Structural Steel Framing

Structural steel framing is a durable, reliable, cost-effective, sustainable option for low-rise, mid-rise and high-rise building projects and typically refers to building frame systems where the vertical and horizontal structural elements are formed by a system of structural steel beams and columns. Column spacing is typically 25 to 45 feet on center, with spacing variations lower and higher depending on architectural requirements. The range of available shapes and sizes allows virtually any architectural requirement to be met.

Hot-rolled structural steel shapes such as wide-flange beams and columns are defined inASTM A6, Standard Specification for General Requirements for Rolled Structural Steel Bars, Plates, Shapes and Sheet Piling. A variety of hollow structural sections (HSS) formed from steel plate are available from various manufacturers. Built up structural sections can be fabricated using steel plate.

Structural steel framing is typically designed, fabricated and erected in accordance with standards developed by the American Institute of Steel Construction in the United States and the Canadian Standards Association in Canada. It is also adaptable to almost any architectural layout and is used routinely on a variety of building projects. Structural steel is the most popular framing material for non-residential buildings in the United States, with over half of the constructed square footage framed in structural steel on an annual basis.

Following is a listing of structural steel framing resources and organizations that can provide additional information.Design Guides & ManualsAmerican Institute of Steel ConstructionSteel Tube Institute (Hollow Structural Sections)Canadian Institute of Steel ConstructionDesign AidsAmerican Institute of Steel ConstructionSteel Tube Institute (Hollow Structural Sections)Canadian Institute of Steel ConstructionResearchAmerican Institute of Steel ConstructionCanadian Institute of Steel ConstructionWebinars/SeminarsAmerican Institute of Steel ConstructionSteel Tube Institute (Hollow Structural Sections)Canadian Institute of Steel ConstructionCase StudiesAmerican Institute of Steel ConstructionSteel Tube Institute (Hollow Structural Sections)