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Idoc - Pub - Rules of Thumb Steel Design PDF
Idoc - Pub - Rules of Thumb Steel Design PDF
Structural Depths:
objective of the structural design process
was to discover a computational method, Inevitably, a question raised in a pro-
which was elegant, simple and appropri- ject concept meeting is what will be the
ately accurate. When such a process was structural depth? Regularly, the partici-
identified it was recorded as an expedient pants are impressed by the response of
approach to solving a recurring structural the structural engineer and that positive
design problem. Thus, quick “Rules of impression lasts if the actual depths
Thumb” became essential resources for designed fall within the range of these
the structural engineer. As computer soft- early predictions. Therefore, it is impor-
ware has proliferated, become very com- tant to have established rules of thumb,
prehensive, and been made very user which allow structural depth predictions.
friendly, the importance of “Rules of The depth of the structural system is
Thumb” and approximate methods has influenced by the span of the elements as
been diminished. It has been argued that, well as such variables as the spacing of
with the computational speed and ease of elements, loads and loading conditions,
Socrates A. application of computer methods, the continuity, etc. Nonetheless, ratios of
Ioannides, need for approximations and “Rules of span to depth can often be relied upon to
Ph.D., S.E., Thumb” no longer exists. However, provide a guide and a starting point from
is President equally imposing arguments can be made which further refinement can be made.
for the value of these quick approaches With the caution that variables other
and John L. such as: than span need to be considered, the
Ruddy, P. E., information in Table 1 is presented.
is Chief • The structural engineer should have
tools to make on-the-spot intelligent It is convenient to remember that ser-
Operating decisions, viceable steel section depths are in the
Officer, of • A reasonable solution is often required range of ½” of depth for each foot of
Structural as computer input, span (L/24). Some people might find it
Affiliates • The validity of the computer output easier to remember the following simpli-
International, should be verified with rational fied rule where the length is expressed in
approximations. feet and the depth of the member in
Inc., in inches:
Nashville. So, with the objective of fostering con-
This article is tinued development, use and enthusiasm Depth of Roof Beams, Roof Joists =
for “Rules of Thumb” and approximate 0.5*Length
based on a methods, several steel framing “Rules of
paper sched- Thumb” are presented in this paper. In Depth of Floor Beams, Floor Joists
uled to be general, these rules of thumb are service- = 0.6*Length
presented at load based, which simplifies their applica- Depth of Composite Beams =
the 2000 tion. Formal checks can then be made 0.55*Length
North
American
Steel Construction Conference in Las
Table 1: Structural Depths
Vegas. System L/ds Span Range
Steel Beam 20 to 28 0’ to 75’
Steel Joist
Floor Member 20 8’ to 144’
Roof Member 24
Plate Girder 15 40’ to 100’
Joist Girder 12 20‘ to 100’
Steel Truss 12 40’ to 300’
Space Frame 12 to 20 80’ to 300’
M beam ≈ M col Interior Columns Not at Roof 111 to 140 Truss – tube without interior columns
The moments in beams framing Tall Building Structural Systems l = Column Length (inches)
into exterior columns are half of the The late Fazlur Khan hypothesized L = Length (ft)
above values that the appropriate structural system to
resist lateral loads was directly related to M = Bending moment (foot-kips)
building height. He predicted that struc- Mbeam = Design Moment for Beam
tural economy could be realized using
Steel Weight Estimates the appropriate system shown in Table 2. Mcol = Design Moment for Column
Cost is generally the basis for confirm- ncol = Number of Columns (not bays) in
ing a structural system since safety and the story of the Frame
functions are essential for any options
considered. Economy is related to the P = Column Axial Capacity
weight of the structural steel although
r x = Strong Axis Radius of Gyration
costs are influenced by many other para-
meters. Yet, weight can be a valuable
Miscellaneous (inches)
indicator of cost and Rules of Thumb are End rotation of a simple beam = 0.2 r y = Weak Axis Radius of Gyratio
useful in establishing an expectation for radians (inches)
steel weight. A quick assessment of Deflection of simple span beam (reduc-
anticipated weight serves as a check of S = Elastic Section Modulus (in3)
tion due to connections) = 80% of calcu-
the reliability of the weight determined lated Vstory = Total Story Shear for the Frame
by more involved investigations.
Roof Framing Systems Wt = Foot weight of the steel beam
Bracing is a cost-effective means of (pounds per foot)
providing lateral load resistance for low For Cantilevered or continuous roof
to medium rise buildings. As the building beams : Wt(psf) = Weight of steel structure (psf)
height increases, the unit steel weight
increases since columns are subjected to • Run beams in short direction
larger loading at the lower floors and lat- • Optimum bay size is 30’ x 40’
eral load resisting components are sub- For Truss Joist and Joist roof systems:
jected to greater loads for greater heights. • Run Girders in Long direction
Thus, one parameter influencing the
• Optimum bay size is 40’ x 40’
steel weight is building height. A rough
approximation for steel weight per square
foot in a braced building using steel with
Fy = 50 ksi is:
Wt(psf) = stories/3 + 7
A three-story building would have a Nomenclature
steel weight in the range of 8 psf and a
27-story building would require 16 psf.
Certainly, this relationship is an over A = Area (in2)
simplification. Yet, it provides a value,
which can be used to confirm that the b = Nominal member width (inches)
results of a more detailed analysis are D = Nominal member depth (inches)
reasonable.
ds = System depth (ft)
Fy = Yield strength of steel
H = Story Height
I = Moment of Inertia (in4)