The Atlas Tube Advantage: HSS Specification and Its Applications in Structural Design

Learn how to maximize efficiency and design versatility with HSS in structural engineering.

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About this event

Hollow Structural Sections (HSS) have emerged as a revolutionary construction material in today's engineering projects. These innovative sections, characterized by their hollow, tubular shape, are fundamentally changing the way structural engineers approach design and construction. HSS materials have gained prominence for several compelling reasons:

• HSS offers exceptional strength-to-weight ratios. Their hollow structure allows for efficient distribution of loads, making them ideal for applications where weight reduction is crucial while maintaining structural integrity.
• HSS sections are easy to fabricate, cut, and weld, reducing labor and production costs. This ease of handling adds to their appeal for engineers and builders alike.
• As sustainability becomes increasingly important in construction, HSS's recyclability and reduced environmental impact are noteworthy. Using HSS can contribute to green building practices.

Join Brad Fletcher, S.E., Senior Sales Engineer at Atlas Tube, on Wednesday, November 15th, 2023, at 1 pm Eastern Time (ET), as we delve into the world of HSS and its transformative potential in structural engineering.

In this webinar, we will cover:

• What are HSS and how are they made?
• Why are HSS used?
• Understanding HSS specifications

Webinar Resources

• Presentation

Webinar Summary

The webinar, presented by Brad Fletcher, Senior Sales Engineer at Atlas Tube, focused on the specifications and applications of Hollow Structural Sections (HSS) in structural design.

HSS Manufacturing Process:

Brad explained the manufacturing process of HSS, which involves cold-forming hot-rolled coil into a round section, then welding it to form square or rectangular sections. He also discussed the electric resistance welding (ERW) method used in the production of HSS.

HSS Specifications:

Several specifications for HSS were discussed, including ASTM A500, ASTM A847, ASTM A1085, CSA G40.21, and API 5L. Each specification has different properties and applications, with ASTM A500 being the most common and preferred specification.

Fire Protection Considerations for HSS:

Brad highlighted the importance of fire protection when using HSS. He suggested using intumescent coatings for aesthetic situations where HSS is exposed. Another option mentioned was filling the HSS with concrete, which acts as a heat sink and provides additional fire protection.

Transportation and Length of HSS:

The webinar addressed the challenges of transporting long lengths of HSS, with the maximum length produced being up to 100 feet for square and rectangular sections, and up to 135 feet for round sections.

Q&A Summary:

Question: How do you ship a 100-foot length of HSS? Answer: Transportation becomes an issue for such long lengths. They are typically transported via barge or rail cars with special load requirements.

Question: What type of electrodes are used for wire weld? Answer: In the ERW process, there are no electrodes used. For other processes like SAW, the specific type of electrode would depend on the manufacturer.

Question: Is stress relief required after rolling the sections? Answer: Typically, stress relief is not required for normal applications. However, in structures where a lot of welding is done, proper heat treatment during welding can help avoid distortion.

Question: What are the fire protection considerations with HSS? Answer: Fire protection can be achieved by using intumescent coatings or filling the HSS with concrete. The choice depends on the specific application and aesthetic considerations.