Steel Tube Institute Offers New, PC-Based Computer Program for Design of HSS Connections

    MENTOR, Ohio, Aug. 27 The HSS Committee of the Steel Tube
Institute of North America (STI) has announced the availability of a new
computer program for the Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) of welded
and bolted steel Hollow Structural Section (HSS) connections.
    The program, which runs on Windows 95/98/NT 2000 platforms, was developed
by Dr. Jeffrey A. Packer, Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of
Toronto.
    The program, "HSS__connex", can be downloaded for a cost of $350 from the
HSS section of the STI website at http://www.steeltubeinstitute.org.  It can also be
purchased as a CD by contacting the Steel Tube Institute by fax (440) 974-6994
or by e-mail at sti@apk.net.
    "The computer program is custom-designed for use in North America and is
based on internationally-accepted design procedures presented in the book
`Hollow Structural Section Connections and Trusses - A Design Guide', written
by Dr. Packer and J. E. Henderson," says STI Executive Director Tim Andrassy.
    "The program is directed towards truss-type connections," Dr. Packer
notes.  "These include welded (K, T, N, gap/overlap, KT, flattened-end braces,
double chords and some stiffened and multiplanar) connections and bolted
(circular or rectangular flange-plate) connections between square, rectangular
and round HSS.
    "The program will be extremely useful to structural engineers or designers
who create and connect HSS trusses.  The `HSS__connex' program was designed
for this application," he concludes.
    The HSS databases can still be modified by users, or complete new
databases can be added.  For ASTM tubing, the engineering properties are
calculated using a "design thickness" as specified by the American Institute
of Steel Construction (AISC).  Thus, the ASTM section properties conform to
those published in the AISC Hollow Structural Sections Connections Manual.
    Complete HSS databases are included for sections manufactured under the
two prevailing North American product standards -- ASTM A500-99 and
CAN/CSA-G40.20-M92.
    For CSA grade tubing, the design procedures are valid for square,
rectangular and round HSS made to the single grade of 350 W (or 50 W
Imperial).
    For ASTM A500, the design procedures are valid for square, rectangular and
round HSS in the commonly available Grades B and C.
    The Steel Tube Institute was founded in 1930.  It sponsors cooperative
member efforts to promote the growth and effectiveness of the steel tubing
industry; to improve manufacturing techniques; to inform customers,
fabricators and distributors about the product's utility and versatility; and
to provide a forum for discussion of issues affecting the industry.  The
association is headquartered in Mentor, Ohio.

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