings will be charge) by calling 312.670.5411.
available for public review until May 4, Please submit comments using the
2009. This specification will be available form provided online to Cynthia J.
for download on the AISC website at Duncan, AISC’s director of engineering,
www.aisc.org/AISC360PR1 along with at [email protected] by May 4, 2009 for
the review form during this time. Copies consideration.

18 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION april 2009

news letters
CONSTRUCTION MARKET Where’s the Weak Link? the plural of U is W—but it looks
In Benjamin Baer’s article “Holding more like a double-V! 
It’s not All Doom On” (02/09, p. 44), Figure 3 on page • Also, two wrongs don’t make a right,
and Gloom 46 shows a post-to-stringer connection, but three rights make a left! 
with a full penetration weld on two sides • How many “vaganzas” does it take to
The Fabricators and Manufacturers
of the post to the flange of the stringer have an “extravaganza?”  (I’m guess-
Association, International’s (FMA) eco-
channel. ing at least two!)
nomic analyst is painting a slightly rosier
Shouldn’t the weak link in this sys- I enjoy MSC every month.  English is a
picture of the economy than we’ve been
tem be considered to be the web of the difficult language and takes a lifetime to
hearing lately—or at least is offering some
channel? I don’t see how a thin web can learn. When I was in high school, I blew
perspective.
adequately resist the bending imposed off English class because I was planning
“Unless the current doom and gloom
by horizontal guardrail forces. on being an engineer and I thought all I
becomes something of a self-fulfilling
Edward J. LeNormand, P.E.  needed was math and science. Boy, was I
prophecy, the recession is on a par with
wrong!  
past downturns, and real improvement will
Response from Benjamin R. Baer: Patrick M. Petrone, P.E., S.E.
start to manifest itself in 2010,” said Chris
In-house Design Unit Chief
Kuehl in the latest FMA economic update
To answer your question, I’ll start with Illinois Department of
newsletter Fabrinomics.
something I included near the end of Transportation
Kuehl bases his assertions on how the
the article: “Each handrail is unique, Bureau of Bridges and Structures
National Bureau of Economic Research
and each requires architectural and
(NBER) defines recessions. “The NBER Credit where Credit is Due
structural design by licensed profession-
has a reputation as being pretty conservative I have a couple of corrections regard-
als.” There are a lot of factors that can
and reacts to factors beyond GDP to declare ing Keith Grubb’s February 2009 article
affect stair and handrail design includ-
a recession,” Kuehl explained. “It uses six “Out in the Open” (p. 57):
ing the type of treads and risers, how
criteria to determine when a recession has • Metals USA policy stipulates
these are connected to the stringer, the
started and when it ends. These are GDP, that we share no specific num-
floor construction, the stair opening
real income, employment, industrial produc- bers.  Circumventing this restriction,
and how it is framed (including the type
tion, wholesale sales, and retail sales.” we currently have possibly the largest
of pour stops), and, of course, aesthetic
After an analysis by Kuehl of government inventory of A588 products in the
considerations.
charts that track GDP, income, unemploy- U.S. The A588 and A572 Steel Co. is
For a very common concrete-filled
ment and production since 1970, he con- not an AISC member and has a lim-
metal pan stair, there are two situations
cluded that “it is pretty apparent the reces- ited range of A588 products.  Metals
that have some similarities.  The first
sion of 2008-09 is not worse than those in USA inventories flats, rounds, angles,
is for the sloping stringer, where the
the past four decades. In fact, the recessions channels, miscellaneous channels,
treads and risers are connected to the
of the 1970s and 1980s were arguably more squares, wide-flange, and standard
inside of the stringer (back side of the
painful on almost every level.” beams and plate.  One could easily
channel).  In this case, tread/riser pan
Kuehl acknowledged many U.S. busi- argue that Metals USA is the first
is welded to the carrier angle, which is
nesses are suffering despite the numbers. call for rare A588 shapes.  Non-stock
welded to the stringer.  The tread/riser
“To those who are frantically trying to items are routinely supplied from
pan provides resistance for lateral load
hold their business together, the reces- rolling or outsourcing and include all
from the handrail (sort of a diaphragm
sion is as bad as it gets,” he said. “But for products listed above including HSS
on a very small scale). At the other end
those who are trying to decide how radical tubing.
of the spectrum, bolted grating treads
they need to get to protect their business, • While we cannot quote tonnage
may not provide enough resistance, and
a realistic assessment is needed. At this linked to our name, we inventory
local stiffeners could be necessary.
stage, the recession is on a par with what 5,000 tons.
The second situation is a horizon-
has been endured previously, which means Jim Collins
tal railing around a stair opening.  In
it can and will be survived.” Vice President, Metals USA
some cases, the railing is attached to
“The strategy now should be to hunker
the floor slab, the pour stop (should be Not Quite the Whole Story
down and wait out the downturn—without
headed studs on the inside), or other The July 2008 article “The Hole Story”
taking steps that gut a company’s ability to
parts of the structural framing.  In other (p. 46) was a well-written and very useful
react to the turnaround,” Kuehl said. “This
cases, the same stringer channel is used summary of the AISC 360-05 require-
means hanging on to valued employees
for appearance purposes, and the rail- ments. However, the article should
who soon will be needed again. It means
ing is attached to the top of the chan- have also addressed AISC 341-05,
making those investments in capital goods
nel.  This case is similar to the sloping which requires that bolted joints that
that keep a company competitive, and it
stringer; how the channel is attached to are part of the SLRS must be installed
means staying true to strategic goals in
the structure determines if there will be as pretensioned, even though they are
marketing.
local bending of the channel. designed as bearing-type. In addition,
“If this is a normal recession people can
the article should have clarified that
overcome, a wait-and-see attitude is more More than Math and Science
detailing of steel structures in accor-
palatable than if the conclusion is that we In response to  Tom Schlafly’s January
dance with AISC 341-05 is required
are facing the end of the economic world. Topping Out article titled “SteelWize”
whenever prescribed by the applicable
According to the numbers, we are not fac- (p. 66):
building code. Although it is always
ing the latter situation.” • The plural of “you” is “you,” although

20 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION april 2009

 letters
required when R is greater than three, Requirements, outlines the seismic Protectionism not the Answer
there are four examples in ASCE 7-05, design and detailing requirements for As a Canadian, I was disappointed to
Table 15.4-1 that require seismic detail- structural steel buildings. Section 14.1.2 see your Buy America pitch (“Made
ing in accordance with AISC 341-05 indicates that if the structure is assigned in America,” 02/09, p. 23).  While I
when R is less than three. to seismic design categories B or  C the personally was opposed to both the Free
As a suggestion, you might consider system can be designated as a structural Trade Agreement and NAFTA, this is
devoting some future SteelWise articles steel system not specifically detailed for not the time for protectionism.  If you
to “clarifying the mystery” of seismic seismic resistance and designed with want to scrap these agreements, wait
detailing for those Midwest and East R = 3. For seismic design category A, until times are good. Look at history; the
Coast engineers who now find them- an R factor is not used in the seismic Depression was made worse by a wave
selves designing structures for seismic force calculation. Ultimately, normal of protectionism. Do not think that the
considerations. detailing practices corresponding to the U.S. can unilaterally apply protectionist
Rick Drake, S.E. traditional designs associated with the measures and everyone else is just going
Director, Design Engineering requirements in ANSI/AISC 360-05 are to sit by and do nothing. Once you start,
Civil/Structural/Architectural used in these cases. the wave will spread around the world
Fluor Enterprises, Inc. AISC 341 requirements are appli- and things will go from bad to worse. 
cable, however, in the following cases: We already have unions in Canada
Response from AISC: 1. For seismic design category B or C pushing for a made-in-Canada
systems for which an R > 3 is used. clause.  Our military has just ordered
We did focus on AISC 360 requirements 2. For structures assigned to seismic trucks, which are to be built in Texas;
in the article. However, questions about design categories D, E, or F (Section they could be built in St. Catherines,
bolts in high-seismic connections are 14.1.3). Ontario.  Just last month, Canada lost
relevant, and hopefully this response It also should be noted that ASCE twice as many jobs per capita than the
will serve to expand a bit on the original 7-05 Chapter 15, Seismic Design U.S. lost.  We are all hurting and quite
article. Requirements for Non-Building frankly, I expect it will be tough for a
Regarding the design and detailing Structures, outlines the seismic detail- few more years. 
of bolted joints in an SLRS, ANSI/AISC ing requirements for non-building Despite being registered in the U.S.,
341-05 Seismic Provisions for Structural structures. If the non-building structure I have never done any work in the U.S.,
Steel Buildings, the Commentary to is determined to be similar to build- so per se, I am not going to lose any
Section 7.2 indicates the following: ings, the seismic detailing require- work directly whether a  Buy America
“The potential for full reversal m e n t s a r e f o u n d i n Ta b l e 1 5 . 4 - 1 : strategy is adopted or not.
of design load and the likelihood of Seismic Coefficients for Non-Building Ralph Watts, P.Eng., P.E.
inelastic deformations of members Structures Similar to Buildings. This North Island Engineering Ltd.
and/or connected parts necessitates table illustrates whether the seis -
that pretensioned bolts be used in mic detailing requirements for spe- Response from author Angela R. Stephens:
bolted joints in the SLRS. However, cific SLRS are found in ANSI/AISC
Contrary to Mr. Watts’ assertions, we are
earthquake motions are such that slip 360-05 or ANSI/AISC 341-05. And as
not asking for protectionism. Instead, we
cannot and need not be prevented in you pointed out, there are a number
want the laws and regulations that are
all cases, even with slip-critical con- of framing systems with R values less
currently on the books to be enforced as
nections. Accordingly, the Provisions than 3 that are required to be detailed
they were intended to be enforced.
call for bolted joints to be propor- according to ANSI/AISC 341-05. These
Furthermore, Section (d) of the Buy
tioned as pretensioned bearing joints systems include:
American provision, Section 1605, con-
but with faying surfaces prepared for • Ordinary steel concentrically braced
tained in the American Reinvestment
Class A or better slip-critical con- frame with permitted height increase
and Recovery Act of 2009 (ARRA) pro-
nections… The resulting nominal (R = 2½)
vides that “this section shall be applied
amount of slip resistance will mini- • Intermediate steel moment frames
in a manner consistent with United
mize damage in more moderate seis- with permitted height increase (R = 2)
States obligations under international
mic events... Where the faying sur- • Intermediate steel moment frames
agreements.” This means that companies
face is primarily subject to tension or with unlimited height (R = 1)
from countries like Canada, who have
compression, for example in bolted • Ordinary moment frames of steel with
signed trade agreements with the U.S.,
end-plate connections, the require- permitted height increase (R = 2)
will be treated similarly to U.S. compa-
ment on preparation of the faying • Ordinary moment frames of steel
nies when the government is purchasing
surfaces may be relaxed.” with unlimited height (R = 1)
products over the dollar value thresh-
Thus, the resulting joint will resist slip Jacinda L. Collins
olds outlined in those trade agreements.
in smaller earthquakes that may occur AISC Steel Solutions Center
Perhaps someday our two govern-
with a greater frequency than the Advisor
ments will enact and enforce coordi-
design-level earthquake. Furthermore,
Thomas J. Schlafly nated laws that will make our shared
this approach recognizes that slip can-
AISC Director of Research border less relevant and our combined
not be prevented in the design-level
economy appreciably stronger.
seismic event. Charles J. Carter
Angela R. Stephens
Regarding seismic detailing require- Vice President and Chief
Civil Engineer and Lawyer
ments, ASCE 7-05 Chapter 14, Material Structural Engineer
Stites & Harbison, PLLC
Specific Seismic Design and Detailing

 april 2009 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION 21

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sports facilities

Physically
The sleek, new Wesley A. Brown Field House does its part
to keep the U.S. Naval Academy strong.

T
The phrase “physical fitness” is likely to conjure up schedule and presented a world-class design that incorporates a
memories of high-school P.E. However, it’s a concept that is often 400-ft-long glass façade, providing views of the Severn River.
cast aside in the transition from high school to college. The steel mill order package was developed prior to comple-
Of course, this isn’t the case at the United States Naval Academy tion of the design in order to ensure a May 2006 construction
in Annapolis, Md., where high standards for physical and mental start. Construction took 22 months and was completed last March,
fitness are givens. This commitment to strength of body is evident and the building was dedicated in May, with the attendance of the
with the completion of the Wesley A. Brown Field House, which building’s namesake, Lieutenant Commander Wesley A. Brown
opened at the Academy last spring and will be used for varsity and (ret.), the first African American midshipman graduate of the U.S.
intramural athletics. Naval Academy.
The design-build contract for the project was administered and
managed by the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAV- In the House
FAC) in Washington, D.C., which conducted a design-build com- The Wesley A. Brown Field House includes several unique struc-
petition between four short-listed teams. The turnkey project was tural features. The barrel-shaped roof of the building was created
awarded to Hensel Phelps Construction Co., whose bid proposed with cambered box trusses that span 200 ft over the playing field/floor
delivering the project one month ahead of the originally proposed below. As an architectural feature, truss depths taper from 12 ft to 9 ft

24 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION april 2009

Fit
By Mark Tamaro P.E., Matthew
Horne P.E., and Calvin Austin
Photos: Blake Marvin Photography, HKS, Inc.

opposite page: The Wesley A. Brown Field House’s 400-ft-long glass

façade offers views of the Severn River.
this page: The building’s barrel-shaped roof was created with cam-
bered box trusses that span 200 ft over the floor below.

over the length of the span. Steel columns support the trusses at the gressed uniformly instead of in stages. One truss was erected
south end, while 60-ft-tall cast-in-place concrete pylons support them per week, and shortly after the last truss had been set, the roof
at the north end. The roof between trusses is supported by open web was closed in.
joists, and their design was controlled by wind uplift and antiterrorism The arched profile of the trusses produced lateral translation at
force protection (ATFP) requirements. the steel column-supported end. The dead load portion of this dis-
Coordinating with the general contractor and the steel sub- placement was accommodated through the use of long slotted hor-
contractor, the design engineers established a truss system that izontal holes at the supports. Once the full dead load was applied,
could be prefabricated and shipped in three pieces. As with these connection bolts were then tensioned, and the subsequent
any long-span roof system, stability during construction was a live load horizontal displacement imposed an acceptable level of
major concern. The use of box trusses instead of planar trusses inter-story drift on the supporting columns above the roof. The
allowed the contractor to use only one shoring tower during metal panel cladding along this side of the building was detailed to
erection without any additional stability bracing. Furthermore, accommodate the associated column rotation.
the inherent stability of the box trusses in the erected condition
enabled infill roof construction to begin after only two trusses Low Seismicity
had been installed. As a result, complete roof construction pro- The building’s lateral system is a combination of braced

 april 2009 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION 25

 Blake Marvin Photography, HKS, Inc.

The building’s lateral system is a combination of braced frames and moment frames that function as a steel lateral
system not specifically detailed for seismic resistance.

frames and moment frames that function seismicity associated with the site made mic detailing of connections, which saved
as a steel lateral system not specifically this system an efficient choice from both material, fabrication time, and erection
detailed for seismic resistance (commonly constructability and cost standpoints. time.
called the R = 3 lateral system). The low The R = 3 system does not require seis- The use of both braced frames and
moment frames eliminated the common
difficulty of coordinating lateral element
locations with program requirements. To
further expedite detailing, structural engi-
neer Thornton Tomasetti designed all of
the bracing connections in-house. The
braced frames use hollow structural sec-
tions (HSS) for the diagonals. The brace
connections consist of single-gusset plates
that were shop welded to the beams and
field bolted to the columns. Oversized
holes and fillet welded connections to HSS
diagonals with slotted ends allowed for
accommodation of field tolerances without
schedule delays

Having a Blast
The broad glass façade along the
Severn River posed a challenge for the
design-build team because the façade was
required to meet ATFP requirements.
Second-order time-dependent analyses
were performed by the team’s blast engi-
neer to verify that the HSS steel frame
supporting the high-performance glass
façade had sufficient ductility and ulti-
mate strength to meet the blast require-
ments. Several design iterations were

Continued on page 28.

 Photos: Blake Marvin Photography, HKS, Inc.

Continued from page 26.

performed until a suitable combination of structural perfor- The framing system ultimately gave the design-build team
mance and aesthetic quality was achieved. the tools and versatility necessary to fast-track the design and
In addition to the “hardened” structural steel frame on the construction of this long-span, multi-purpose facility. Incorpo-
east façade, (facing the river), the south façade is supported by a rating the scenic waterfront views with an elegant steel framed
horizontal truss spanning the concrete pylon and the line of steel façade also helps ensure that this $51-million project maintains
bracing along the conventionally framed two-story bay of the the world-class standards of the U.S. Naval Academy. 
building. This horizontal truss, 200 ft long by 15 ft wide, resists
lateral loads on the façade and braces the top of the precast clad- Mark Tamaro is a principal, Matthew Horne is a senior engineer, and
ding, while it is vertically suspended from the southernmost box Calvin Austin is a senior engineer, all with Thornton Tomasetti.
truss and bears on W24 column sections at 20 ft on center. The
W24 columns also function as flexural elements to support the Executive Architect
lateral and blast loads on the glass and precast south façade. HKS, Inc., Richmond, Va.
Design Architect
Magic Carpet Ride Shalom Baranes Associates, Washington, D.C.
The speed of the steel erection and rapid building close-in
Structural Engineer
provided critical time for the field construction. The field house
Thornton Tomasetti, Inc., Washington
floor is supported by a concrete-framed two-way slab on piles
with recesses for the multiple sports surfaces. The slab also has Steel Fabricator and Detailer
a 4-ft-deep trench following the profile of the running track Covenant Steel Warehouse, Inc., Dothan, Ala. (AISC Member)
and is designed to support the loads from a hydraulic track Steel Erector
system, which can be raised and lowered to create an angled Williams Steel Erection Company, Inc., Manassas, Va. (AISC
“super-elevation” along the curved portions of the track. The Member)
structure also accommodates the 76,000-sq.-ft “Magic Carpet” General Contractor
retractable synthetic turf system. This system is stored in 200-ft Hensel Phelps Construction Co., Chantilly, Va.
sections on a spool and is regularly set up and then retracted
Blast Engineer
with a combination of nine electric winches and an 18-port in-
Applied Research Associates Inc., Vicksburg, Miss.
floor air blower system.

28 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION april 2009

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sports and entertainment facilities

Drop it in
Y
You know it’s a great day when
you top out a 4,600-ton structural steel
project by dropping a 260-ft-long, 100-
ton truss into place with 6 in. of clear-
ance on either end, the client and other
project big-wigs are watching, and the
whole operation not only goes off with-
out a hitch­­, but almost looks easy.
SME Steel Contractors’ field man-
ager, Mark Mundy, held his breath and
watched as the two cranes lifted the
giant truss at a twisted angle above the

30
30 MODERN
MODERNSTEEL
STEELCONSTRUCTION
CONSTRUCTION april
april2009
2009
 The perfect placement of a massive truss tops off
an athletic and performing arts facility in Idaho.

the Slot story and photos by

Michael A. Moore

BYU–Idaho’s upcoming sports and performing arts facility uses 4,600 tons of structural steel.
The facility will open in 2010.

roof line. Project ironworkers gently this topping out probably would not in June of 2008 and will finish up this
guided the 260-foot truss into align- have happened today and it might not June; the project will open in 2010.
ment, as the cranes lowered it into have gone as smoothly.” “We got involved when the structural
place between a 120-ft-long king truss drawings were still in the conceptual
on one end and slots in pre-cast walls of Complications, Above and Below stage,” said Jeremy Stam, SME’s project
the multi-use domed sports auditorium The story of the pick started sev- manager for the Rexburg project. “This
on the other. Mundy let out a big sigh eral months before, when SME was was not a normal fab and erect job.”
of relief. asked by the design team to partici- According to Stam, space at the site
“That pick started months ago when pate in the design and construction of was tight and SME had to deal with get-
the building was still in pre-design,” he a major sports/performing arts facility ting the trusses set before winter hit. In
explained. “If we hadn’t been working for Brigham Young University - Idaho’s addition, a further complication came in
with the AEC team from the beginning, campus in Rexburg. Erection began the form of a set of tunnels that needed

 april 2009 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION 31

Two dozen roof trusses were used in total for the gym and auditorium portions of the project.

to be put in place under the building. “If without incurring major costs in time
we had followed the normal ground-up and money.
construction sequence, we would have “Our involvement from the beginning
started hanging iron at the beginning of definitely helped expedite the schedule,”
winter,” he said. said Stam. “We even had our detailers share
“The decision was made that the a Tekla Structures model with the precast
sequence should be turned upside- guys so that everybody was working off the
down—that we build from the top to same page during the design phase.”
the bottom. That way we would have
the concrete walls and steel trusses in A Tale of Two Fab Shops
place with a roof so that Okland [the SME made full use of their two
contractor] could do their tunnels and major fabrication facililties in making
concrete pours in a covered environ- the project happen on time. The home
ment when the snow hit. And, it allowed shop in West Jordan, Utah handled
us to maintain the tight temperature tol- the job of fabricating the challeng-
erances we needed for the trusses to fit ing trusses for the auditorium, which
into their slots in the concrete walls.” were to be totally field assembled. This
SME’s contribution to the design meant that the proper angle of camber
process focused on how to streamline had to be built into each segment at the
structural fabrication and erection from shop and then maintained during the
a field operations standpoint. Decisions field welding process.
on whether connections should be Further north, SME’s Pocatello,
bolted or welded, fabrication and erec- Idaho shop built the trusses for the
tion sequencing, optimization of mate- gymnasium part of the building. Those
rial shapes, and how to best use scarce trusses were built in three sections and
lay-down room that would get progres- pre-painted at the shop, then assembled
sively smaller, were all made during the on site by field ironworkers.
design and pre-construction phases, “Our detailers had to detail the field
when it was possible to make changes splices to create camber in the finished
Continued on page 34.

32 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION april 2009

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35(&,6,21)/(;,%,/,7<48,&./<
 Continued from page 32.
piece,” Stam said. “The detailer pro-
vided check dimensions so the field
crews could check to make sure that the
proper camber was maintained through-
out each piece.”
Stam also said that on-site qual-
ity control was a challenge, especially
when the days and nights started to
get cold. “If the camber had been out
of tight tolerance, those trusses would
not have fit into place, and you don’t
want to be making field corrections on
a 260-ft-long truss hanging up in the
air,” he explained.
The day of reckoning for the SME
team came on an overcast, cold day this
past October when the 260-ft-long truss
was carefully lifted high into the narrow
slot of space remaining in the nearly
finished roof of the gymnasium side of
the project. Ironwokers walked the nar-
row top of the hanging truss, making
last-second adjustments before signal-
ing the crane operators to make the last
short drop into the waiting slots of the
concrete walls that had been designed
and placed in perfect position and angle
months before. When the signal came,
the huge truss slipped smoothly into its
new home. 
Architect
FFKR Architects, Salt Lake City
Structural Engineer
TSBA Engineers, Centerville, Utah
Steel Fabricator and Erector
SME Steel Contractors, West Jordan,
Utah (AISC Member)
Steel Detailer
Global Structural Detailing Ltd.,
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (AISC
Member)
General Contractor
Okland Construction, Salt Lake City

Michael A. Moore has written about and photo-

graphed construction for more years than he cares
to remember. He has also worked as a structural
34 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION april 2009 steel expediter and helped sell structural projects.
 mixed-use

An upcoming mixed-use complex on Long Island

provides a new shopping and living option to
the far-eastern reaches of New York City.
DeSimone Consulting Engineers

36 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION april 2009

Shopping
Around
By Stephen V. DeSimone, P.E., LEED AP, James Bonanno, P.E., and Karen Wu

W
While construction of retail space has slowed down
across the country, there are some positive signs. One of them—
and not a small one—is located in Flushing, N.Y. on the east side of
Queens, where a $1 billion mixed-use project remains on schedule
to be completed this fall.
Sky View Parc boasts 3.3 million sq. ft of space including
800,000 sq. ft of retail floor area, 1,100 residential condominium
units, and sufficient parking for both shoppers and residents. The
final piece of structural steel—there are approximately 17,000 in
18-in.-deep girders and shallow 16-in. filler beams, large column-
free bays were created to allow maximum flexibility for residential
unit layouts as well as generous clear heights of 9 ft below the
framing members. Transfer trusses were also used on the roof
level of the west podium building, where they will support three
future 14-story concrete residential buildings. The retail podium
buildings flank a 900,000-sq.-ft precast concrete garage with space
for 2,600 cars.

all, comprising 16,000 tons—was erected in February. Mixed-Use, Mixed Requirements

The complex consists of two steel-framed podium buildings, The design of large mixed-use projects presents several chal-
each with three levels. Above the east podium retail base, an lenges due to the different tenant requirements within one build-
11-story steel-framed residential building and two additional ing. Since the project was conceived as a retail project with resi-
11-story concrete-framed residential towers were constructed dential buildings constructed on top, retail column bays of 36 ft by
on top of story-high transfer trusses. At the steel-framed tower, 32 ft controlled the layout of the steel framing.
three rows of columns were arranged along the building length, Since retail column grids cannot be modified due to merchan-
allowing column bay sizes of 34 ft by 26 ft. Along with the use of dising fixture layouts and the stores’ aisle plans, the columns from
© Perkins Eastman
DeSimone Consulting Engineers

The project is expected to increase commerce in Flushing, N.Y., which Full-story transfer trusses support residential towers above retail space.
is also home to the New York Mets’ new Citi Field Stadium.

 april 2009 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION 37

 DeSimone Consulting Engineers

© Perkins Eastman
In all, the mixed-use complex is comprised of 3.3 million sq. ft of space, The complex’s three-story retail podium tran-
including 800,000 sq. ft of retail floor area and 1,100 residential condo- sitions to multiple residential towers above.
minium units.

the residential towers could not penetrate Less Piling Pressure Although the current economic condi-
into retail spaces. Welded steel transfer Yet another challenge faced on the tions may be daunting, Sky View Parc is a
trusses and girders were used to transfer project was the poor geotechnical condi- step in the right direction, as new, high-
residential tower columns out to retail col- tions found across the complex’s 14-acre profile retail spaces tend to generate inter-
umn grid locations below, thereby preserv- site. Since Sky View Parc is located adja- est and activity. In a city of options, people
ing the regular, long-span retail merchan- cent to the Flushing River, the subsur- are always looking for new ones. Beyond
dising bays. This structural transfer was face conditions are a combination of soft offering a new shopping and residen-
accomplished at a full-floor-height intersti- clays and sands with little if any bearing tial opportunity, the complex also offers
tial level directly below the residential tow- capacity. Because of such conditions, the a bright spot in the current downward
ers, space that was eventually allocated to building foundation systems consist of trend in both of these markets—and per-
mechanical rooms and residential storage. approximately 5,500 driven H-piles and haps hopes of a not-too-far-off economic
During the early stages of the project, Monotubes varying in length from 60 to recovery. 
the developer wished to build retail space 120 ft. In order to minimize the building
that would attract national retailers and weight and the corresponding pile count Stephen V. DeSimone is president and CEO,
produce an upscale shopping environment and pile driving time, structural steel fram- James Bonanno is an associate principal, and
in the Flushing area. With that in mind, a ing offered the best and lightest solution. Karen Wu is a project engineer, all with DeSi-
higher-than-code-required live load was It also afforded the design architect the mone Consulting Engineers.
used for the structural design of the floor greatest degree of flexibility in the design of
framing systems. In addition, the developer exterior canopies and sidewalk overhangs Owner/General Contractor
wanted to offer floor plates that could be at the retail entrances. The large, monu- Muss Development, Forest Hills, N.Y.
retrofitted easily as leases expired and new mental, curved glass structure at the main Architect
ones were signed. The use of structural entrance to the retail plaza cantilevers 14 Perkins Eastman, New York
steel and a composite concrete on metal ft beyond the building’s column lines and
Structural Engineer
deck floor system provided the structural provides a three-story atrium behind the
DeSimone Consulting Engineers, New
capacity to not only support the heavy glass wall system. Cantilevered structural
York
loads but also maintain the large retail bay elements, moment connected to the roof
dimensions, while at the same time main- framing, provide the structural system Steel Fabricator
taining an absolute minimum floor-to-floor from which the hanging glass wall system MRP LLC, South Plainfield, N.J. (AISC
height, keeping the overall building height will be supported. The stringent deflec- Member)
to a minimum; one of the flight paths for tion requirements of the glass wall were
LaGuardia Airport passes directly over achieved through the use of stiff cantilever
the project, and thus the overall height of elements, and the curved wall edges were
the rooftops of the residential towers was formed with the use of curved steel edge
restricted. members.

38 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION april 2009

 retail/under five stories

Focal
By Lawrence D. McDowell, P.E.
Cooper Carry, Inc.

Mercato is a 760,000-sq.-ft mixed-use devlopment comprised of 12

buildings containing retail space, restaurants, offices, and condominiums.

I
In the highly competitive retail market, movie Thus the structural engineer was faced with a myriad of
theaters can be a lucrative magnet for developers, providing framing issues:
a steady stream of patrons from morning until late at night. • Column grid alignment between the theater and the retail
And in many retail developments, the theaters become the star below.
attraction. • The high story height of the theater (35 ft) and large open
Such was the case with The Mercato, a mixed-use devlop- volumes for the stadium seating.
ment near Naples, Fla., which attracted international theater • Lateral load resistance framing. Although seismic design is
firm of Cines Unidos to be its centerpiece. The 760,000-sq.-ft. not a code issue in Florida, the high hurricane-force wind
complex is comprised of 12 buildings containing retail space, loads in south Florida are formidable. Like the column grid,
restaurants, offices, and condominiums. One of the buildings, the potential locations for lateral bracing in the theaters
Building 8, is situated at the main intersection of the streetscape tended not to align with optimum locations in the retail
and provides the high visibility essential for the theater, as well portion.
as easy access for its patrons. • Virtually all of the storefront exposure along three sides of
Inherent in the master planning for The Mercato, the the building was required to be free of bracing, walls, and
design of Building 8 needed street-level retail and restaurants other encumbrances for the high street visibility that retail
to provide the proper mix for the building, with the movie the- construction requires.
ater and a future comedy club located above. The two-story • Each theater’s stadium seating had to be structured inde-
structure has floor plates of approximately 50,000 sq. ft per pendently such that sounds (particularly low-frequency)
floor. The theater, with 11 separate seating houses as well as a were not transmitted from theater to theater.
projection and office mezzanine, originally had a column grid • The structure needed to have a degree of flexibility for revi-
of its own—tailored to fit standard theater modules—and bore sions during the design and construction process as leases
no practical relationship to the proposed retail demising walls developed.
below. To complicate matters, none of the retail leases had been Structural steel became the practical and logical solution
executed at the time of the structural design, so maximum ten- for Building 8. After a two-month negotiation with the shell
ant flexibility below the theater was paramount. architect and the theater designers, the structural engineer

40 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION april 2009

 A new retail complex in southwestern
Florida positions its movie theater as
the centerpiece.

Cooper Carry, Inc.

Entrance framing for Mercato’s Building 8. Bracing locations were carefully coordinated with the theater above and
retail below, placing most lateral resistance inboard of the façade to facilitate retail storefront exposure.

 april 2009 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION 41

 Photos by Uzun & Case, LLC

Each theater’s stadium seating (seen left and above)

had to be structured independently such that sounds
(particularly low-frequency) were not transmitted from
theater to theater.

was successful in securing a column grid ping on successive floors. The building is
that provided one-piece, full-height col- on scheule to open in May. 
umns with virtually no column trans-
fers. Even more importantly, bracing Lawrence D. McDowell is a senior principal
locations were carefully coordinated with Uzun and Case Engineers, LLC.
with the theater layout and retail below,
locating most lateral resistance inboard Developer
of the façade to facilitate retail store- Lutgert Companies and Barron Collier
front exposure. Company
Composite floor slabs supported the
Architect
intricate framing for the over-built sta-
Cooper Carry, Inc., Atlanta
dium seating and mezzanines. The sta-
dium seating rakers were constructed Theater Architect
of steel framing members with cast-in- Gould Evans Associates, Tampa, Fla.
place concrete treads, carefully coor-
Structural Engineer
dinated with the theater geometry and
Uzun and Case Engineers, LLC,
low-headroom clearances associated
Atlanta
with the theater entranceways and mez-
zanines. Gaps were provided between Steel Fabricator
each theater seating frame to provide Steel Service Corporation, Jackson,
the acoustic separation required. In addi- Miss. (AISC Member)
tion, several minor floor and roof modi- Steel Erector
fications were required throughout con- John Bowman, Inc., Naples, Fla.
struction to accommodate architectural (SEAA Member)
and mechanical revisions, but these were
Steel Detailer
easily achieved in the field.
Pacific Drafting, Inc. (AISC Member)
In the case of The Mercato’s Building 8,
structural complexity was met with struc- General Contractor
tural flexibility, culminating in a framing Hoar Construction, Orlando, Fla.
system that could be easily redesigned and
detailed to accommodate two such differ-
ent tenants as a theater and retail shop-

42 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION april 2009

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galvanizing

Chrome
&
Steel
By Dale Williams

Photos: © Paul Warchol

44 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION april 2009

Harley-Davidson puts its history—and plenty of galvanized steel—
on display in its new museum.

By dale WilliaMS

l
LISTEN CAREFULLY ON ANY GIvEN WEEkEND when the
weather’s nice and you’re likely to hear the rumble of a Harley-
Davidson. The Harley name has become a symbol of strength, free-
dom, and durability—and perhaps most of all, an American icon.
What better tribute to one of America’s most recognized
symbols than a museum designed to honor the company’s 105
years in business. Designed by Pentagram Architects, the $75
million, 130,000-sq.-ft Harley-Davidson Museum campus,
which opened last year, showcases the people, products, culture,
and history of the company.
The new facility sits on a 20-acre reclaimed industrial site
directly across the Menomonee River from downtown Milwau-
kee and has been conceived as an urban factory ready-made for
spontaneous motorcycle rallies. The three buildings include space
for the museum, company archives, a restaurant/café, a retail shop,
temporary exhibits, and special event space. On the exterior are
open plazas and generous amounts of outdoor space along the river.
The museum’s indoor and outdoor components were inspired by
the spirit of Harley rallies in towns like Sturgis, S.D. and Laconia,
N.H., where thousands of riders congregate every year.

Showcasing the Metal

The museum features an exposed steel frame, and the design-
ers chose hot-dip galvanizing as the coating type, as it ensures the
durability, long life, and quality that Harley-Davidson is known for.
The steel was galvanized by AZZ Galvanizing Services in Joliet,
Ill.—one of the company’s 20 locations—using its GalvXtra pro-
cess, where nickel is added to the zinc bath to provide a more uni-
form coating. The Fort Worth, Texas-based galvanizer, a division
of AZZ, incorporated., is the largest in America.

april 2009 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION 45

 More than 90% of the structural steel used at the
Harley-Davidson Museum campus—inside and
out—is galvanized.
Photos: © Paul Warchol

The industrial quality of galvanizing is not added on but lit- the life-cycle cost associated with a 50-year project life is substan-
erally becomes part of the support and long life of the structure. tially less with galvanizing vs. paint. In addition, using hot-dip gal-
When it came to the façade of the buildings, the designers turned vanizing as the corrosion protection system means there will be
to the motorcycles themselves for inspiration and developed an little, if any, maintenance for several years, thus avoiding future
exoskeleton of exposed supports in a frame of galvanized steel. maintenance costs.
Like Harley-Davidson bikes, where the glistening chrome draws Speaking of the future, perhaps one of the best words to describe
the eye, the steel is not concealed behind plastic or metal but is put Harley-Davidson is “enduring.” It applies to the company’s brand, its
on display for all to see. Pentagram was able to capture the maxi- bikes, and its existence. The new Harley-Davidson Museum pays
mum potential offered by galvanizing, using the changing zinc homage to all of these, and thanks to its zinc-coated, exposed steel
patina to aesthetically represent the long life of the coating—and structure, is yet another of the company’s holdings that can be classi-
again, of Harley-Davidson itself. fied as enduring. 
The site design required interior connections between the vari-
ous buildings, so glass-enclosed bridges were used, maintaining Dale Williams is AZZ’s marketing manager. James Biber, FAIA, was
the factory aesthetic. Like the buildings, the bridges reveal their Pentagram Architects’ partner in charge for the Harley-Davidson
structure on the outside, holding the glass to the interior. Both Museum project and contributed to this article.
the inside and outside of the structure are simple and bold, using
wide-flange beams and columns, exposed gusset plates, and cross- Architect
bracing to stiffen the frame. The project incorporates a total of 2.5 Pentagram Architects, New York
million lb of structural steel, 2.3 million lb of which is galvanized. Structural Engineer
The galvanized steel is not the typical painted finish, but rather an HGA Architects and Engineers, Milwaukee
honest, hardy expression of the industrial process.
Steel Fabricator and Detailer
Merrill Iron and Steel, Schofield, Wisc. (AISC Member)
Cost Factors
While the initial cost of the project was important, the design- Steel Erector
ers took the life-cycle cost of galvanizing into consideration as well. Area Erectors, Inc., Rockford, Ill. (TAUC Member)
According to a study from KTA-Tator, Inc. (an engineering firm Steel Galvanizer
specializing in coating consulting) recently published in NACE AZZ Galvanizing Services, a division of AZZ, incorporated.,
Paper #06318, Expected Service Life and Cost Considerations for Main- Fort Worth, Texas (AISC Member)
tenance and New Construction Protective Coating Work, the initial cost General Contractor
of galvanizing the steel was competitive with paint systems, and Mortenson Construction, Milwaukee

46 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION april 2009

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 steelwise
Your connection to
ideas + answers

The Sounds of Silence

By Rob Kinchler, P.E.

Dispelling the myths about structural steel and sound transmission.

Getting a good night’s sleep at a hotel can be Impact Isolation Class (IIC) ratings measure structure-
tough if you have a noisy neighbor. Many of us have expe- borne sounds resulting from sound producers like washers
rienced this problem at one time or another, faced with the and dryers, exhaust fans, or footsteps. Most floor assem-
dilemma of making the complaint call to the front desk or blies need additional enhancements, such as carpets and
suffering through a restless evening. underlayment, to raise the IIC rating of a floor assembly
The same can be said for the owner of a condominium to code-required minimums. Table 1 (Assembly Ratings)
trying to enjoy a peaceful night at home when the party next on page 52 shows IIC ratings for the various floor/ceiling
door sounds like it’s in their own unit. Owners, developers, and assemblies.
architects are thus keenly aware of how important it is to pre- In residential applications, Section 1207 of the 2006
vent objectionable sound transmission in residential buildings. International Building Code requires a minimum STC rat-
A myth exists that a residential building, such as a hotel or ing of 50; minimum requirements in other major building
condominium, framed in structural steel will be noisier than codes are similar. However, high-end properties may be con-
one framed in concrete or masonry. In fact, it is the charac- structed to achieve STC values greater than 60 to provide
teristics of the separating elements—not the beams and col- better reduction levels. The STC rating then has great influ-
umns—that make or break sound transmission performance. ence on the construction of walls and floors.
Thus, a successful acoustic design of wall and floor systems STC ratings for different wall and floor assemblies are
between units is what matters. dependent on such factors as the material types used, their
The August 2006 SteelWise article “Can You Hear Me mass, and air space included in the assembly, if any. Some
Now?” (available at www.modernsteel.com) explored common assembly ratings are shown in Table 1. When
the issue of sound transmission in buildings. The article details in the actual construction differ, the rating may be
explained that sound energy is measured in decibels (db), improved. For example:
how the suitability of a structural assembly to block sound
1. Doubling the mass of the assembly will add 5 points.
transmission is rated via Sound Transmission Class (STC)
2. Including an airspace will add 2 points per inch of
and Impact Insulation Class (IIC) ratings, and how different
thickness.
products can help alleviate acoustical problems. I’d like to
3. Adding insulation in the airspace will add 5 points.
further explore the topic of sound transmission, particularly
addressing STC ratings of wall and floor assemblies. Note also that cold-formed steel
studs typically will have higher STC
Making Sound Comparisons ratings than wood studs due to flex-
STC ratings measure how well a sound barrier blocks ibility. Since wood studs are more
airborne sound transmission. However, these ratings only rigid, they transmit sound more eas-
address airborne sound in the medium- to high-frequency ily because they dissipate less sound
range (125 Hz to 4,000 Hz), which corresponds to normal energy than flexible cold-formed steel
and amplified speech. A wall assembly with an STC rating studs, and therefore have a lower STC
of 50 db can reduce 110 db of airborne sound on one side rating. (Again, see Table 1.)
of the wall to 60 db airborne sound on the other. This is One challenge that arises in sound
the equivalent of reducing the noise level of a rock concert design is that these STC ratings are for
to the level of normal speech. (We’ll stay focused on the wall or floor assemblies that were tested
medium- and high-frequency range, but it should be noted in a laboratory in accordance with the
that low-frequency sounds, such as bass from the subwoofer requirements in ASTM E90. In real
in a home theater system, cannot be addressed by STC rat- construction, it is important that the Rob Kinchler is AISC’s
ings; acoustical drywall, constrained layer damping, and assemblies are built consistent with the South Central regional
mechanical decoupling can be used to reduce low-frequency details as tested. Even more important, engineer. He can be reached
sound transmission.) flanking paths that allow sound to travel at [email protected].

 april 2009 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION 49

unimpeded through air around the assembly (see Figure 1 below) 3. Are the alternate flanking paths being addressed?
can quickly compromise the performance of even the highest- 4. How does the framing affect other noise or vibration issues
rated barrier assembly. The elimination of flanking paths requires (i.e., mechanical equipment, instrumentation affected by
careful attention, especially at mechanical ductwork, piping runs vibration, floor response, etc.) and how does this need to be
and other penetrations, door and window openings, electrical addressed?
switches and outlets, and barrier edge treatments at intersections
For example, in a high-end condominium, the demising walls may
with structural elements and other barriers.
be built with cold-formed single-row studs, two layers of drywall, and
insulation (option 6 in Table 1). This assembly has an STC value of
Micro vs. Macro
56, which is marginally below the STC rating of 60 recommended
Acoustical consultant Alan Burt of SSA Acoustics in Seattle (www.
for high-end properties. Increasing the airspace or using resilient
ssaacoustics.com) points out that the designed airborne sound
channels will increase the STC rating to 60. The Fire Resistance Design
transmission of an assembly is a function of how the assembly itself
Manual, published by the Gypsum Association, and USG’s Drywall
is put together, and not the building’s structural framing. In other
Steel Framed Systems guide have other generic and proprietary wall
words, all other variables being equal, the frame choice—whether
and floor systems to further improve STC ratings.
steel, concrete, or masonry—is not the driving factor in achieving
Option 6 also provides a two-hour fire-rated wall when used
the desired STC ratings. Rather, the important questions to con-
with drywall. If the wall encapsulates the structural steel fram-
sider in designing for the acoustical quality of a building include:
ing, then no cellulose or cementitious spray-on fire protection
1. Are the selected wall and floor assemblies appropriate for the is required. Thus, the steel structure is fire protected at no addi-
reduction of noise required? tional cost with higher STC requirements. On the other hand, if
2. How well are the selected wall and floor assemblies constructed masonry walls like option 1 or option 3 are selected, the STC rat-
in the field? ings would be comparable to insulated cold-formed stud walls, but

Continued on page 52.

Figure 1: Flanking Paths

Reprinted with permission from

The Green Glue Company.

50 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION april 2009

 Continued from page 50.

Table 1: Assembly Ratings the masonry options would weigh considerably more than option
Tested Wall or Floor Rating 6 and require a larger overall wall thickness, encroaching on valu-
able real estate.
Assembly STC IIC
When attempting to meet certain STC rating requirements,
1. 8” CMU Wall (Exposed) 48 NA
one must keep in mind that the in-field construction of the wall
assembly should be as similar as possible to the tested conditions;
any openings in the wall assembly should be properly sealed off
(electrical outlets, plumbing penetrations, etc.). If the ductwork in
the unit is connected in some fashion with other units, acoustic
2. 8” CMU Wall 52 NA consideration needs to be addressed to prevent sound emanating
2” Z-Bars from one unit to the next via the ductwork. The location and qual-
(Each Side) ity of doors and windows within a wall assembly can greatly com-
½” Drywall
promise the actual STC rating achieved.
(Each Side)

3. 8” CMU Wall 64 NA From Walls to Floors

(Covered) From Table 1, an 8-in. concrete floor slab (option 8) has an
35∕8” Steel Studs STC rating of 55. With option 10, a concrete floor slab on metal
(Each Side) deck (3-in. metal deck with 3-in. concrete topping), an STC rat-
1 Layer Drywall ing of 51 can be achieved. Additionally, for an 8-in. hollow-core
(Each Side)
precast plank (option 11), the STC rating is 53. These options are
1 Layer Insulation
(Each Side)
not based on the building framing, whether steel or concrete, but
on the STC rating desired.
4. 39 NA
All of these options meet the typical STC rating requirement in
the building code of 50; however, additional measures are required
35∕8” Steel Studs to bring the STC rating up to 60 for more stringent requirements.
1 Layer Drywall (Each Side) Options to achieve this rating include providing a drywall ceiling
5. 45 NA suspended with resilient channels, sound insulation, and/or an
underlayment product.
SSA Acoustics’ Alan Burt describes the performance of floor/
35∕8” Steel Studs ceiling assemblies in a luxury-grade condominium project on
1 Layer Drywall (Each Side) which he recently consulted. The assemblies between living areas
Batt Insulation were constructed with hardwood floors installed on an acoustical
6. 56 NA underlayment over a 3-in concrete slab on metal deck. The metal
deck supported a ceiling below, which consisted of two layers of
5/8-in. drywall backed by 3½-in. fiberglass insulation connected
to the deck with resilient channels. The tested STC rating of
35∕8” Steel Studs
2 Layers Drywall (Each Side)
this assembly was 69. Thus, an STC rating greater than 60 was
Batt Insulation achieved with a 3-in. concrete slab on metal deck as the structural
basis for the assembly.
53 27
7.
6” Concrete Floor Slab Sound Advice
55 30 There are many variables that must be considered when
8. designing a quiet building, and it may be wise to enlist the ser-
8” Concrete Floor Slab vices of an acoustical design professional. This type of consultant
43 20 can provide options and help to determine the best assembly for
9. a particular application, give guidance on construction practices
4” Concrete Floor Slab on Metal Deck to be implemented as well as avoided, and help to avoid and
(1½” Metal Deck, 2½” Conc.)
address problems that occur when trying to achieve that rating
51 21 in the field, such as location and isolation of sound leaks in the
10.
6” Concrete Floor Slab on Metal Deck specified wall assembly.
(3” Metal Deck, 3” Conc.) Dispelling myths and false perceptions is always a challenge.
53 28 But it would appear that sound transmission problems based
11. upon the choice of structural framing material alone seem to have
8” Hollowcore Precast Plank become a well-established myth with no basis in fact. Armed with
this “sound advice,” you can educate your clients and work with
Images in table reprinted with permission from stcratings.com.
them to make decisions—based in fact, not myth—to help them
achieve the acoustical performance they desire. 

52 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION april 2009

 aisC
seminars2009
ENHANCE YOUR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Coming to a location
near you!

Did you NEW! Practical Connection Design

for Economical Steel Structures
know...  4/21 Des moines, ia
 4/23 Louisville, KY
 5/12 Tampa, FL
 5/14 Detroit, mi
 5/19 Birmingham, aL
➜ that you can now design without worrying about determining  5/19 indianapolis, in
the effective length factor? Attend this seminar and learn  5/21 atlanta, Ga
 5/28 Buffalo, nY
about the use and misuse of K factors, and the how and why  6/4 Dallas, TX
of design without the need for K.  6/9 Omaha, ne
 6/11 Washington, D.C.
 6/18 Providence, ri
➜ that second-order effects have been required by AISC
specifications since 1961? Attend this seminar and learn the NEW! Design Steel Your Way II
Efficient Analysis for Steel Design
basic differences between first-order analysis and second- Using the 2005 AISC Specification
order analysis, when and why second-order analysis must be  4/16 Kansas City, mO
 4/23 Oklahoma City, OK
used, and how to use the various methods provided for in the  4/28 Harrisburg, Pa
2005 AISC Specification.  5/5 Houston, TX
 5/7 Cleveland, OH
 5/19 seattle, Wa
➜ that attendees at the AISC Design Steel Your Way II  5/21 nashville, Tn
 6/2 raleigh, nC
seminar will learn how common software incorporates the  6/9 Baltimore, mD
new provisions of the 2005 AISC Specification? This seminar  6/11 Billings, mT
 6/11 Boston, ma
includes checklists for assessing what factors your software  6/16 Jackson, ms
includes.  6/16 sacramento, Ca

TheNEW Design Steel Your Way II—Efficient Seismic Connections/

Manual Seminar
Analysis for Steel Design Using the 2005 AISC Practical Applications of the
2005 Seismic Provisions
Specification seminar will cover all of this and more!  4/16 Columbia, sC
Extensive analysis and design examples will be provided so  4/28 Portland, Or
 4/28 st. Louis, mO
that attendees have guidance to follow when approaching  5/12 Pasadena, Ca
their own projects.  5/14 Oakland, Ca
 5/28 anchorage, aK
 6/4 milwaukee, Wi

Author Louis F. Geschwindner, P.E., Ph.D.

is Vice President for Special Projects of AISC and Professor Emeritus of Architectural
Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University. He received his Bachelor’s degree in
building science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and both his Master of Science
in architectural engineering and his Ph.D. in civil engineering from The Pennsylvania
State University. He is a Registered Professional Engineer and was a faculty member Register today!
at Penn State for more than 35 years, teaching and conducting research in building
structures. Geschwindner is past chairman of the Committee on Design of Steel Build- www.aisc.org/
ing Structures of the Structural Engineering Institute of American Society of Civil Engi-
neers (SEI/ASCE) and is currently a member of the AISC Committee on Specifications,
seminars
Chairing its Member Design technical committee. Geschwindner has been an author
and presenter in many of the American Institute of Steel Construction lecture series.

Go to www.aisc.org/seminars for more information.

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 business issues

Grow Your Career—Right Now

If you find yourself in a career rut, don’t blame it on the dismal economy.

Listen, these are tough times for all of time when they did something notable. That sort
us. But if you are still employed, believe it or not, of positive check-in may not glean an immediate
now is a time when you can shine in your profes- response of new business, but it will most certainly
sional role. You have opportunities to be a hero paint you in a favorable light. Right now, we’re all
even if you don’t directly close new business— welcoming positive sentiments.
provided that you take charge and get creative 2. Don’t be downer. While it may be nei-
with your ideas and execution. ther credible nor sincere to walk around with
Many people are discouraged this year. Rise rose-colored glasses pretending everything is
above it, keep your chin up, and stand out. Here bright, you do need to maintain a positive atti-
are five ways to make it happen: tude—one that makes you part of the solution
rather than the problem. Over the years, I have
1. Stay visible—internally and externally. encountered many grumpy, cynical engineers—
Internally, make sure your boss sees your ef- especially when I worked in-house at a firm as
forts often. Don’t try to be invisible, with the a business development director. When times
hope that they won’t notice your limited billable were good, I would reluctantly accept their
workload. Rather than shuffling through draw- cynicism as an inherent personality trait. But
ing sets and reports to appear busy, remember the minute things got rough for the firm, those
how project managers struggle every week to same people became toxic to the company’s By anne scarlett
balance the workload. health, and I found myself isolating them rather
Regardless of your experience level, make it than including them in strategic efforts to turn
crystal clear that you are open to doing uncon- things around. If you are a downer, don’t ex-
ventional, non-billable things during slower times. pect the leadership to consider you a part of the
Suggestions might include: market research, gath- solution, much less vie to keep you on board
ering information regarding a current project during layoffs.
pursuit, writing a white paper, creating a blog to
strengthen your firm’s website and search results, 3. Keep your cool and behave like a pro.
and conducting face-to-face satisfaction surveys In times when employees at all levels are jock-
with existing clients. eying to keep their jobs, there are two routes:
Yes, all of these efforts are marketing-related increasing your own value or bashing the other
and will require the guidance of the firm’s market- guy. The latter is not only unproductive and un-
ing leadership to get the most out of your contribu- professional, but it’s also going to come back to
tions. Why am I focused on the marketing aspect? bite you down the road. People have long memo-
Because your firm needs to book more quality ries when it comes to destructive, inappropriate
business, plain and simple. The closer you are to behavior in a business environment. Further,
the revenue stream, the more likely you’ll be one maintain a healthy lifestyle; if you feel good,
that survives—perhaps even thrives—during this you’ll look good—plus your head will be clear
economic turbulence. and your mind sharp.
Externally, review your network of contacts— 4. Stretch and invest in yourself. Whether
professional and personal. Touch base with them. or not your company has a reimbursement pro- Anne Scarlett is President of
Perhaps your firm will create a campaign to mine gram for continuing education, you must invest in Scarlett Consulting in Chi-
everyone’s individual networks; they may equip yourself to add value to your skill sets. One of the cago. She can be reached at
you with a message regarding a special service, a most accessible value-added routes is to become [email protected] or
hot relevant trend, or even a direct request for new LEED Certified. Before you say “Sustainable de- 773.251.8132.
business. But even if there’s no formal process in sign is not a necessary pursuit for structural engi-
place for mining your network, still do it. Reach neers,” check out an article that I believe provides
out with a call (yes, a call). Feel free to leave a solid, a forward-thinking, long-term argument on en-
concise, friendly voicemail. Express your hope that vironmentally-savvy structural engineers: “Mov-
their year is going well thus far, and reflect upon a ing beyond the LEED checklist” (visit www.go-
time when they did something kind for you, or a structural.com; while you’re at it, also check out
 april 2009 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION 55
“Going Beyond Material Issues” and “Full 5. Recreate an environment where assist in your career evaluation:
Potential” at www.modernsteel.com for you’ve previously excelled. I read Draw a chart with the years of your ca-
more on sustainability and steel). In the something recently by life coach Mar- reer (year 1, year 2, etc.) on the x-axis, and
meantime, you can also stretch yourself tha Beck. She suggested documenting a a scale of 1-10 on the y-axis. Then, think
by seeking out internal resources—other “lifeline” that tracks highs and lows that about years when you felt you had a great
professionals with whom you could learn you’ve experienced over time from any handle on your career—where you were
from. And remember to remain keenly particular “vice” or challenge. While productive, recognized, rewarded, satis-
aware of any “white spaces”—duties or her suggestions were primarily focused fied, and perhaps even proud. Rank each
roles in the firm that are needed but are on personal life, I believe they can be year’s overall performance, with 10 being
currently being neglected due to distrac- applied to your career as well. Here’s a the highest/“excellent” and 1 being the
tions and limited resources. simplified description of how it could lowest/“unsatisfactory.” What happened
during those low years? Have you been
able to overcome the challenges? Even
more important, can you recreate ele-
ments from the years where you most ex-
celled? These might include:

 A strong relationship with your boss

 Completing continued education/train-
ing
 Having control or autonomy over deci-
sions within your realm
 An attentive mentor
 Having a realistic alignment between
the expectations of your work and your
actual capabilities
Perhaps when your career was lackluster,
or even suffering, these things might have
occurred:
 Personal loss (divorce, death of family
member, etc.)
 Health issues
 Negative work environment/culture
 Poor relationships with coworkers
Some things are within your control;
others are not. Motivation and initiative
are essential ingredients to excel in your
career as a professional engineer. When,
during the course of these years, were you
most motivated? What triggered that mo-
tivation?
Once you’ve done an analysis of “the
ideal working environment” for you to
shine in, assess what you can change and
what you simply cannot. For those un-
changeable conditions, try to adjust your
attitude, if possible (i.e., try to overlook
certain irritations or challenges in the work
environment in order to rise above and
move forward in your own rite).
One thing is for certain: Once we
weather this tough economic climate, we’ll
all want to come out stronger, with valuable
lessons learned. In the meantime, why not
make a personal commitment to approach
the present climate as an opportunity to
grow and excel? 

56 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION april 2009

 quality corner

A Better Tomorrow
By Dennis Arter

Quality auditors don’t just assess organizations;

they also help them plan for a more prosperous future.

Let us consider a fundamental question: ture. It does little good to assess the risks or benefits
Why do we audit? The short answer is: We audit to pro- of the future if we can’t do anything about them. Audit
vide information. customers control the future. Whether they are manag-
Auditors examine existing conditions and match ers, regulators, purchasers, structural steel fabricators,
them to requirements. In process language, we have erectors, or engineers, they can effect change. They’re
two inputs: objective evidence and requirements. called stakeholders. If the future looks good, they can
Now you might be thinking, “But wait; that sounds devote finite energy and resources elsewhere. If the fu-
like inspection.” It’s true, auditors always start with ture is full of doom and gloom, stakeholders can work
inspection-like facts: conforming or nonconforming to change things.
data. In the early days of auditing, when the focus was
primarily financial, such data were called observations. Stimulating Change
They are statements of fact and cannot be challenged. So, how do we get stakeholders in an organization to
But there’s more: We also audit to provide informa- do anything? Here’s once scenario: As an internal audi-
tion about the future. Auditors are forward-looking, tor for your organization, you can go through all your
whereas inspectors look back. That’s not to say inspec- notes and pick out the really juicy problems in the shop
tors are “backwards” or in any way inferior. It means and label them “major nonconformities.” Then, select
that inspectors tell folks what was, whereas auditors tell the small problems and label them “minor nonconfor-
folks what will be. As auditors, we take a slice of recent mities.” What’s left can’t be called nonconformities, be-
time and project it forward—i.e., “Based on what I see cause there really isn’t a requirement to do it another
now, this is what I expect to see six to nine months from way. However, everyone knows it should be done dif-
now.” ferently, so you label these leftovers “observations.” You
That means auditors must take objective facts (or present your six-page list of problems (never mention-
observations) and turn them into subjective opinion. ing anything good) at the closing meeting of your inter-
Yes, auditors are required to form conclusions, whereas nal audit, along with 10 to12 corrective action requests.
inspectors are limited to go or no-go. Another audit is in the bag.
This forward-looking concept can be seen in all au-
dit applications. Government inspectors must evaluate a
regulated firm’s controls and decide if the public is pro-
tected from harm. Financial auditors examine year-end
reports, looking for truthfulness. Business managers and Dennis Arter is an ASQ Certified
stockholders use those reports to make financial deci- Quality Auditor and a quality auditing
sions. Supplier auditors evaluate current shipments as a consultant and trainer with Columbia
measure of future performance. Before AISC can issue Audit Resources. He is the author of
a certificate, for instance, Quality Management Com- Quality Audits for Improved Per-
pany must decide if its clients are conforming—and will formance and co-author of ISO Les-
continue to conform—to a set of requirements. Internal son Guide 2008 and Auditing the
auditors—whether they’re looking at quality, environ- Process-based QMS, all published
mental considerations, safety, operations, or security— by ASQ Quality Press. Catch his blog
all examine current practices to judge future risk. at auditguy.blogspot.com.
Here’s the final part: We audit to provide informa-
tion about the future to those who can change that fu-

Quality Corner is a monthly feature that covers topics ranging from how to specify a certified company to how long it takes to
become a certified company. If you are interested in browsing our electronic archive, please visit www.aisc.org/QualityCorner.
 april 2009 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION 57
 that only one or two issues are common
The four rules of the audit: to the majority of the gathered facts. We

HELP 1. Auditors provide information

about the future.
focus on those common issues.
Next, state the problem, followed by

IS
several factual examples of that prob-
2. Auditors must be qualified.
lem, all on one sheet of paper. This is
3. Auditors examine activities called a “finding sheet.” Rather than

HERE.
against requirements.
reporting each nonconforming item,
4. Auditors form conclusions based we show how the several nonconformi-
on facts.
ties are the result of a system issue. We
show the disease, supported by several
individual symptoms.
If we are really good, we can also
Or, you could really help your organi- show business pain: cost, production,
zation by analyzing the data. You could or risk. Putting the problem and pain
show how the lack of system controls together at the top of the finding sheet
is harming the business—higher costs, will nearly always convince the stake-
lower production, and increased risk. holders to change. It becomes a cause-
It’s all business pain. Perhaps you can and-effect statement: “Because of this
actually cause improvement through problem, this pain exists.” And no one
your audit actions. wants pain (business or otherwise) to
Here’s how it works: First, you per- continue!
form a “data dump.” As the internal
audit progresses, the audit team meets Seeking Truth
periodically to gather and discuss facts Here’s where auditors use another
and opinions. They develop a master important management system—cor-
list of good (conforming) facts and bad rective action—to get the problems
(nonconforming) facts. analyzed and the underlying conditions
Take a sheet of paper, draw a line fixed. For adverse findings, an audit’s
down the middle, and label one side output becomes the input to correc-
good and the other side evil. Everyone tive action. Rather than just write up a
opens up their field notes and calls out problem and throw it across the table,
the good (conforming) facts and bad we have actually begun an analysis of
Get the 80-year (non-conforming) facts. The scribe, that problem. We are not performing
Steel Joist Manual, usually the team leader, writes it all true root-cause analysis. That is the au-
down. It is important that there be no ditee’s responsibility. But we are help-
the current Specs analysis, sorting, or deep understand- ing our stakeholders find the truth.
and Loads Catalog ing of the data yet. This is called a data This is why it’s so important for au-
dump, as there is no intent to analyze ditors to focus on what drives change
and comprehensive the information. We just need to get it when they report problems. People don’t
technical digests all in a central location. change because auditors tell them to; they
Next is the “data chunk.” The data change because they want to. They want
on steel joist are now examined to detect patterns. Go to when the common business drivers of
construction at down the list of bad facts and find those
that are similar. They are variations of
cost, production, and risk stand to ben-
efit. These three forces drive every orga-
steeljoist.org/pubs the same thing or they point to a com- nization—public or private, government
mon weakness. Identify related facts by or industry, for-profit or non-profit.
a graphic symbol, such as circle, box, tri- In the end, an audit should provide
angle, star, etc. You will generally have processed information about the future
two or three big “piles” of related facts. to those in a position to do something
This is called data chunking. Facts, both about it. As internal auditors, you ex-
good and bad, will always cluster. As amine controls, both as they exist now
quality industry pioneers Deming and and as they will be in the future. Using
Senge taught us, rarely is there only one systems-based thinking, you identify
instance of a conforming or nonconform- underlying problems and provide incen-
ing condition. Systems analysis shows us tives for true change. 

Images are hires ready TRIM: 2.5" x 10.125"

2C (Pantone7490 / Black) _MSC
NASCC
THE STEEL CONFERENCE
2009 Sponsors
The organizing committee of the 2009 NASCC: The Steel Conference gratefully
acknowledges the support of our sponsors.

PLATINUM SPONSOR GOLD SPONSOR

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regional connections

Notes from the West

By Nina Kristeva, P.E., LEED AP

On the West Coast and throughout the country, now is the time to tap
into the available resources to make informed—and creative—material
decisions on your next project.

It is time of serious challenges for the domes- The steel market in the West Coast—which, in RE terms,
tic and global economy, which in turn creates challenges for includes the states of California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska,
the domestic steel construction industry. The turmoil in the and Hawaii—mirrors the national trend of increase, being
financial markets, accompanied by up 5% in 2008 to 41% from 36%
credit freezing up, is the major risk in 2007. The interesting point of
facing the construction industry. this steel statistic is that during the
McGraw-Hill Construction is pro- K
A same time, the concrete industry
jecting another drastic decline in the W experienced a dip form 25% to 22%
level of construction starts for 2009 nationally and from 34% to 28% in
nationally, following a 12% decline the West Coast region.
for 2008. This forecasted drop is We are very optimistic that
OR steel’s market share is still rising
directly related to the tough fund-
ing environment, cancelled/post- in a time of decreased construc-
poned construction projects, and tion activity. One of the largest
the financial stress in the economy. reductions in construction remains
How has the steel construction for the 20+ story building market,
industry in the U.S., and in par- which directly correlates to the
ticular the West Coast region—my residential real estate market crash.
region as an AISC regional engi- On the national scale the percent-
neer (RE)—reacted to the trends CA age of construction starts for this
in the market? Steel market share type of construction is at 3% of
in the prime construction market all projects, which is half the 2006
that AISC tracks (non-residential level of 6%. The West Coast statis-
and multi-residential construction HI tics are confirming the same trend,
greater than four stories) continues from 6% in 2006 to 4% in 2007 to
to maintain the momentum, as it was 2% in 2008. However, the schools/
up nationally to 55% for 2008 com- libraries/labs market appears to be
pared to 53% for 2007. This represents an over 2:1 advantage picking up, indicated by the increase in construction starts
over the closest competing construction material, concrete. from 9% in 2007 to 15% in 2008 for the region, and from
13% in 2007 to 16% in 2008 nationwide.

LA Live
A major, recent steel highlight for the
region was the LA Live Hotel and Resi-
dences Breakfast Presentation and Tour
sponsored by AISC Member fabricator
Nina Kristeva is AISC’s West Herrick Corp., AEG, and AISC late last
Coast regional engineer and can year. Nearly 200 people attended the
be reached at kristeva@aisc. event, including engineers, architects,
org. You can also visit www. developers, members of the steel indus-
aisc.org/myregion and click on try, local officials, and the media.
West Coast to find out more about The project’s innovative steel-plate
Nina’s activity in her region. shear wall solution, which substituted
AEG

60 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION april 2009

the 30-in. concrete steel walls with ¼-in. moted through voluntary green build- months I have been visiting all of the
to 3/8-in. steel-plate walls, led to a 30% ing guidelines, such as the U.S. Green AISC Member Fabricators in my region.
reduction in building mass, lighter foun- Building Council’s LEED program. I’ve just wrapped up California and will
dations, and elimination of multiple cais- Once an emerging trend, green build- be concentrating on Oregon during the
sons. This helped the building gain more ing has become a routine—if not fully second quarter of 2009. Further north,
than 20,000 sq. ft of floor space, which implemented—idea in today’s construc- in Washington, I am in the process of
equates to an additional $20 million of tion industry. With the down market, it coordinating joint events between the
real estate available for sale. has become even more important for Pacific Northwest Steel Fabricators
Simon Schusteman, president of the industry players to capture the oppor- Association (PNSFA) and the Structural
project’s steel detailer, Steel Systems tunity created by the demand for more Engineers Association of Washington
Engineering, Inc., called the project one sustainable buildings. The key—on the (SEAOW) as a platform for establish-
of the most satisfying of his career. “It is West Coast and throughout the coun- ing ongoing communication and close
not that often that a bold design coincides try—is to help building professionals business relationships between the
with a great execution,” he said. “It was a realize that steel is not simply the mate- design and fabrication communities in
pleasure to watch this marquee building rial of choice but the optimal material of the region. (Check my page for more
going up—well ahead of the deadline.” choice for meeting the new demands of updates on these events.) I am also plan-
For more on the project, visit www. the construction market, such as sustain- ning to exhibit at the AIA 2009 National
aisc.org/LA-Live. ability, once the economy starts turning Convention and Design Exposition in
its wheels again. San Francisco April 30-May 2 and the
Tapping into the Resources SEAOC 2009 Convention in San Diego
Given the current economic circum- Up and Down the Coast in September. 
stances, selecting and designing framing Another resource to consider? A visit
systems—and properly managing the from your RE. Over the past several
acquisition of these systems—demands
even more careful attention than usual.
Luckily, the steel fabrication community
provides material and industry expertise
to bring the greatest possible value to
any building project. In addition, AISC’s
Steel Solution Center (SSC) can assist
with developing conceptual studies of
innovative steel solutions for any project
and design and development team.
Exploring the use of innovative, if
unfamiliar, systems is also important.
For example, steel-plate shear walls
(SPSW) and buckling restrained brace
frames (BRBFs) have been successfully
used throughout the West Coast for
their unparalleled performance under
moderate and severe seismic loading.
Considering steel for building types that
are typically framed with other materi-
als is another option. Structures like
parking garages, which are often framed
in concrete, can easily benefit from steel
construction and accommodate the new
aggressive demands on cost, schedule,
availability, and sustainability.
Regarding the latter attribute, proj-
ect designers are increasingly concerned
with the impact of their work on energy
use and the environment, especially
as certain aspects of construction and
building envelope designs are becom-
ing mandated by government codes,
such as the California Title 24 Energy
Code. In addition, change is being pro-

 april 2009 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION 61

 new products

Each month MSC’s product section features items from all areas of the steel construction industry.
In general, these products have been introduced within the past six months. If you’re looking for a specific product, visit MSC’s online
product directory at www.modernsteel.com/products. You can browse by product category or search on any term to help find the
products you need, fast.

One Pinch, Two Pinch

Ercolina’s new double-pinch ring rollers, according to the com-
pany, feature bending speeds 20% faster than competitive
machines. Forged roll shafts are precision ground and fitted
for maximum performance and minimal deflection, and the
machine’s heavy-duty structure and rigid components provide
high section modulus ratings. The dual-axis movement reduces
tag end length material scrap, and simultaneous downfeed and
roll movement minimize deformation. A programmable touch
screen controls the process with digital readouts of each shaft
position. The machine also features memory storage with mul-
tiple programs and unlimited passes, and a remote control with
low-voltage controls and joystick deadman control. The unit’s
threaded roll shafts with micrometric flange adjustment help
eliminate spacer usage, and each shaft has its own individual
drive motor with-auto speed compensation. Horizontal or vertical
operation are both possible, and an optional three-axis hydraulic
anti-twist system is available. A universal tooling set is included
with each machine.
For more information visit www.ercolina-usa.com or call
563.391.7700

A Greener Flooring System

The Ecospan™ Composite Floor System from Vulcraft provides the advantages
of ease of installation, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Made with 99%
recycled steel in the joists and 70% recycled steel in the decking, Ecospan
provides all-steel, open-web structural components with a lighter weight com-
posite design for elevated floor
construction, while also incorporat-
ing the benefits of lighter weight
composite design. Ecospan is ideal
for a wide range of project types
including condos, apartments,
senior living and care facilities,
dorms, hotels and resorts, office
buildings, and medical facilities.
A safe, innovative new choice for
floor systems, Ecospan helps cut building costs while offering the advan-
tages of green building materials that can help projects qualify for LEED
certification.
For more information visit www.ecospan-usa.com or call 800.361.2604.

All products submitted are considered for publication, and we encourage submittals related to all segments of the steel industry: engineering, detail-
ing, fabrication, and erection. Submit product information via e-mail to Geoff Weisenberger ([email protected]). To be included in
MSC’s online products directory, contact Louis Gurthet ([email protected]).

62 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION april 2009

 Tubular Coating
The epoxzkote high-performance epoxy powder coat primer line
is designed to be recoated, accepting powder, liquid, and two
component primers and topcoats with ease. The epoxzkote powder
coating process begins with a high-pressure iron phosphate
pretreatment system that removes production oils and debris
and deposits an iron phosphate conversion coating that aids in
adhesion and increases corrosion and chemical resistance. stringent
controls throughout the entire process ensure that epoxzkote
powder primed tubing is consistent and meets or exceeds today’s
demanding coating requirements. atlas Tube customers are finding
that epoxzkote offers tremendous resistance to rust and corrosion,
and is easy to weld through, as described in the aWs D1.1 structural
welding pre-qualified procedure. epoxzkote powder primed tubing
doesn’t require any special procedures or breathing apparatus
during its handling or use. independent industrial air hygienist
monitoring determined that welding through epoxzkote produced
no additional fumes and didn’t produce additional exposure of
workers to airborne contaminates above and beyond those that exist with the use and fabrication of regular tubing
goods. as lasers gain in popularity across north america, atlas enlisted the help of laser machine manufacturers so that
epoxzkote can be processed in a single pass on traditional tube lasers. available in the short lead times, the coating
greatly reduces the variable costs associated with welding cleanup, oil and rust removal, and surface preparation time and
materials for the priming and painting functions.
For more information visit www.atlastube.com or call 800.733.5683.

Safety Styles
Gateway safety, inc.’s 2009 product catalog is a
complete sourcing guide for more than 60 styles
of safety eyewear, respiratory, headgear, and face-
and hearing-protection products. consisting of 32
full-color pages, the catalog includes eight product
sections with comprehensive ordering informa-
tion. an exclusive feature of the new catalog is the
safety certification information; specially designed
icons provide easy, “at-a-glance” confirmation of
the appropriate safety certifications for each safety
product, including ansi, csa, Uv-a and Uv-B, and
Underwriters laboratories certifications for eye and
face protection and independently tested noise
reduction ratings (nrr) for hearing protection.
For more information visit www.gatewaysafety.com
or call 800.822.5347.

april 2009 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION 63

marketplace Search employment ads online at www.modernsteel.com.

aisc building-bridge-component AISC Quality Certification

certification training Now more than ever, Certify!
Get prepared for the stimulus package • on-site guidance and training
with the newly released Component Standard and Bridge Certifications! • increase productivity
• reduce drawing and shop errors
AISC Building, Bridge & Component Certification Criteria • reduce/eliminate field back charges
May 18, 19, 20, 2009 • no hidden charges
Chicago, IL • maximize Profit

AISC Sophisticated Paint Endorsement

May 20, 21, 2009
Chicago, IL
*These courses are a good choice for companies who are certified and
considering certification.

Call: 312.861.3000 JAMES M. MOONEY & ASSOCIATES

Email: [email protected]
Call 941.223.4332 or 941.485.7172
www.atema.com
[email protected]

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To advertise, call 231.228.2274 or e-mail [email protected].

64 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION april 2009
Search employment ads online at www.modernsteel.com.
employment
Structural & Misc. Steel Fabrication Advertise Your Job Openings in MSC!
Our organization has been recruiting for the Structural and Misc. Steel
Fabricating industry for over 20 years. Current positions include: MSC employment ads also appear online!
• Project Manager • General Manager   • Quality Control
• Plant Superintendents • Estimators • Detailers www.modernsteel.com/classifieds.php.
• Chief Draftsman ­• Checkers (Please note that these ads no longer appear at www.aisc.org.)
Please send resume to:
Richard Stauffer
United Employment Associates, P.O. Box 8, East Texas, PA 18046
Contact: Lou Gurthet at 231.228.2274
phone: (610) 437-5040 fax: (610) 437-9650 or [email protected]
e-mail: [email protected] www.unitedemployment.com

recruiter in structural/miscellaneous steel STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS – UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES

Fabrication QUESTION: How would your life improve if you could find the perfect job that would help
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ployer pays the employment fee and the to learn more on how we have helped other engineers find a great job that improved their
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Structural Detailing Opening

Gibson Industrial is a growing structural fabricator and erector Advertise in Steel Marketplace!
in Richmond, VA. We are currently searching for an
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We perform work in both the commercial and industrial sector. telephone: 231.228.2274 fax: 231.228.7759
Send resume to: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected]

Regional Engineer: Mid-Atlantic Detailing Manager

Carney Engineering Group is a growing and innovative engineering & detailing firm located in
York, PA. We’re looking for a Detailing Manager who has the insight and ability to change the
Are you an engineering professional looking for a new challenge that is differ- way projects are delivered to our base of design/build and fabricator clients. The candidate
ent and exciting? Are you good at promotion, overcoming roadblocks, working will work with our team in the delivery of integrated contract documents and detail drawings.
with diverse teams, juggling multiple tasks and managing numerous high level Carney Engineering Group operates in a Revit and Xsteel environment. The ideal candidate
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The American Institute of Steel Construction, Inc., founded in 1921 as the trade as- 215 N. Beaver Street, York, PA 17401
sociation for the structural steel industry, is looking for the right person to take the or
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land, Delaware, District of Columbia, and Virginia. Your success will depend on your
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Have You Visited the
conducting seminars, and assisting structural steel fabricators with promotional and
business development programs. The ideal candidate will be a civil or structural Modern Steel Construction
engineer or one with an architecture background with a minimum of five years expe-
rience in building design, construction and/or fabrication and a passion for consulta- Online Product Directory?
tive marketing. Strong communication and computer skills are a must.

To submit your resume for consideration and request a full description of this
www.modernsteel.com/products
position please contact AISC Human Resources at: [email protected]
To advertise, call 231.228.2274 or e-mail [email protected].
 April 2009 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION 65
topping out

Greenwashing the Construction Industry

By Graeme Sharpe, P.E., LEED AP

Talking the green talk without walking the green walk

misses the whole (green) point.

By consensus of opinion, “sustainability” means The most frustrating case I can think of is the attempt
“meeting the needs of the present without compromis- by some agricultural firms wanting to dilute the mean-
ing the ability of future generations to meet their own ing of the term “organic.” Agricultural innovators worked
needs.” Everyone involved in the construction industry, for decades to bring this term to public awareness and as
including civil and structural engineers, has a major role soon as people began to see the benefits and began buy-
to play in sustainability. ing organic products, certain agricultural interests and
Every resource to which we have access is limited in some marketers wanted to get in on the action. However, few
way, and misallocation of those resources can cause all sorts were willing to invest the capital to create truly organic
of environmental, social, and economic distress. The recent products and began to lobby the USDA to change the
global spike in oil prices and resulting economic collapse definition of organic so that it would include their offer-
should remind us that this is not an academic exercise, and ings. The organic label largely survived the assault, but
governments do not foresee every problem nor do they act the threat still exists.
quickly enough to manage them. Just over the horizon we can
easily guess there will be resource issues concerning water, Eco-Friendly or Eco-Nuisance?
energy (again), and agricultural products. There is a lot of In the world of construction, similar greenwashing
work to be done in the coming years to figure this all out. activities are growing more prevalent. The number of TV
shows offering “green” construction products or advice is
In Name Only nauseating. Common sense should rule here, but I think
However, there are a lot of companies out there that there really is no way that gutting an existing house in good
are still interested in doing business as usual but making shape and replacing all the finishes with green products is
it appear as though they are taking steps towards sustain- going to be ecologically friendly. It’s just thinly disguised
ability. When a company puts out misleading information consumerism and a poorly conceived advertisement.
regarding its environmental policies, puts more empha- Sustainability is not something you can purchase at your
sis on green marketing than sustainable development, or local home improvement warehouse. It involves a comprehen-
begins a marketing campaign about new sustainable initia- sive plan that addresses many facets of environmental issues
tives before anything is done to support those initiatives, and the public welfare. But if you are looking for a shortcut,
it is considered “greenwashing.” A small percentage of the old hierarchy of “reduce, reuse, recycle” still applies.
greenwashing is due to honest misunderstandings, but the The proper way to spot construction greenwashing
much larger share is to investigate whether a development has independent
is deliberate and third-party credentials. The United States Green Building
Graeme Sharpe is a struc-
shameful (see Council’s LEED program, Energy Star homes, and other
tural engineer with Silver
“Greenwash third-party certification programs are available. If a building
Creek Engineering, Inc. in
Brigade” on development cannot show these credentials, do they at least
Indianapolis. He is also the
NPR’s website— offer data to the public so their claims can be evaluated? If
author of the A/E-related
www.publicradio. none of this is available, it is likely that the development is
blog “A Place of Sense”
org/columns/ being promoted as green but that no steps have actually been
at www.aplaceofsense.
sustainability/ taken to promote sustainability.
com, where this article
greenwash—for Sustainability will be a key metric for construction proj-
originally appeared. He
an anti-green- ects of the future; don’t let your standards lapse just because
can be reached at graeme.
washing group there is money to be made. If you are engaging in green-
[email protected].
that deserves a bit washing, it is likely your sustainability credentials and your
of attention). professional reputation will suffer. 

Have an opinion you’d like to share in “Topping Out”? Send your feedback to Geoff Weisenberger, senior editor, at [email protected].
66 MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION april 2009