When choosing a steel fabricator, there are certain questions you should ask before signing a contract.
Knowing how long a company has been in steel fabrication is important, as well as knowing what type of projects they&#;ve done.
Industrial Resources has a team of top-notch engineers to design projects. Industrial has six registered professional engineers on staff consisting of mechanical, civil, structural, process and electrical engineers that have more than 100 years of combined experience.
We have a quality experienced team of engineers on staff including:
Fabricators invest heavily in themselves, and it&#;s only normal that they should do so with the equipment they work with.
Industrial Resources can fabricate and produce as much as 300 tons per month of fabricated steel, plate work and material handling conveyors utilizing the following resources:
Industrial Resources maintains a fully equipped steel fabrication facility in our Fairmont, West Virginia, base of operations; however, we can ship our products anywhere in the country.
Here&#;s a few great examples:
On August 8, , Mountaineer Resources, Inc., a sister company to Industrial Resources, Inc., was contracted by Turn-Key Processing Solutions (TPS) to assist in constructing a turnkey frac sand screening facility for Black Mountain Sand&#;s Vest Site near Kermit, Texas along with another location called the Eldorado Site in Winkler County, Texas. These facilities will produce a high quality, cost effective regional sand that will be used within the oil and gas industry. Read more about the project here.
Allegheny Mineral&#;a leading supplier of aggregates to the Pennsylvania market&#; certainly understands these economics, and for the past 20 years, has been using a 3,100 ft. long, 42-inch conveyor to transport crushed limestone from an existing pit primary crusher to their existing processing plant and storage yard at their Slippery Rock Quarry in northwestern Pennsylvania. Industrial Resources was engaged to develop a preliminary engineering design report and to assist with the necessary planning to further define the proposed conveyor project. Read more about the project here.
Many times, there are often issues that arise when multiple contractors are hired between engineering, fabrication and installation. Coordination efforts are up to the responsibility of the owner&#;s management staff, who may not have much contract experience.
Benefits of hiring a turnkey engineering firm are that the project is under one single contract. A Turnkey company will be aware of a project&#;s needs from an engineering standpoint, a fabrication standpoint, as well as the installation standpoint.
To learn more about why it&#;s important to hire a turnkey engineering company, click here.
Industrial Resources is a turn-key contractor that designs, details, fabricates and installs custom facilities such as overland conveyors, transshipment facilities, coal preparation plants, frac sand facilities and other material processing facilities.
Having an AISC certified Steel Fabricator is important.
A certified fabricator can provide their customers with the assurance that their fabrication facility has the personnel, organization, experience, procedures, knowledge, equipment and commitment to produce fabricated steel to the standard of quality required for structural steel building construction.
Our fabrication facility is certified with the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) of a &#;Standard for Steel Building Structures&#; and can fabricate and produce 300 tons per month of fabricated steel, plate work and material handling conveyors.
&#;The certification holds us accountable, not only with AISC but with the entire Industrial team, but most importantly for our clients.&#;(Asa Coplin, Safety Director Industrial Resources, Inc)
There are many things the fabricators are required to do to become AISC certified, but here are a few examples of those requirements:
Becoming AISC Certified is an extremely rigorous process; however, with this certification, it takes the fabricator to a new level of standards, quality and accountability. All AISC Certified Fabrication Facilities are audited yearly to confirm that they are following all the requirements of the standards.
Choosing the wrong fabrication team can set your project back in time and cost you money.
To learn more about being AISC Certified, click here.
Industrial Resources has been in business for 75 years and have set a standard for safety, working as a team and providing the customer with a quality product that they can be proud of and one that can provide for their service and intentions for years to come.
If you would like to talk to us about your next fabrication project, tour our facility or have questions about pricing, please contact John Pellegrin, Jr., VP, Manager of Sales for Industrial Resources at or call (304) 363-, ext. 136.
December 28,
True or False: It is not necessary to remove the ceramic insulator from a stud shear connector in composite construction.
Answer:
False. It is necessary. Section 7.4.6 in AWS D1.1 states: &#;After welding, arc shields shall be broken free from studs to be embedded in concrete, and, where practical, from all other studs.&#; This is required for visual inspection of the weld.
True or False: For conventional composite girder-slab bridges, the effective flange width is the corresponding tributary width of the deck perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the member.
Answer:
True.
True/False.Structural steel shapes rolled in the United States consist of 85% recycled steel content.
Answer:
False. Structure steel shapes rolled in the United States consist of 93% recycled steel content.
What document specifies that all column base plates must be designed and fabricated with a minimum of four anchor rods?
a. AISC 360
b. ASTM F
c. OSHA Regulations
d. AISC Design Guide 1
Answer:
c. This is required per OSHA regulations. See Section .755(a)(1) of the 29 CFR Standards for Steel Erection. Note that posts (which weigh less than 300 lb.) are excluded from the four-anchor-rod requirement. OSHA requirements are summarized on page 2-6 of the Manual.
True or False: The AISC Code of Standard Practice provides five classifications for levels of work in architecturally exposed structural steel (AESS).
Answer:
True. Section 10 provides five levels (1, 2, 3, 4, and Custom). These levels are increasingly demanding and provide a method to better match expectations, applications, needs, and costs.
True or False: The critical stress in a fillet weld is considered to be a tensile stress.
Answer:
False. Tension, compression and moments acting upon a fillet-welded joint are always resolved as shear in the weld throat&#;i.e., the least diagonal dimension.
True or False: If a beam is specified to have 1 in. of camber and is received by the fabricator with 3/4 in. of natural camber, it is necessary to camber the member an additional 1/4 in.
Answer:
False. The AISC Code of Standard Practice for Steel Buildings and Bridges (ANSI/AISC 303, aisc.org/specifications) states, in Section 6.4.4: &#;For beams that are specified in the contract documents with camber, beams received by the fabricator with 75% of the specified camber shall require no further cambering.&#;
November 9,
ASTM A123 is a common specification for which construction material?
a. Washers
b. Shop primer
c. Zinc coatings
d. Anchor rods
Answer:
c. Galvanizing
For plate girder design without longitudinal stiffeners, the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications state that the web D/tw ratio must be less or equal to:
a.100
b.150
c.200
d.250
Answer:
b. 150.
True/False. A fillet weld should be sized based on the thickness of the thinner of the two materials being joined.
Answer:
True: In accordance with Specification Section J2.2-2b(b)(1) a fillet weld shall not be greater than the thickness of any material it is joining.
ASTM A563 is a specification for which construction material?
a. Structural bolts
b. Nuts
c. Turnbuckles
d.Anchor rods
Answer:
b. Nuts
When detailing a steel beam, which dimensions on the drawings are typically drawn to scale?
a. length and depth
b. length and width
c. width and depth
Answer
c. width and depth
Which of the following situations may require the reduction in available bolt shear strength?
a. Where a bolt passes load through a filler greater than or equal to 1/4 in.
b. Where bolts are used in an end-loaded connection with length exceeding 38 in.
c. Where the bolt is subjected to combined shear and tension loading in a bearing-type connection.
d. All the above.
Answer:
d. All the above situations may require the reduction of the available shear strength of a bolt. AISC Specification Section J5.2(a) provides a reduction factor to use when a bolt passes load through a ¼ in. or larger filler. The footnote &#;b&#; in AISC Specification Table J3.2 states &#;For end loaded connections with a fastener pattern length greater than 38 in. (950 mm), Fnv shall be reduced to 83.3% of the tabulated values.&#; AISC Specification Section J3.7 includes the provisions for a bearing-type bolt subject to shear and tension. While this section provides equations that will reduce the nominal tensile strength of a bolt due to the presence of shear stress, the User Note in this section state that &#;Also note that Equations J3-3a and J3-3b can be rewritten so as to find a nominal shear stress, F&#;nv, as a function of the required tensile stress, ft.
For a fillet welded T-joint, what is the maximum gap allowed between pieces before the weld size must be increased by the gap size?
a. 1&#;32 in.
b. 1&#;16 in.
c. 1&#;8 in.
d. ¼ in.
Answer:
b. 1&#;16 in., the same as the increment between weld sizes. See Clause 5.21.1 in AWS D1.1 and Design Guide 21 Section 3.5.11 for more information.
What is the minimum length for a fillet weld without reduction of design strength?
a. The weld size
b. Twice the weld size
c. Four times the weld size
d. Eight times the weld size
Answer:
c. The strength of fillet welds not meeting this criterion may be calculated with size taken as one-quarter of the length, per AISC Specification J2.2c.
Which end-loaded fillet weld geometry results in a higher strength-to-volume ratio?
a.¼-in. size × 24-in. length
b.¼-in. size × 48-in. length
Answer:
a. Strength-to-volume ratios would be equal, were it not for the penalty on end-loaded fillet welds longer than 100 times their size per AISC Specification J2.2d. Increases in length result in less uniformity in stress distribution, owing to complex effects of relative stiffnesses in addition to shear lag. The condition does not frequently occur in practice.
September 7,
Which fillet weld geometry results in a higher strength-to-volume ratio?
a.½-in. size × 12-in. length
b.¼-in. size × 24-in. length
Answer:
b. Strength, which is proportional to the product of length and size, is the same for each choice. Volume, which is proportional to the product of length and size squared, is half as much for choice b. BONUS: It should be noted that relative volume is an indirect indication of relative cost. Since labor, not material, dominates fabrication costs, the number of passes required to produce the weld can be a better indication of cost. Table 8-12 of the AISC Steel Construction Manual (www.aisc.org/manual) indicates that the ½-in. fillet weld will require four passes, whereas a ¼-in. fillet weld only requires one pass. The relative cost can be estimated as the product of the number of passes and their lengths.
Concerning fillet welds, the more transverse the load direction:
a. the smaller the rupture surface and the lower the strength
b. the smaller the rupture surface and the higher the strength
c. the larger the rupture surface and the lower the strength
d. the larger the rupture surface and the higher the strength
Answer:
d. The transverse load orientation affords strength increase because the failure &#;plane&#; is a curved surface whose area is greater than the area defined by the effective throat extruded the length of the weld (the failure plane for longitudinally loaded fillet welds). See Design Guide 21 Section 3.5.7 for discussion.
For which of the following joint types does the maximum fillet weld size apply, per AISC Specification section J2.2b?
a. Lap
b. Butt
c. Inside corner
d. Tee
Answer:
a. The limits, based on material thickness, are intended to prevent melting away of exposed edges. Tee joints and inside corner joints do not have exposed edges. Butt joints cannot be joined with fillet welds. See Design Guide 21 Section 3.5.2 for images and further discussion.
The intent of Specification Table J2.4 (minimum fillet weld size) is to ensure sufficient:
a. material quantity
b. heat input
c. weld visibility
d. time spent
Answer:
b. Assuming minimum weld sizes are made in a single pass (as the footnote in Table J2.4 indicates) there is a direct relationship between weld size and heat input. Sufficient heat input is required in order to achieve fusion and to slow cooling, preventing cracks that may otherwise occur. See Design Guide 21 Section 3.5.1 for more information.
August 10,
True or False. A skewed single plate shear connection must be CJP welded to the supporting member?
Answer:
False. Fillet welds may still be used for certain shear plate thicknesses within a range skew angles. AISC Manual Table 10-14C is a design aid that provides the required fillet weld sizes for skewed single shear plate connections.
Which of the following statements are not true with respect to slip-critical connections?
a. They have a lower strength per bolt compared to a bearing type configuration
b. They are commonly specified to limit possible structural deformations when using oversized holes
c. They are required when bolts are pre-tensioned
d. They require more extensive bolt installation and inspection requirements compared to a snug tight bolted connection
Answer:
c. They are required when bolts are pre-tensioned
True or False: Only those materials listed under Section A3.1a of the AISC 360 Specification are approved for use under the Specification.
Answer:
False. The materials listed in Section A3.1a are explicitly approved for use under the Specification, but as per Section A3.1a of the Commentary in AISC 360, "Other materials may be suitable for specific applications, but the evaluation of those materials is the responsibility of the engineer specifying them." In short, other materials can be used outside of those listed in Section A3.1a, but the specifying engineer must exercise due diligence in evaluating their suitability.
For a bolted connection, which of the following limit states will require the addition of 1/16 in. to the nominal bolt hole diameter?
a. Block shear rupture
b. Tension rupture
c. Shear rupture
d. All of the above
Answer
d. AISC Specification Section B4.3 states that &#;In computing net area for tension and shear, the width of the bolt hole should be taken as 1/16 in. (2mm) greater than the nominal dimension of the hole.&#; All three of these limit states are rupture limit states that use &#;net area&#; and the hole diameter must be increased by 1/16 in.
True or False: For cyclically loaded slip-critical joints, mechanically guided thermally cut holes are not permitted.
Answer:
False. Per the Specification for Structural Joints Using High-Strength Bolts, Section 3.3 it is stated, "For cyclically loaded slip-critical joints, mechanically guided thermally cut holes shall be permitted. For other cyclically loaded joints, thermally cut holes shall be permitted upon approval by the Engineer of Record."
July 6,
Which of the following bolts are permitted to be galvanized?
a.ASTM F Grade A325
b. ASTM F Grade F
c. ASTM F Grade A490
d.ASTM F
Answer:
ASTM F Grade A325 bolts are permitted to be hot-dipped galvanized. ASTM F Grade F and ASTM F bolts are permitted to be mechanically galvanized. All galvanizing is prohibited for ASTM F Grade A490 bolts due to the potential for hydrogen embrittlement.
True or False: Thermal break material can be used in a bolted joint.
Answer:
False. The RCSC Specification continues to prohibit non-steel elements in bolted connections in structural steel joints. The RCSC Specification for Structural Joints Using High-Strength Bolts includes commentary on evaluating the use of thermal break material in a bolted joint.
In the AISC Specification, which of the following criteria defines a &#;rolled heavy shape&#;?
a. When the shape weight exceeds 200 lb/ft
b. When the shape weight exceeds 500 lb/ft
c. When the flange thickness exceeds 2 in.
d.When the weight of the fabricated member exceeds the capacity of a shop crane.
Answer:
c. Per AISC Specification, Section A3.1, &#;ASTM A6/A6M hot-rolled shapes with a flange thickness exceeding 2 in. (50 mm) are considered to be heavy rolled shapes&#;
True or False: Structural Stainless Steel members can be designed using the AISC Specification for Structural Steel Buildings (AISC 360)
Answer:
False. Due to the different stress to strain ratio of Stainless Steel to carbon steel, the provisions of AISC 370-21 Specification for Structural Stainless Steel must be used in designing stainless steel members.
True or False: Structural Stainless Steel members can be designed using the AISC Specification for Structural Steel Buildings (AISC 360)
Answer:
False. Due to the different stress to strain ratio of Stainless Steel to carbon steel, the provisions of AISC 370-21 Specification for Structural Stainless Steel must be used in designing stainless steel members.
Which of the following is true about the multipliers for accounting for second-order effects according to an approximate second-order analysis?
a. The B1 factor accounts for story sway P-Δ effects.
b. The B2 factor can be expressed in terms of story stiffness.
c. The B2 factor should be modified by Cm to account for cases of moment gradient.
d. All of the above
Answer:
b. The B2 factor can be expressed in terms of story stiffness by use of AISC 360-16 Equation A-8-7. Note that the B1 factor, which accounts for P-δ effects, can be modified by the factor, Cm.
A shape defined as "slender for compression" in Part 1 of the AISC Steel Construction Manual...
a. ...will always have its compressive strength reduced because of that slenderness.
b. ...may have its compressive strength influenced by that slenderness.
Answer:
b. A shape may be "slender for compression" but still meet the requirements provided in AISC 360-16 Equation 7-2, in which case the compressive strength will not be influenced by the cross-sectional slenderness. Such will be the case for compression members with sufficiently high member slenderness.
True or False: Strain hardening is not a concern for cambering beams.
Answer:
True. Section 2.1 of the design guide states: &#;The range of strains induced in the steel material during cambering is well below the range where strain hardening occurs.&#;
Which of the following statements are true about erection requirements for AESS:
a.Tack welds not incorporated into final welds shall be ground smooth.
b.All bolt heads in connections shall be on the same side, as specified, and consistent from one connection to another.
c.Both &#;a&#; and &#;b&#; are correct.
d.Both &#;a&#; and &#;b&#; are incorrect.
Answer:
c. Both of these requirements must be satisfied according to Section 10.6 of the AISC Code.
True or False: All structural analysis software programs are capable of accurately and directly modeling the P-Δ and P-δ (second-order) effects.
Answer:
False. Many, but not all, modern commercial structural analysis programs are capable of accurately and directly modeling all significant P-Δ and P-δ second-order effects. Programs that accurately estimate second-order effects typically solve the differential equations using a geometric stiffness approach or the use of stability functions. More information can be found in Section C2.1 of the Commentary to the AISC Specification for Structural Steel Buildings (ANSI/AISC 360-16, aisc.org/specifications).
When specifying camber on a beam, several aspects should be considered when calculating the theoretical deflection of the beam. Which is not one of these aspects?a.Increased connection restraint
b.Possible deck span effect
c.Span length reduction
d.Live load effects
Answer:
d. Live load effects. Section A.2 of the design guide states that when specifying camber, it is important to consider how the effect of increased connection restraint, possible deck span effect, and possible span length reduction may combine to reduce de&#;ection when calculating the theoretical de&#;ection of beams at the column lines.
True or False: Castellated and cellular beams are not economically attractive alternatives for spans greater than 30 ft.
Answer:
False. As a result of expanding the web and introducing web openings, castellated and cellular beams have an increased depth-to-weight ratio, an increased section modulus, and increased strong-axis moment of inertia. These increase efficiency and make longer spans possible. More information can be found in AISC Design Guide 31: Castellated and Cellular Beam Design (aisc.org/dg).
True or False: A welded unreinforced flange-welded web (WUF-W) connection is designed such that the plastic hinge is located at a distance of d, the beam depth, away from the column face.
Answer:
False. Inelastic rotation is developed primarily by yielding of the beam in the region adjacent to the face of the column, whereas the protected zone consists of the portion of the beam between the face of the column and a distance one beam depth, d, from the face of the column. The Commentary to Section 8.1 provides additional information, saying, &#;The protected zone for the WUF-W moment connection is defined as the portion of the beam extending from the face of the column to a distance d from the face of the column, where d is the depth of the beam. Tests on WUF-W moment connection specimens show that yielding in the beam is concentrated near the face of the column, but extends to some degree over a length of the beam approximately equal to its depth.&#;
In some cases, heat cambering will be the costlier option compared to simply increasing the beam&#;s size. What is a reasonable estimate for beam weight addition in lb/ft?
a.1 lb/ft
b.10 lb/ft
c.50 lb/ft
d.100 lb/ft
Answer:
b. Section 3.2 of the design guide states that a good rule of thumb for heat cambering cost of a 20-ft-long beam would be the equivalent of adding 10 lb/ft in beam weight. Check with your local fabricator on their preferred method of cambering.
True or False: Bolt orientation is a category-specific requirement for AESS.
Answer:
False! Bolt orientation is not a category-specific requirement. Section 10.6(f) states this provision generally. Thus all bolt heads should be on the same side and must be consistent from one connection to another. Section 10.2 (e) provides requirements for what is required to be indicated on Contract Documents regarding the orientation of bolt heads.
True or False: For an ASTM A500 HSS (hollow structural section) member, the wall thickness used in design, tdes, is taken as the nominal wall thickness.
Answer:
False. ASTM A500/A500M tolerances allow for a wall thickness that is within ±10% of the nominal value. Because the plate and strip from which these HSS are produced have a much smaller thickness tolerance, manufacturers consistently produce them with a wall thickness that is near the lower-bound wall thickness limit. Consequently, the AISC Specification for Structural Steel Buildings (ANSI/AISC 360) requires, in Section B4.2, that 0.93 times the nominal wall thickness be used for the design wall thickness in calculations. Note that IDEAS2 winners Little Charlotte monumental stairs and Hartsfield-Jackson Airport modernization prominently use HSS members.
True or False: Mill camber should be considered additive to the camber specified to counterbalance some of the anticipated structural deflections.
Answer:
False. Any natural camber that exists in the member upon delivery to the fabricator from the mill is not a concern when cambering because those initial out-of-straightness variations will be superseded by the imposed camber.
Which AESS category is likely to be specified for a steel member/assembly with a viewing distance of 17 ft?
a. AESS 1
b. AESS 2
c. AESS 3
d. AESS 4
Answer:
AESS 3. Section 10.1.1 of the AISC Code defines the five categories of AESS. AESS 3 shall be specified for feature elements viewed at a distance less than 20 ft.
True or False: High-strength slip-critical bolts are permitted to share the load with existing rivets in both new work and structural alterations.
Answer:
True. In connections designed as slip-critical, high-strength bolts are permitted in combination with rivets. This is noted in Specification Section J1.10.
AISC 342 is planned to replace the ASCE 41 provisions for seismic evaluation and _____ of steel buildings.
a. repair
b. design
c. retrofit
d. calculation
Answer:
c. retrofit.
The edition of the AISC 207 standard contains a new chapter addressing which of the following? (Choose one.)
a. Metal component manufacturer
b. Fracture-critical requirements
c. Hydraulic metal structures
d. Sophisticated painting
Answer:
c. Hydraulic metal structures.
True or False: A reduced beam section&#;s uncut flange width should be used conservatively when checking the width-to-thickness ratio limitations found in Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings (ANSI/AISC 341) Table D1.1.
Answer:
False. AISC 358 Section 5.3.1(6) requires the calculation of the width-to-thickness ratio for the flanges to be based on a value of bf not less than the flange width at the ends of the center two-thirds of the reduced section, provided that gravity loads do not shift the location of the plastic hinge a significant distance from the center of the RBS.
True or False: Only the limit states of flexural yielding and flexural rupture govern the flexural strength of elements of members at connections and connecting elements, such as plates, gussets, angles, and brackets.
Answer:
False. J4.5 of the Specification states: &#;The available flexural strength of affected elements shall be the lower value obtained according to the limit states of flexural yielding, local buckling, flexural lateral-torsional buckling, and flexural rupture.&#;
True or False: Fillet encroachment (riding the fillet on the beam) is not allowed.
Answer:
False. Page 10-7 of the Manual states: &#;Note that the element (clip angle) may encroach upon the fillet(s), as given in Figure 10-3.&#; This figure indicates how much the angle can encroach on the fillet.
What is the minimum thickness requirement for structural steel according to the AASHTO LRFD Specifications?
a. ¼ in.
b. 5&#;16 in.
c. 3&#;8 in.
d. ½ in.
Answer:
b. AASHTO LRFD Specifications Section 6.7.3 states that 0. in. (5&#;16 in.) is the minimum thickness required for structural steel. This requirement generally governs for cross-frame and diaphragm members. AASHTO/NSBA Collaboration G12.1 recommends a minimum steel girder web thickness of ½ in. and a minimum steel girder flange thickness of ¾ in. Note that gusset plates used in trusses and orthotropic steel decks require other minimum thicknesses per Section 6.7.3.
True or False: For erection safety purposes, at least one bolt must be placed in each beam end of a typical shear connection.
Answer:
False. Page 10-7 of the Manual states: &#;A minimum of two bolts (one bolt in bracing members) must be placed for erection safety per OSHA requirements.&#;
True or False: Fireproofing is not required to achieve the fire rating of a SpeedCore system.
Answer:
True. The typical SpeedCore system is fireproof because of the concrete fill inside the steel panels.
True or False: If a beam is specified to have ¾ in. of camber and is received by the fabricator with 9&#;16 in. of natural camber, it is necessary to camber the member an additional 3&#;16 in.
Answer:
False. The AISC Code of Standard Practice for Steel Buildings and Bridges (ANSI/AISC 303, aisc.org/specifications) states, in Section 6.4.4: &#;For beams that are specified in the contract documents with camber, beams received by the fabricator with 75% of the specified camber shall require no further cambering.&#;
True or False: Groove-welded splices in plate girders and beams shall develop the nominal strength of the smaller spliced section.
Answer:
True. This information is located in Section J6 of the Specification. Also, other types of splices in plate girder and beam cross-sections shall develop the strength required by the forces at the point of the splice.
True or False: It is required that the minimum length of a simple shear-framed connection be half the T-dimension of the beam to be supported.
Answer:
False. There is no requirement in the Specification or Manual for the minimum length (depth) of a simple shear connection to be one-half the T-dimension. The Manual provides the following recommendation on page 10-7: &#;It is recommended that the minimum length of simple shear framed connections be one-half the T-dimension of the beam to be supported. This provides for beam end stability during erection. When a beam is otherwise restrained against rotation about its longitudinal axis, such as is the case for a composite beam, the torsional end restraint is not critical.&#;
True or False: SpeedCore requires the same advance erection progress above the surrounding gravity framing as a reinforced concrete core.
Answer:
False. The steel components of a SpeedCore can be erected in sequence with the gravity framing and do not require the core to get ahead of the gravity framing, which is simpler and a big reason why the SpeedCore system goes so much faster.
True or False: Shear studs on collector beams can be used for composite flexural action in conjunction with lateral loading without considering the interaction of the two loads.
Answer:
True. The Commentary for Section I7 of the AISC Specification for Structural Steel Buildings (AISC 360, aisc.org/specifications) explains that it is not required to superimpose the horizontal shear due to lateral forces with the horizontal shear due to flexure for the determination of steel anchor requirements. Figure C-I7.1 demonstrates that lateral loads decrease the net shear in steel anchors within certain zones of the beam. Submitted by Sririam Sankaranarayanan.
True or False: For an ASTM A500 HSS (hollow structural section) member, the wall thickness used in design, tdes, is taken as the nominal wall thickness.
Answer:
False. ASTM A500/A500M tolerances allow for a wall thickness that is within ±10% of the nominal value. Because the plate and strip from which these HSS are produced have a much smaller thickness tolerance, manufacturers consistently produce them with a wall thickness that is near the lower-bound wall thickness limit. Consequently, the AISC Specification for Structural Steel Buildings (ANSI/AISC 360), available at www.aisc.org/standards, requires, in Section B4.2, that 0.93 times the nominal wall thickness be used for the design wall thickness in calculations.
True or False: In the manufacturing process of a buckling restrained brace (BRB), the bonding of steel with the mortar is prevented so as not to form a composite section.
Answer:
True. A BRB provides separation between the steel and mortar, with the mortar and surrounding steel casing providing restraint against buckling of the yielding segment in the center of the section. If a composite section is formed, this action would not be possible. This is illustrated in Figure C-F4.1 from the AISC Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings (ANSI/AISC 341), www.aisc.org/standards.
True or False: The AISC Specification for Structural Steel Buildings (ANSI/AISC 360, aisc.org/specifications) requires slip-critical connection faying surfaces to meet particular requirements to ensure an adequate coefficient of friction.
Answer:
True. The Specification states, in Section M3.3: &#;For slip-critical connections, the faying surface requirements shall be in accordance with RCSC Specification Section 3.2.2.&#; Depending on the class of surface required, a slip coefficient is determined. (The RCSC Specification is available at www.boltcouncil.org.) Submitted by Nazereth Galecia.
True or False: All exposed structural steel members that are in close proximity (with a viewing distance of under 20 ft.) must be categorized as architecturally exposed structural steel (AESS).
Answer:
False. Only members that are specifically designated as AISC AESS in the contract documents need to be categorized as AESS Category 1, 2, 3, 4, or C. (For more on AESS, including requirements for each category, see &#;Maximum Exposure&#; in the November issue.) A member designated as AESS placed at a viewing distance of less than 20 ft would be classified as AESS Category 3. Submitted by Bryan Gilliland, Sure Steel, Inc.
If a steel member is rolled out of Grade A572 Grade 50, which steel shape series does it likely belong to?
a. S (American standard beams)
b. HP (H-piles)
c. W (wide-flanges)
d. HSS (hollow structural sections)
Answer:
b. HP (H-piles). Table 2.4 in the 15th Edition AISC Steel Construction Manual lists ASTM A572 Grade 50 as the preferred material for HP shapes, but it is also available for other shapes as well. Availability should be confirmed with fabricators and producers before specification. For more information, see the April article &#;Are You Properly Specifying Materials?&#; Submitted by Hector Ocon, Army Corps of Engineers.
October 20,
True or False: Many structural analysis software programs rely on the direct stiffness method to determine the reaction forces, nodal displacements, and rotations of members in a frame during a linear analysis.
Answer:
True. See Ron Ziemian&#;s NASCC session &#;Basic Introduction to Nonlinear Analysis&#; at aisc.org/education-archives.
October 13,
Which of the following is not true?
a. Simplicity of construction translates to better economy.
b. Efficient connection design leads to reduced costs.
c. An optimum design results in the least amount of material used.
d. Greater economy can be achieved with fewer pieces.
Answer:
c. Least weight does not always translate to least cost. Many additional factors contribute to project cost, such as connection fabrication and erection procedures.
October 6,
True or False: The engineer of record (EOR) should always specify bolt size and connection type on drawings, even when connection design is delegated.
Answer:
False. Providing the end reactions and allowing the fabricator to select the connection type and size to achieve the required strength provides more flexibility. It also typically leads to a more efficient configuration conducive to the shop&#;s capabilities as well as a more economical project for the owner.
September 29,
True or False: Weathering steel corrosion resistance is enhanced by applying a coating system.
Answer:
False. When properly detailed and used in accordance with FHWA Technical Advisory .22 (available at fhwa.dot.gov/bridge/t.cfm), weathering steel forms a protective oxide layer from its exposure to wet/dry cycles. The application of a coating system inhibits this process and only adds to the initial and long-term maintenance costs of the bridge. Research has shown that design and maintenance practices may be more influential than climate to the performance of weathering steel.
September 22,
What is the term for a section that is capable of developing a fully plastic stress distribution and possessing a rotational capacity of approximately three before the onset of local buckling?
a. Stiffened element
b. Compact section
c. Slender section
d. Unstiffened element
Answer:
b. Compact section. This definition is provided in the Specification glossary. Limiting width-to-thickness ratios for compact/non-compact sections can be found in Table B4.1b. Submitted by Jeremy Rollins, CLC Engineering.
With competitive price and timely delivery, Yunsheng sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.
September 15,
Which of the following statements are true about erection requirements for AESS:
a. Tack welds not incorporated into final welds shall be ground smooth.
b. All bolt heads in connections shall be on the same side, as specified, and consistent from one connection to another.
c. Both a and b are correct.
d. Both a and b are incorrect.
Answer:
c. Both of these requirements must be satisfied according to Section 10.6 of the AISC Code.
September 8,
Can you install powder-actuated fasteners (PAFs) in the casing of a buckling restrained brace (BRB)?
a. Yes, PAFs are permitted to be installed along the full length of brace.
b. Yes, but only in the middle third of the casing.
c. Yes, but only as specifically directed by the BRB manufacturer.
d. No, PAFs are never permitted in the casing of a BRB.
Answer:
c. The core steel is considered the protected zone. From the outside of the brace, the core configuration cannot be verified, so there is a possibility of damaging the core steel if using a fastener that penetrates the casing, such as a PAF. This configuration can be coordinated with the manufacturer to allow certain sizes or locations of PAFs. Submitted by Shauna Kean, Coughlin Porter Lundeen.
September 1,
True or False: All threaded components of a base plate fastener assembly (anchor rod) should be galvanized by the same process.
Answer:
True. Design Guide 1: Base Plate and Anchor Rod Design states, in Section 2.5: &#;Mixing of rods galvanized by one process and nuts by another may result in an unworkable assembly. It is recommended that galvanized anchor rods and nuts be purchased from the same supplier and shipped preassembled. Because this is not an ASTM requirement, this should be specified on the contract documents.&#; Submitted by Tiffany Rowan.
August 25,
True or False: ASTM F Grade A490 bolts are labeled as Group A, and Grade A325 bolts are labeled as Group B.
Answer:
False. Section J3.1 in the AISC Specification categorizes ASTM F Grade A325 bolts as Group A and A490 bolts as Group B. Submitted by Tracy Donoghue, KPFF.
Which of the following backing materials are permissible to use without removal for prequalified CJP welds found in AWS D1.1?
a. steel
b. copper
c. ceramic
d. all of the above
e. both a and b
Answer:
a. Steel backing is &#;prequalified&#; by AWS D1.1 to be used without removal. AWS D1.1: allows copper and ceramic backing to be used with prequalified welds if the following conditions were met: The prequalified joint detail does not contain steel backing or spacers, the joint is back-gouged, and the back-gouged joint is back-welded. More information can be found in AISC Design Guide 21: Welded Connections&#;A Primer for Engineers. Submitted by Rick Overgard, Atlantic Steel Detailing Services, edited by AISC.
If you wanted to minimize the magnetization of stainless steel, which of the following would be helpful?
a. Minimizing welding
b. Using ferrite-free welding rod
c. Using Type 304N or Type 316N instead of regular Type 304 or Type 316 steel
d. Subsequent annealing
Answer:
d. Subsequent annealing. AISC Design Guide 27: Structural Stainless Steel states, in Section 2.4: &#;Heavy cold working, particularly of the lean alloyed austenitic steels, can also increase magnetic permeability; subsequent annealing would restore the non-magnetic properties. For nonmagnetic applications, it is recommended that further advice be obtained from a steel producer.&#; Submitted by Richard de Campo, Poss Architecture + Planning.
What is the maximum difference between any two stair riser heights allowed by the International Building Code (IBC) on a single flight for dimensional uniformity?
a. &#; in.
b. &#; in.
c. ½ in.
d. &#; in.
Answer:
b. &#; in. Table 3-8 of Design Guide 34: Steel-Framed Stairway Design indicates that IBC Section .5.4 requires a &#; in. variation in tread depth or riser height within a stair flight. Note that requirements must be verified with the local authority having jurisdiction, and OSHA .25(b)(3) requires that treads and risers shall have uniform heights between landings. Submitted by Austin Dowell, Snyder Engineering.
True or False: Any beam lengths are available from the steel mill.
Answer:
True, but steel must be ordered from a mill typically in bundles of at least 10 tons for each size and length. If the beams are ordered from a service center, they are available in 5-foot increments from 20 feet to 60 feet long.
For a project that requires both AISC 360 and AISC 341, where can I find a list of all the items that are required for Special Inspection of structural steel?
a. Chapter J of AISC 360
b. Chapter N of AISC 360
c. Chapter J of AISC 341
d. Both b and c
Answer:
d. Chapter N of AISC 360 Specification for Structural Steel Buildings and Chapter J of the Seismic Provisions contain all the provisions for Special Inspection of structural steel as required in the IBC.
True or False: The Workable Gage dimensions in Table 1-1 of the Manual are mandatory.
Answer:
False. These gages are listed to ensure that bolts can be inserted and tightened. Any gage can be used as long as the edge distance requirements are met and the bolts can be inserted and tightened.
Which of the following is generally more true of steel construction today?
a. Least weight is always least cost.
b. Lowest pounds per square foot is always the best design.
c. The project with the overall lowest cost of construction (least labor) is the winner, regardless of the steel metrics.
d. None of the above.
Answer:
c. The project with the overall lowest cost of construction (least labor) is the winner, regardless of the steel metrics.
True or False: Base plates and cap plates using stiffener are generally more economical than using thicker plate materials.
Answer:
False: The fabrication costs of those stiffeners can quickly add to the cost of the base and cap plates, driving up costs.
True or False: Stiffeners and doublers are cheaper than upsizing beams and columns to eliminate them.
Answer:
False. Stiffeners and doublers are almost always more expensive than designing heavier members whenever possible because of the labor of making and welding them in place.
Name a commonly overused weld symbol that can easily drive up project costs when not judiciously applied:
a. Weld all round
b. Complete joint-penetration groove welds
c. Triple axel fillet welds
d. Both a and b
Answer:
d.
True or False: There is minimal difference in cost between single and double-pass welds.
Answer:
False. Overspecifying weld sizes is very expensive and time-consuming especially when the resulting size is no longer a single-pass weld.
True or False: Most HSS column connections require through-plates.
Answer:
False. It's only the rare HSS column that has a wall thin enough to require a through-plate; most can support a single plate welded to the face without the costly extra work.
Slip critical connections should be used only _____:
a. when the connection design doesn&#;t trust their calculations.
b. when specific cases call for them in the RCSC Specification and its Commentary.
c. for economical steel structures.
d. unless the drawings indicate otherwise.
Answer:
b. when specific cases call for them in the RCSC Specification and its Commentary.
Complete the sentence: ______-sided connections (single plates, single angles, tees, etc.) make erection easier, faster, and safer.
a. Three
b. Lop
c. Double
d. One
Answer:
d. One
True or False: The Steel Construction Manual is AISC&#;s only source of design examples and design tables for structural steel design.
Answer:
False. The Companion to the 15th Ed. Manual (a two-volume set), available at aisc.org/manualresources, is filled with extra design examples and design tables for 65- and 75-ksi W-shapes.
True or False: The exterior steel plates of SpeedCore walls require no additional fire protection.
Answer:
True. SpeedCore does not require external fire protection materials.
As the most sustainable structural material in the nation, structural steel is often described as a:
a. cradle-to-gate material
b. cradle-to-cradle material
c. cradle-to-bottle substance
d. none of the above
Answer:
b. cradle-to-cradle material.
True or False: In steel bridges, the lightest cross-frame design is always the best cross-frame design.
Answer:
False. Consistent and more standard girders and cross-frames are usually better than less weight.
True or False: Providing actual loads on drawings generally allows connection design to proceed faster and more economically with fewer RFIs.
Answer:
True. When actual reactions and moments are provided, connection designers have essential information for developing efficient designs.
True or False: Lighter shapes are always faster and cheaper to fabricate.
Answer:
False. In some cases, bumping up the member size can eliminate costly fabrication details or the need for camber in the shop.
Structural steel shapes rolled in the United States consist of what percentage of recycled steel content?
a. 13%
b. 41
c. 78%
d. 93%
Answer:
d. 93% recycled steel content!
Which of the following describes a process where the structural steel fabricator provides input during the conceptual and design phases of a project to increase construction speed and decrease costs?
a. early engagement
b. design-bid-build
c. late arrangement
d. handshake agreement
Answer:
a. early engagement.
True or False: A connection that requires ½ inch of fillers is required to have the bolt capacity reduced by 10%.
Answer:
True: Section J5.2 requires that if the fillers exceed ¼ inch, the shear strength of the bolts shall be multiplied by 1 &#; (0.4)(t &#; 0.25). So for ½ inch of fills the factor is 1 &#; (0.4)(0.5 &#; 0.25) = 0.90.
True or False: Slip Critical bolts must be checked for bearing as well as slip.
Answer:
True: Slip Critical bolts may slip into bearing, therefore the material and the bolt must be check to confirm it will meet the requirements for bearing.
True or False: The distance between standard holes in a bolted connection is required to be 3 inches or greater.
Answer:
False: Section J3.3 of the Specification states, &#;The distance between centers of standard, oversized or slotted holes shall not be less than 2-2/3 times the nominal diameter of the fastener. However, the clear distance between bolt holes or slots shall not be less than d.&#; (d is the diameter of the bolt)
True or False: The maximum bolt hole diameter is 1/16 inch larger than the bolt diameter.
Answer:
False: For holes 1 inch and larger in diameter, the bolt hole size is permitted to be 1/8 inch larger than the bolt diameter.
True or False: If nothing is stated in the design documents or specification, all connections on a project are required to be fully tensioned.
Answer:
False: In Section J3 of the Specification it states, &#;Bolts to be tightened to a condition other than snug tight shall be clearly identified on the design drawings.&#;
True or False: Given that section N6 of the AISC Specification states that QA (Quality Assurance) inspection is permitted to be waived by the AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction), this means that no NDT is required on such projects.
Answer:
False: The Commentary to Section N6 states, &#;Granting a waiver of QA inspections in a fabrication shop does not eliminate the required NDT of welds: instead of being performed by QA, such inspections are performed by the fabricator&#;s QC.&#;
True or False: Round HSS sections that meet pipe dimensions are made from material meeting ASTM A53.
Answer:
False: Round HSS sections used for structural purposes are made from material meeting either ASTM A500 Grade C, A, or A. ASTM A53 is a specification for hydraulic pipe.
True or False: A single plate shear connection (shear tab) with ¾-inch diameter bolts must have a plate thickness no more than 1 inch thick.
Answer:
True: A single plate shear connection plate shall not be thicker than 1/16 inch larger than the bolt diameter so that bolt plowing can occur to develop the required rotation in the connection.
True or False: All HSS material shall be designed to consider the wall thickness as being 0.93 times the nominal wall thickness.
Answer:
False. While this is true for HSS material that is produced in accordance with ASTM A500, HSS material produced in accordance with ASTM A and A can be designed utilizing the full nominal wall thickness.
Week of January 13,
True or False: A fillet weld should be sized based upon the thickness of the thicker of the two materials being joined.
Answer:
False. In accordance with Specification Section J2.2-2b(b)(1) a fillet weld shall not be greater than the thickness of any material it is joining.
What is the basic cleaning requirement for steel in the AISC Code of Standard Practice when nothing else is specified in the contract documents?
a. SP2
b. white metal blast-cleaned
c. ESPN
d. SPF-30
Answer:
a. SP2.SSPC SP2 is specified in Section 6.5.2. of the AISC Code of Standard Practice. When alternative treatment is required, it must be specified in the contract documents.
Week of December 30,
Which of the following does not represent an acronym for a type of moment connection? Hint: See AISC 358.
a. WUF-W
b. BRBF
c. RBS
d. KBB
Answer:
b. BRBF, or buckling restrained braced frame, is a type of lateral system using buckling restrained braces.
Week of December 23,
True or False: The AISC Code of Standard Practice provides two classifications for levels of work in architecturally exposed structural steel (AESS).
Answer:
False. Section 10 provides five levels (1, 2, 3, 4, and Custom). These levels are increasingly demanding and provide a method to better match expectations, applications, needs, and costs.
Week of December 16,
True or False: If one were to check the strength of a bolt group subjected to an eccentric load in the plane of the faying surface, one might choose the instantaneous center of rotation method over the elastic method because the former is regarded as the more conservative approach.
Answer:
False. The instantaneous center of rotation method may be desired because it is more accurate than the elastic method. The elastic method is more conservative and can be easier to use for unique configurations not covered in the AISC Steel Construction Manual, Part 7.
Week of December 9,
In the current AISC Specification, how is the safety factor, Ω, related to the resistance factor, ɸ?
a. it depends on the specific load combination
b. it varies as the live to dead load ratio varies
c. it is 1.5 divided by the resistance factor
d. it is a function of the limit state being considered
e. none of the above
Answer:
c. For each limit state in AISC 360, one will find that Ω = 1.5 / ɸ.
In the design of crane runway beams, which of the following contribute to side thrust?
a. runway misalignment
b.crane skew and steering
c. trolley acceleration and braking
d. all of the above
Answer:
d. According to AISC Design Guide 7: Industrial Buildings all of these items can produce horizontal forces on a crane runway beam.
True or False: It is appropriate to use the steel properties from ANSI/AISC 360 Table A-4.2.1 for nonbuilding structures tha are designed for elevated temperatures as a normal service condition.
Answer:
False. The AISC Specification does list material properties at elevated temperatures in Appendix 4 Structural Design for Fire Conditions. However, the yield strengths listed are based on a 2% offset method because large deformations are acceptable in fire conditions. For design for sustained loading at elevated temperatures, values from a 0.2% offset method will be more appropriate.
True or False: Local buckling effects need not be considered for encased composite members.
Answer:
True. In contrast, local buckling effects do need to be considered for filled composite members as defined in the AISC Specification.
Which of the following design concepts can simplify design and construction, rendering a completely jointless deck, and may result in a more economical steel bridge design?
a. link slabs
b. high-performance steel (HPS)
c. continuous construction
d. self-propelled modular transporter (SPMT)
Answer:
a. link slabs
Week of November 4,
True or False: The Code of Standard Practice requires a narrative on the contract documents to describe the lateral system and diaphragm elements.
Answer:
True. Section 7.10.1 provides this requirement. It is necessary so the erector can properly plan the steel erection and the general contractor can properly coordinate any interdependence of the structural steel on non-structural-steel elements that provide lateral stability in the completed design.
True or False: AISC and ACI tolerances for placement of anchor rods in concrete to receive structural steel are compatible in current codes.
Answer:
True. Anchor rod placement tolerances provided by these organizations used to be incompatible but these issues were resolved. Section 7.5.1 provides tolerances that work with ACI requirements and the base plate hole sizes provided in the AISC Steel Construction Manual.
Week of October 21,
What is the basic erection tolerance for vertical plumbness of a column?
a. 1/300
b. 1/500
c. 1/600
d. 1/
Answer:
b. 1/500. More restrictive tolerances are specified in some cases; see Code Section 7.13.1.1.
Week of October 14,
What does the "W" indicate in the ASTM designation "A709-50W" for bridge steel?
a. whitewash
b. weldable
c. waterproof
d. weathering
Answer:
d. weathering. Kudos to Shawn N. for quickly finding a typo in the original quiz posting!
Week of October 7,
True or False: When a specific tolerance is not specified in the AISC Code of Standard Practice, that tolerance should not be interpreted to be zero.
Answer:
True. Section 1.10 states this specifically. The associated commentary clarifies that typical tolerances necessary for usual fabrication and erection are addressed and, where an additional tolerance is important for design, constructability, or another reason, it should be specified in the contract documents.
Week of September 30,
My number may not be in your but you know how to connect with me. You may still fasten onto my old names even though I've got it all--and with a twist! Close your eyes tight and think. What am I?
a. ASTM F
b. ASTM F
c. ASTM A588
d. soda with a twist of lime
Answer:
d. ASTM F is the ASTM specification for structural bolts.
True or False: Stress ranges that are completely in compression need to be investigated for fatigue.
Answer:
False. Fluctuations in stress that do not involve tensile stresses do not cause crack propagation and are not considered to be a fatigue condition. For a member subjected to compression only, cracks may initiate only in regions of high tensile residual stress and do not propagate because residuals stresses are relieved by the crack. Thus, stress ranges that are completely in compression do not need to be investigated for fatigue.
The process by which individual plate girder flange sections are cut to the proper curvature from wider plates is referred to as:
a. heat-curving
b. cold-curving
c. cut-curving
d. cut-bending
Answer:
c. cut-curving
ASTM F is a common specification for which construction material?
a. turnbuckles
b. washers
c. structural bolts
d. anchor rods
Answer:
d. anchor rods
Unless stated in the contract document or state specification, what level of surface preparation should be specified for a steel bridge that is using uncoated weathering steel (UWS) as the corrosion protection strategy?
a. Provide SSPC - SP10 (Near white metal blast cleaning) to all girders
b. Provide SSPC - SP6 (Commercial blast cleaning) to fascia girders only
c. Provide SSPC - SP15 (Green metal blast cleaning) to all girders
d. Provide SSPC - SP 5 (White metal blast cleaning) to all girders
Answer:
b, Provide SSPC - SP6 (Commercial blast cleaning) to fascia girders only
True or False: The requirements in AISC 360 and AISC 341 are the same for buildings and nonbuilding structures similar to buildings.
Answer:
True. Although ASCE 7 may have different requirements for nonbuilding structures similar to buildings, neither AISC 360 nor AISC 341 differentiate between the two; the requirements apply equally to both.
What are the three factors that must be present for constraint-induced fracture of welded details to occur?
a. Material constraint, high residual stress, presence of defect or crack-like geometry
b. Material constraint, live load stress, dead load stress
c. Overlapping welds, high residual stress, troll living under the bridge
d. Material constraint, cold temperature, presence of defect or crack-like geometry
Answer:
a. Material constraint, high residual stress, presence of defect or crack-like geometry
True or False: It is necessary to remove the ceramic insulator from a stud shear connector in composite construction.
Answer:
True. Section 7.4.6 in AWS D1.1 states: &#;After welding, arc shields shall be broken free from studs to be embedded in concrete, and, where practical, from all other studs.&#; This is required for visual inspection of the weld.
True or False: According to the RCSC Specification for Structural Joints Using High-Strength Bolts, the minimum bolt pretension for pre-installation verification is equal to 70 percent of the specified minimum tensile strength of bolts as specified in ASTM specifications for tests of full-size ASTM F Grade A325 and Grade 490 bolts with UNC threads loaded in axial tension, rounded to the nearest kip.
Answer:
False. The minimum bolt pretension for Pre-Installation Verification is equal to 1.05 times the specified minimum bolt pretension required in Table 8.1, rounded to the nearest kip. (Refer to the RCSC Specification, available at aisc.org/specifications, Table 7.1)
AASHTO has published a new Guide Specification for IRMs in steel bridges. What does &#;IRM&#; stand for?
a. Internationally Rumored Member
b. Internally Redundant Member
c. Internationally Renowned Member
d. Internally Revolved Member
Answer:
b. Inernally Redundan Member.
True or False: Structural steel does not lose any of its metallurgical properties when it is recycled.
True. The quality and properties of recycled steel are the same as virgin steel, making steel infinitely recyclable.
In the Code of Standard Practice for Steel Buildings and Bridges (AISC 303-16), which of the following is a true statement regarding Architecturally Exposed Structural Steel (AESS)?
a. AESS level 1 is typically the most expensive.
b. AESS level 2 is recommended for a feature element viewed from further than 20 feet.
c. AESS level 4 is typically used for basic elements.
d. AESS levels refer to the finish type and do not correlate to cost.
Answer:
b. AESS level 2 is recommended for a feature element viewed from further than 20 feet.
Concerning fillet welds, the more transverse the load direction:
a. the smaller the rupture surface and the lower the strength
b. the smaller the rupture surface and the higher the strength
c. the larger the rupture surface and the lower the strength
d. the larger the rupture surface and the higher the strength
Answer:
d. The transverse load orientation affords strength increase because the failure &#;plane&#; is a curved surface whose area is greater than the area defined by the effective throat extruded the length of the weld (the failure plane for longitudinally loaded fillet welds). See Design Guide 21 Section 3.5.7 for discussion.
True or False: In building structures, corrosion protection is not required for steel that will be enclosed by a building finish, coated with a contact-type fireproofing or in contact with concrete.
Answer:
True. When enclosed, the steel is trapped in a controlled environment and the products required for corrosion are quickly exhausted. The surface condition of unpainted steel framing of longstanding buildings that have been demolished has been found to be unchanged from the time of its erection, except at isolated spots where leakage may have occurred. Even in the presence of leakage, the shop coat is of minor influence as indicated in Specification Commentary Section M3. A similar situation exists when steel is fireproofed or in contact with concrete. Accordingly, shop primer or paint is not required unless specified in the contract documents (refer to page 2-36 of the Manual).
The intent of Specification Table J2.4 (minimum fillet weld size) is to ensure sufficient:
a. material quantity
b. heat input
c. weld visibility
d. time spent
Answer:
b. heat input. Assuming minimum weld sizes are made in a single pass (as the footnote in Table J2.4 indicates) there is a direct relationship between weld size and heat input. Sufficient heat input is required in order to achieve fusion and to slow cooling, preventing cracks that may otherwise occur. See Design Guide 21 Section 3.5.1 for more information.
Cambering is clearly a better option for addressing deflection compared to shoring. However, for cases where beam shoring is required, the EOR should carefully consider the increased potential for ________.
a. black eyes from shoring pole collisions.
b. shoring colors that clash.
c. slab cracking.
d. shoring that blocks views.
Answer:
Slab cracking. Allowing the dead load deflection to occur after the concrete has set will more likely result in slab cracks. This slab cracking may occur over the girders and can be addressed by providing negative reinforcement. This will make the cracking more distributed and less noticeable.
What is the minimum length for a fillet weld without reduction of design strength?
a. The weld size
b. Twice the weld size
c. Four times the weld size
d. Eight times the weld size
Answer:
c. The strength of fillet welds not meeting this criterion may be calculated with size taken as one-quarter of the length, per AISC Specification J2.2c.
When determining the amount of beam camber needed, it is common practice to specify a camber equivalent to ____ of the estimated simple-span deflections resulting from the dead load.
a. 90%
b. 80%
c. 70%
d. No reduction
Answer:
b. 80%. AISC Design Guide 3: Serviceability Design Considerations for Steel Buildings presents the 80% to account for end connection partial restraint. The magnitude of design camber will depend on several factors, including the framing condition and the method of screeding the concrete. Most engineers design for 80% and require the contractor to supply extra concrete and screed level. Some design-build contractors design for 100% and require flexible bar screeds be used to screed a uniform slab thickness.
For which of the following joint types does the maximum fillet weld size apply, per AISC Specification section J2.2b?
a. Lap
b. Butt
c. Inside corner
d. Tee
Answer:
a. The limits, based on material thickness, are intended to prevent melting away of exposed edges. Tee joints and inside corner joints do not have exposed edges. Butt joints cannot be joined with fillet welds. See Design Guide 21 Section 3.5.2 for images and further discussion.
In order to avoid damage, the heat used to camber members should not exceed:
a. 1,100 °F
b. 1,200 °F
c. 1,300 °F
d. 1,400 °F
Answer:
b. 1,200 °F . The Specification for Structural Steel Buildings (ANSI/AISC 360, available at www.aisc.org/specifications) Section M2.1 conservatively limits the temperature of heated steels to 1,100 °F for ASTM A514 and ASTM A852 steels and 1,200 °F for other steels. The goal is to keep the steel temperature to less than the phase change temperature, which starts at approximately 1,300 °F. The 1,200 °F limit allows for a variation of about 100 °F which is a common range achieved by experienced fabricators. Also, note that heat camber is generally much more time consuming and labor intensive than cold cambering and therefore is rarely used.*
*We kind of goofed on this one, because the answer does depend on on type of steel and it also depends on if you are counting on the actual phase change temperature of steel of 1,300 °F. So, everyone except the 1,400 °F people get entered in this one!
Tension-control bolts (ASTM F Grade F and Grade F) are limited to a maximum diameter of:
a. 1 in.
b. 1 1&#;8 in.
c. 1¼ in.
d. 1½ in.
Answer:
c. 1¼ in. TC bolts were previously limited to a maximum diameter of 1 1&#;8 in., but this maximum has increased up to 1¼ in. per the new ASTM F standard.
When intermittent fillet welds are used to transfer calculated stress across a joint or faying surface, what is the minimum length of a fillet weld segment?
a. ¾ in.
b. 1 in.
c. 1¼ in.
d. 1½ in
Answer:
d. See AISC Specification J2.2b. (e).
Which fillet weld geometry results in a higher strength-to-volume ratio?
a. ½-in. size × 12-in. length
b. ¼-in. size × 24-in. Length
Answer:
b. Strength, which is proportional to the product of length and size, is the same for each choice. Volume, which is proportional to the product of length and size squared, is half as much for choice b. BONUS: It should be noted that relative volume is an indirect indication of relative cost. Since labor, not material, dominates fabrication costs, the number of passes required to produce the weld can be a better indication of cost. Table 8-12 of the AISC Steel Construction Manual (www.aisc.org/manual) indicates that the ½-in. fillet weld will require four passes, whereas a ¼-in. fillet weld only requires one pass. The relative cost can be estimated as the product of the number of passes and their lengths.
True or False: Per the new ASTM F standard, ASTM A325 high-strength bolts are now specified and ordered as ASTM F Grade A325 high-strength bolts.
Answer:
True. Since the new ASTM F standard replaced six standards (ASTM A325, ASTM A325M, ASTM A490, ASTM A490M, ASTM F and ASTM F), the term &#;grade&#; is used to help identify which specific product is required. It should be noted that the new grade names are the same as the names for the previous standards. This should facilitate a smooth transition. In order to help engineers in specifying bolts, Chapter J Section J3.1 of the AISC Specification for Structural Steel Buildings (ANSI/AISC 360, available at www.aisc.org/standards) establishes Bolt Groups as follows:
Group C&#;ASTM F and F
So, rather than specifying a bolt as F Grade A325 or F Grade F in your design documents, you would only need to specify a Group A bolt to encompass all bolt styles of the same strength level.
Which of the following are not well suited for camber?
a. Crane beams
b. Spandrel beams
c. Cantilevered beams
d. All of the above
Answer:
d. All of the above. Camber is generally not recommended for these situations and should be carefully considered. It would be a good idea to consult with the contractor before doing so.
True or False: Shear flow can be used to design the weld attaching the reinforcing to the existing steel member.
Answer:
True.
True or False: Temperature crayons can be used to monitor the temperature of the base metal near the weld.
Answer:
True.
When welding to loaded members, it is recommended to set the maximum interpass temperature to:
a. 300 °F
b. 600 °F
c. 800 °F
d. 1,100 °F
Answer:
a. 300 °F. Where appropriate, it&#;s recommended to set the maximum interpass temperature to 300 °F.
True or False: The term &#;type&#; is used to differentiate between heavy-hex bolts and tension-control (TC) bolts.
Answer:
False. The term &#;style&#; is used to differentiate between heavy-hex bolts and TC bolts. &#;Type&#; refers to different steel compositions.
Using intermittent welds to attach member reinforcement will:
a. Potentially lower welding costs
b. Decrease corrosion potential in exposed structures
c. Less weld shrinkage distortion
d. Both a and c
Answer:
d. Use of intermittent welds will potentially lower welding costs (should be confirmed with the fabricator performing the work) and should result in less weld shrinkage distortion.
True or False: The 15th Ed. Manual includes both LRFD and ASD approaches for the design of structural steel members and connections.
Answer:
True. As indicated on page 2-9 of the Manual, the &#;two approaches are equally valid for any structure for which the AISC Specification is applicable&#; and there is &#;no preference stated or implied in the Specification.&#; Refer to page 2-9 of the Manual for additional information.
Which end-loaded fillet weld geometry results in a higher strength-to-volume ratio?
a. ¼-in. size × 24-in. length.
b. ¼-in. size × 48-in. length.
Answer:
a. Strength-to-volume ratios would be equal, were it not for the penalty on end-loaded fillet welds longer than 100 times their size per the AISC Specification J2.2d. Increases in length result in less uniformity in stress distribution, owing to complex effects of relative stiffnesses in addition to shear lag. The condition does not frequently occur in practice.
Camber is typically induced in members:
a. after bolt holes for member connections have been made to the member.
b. before bolt holes for member connections have been made to the member.
Answer:
a. After bolt holes for member connections have been made to the member. It is more difficult to run a cambered beam through a fabricator's automated process for creating bolt holes.
True or False: All column base plates must be designed and fabricated with a minimum of four anchor rods, per the AISC Specification.
Answer:
False. This is required per OSHA regulations. See Section .755(a)(1) of the 29 CFR Standards for Steel Erection. Note that posts (which weigh less than 300 lb.) are excluded from the four-anchor-rod requirement. OSHA requirements are summarized on page 2-6 of the 15th ed. Manual.
For a fillet welded T-joint, what is the maximum gap allowed between pieces before the weld size must be increased by the gap size?
a. 1/32 in.
b. 1/16 in.
c. 1/8 in.
d. 1/4 in.
Answer:
b. 1&#;16 in., the same as the increment between weld sizes. See Clause 5.21.1 in AWS D1.1 and Design Guide 21 Section 3.5.11 for more information.
True or False: The inelastic deformations required in common cold bending operations, such as for beam cambering, normally fall well short of the strain-hardening range
Answer:
True. Refer to the section on cold bending on page 2-35 of the Manual.
Over-cambering a beam could result in:
a. Vibration issues
b. Exposed studs
c. Reduction in beam strength
d. All of the above
Answer:
b. Exposed studs
True or False: When two cut sections are welded back together to form the castellated section, a fillet weld is used to connect the two webs together.
Answer:
False. A full- or partial-penetration butt weld is used and is typically made from one side of the web, without prior beveling of the edges if the web thickness is relatively small.
The line where the bolts are placed in angles is called:
a. Centroid line
b. Bolt line
c. Gage line
d. All of the above are correct
Answer:
c. Gage line.
Which of the following terms does not belong with the others?
a. Weld backing
b. Backing strips
c. Weld tabs
d. Backing bars
Answer:
c. Weld tabs. A weld tab is not a backing bar but rather a piece of material that extends beyond the ends of a joint, on which the weld can be initiated or terminated. They are sometimes referred to a &#;runoff tabs.&#;
True or False: The web thickness in an HP shape is equal to the flange thickness
Answer:
True. HP shapes are commonly used as pilings in foundations. Their heavy webs are made to resist the impact of the piledriving hammers.
True or False: The critical stress in a fillet weld is considered to be a shear stress.
Answer:
True. Tension, compression and moments acting upon a fillet-welded joint are always resolved as shear in the weld throat&#;i.e., the least diagonal dimension.
When calling out steel bars, it is a preferred practice to call out these members in what width increments?
a. 1/8-in. increments
b. 1/4-in. increments
c. 1/2-in. increments
d. 1-in. Increments
Answer:
b. This is stated in Part 1 of the 15th Edition Manual.
True or False: Provisions for determining the lateral-torsional buckling strength of solid wideflange beams can be used for castellated and cellular beams if the cross-sectional properties are calculated at the gross section of the beam.
Answer:
True. Failure of castellated beams by lateral-torsional buckling is similar to that of solid wide-flange beams, with the holes having little influence.
When detailing a steel beam, the drawings do not have to be drawn to scale in which dimension?
a. Longitudinal or length
b. Depth or height
c. Width
Answer:
a. Longitudinal or length.
A single-sided CJP groove weld without a backing bar:
a. is impossible
b. should be avoided
c. is possible due to recent advances in robotic welding technology
Answer:
b. This situation should be avoided. These joints are seldom justifiable economically or structurally. They are expensive for several reasons: welder qualifications are appreciably more demanding, the resulting joints are not prequalified and preparation and fit-up are more exacting. Inspection of such welds can be difficult and potentially controversial when attempts are made to confirm acceptable complete penetration. Weld repairs are intricate and may damage other portions of the joint unless care is used.
Surface finish quality of steel castings typically has the appearance of a(n):
a. Eggshell
b. Popcorn ceiling
c. Orange peel
d. Hot-rolled steel member
Answer:
c. Orange peel. Surface quality needs to be addressed for architecturally exposed structural steel (AESS) castings. Appropriateness of the surface finish will depend on many factors, including the casting process, coating system used, viewing distance and AESS category.
ASTM A307 bolts are commonly referred to as:
a. Common bolts
b. Plain bolts
c. Soft bolts
d. Machine bolts
e. All of the above
Answer:
e. All of the above. These fasteners are not typically used in primary framing member connections.
Which of the following is true regarding weathering steel?
a. Not all shapes will age/color the same
b. Standard electrodes will not weather the same as adjacent materials
c. A low corrosion rate can achieve a 120-year design life with nominal maintenance
d. All of the above
e. None of the above
Answer:
d. All of the above. Find out more about the benefits and challenges associated with weathering in the NASCC presentation &#;Building with Weathering Steel.&#;
For more information, please visit Custom Structural Steel.