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January 25, 2012

Simpson Strong-Tie Introduces New GCN-MEP Gas-Actuated Concrete Nailer and Adhesive Estimator Mobile App at World of Concrete

Simpson Strong-Tie will introduce the GCN-MEP gas-actuated concrete nailer, a cordless, portable tool for the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) trades, at the World of Concrete. In addition, attendees will be able to download the new Simpson Strong-Tie®Adhesive Estimator mobile app.
The easy-to-use and load GCN-MEP gas concrete nailer is designed for attaching mechanical, electrical and plumb fixtures to concrete, concrete block (CMU) and metal deck. As a single-shot tool, it installs pre-assembled accessories for the MEP trades, and features a pin that has a .125” diameter shank and a .300” diameter head. The .300”-headed fastener can be shot with the GCN-MEP tool or any common PAT tool. The GCN-MEPMAG (magazine tool) can shoot common gas drywall track pins, including all of the Simpson Strong-Tie GDP series pins. The MEP-MAG magazine can be installed and removed easily with no additional tools. The GCN-MEP nailer will be available in March.
The Adhesive Estimator is the first mobile application from Simpson Strong-Tie and will enable users to quickly estimate adhesive product quantities right from their mobile device. By inputting the size and number of adhesive anchors, the app will calculate the approximate number of adhesive cartridges needed for a project.
For more information and to demo these and other new products from Simpson Strong-Tie, visit booths N1819 and O31428 at the World of Concrete in Las Vegas, January 24-27, 2012, or visit the website www.strongtie.com/anchorsystems.

PCI Accepting Research Fellowship Proposals for the 2012-2013 Academic Year
Selected proposals will be awarded $20,000

The Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) is now accepting research proposals for the 2012-2013 school year under the Daniel P. Jenny Fellowship program. Selected proposals will be awarded $20,000.
The Daniel P. Jenny Fellowship program is intended primarily for the support of candidates for master’s-degree-level research related to precast/prestressed concrete. Ph.D. candidates will also be considered. The program encourages innovative ideas and promotes interaction of student proposers with industry partners. Last academic year, eight proposals were selected by the PCI Research and Development Council to be honored with Daniel P. Jenny Research Fellowships.
Proposals should clearly describe the application of the proposed research to precast/prestressed concrete, potential contribution to the state of the art, timeliness of the proposed research, and possible impact on the industry market. Support from a PCI Producer Member (or members) is an essential part of the program and ensures that the research results or implementation plan has possible benefits to PCI and its members. Fellowships generally conclude with a master’s degree thesis and a summary paper published in the PCI Journal.
Proposals should be submitted electronically to PCI’s managing director of research and development, Roger Becker, no later than February 20, 2012. Selected proposals will be announced by April 30, 2012.
Instructions and a summary of the evaluation criteria are available on the PCI website, along with a list of potential research topics of interest to the industry. To access this information, visit pci.org/cms/index.cfm/tech/research.
For more information on the fellowship program, contact Roger Becker at (312) 360-3213 orrbecker@pci.org.

ACI Brings Art and Concrete to Dallas

The American Concrete Institute’s (ACI) Spring 2012 Convention will take place March 18-22, 2012 in Dallas, Texas, USA.
The spring convention’s theme, Art of Concrete, will showcase the creative side of the world’s oldest man-made building material. The convention will debut a new two-hour session format which will increase the number of technical sessions and provide attendees with more flexibility in their convention schedules.
All attendees are encouraged to share their expertise and get involved in any of the committee meetings offered at the convention. Attendee participation in committees is essential in advancing the quality, safety, efficiency, and profitability of the concrete industry.
The convention will be held at the Hyatt Regency Dallas where ACI convention attendees may receive reduced sleeping room rates based on availability until Feb. 16, 2012. Attendees who register for the convention by February 19 will receive reduced registration rates.
To learn more about the ACI Spring 2012 Convention and events please visitwww.aciconvention.org.

CRSI Design Awards Deadline Extended to December 31

(Schaumburg, IL - November 29, 2011) The Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute (CRSI) is currently accepting entries for its annual Design Awards. The final deadline is extended until December 31st, with judging shortly thereafter at the World of Concrete.
Entries are judged on:
  • Aesthetic Expression
  • Functional Excellence
  • Design Innovation
  • Economy of Construction
  • Engineering Achievement
The Design Awards are an opportunity to show the industry design and construction accomplishments. Award-winning projects will be showcased in a national promotional campaign that includes a recognition brochure, press releases, award presentations and acknowledgement at national and regional tradeshows and conferences.
To enter a project in the 2012 Awards program, visit www.crsi.org to download a 2012 Design Awards Entry Form.

Spring 2012 Khan Distinguished Lecture Series
Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA.

1st Lecture: ROSS B. COROTIS, Denver Business Challenge Professor of Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder CO
"Natural Hazard Risk: Public Perceptions & Political Perversities"
Friday, February 17, 2012 - 4:10 pm

2nd Lecture: SHARON L. WOOD, Robert L. Parker Sr. Professor in Engineering and Chair, Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin TX
"Opportunities and Challenges for Infrastructure Monitoring"
Friday, March 23, 2012 - 4:10 pm

3rd Lecture: TED V. GALAMBOS, Professor Emeritus, Structural Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis MN
"The Safety of Bridges"
Friday, April 20, 2012 - 4:10 pm

WoodWorks Now Accepting Nominations ForWood Design Awards
Entry deadlines are fast approaching

UNITED STATES (Oct. 7, 2011) – WoodWorks is now accepting nominations for its Regional Wood Design Awards, which will be presented at Wood Solutions Fairs across the country. The awards recognize excellence in wood design and construction, as well as innovative projects that showcase wood’s strength, beauty, versatility and cost-effectiveness.
“We want to honor those architects, engineers and designers that have found innovative ways to use wood in buildings,” said Dwight Yochim, national director of WoodWorks, an educational initiative that provides free technical support and resources related to non-residential and multi-family building projects. “These are real-world examples that demonstrate how wood can help maximize the beauty, functionality and sustainability of modern buildings while in many cases minimizing cost.”
Projects may be submitted in numerous categories, some of which include institutional, commercial, and multi-family/midrise wood design; interior beauty of wood; green building; exterior use of wood; innovative wood design; traditional use of wood; wood behind walls; and engineering. For categories specific to each region, visit woodworks.org.
“This is a great opportunity for design professionals across the U.S. to be recognized by their peers and celebrated for demonstrating wood’s exciting design possibilities,” said Yochim. “These awards showcase new applications for wood that contribute to the advancement of building design on many levels—from from engineering to sustainability.”
Entry Deadlines
There are no project nomination fees, and multiple submissions are encouraged. Projects must have been completed in the past three years. Entrants can find nomination materials and more information at www.woodworks.org/woodDesignAwards. Deadlines for entries are as follows:
  • Central Region – Oct. 14, 2011
  • East Region – Dec. 23, 2011
  • West Region – Jan. 15, 2012

Award winners will be recognized for their innovative designs and projects at Wood Solutions Fairs, which are held twice a year in each region. Free to design and building professionals, Wood Solutions Fairs combine topical seminars with a trade exposition to deliver a comprehensive educational experience for individuals considering or using wood in non-residential or multi-family structures. Upcoming Fairs include:

Images of past winning entries, more information and nomination forms are available on the WoodWorks website, www.woodworks.org.

New Technical Notes Released From Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute

(SCHAUMBURG, IL, October 7, 2011) — The Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute (CRSI) has released two new Technical Notes to its online collection. The new Technical Notes available are Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Reinforcing Bars (Construction Technical Note CTN-G-2-10) and Economical Reinforced Concrete Construction (Engineering Technical Note ETN-C-1-10).
Answering Your Questions about Reinforcing Bars
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Reinforcing Bars (Construction Technical Note CTN-G-2-10) covers the most routinely received inquiries concerning various aspects of reinforcing bars and rein¬forced concrete design and construction. The questions in the publication come from engineers, architects, inspectors, code enforcement personnel and contractors. The following topics areas are presented in the publication:
  • Field bending of reinforcing bars
  • Field cutting of reinforcing bars
  • Welding of reinforcing bars
  • Rust on reinforcing bars
  • Cover over reinforcing bars
  • Epoxy-coated reinforcing bars
  • Properties of old reinforcing bars
  • Bar support use & types
  • Tying of reinforcing bars
  • Availability and application of ASTM A706 reinforcing bars

This Technical Note provides specific information about each area of inquiry, including charts, artwork and images to help illustrate the answers.
Building Economically Every Time
The publication, Economical Reinforced Concrete Construction (Engineering Technical Note ETN-C-1-10), explains how the initial cost of reinforced concrete structures can be reduced through advanced planning and detailing to minimize the expenses related to the materi¬als and the construction activities associated with formwork, reinforcement and concrete.
Frequently, these cost-reducing techniques are not obvi¬ous to the designer. For example, formwork costs are generally 40 to 60 percent of the completed reinforced concrete structure. Material costs for concrete and reinforcement are on the order of 10 to 30 percent. The labor cost percentage for placing the concrete and the reinforcement is the remainder. This technical note addresses many of the areas that have shown to result in overall cost savings.
The report takes each area — formwork, reinforcement and concrete —and uses a step-by-step approach to what activities and materials can be used to reduce cost. Each recommendation is fully explained in the document. A brief selection of the suggestions include: select one framing system and use it throughout the structure; arrange and organize structural members to fully utilize structural capacity; use concrete members that provide architectural interest and finishes; use Grade 60 reinforcing bars; use the largest bar size possible; consider using #14 and #18 longitudinal column bars; use high-performance concrete where placement and consolidation is expected to be difficult; and specify no more than three mix designs. The entire technical report provides over 40 different cost-saving recommendations.
Both publications are available for free. To order call CRSI at 847-517-1200 or go towww.CRSI.org and click on Webstore, then search under Merchandise and Technical Notes.

SEAOSC Summit
The earthquake yesterday on the east could well have been on the west as many are aware.

The Structural Engineers Association of Southern California (SEAOSC) will be hostingBuildings at Risk: Earthquake Loss Reduction Summit on October 13, 2011 at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA. This is a precursor to the Great ShakeOut event that will be held on October 20th.
As you know, there are many structures that are at risk and many stakeholders who do not know what action can be taken to mitigate this risk. SEAOSC has partnered with several prestigious organizations in the planning of this event including the Southern California Earthquake Center, California Emergency Management (Cal EMA), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), FEMA, California Institute of Technology, and the Earthquake Country Alliance.
The goals for this event are to increase the awareness of seismic risk and the importance of earthquake risk mitigation while highlighting the role of the structural engineer as well as other organizations. Those that should attend include building officials, architects, building owners, the public, government officials, insurance company representatives, engineers, and police and fire department representatives.
For more information, please click Here.

CTBUH Announces its Research Development Initiative

Transforming Ideas
The Council on Tall Building and Urban Habitat is pleased to announce its Research Development Initiative directed at colleagues involved in (or aspiring to be involved in) tall building-related research and development. The central goal of this initiative is to promote grant proposal submissions and to reduce barriers to tall building research. Recognizing that research is vital to the future of tall building production, the Research Development Initiative will target opportunities for advancing new innovations and technologies.
This initiative is being spearheaded by the Council's new Research and Working Group Manager, Mr. Patrick Bayard. Mr. Bayard has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics, American Studies and Political Science from Hofstra University, a Master's Degree in Public Management from Saint Thomas University in Florida, and a Master's Degree in Urban Planning and Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He brings significant experience of what it takes to fund successful research having worked for the following research organizations as a proposal reviewer: the Grand Victoria Foundation; the University of Illinois at Chicago; Illinois Resources Network; the Sara Lee Foundation; and the Chicago Community Trust.
For more information, please contact Patrick Bayard

Learn More Here

ASCE 7-10 Wind speeds Now Available on Web

The Applied Technology Council (ATC) has developed a web-based tool that provides a way for users to find a site-specific wind speed using the GPS coordinate system. The spatial resolution of the wind speed maps that are currently displayed in ASCE 7 are not sufficient to determine a site specific wind speed and there are no reference city or town locations on the ASCE 7 maps. While county boundaries are shown, the resolution is degraded when the maps are expanded large enough to distinguish the boundaries and approximate the city locations. This new tool eliminates the problem of resolution by using GPS coordinates to locate a site. Wind speeds are interpolated to the nearest one (1) mile per hour based on the wind contours on the maps. The platform is Google Earth; either street maps or satellite images can be used to locate a specific site.
Wind speeds are provided in 3-second peak gust speeds for the three (3) Risk Category maps provided in ASCE 7-10 in a one-page report. It is expected that users will be potentially using building codes that reference other versions of ASCE 7 for some years to come and therefore, the wind speed report will include wind speeds for ASCE 7-05 and the fastest mile wind speeds from ASCE 7-93 for those who need a comparative speed between averaging times. In addition to the wind speeds for the three risk classifications, wind speeds are provided for serviceability purposes for 10, 25, 50 and 100-year return periods.
The wind speed site, www.atcouncil.org/windspeed, will be free for users. Users are encouraged to provide ATC with feedback about the site, using the Contact Us page, so that enhancements can be planned.

Seismic Design Parameters for Haiti

Following the Haiti earthquake in January 2011, many structural engineers contributing to the rebuilding efforts struggled to find the ground motion hazard data necessary to perform seismic design calculations. Noting the shortcomings of previously available hazard information for Haiti, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) constructed new seismic hazard maps for that country (pubs.usgs.gov/of/2010/1067/). USGS has subsequently developed Maximum Considered Earthquake (MCE) ground motions compatible with current editions of the International Building Code (IBC). These data have been incorporated into the USGS Worldwide Seismic DesignMaps Web Application (earthquake.usgs.gov/designmaps/ww/), which provides IBC-compatible spectral response acceleration parameters (Ss and S1) for many locations around the world. Other data sources currently reflected in the Worldwide DesignMaps application include the Department of Defense Unified Facilities Criteria, the Global Seismic Hazard Assessment Program, and the USGS preliminary earthquake hazard maps for Afghanistan (pubs.usgs.gov/of/2007/1137/); more datasets will be added as time allows. As it already has for Haiti, USGS hopes that Worldwide DesignMaps will serve as a valuable tool for engineers designing structures for sites in other seismically active areas around the world.
For more information, please contact Nicolas Luco, Eric Martinez, Sean McGowan, or Greg Smoczyk Here.

Structural Engineers Comment on New Version of LEED 
The deadline has passed

Reston, Va.— In public comments submitted to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the Sustainability Committee of the American Society of Civil Engineers’ (ASCE) Structural Engineering Institute (SEI) expressed serious concern with changes related to the use of structural materials in the new Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) 2012 rating system draft.
“We in the structural engineering community were taken aback to see structural materials eliminated from the draft LEED credits for Regional Materials, Recycled Content Materials, and Bio-Based Materials,” said Mark Webster of Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc., chair of the committee’s working group on the new LEED draft. “Structural materials carry significant environmental impacts and LEED needs to provide incentives to reduce those impacts.”
As design professionals continue to realize the impact that structural engineers can have on sustainable design—as well as the impact that sustainability codes and standards such as LEED can have on engineering practice—the group noted that such changes in the LEED rating system may ultimately affect the practice of structural engineering by reducing the engineer’s incentive to work toward integrated, sustainable design solutions.
A full summary of the consensus comments from the ASCE SEI Sustainability Committee can be found on their Web site, Here.
Information on SEI’s Sustainability Guidelines for the Structural Engineer publication can also be found Here.
The latest draft of LEED is available for free download from USGBC, Here.

Public Comment Period for Blast Protection of Buildings

The American Society of Civil Engineers announced it will conduct a public comment period on the new professional standard, Blast Protection of Buildings. The public comment period will be held from December 1, 2010 through January 15, 2010.
This voluntary standard provides minimum planning, design, construction and assessment requirements for new and existing buildings subject to the effects of accidental or malicious explosions. It includes principles for establishing appropriate threat parameters, levels of protection, loadings, analysis methodologies, materials, detailing and test procedures. However, this standard is not applicable for the mitigation of potential accidents involving ammunition or explosives during their development, manufacturing, testing, production, transportation, handling, storage, maintenance, modification, inspection demilitarization or disposal.
This standard is intended to supplement, not supersede the requirements of the governing building code and other applicable laws and standards. The omission of specific material or system does not necessarily preclude its use in accordance with this standard, as long as all applicable provisions are satisfied. This standard does not prescribe requirements or guidelines for the mitigation of progressive collapse or other potential post-blast behavior.
To participate in the public comment period, contact Lee Kusek, ASCE Codes & Standards Administrator at lkusek@asce.org or 703-295-6176.
For more information on this standard or ASCE’s standards program, please contact Leikny Johnson at ljohnson@asce.org or 703-295-6413.
Visit the ASCE website to see the entire press release: www.asce.org/PressRelease.aspx?id=12884902814

NCSEA publishes Guide to the Design of Out-of-Plane Wall Anchorage

For more information click Here.

NCSEA publishes Guide to the Design of Diaphragms, Chords and Collectors

For more information click Here.

ICC-ES and NCSEA Agreement Marks a New Milestone for Building Safety

ICC Evaluation Service, Inc. (ICC-ES) and the National Council of Structural Engineers Association (NCSEA) have signed an agreement that will provide active NCSEA participation and support for the ICC-ES Evaluation Program. Both parties recognized the benefits that this collaboration provides to manufacturers, code officials, and the design community. The agreement includes procedures for review, by structural engineers, of selected proposed acceptance criteria involving complex structural products and systems, ensuring feedback from the structural engineering community when ICC-ES is considering new and innovative products or systems.
NCSEA is the primary organization representing practicing professional structural engineers in the United States and promotes improved structural engineering practices to enhance access to safe and serviceable structures. ICC-ES is the United States’ leader in evaluating building products for compliance with building codes.
"Due to the complexity of innovation taking place with structural related products, systems and methods of construction, ICC-ES saw the benefits of expanding its relationship with NCSEA and the structural engineering community,” said ICC-ES President Mark Johnson. "This expanded relationship with NCSEA addresses an industry need to formulate consensus and provide solutions on complex structural issues.”
Under this agreement, NCSEA will establish a panel of experts to review the proposed acceptance criteria for complex structural products and systems. After such review, a report is provided to ICC-ES staff and the Evaluation Committee. The input from NCSEA will assist in identifying and providing solutions for complex technical issues. Evaluation reports based on acceptance criteria developed through this process will continue to ensure report users that a balanced and thorough approach has been applied when considering alternative structural products and systems.
“NCSEA is pleased to have the opportunity to cooperate with ICC-ES, in enhancing the value of ICC-ES for structural engineers. We look forward to more opportunities to work with ICC and ICC-ES in the future,” said Jeanne M. Vogelzang, J.D., CAE, NCSEA Executive Director.
Also under the agreement, there will be joint efforts to educate users of evaluation reports on the proper use and application of acceptance criteria and evaluation reports. Look for more information, as it becomes available, on the ICC-ES website.

For more information on the National Council of Structural Engineers Association (NCSEA), visit www.NCSEA.com

ICC‐ES® is a subsidiary of the International Code Council®. For more information about ICC‐ES®, visit www.icc-es.org.


MicroStation V8i and STAAD.Pro Awarded Top Honors by Readers of Construction Computing Magazine 
In CAD and Structural Analysis Software of the Year Categories

EXTON, Pa. – Bentley Systems, Incorporated, today announced that MicroStation V8i and STAAD.Pro received top honors at the Construction Computing Awards 2009 (also known as The Hammers IV) ceremony in London’s Tower Hotel, Tower Bridge. MicroStation V8i was named CAD Software Product of the Year and STAAD.Pro was named Structural Analysis Software of the Year. In addition, Bentley’s GenerativeComponents generative design software was recognized as runner-up in the Product of the Year category. The Construction Computing Awards showcase and reward technology, tools, and solutions for the effective design, construction, maintenance, and modification of commercial buildings, residential and social housing, and civil engineering projects of all sizes. The winners were selected by Construction Computing magazine’s readership, which includes IT professionals in construction, product, project, and service companies.
Josh Boulton, director of the Construction Computing Awards program, said, “This recognition underscores Bentley’s acknowledged commitment to developing innovative, value-creative infrastructure software.”
Commenting on the awards, Joe Croser, Bentley global marketing director, said, “Having our software selected for awards by Construction Computing magazine’s audience of construction IT professionals is truly an honor. These discerning specialists are charged with providing innovative solutions that not only advance an organization’s technological capabilities, but also streamline its workflows and make it more profitable. At Bentley, we focus on these same goals in the development of our comprehensive portfolio of software for the infrastructure lifecycle.”
For additional information about the Construction Computing Awards 2009, visitwww.constructioncomputingawards.co.uk.

World’s Largest Earthquake Test

Pleasanton, Calif. – Colorado State University and Simpson Strong-Tie, along with other partners, successfully led the world’s largest earthquake shake table test in Japan on July 14th, 2009, showing that mid-rise wood-frame buildings can be built to withstand major earthquakes.
“Thorough, detailed analysis of the data won’t be available for weeks, but scientists are pleased with the initial results,” said John van de Lindt, principal investigator on the test and civil engineering professor at Colorado State University.
This 40-second test, approximating a 7.5 magnitude earthquake, occurred on a seven-story condominium tower with 23 one- and two-bedroom living units. The test, held in Miki City, near Kobe, Japan, was on the world’s largest earthquake shake table owned by Japan’s E-Defense, a 3-D, full scale earthquake testing facility. The tower is the largest wood-frame building ever built and tested.
The U.S. building industry rarely permits wood-frame buildings in excess of five stories in earthquake-prone areas. The data gathered from this test could increase the height of these buildings and influence the design of future wood-frame construction. The government of British Columbia is particularly interested in the results of the test after enacting a new law April 1 that increases the height of wood-frame structures from four to six stories.
The seismic testing, known as the NEESWood Capstone tests, is the culmination of a four-year $1.4 million grant from the National Science Foundation to develop a new design approach for taller wood-frame buildings in earthquake-prone areas. That grant is a collaboration between five universities, including Texas A&M University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, University at Buffalo, and University of Delaware.
Other contributors on the Japan project include the U.S. Forest Products Lab/Forest Service, the Provincial Government of British Columbia, FPInnovations, Maui Homes and numerous material contributors, including Stanley Bostitch, and Strocal Inc.
For more information, visit www.strongtie.com/capstonetest

AISI PUBLISHES COLD-FORMED STEEL DESIGN MANUAL

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) announced today the publication of the 2008 edition of the Cold-Formed Steel Design Manual. The Manual supplements AISI S100-07, the 2007 edition of the North American Specification for the Design of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members. It is available for purchase online at www.steel.org
The material contained in the new manual provides the latest design information for conformance with AISI S100-07, as well as new improvements and additions.
The Cold-Formed Steel Design Manual consists of six parts:
  • Part I, Dimensions and Properties
  • Part II, Beam Design
  • Part III, Column Design
  • Part IV, Connections
  • Part V, Supplementary Information
  • Part VI, Test Standards

NASSPA Expands Membership

ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 23 - The North American Steel Sheet Piling Association (NASSPA) has expanded its membership to companies and individuals that are involved with accessories, equipment, design and specification of steel sheet piling (SSP) systems.
In keeping with the mission of NASSPA to provide a forum where the users of steel sheet piling technology can interact and discuss best practices, the Board of Trustees approved two new membership categories into NASSPA. Associate membership is offered to firms engaged in the manufacture, distribution, and/or supply of equipment, material, accessories, or services to the hot rolled steel sheet piling industry in North America. Technical affiliate membership is offered to firms engaged with the design or in teaching the art and science of design and installation of hot rolled steel sheet piling in North America.
According to Gerry McShane, who represents Arcelor Mittal on the NASSPA Board of Trustees, "The work that NASSPA does in developing standards, promoting steel sheet piling systems, and developing education programs will only benefit as we hear from suppliers and users of SSP systems. We look forward to their participation at NASSPA committees and their involvement with NASSPA projects."
Steel sheet piling wall systems are used as major components in the construction of port facilities, bridges, locks and dams, remediation of contaminated soils, and support of excavation. Founded in 2003, NASSPA is dedicated to the promotion of hot rolled steel sheet piling and its members represent the major producers of hot rolled steel sheet piling that supply the North American market. The Association is involved in a broad range of education, technical, research, marketing, and communications activities.

Structural Steel Industry to Open its Doors Nationwide on September 18 for SteelDay

(Chicago, IL) - On September 18, 2009, architects, engineers, contractors and others involved in the AEC community will have the opportunity to visit steel fabricators, mills, service centers and other facilities throughout the country. Currently, more than 100 SteelDay events are scheduled in 43 states for the AEC community to tour facilities and jobsites, attend educational seminars, network, and see how the structural steel industry is contributing to build America.
SteelDay 2009, hosted by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), is the first planned annual national event dedicated to providing the AEC community with accessibility to the latest happenings in the structural steel industry. To announce SteelDay 2009, AISC recently launched a new web site and portal, www.SteelDay.org, which features information and resources on where all of the action is taking place, including a map of the event locations and how to attend or host an event.
"SteelDay is a unique chance for participants to receive hands-on education about the latest advances in the structural steel industry and witness new technologies first hand," commented Chris Moor, AISC industry mobilization director. "AISC holds tours and seminars throughout the year in specific locations, but we wanted to do something on a grand scale where more people could get these types of learning experiences without having to travel very far."

AISC member Lyman Zolvinski, president of structural engineering consulting firm, Zolvinski Engineering in Michigan City, IN, attended an AISC seminar at a service center last year and hoped to see more fabricator and mill tours become available in his local area. "A wealth of information can be obtained by visiting service centers, fabricators, and mills that can't be put into literature," said Zolvinski. "It also keeps one up to date on the latest supply and fabrication techniques and availability." Zolvinski plans to attend a steel mill tour in Indiana on SteelDay.
During SteelDay, participants will gain hands-on knowledge about structural steel's key benefits and features such as sustainability, availability, speed and cost. They can also observe how design affects production and efficiency, advances which have resulted in high-performance projects that minimize construction's impact on our planet while also saving time and money.

About the American Institute of Steel Construction

The American Institute of Steel Construction, headquartered in Chicago, is a not-for-profit technical institute and trade association established in 1921 to serve the structural steel design community and construction industry. AISC's mission is to make structural steel the material of choice by being the leader in structural steel-related technical and market-building activities, including: specification and code development, research, education, technical assistance, quality certification, standardization, and market development. AISC has a long tradition of service to the steel construction industry of providing timely and reliable information.

Constructability of Structural Steel Buildings Design Guide No. 23

David Ruby, founder of the structural engineering firm Ruby + Associates, long considered a pioneer behind the concept of constructability, can now say that he literally wrote the book on the topic. The publication, Constructability of Structural Steel Buildings Design Guide No. 23, was written in collaboration with the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC).
The Guide is expected to become an authoritative voice on incorporating construction considerations into the structural design decision matrix. More specifically, constructability is the application of construction knowledge and experience into the design process to achieve the most efficient and effective results. The notion behind constructability is to bridge the gap between design and construction. As the publisher’s note in the Design Guide states, "...this document can serve as a primer for structural engineers and others in the structural steel industries who seek new approaches to construction and new ways of doing business. The author is not just theorizing about integrating ‘constructability’ into structural engineering practice. Rather, his firm has actually done it and is sharing this knowledge..."
"By collaborating early in the construction process, team members can anticipate issues and develop creative, relevant solutions while still in the project planning phase," said David Ruby. "The results of constructability are manifested in faster approvals, shortened schedules and reduced construction costs."
The Design Guide explores specific areas such as: early involvement, the design process, issues related to the structural steel framing, detailing and fabrication, steel erection, and special constructability issues (e.g., anchorage to concrete, camber, and tolerances).
Ruby + Associates applied its constructability approach to recent marquee projects like the Kaufman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City, a Naval Air Station hangar complex in Jacksonville, FL, Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan and Mercy Hospital of Tiffin in Tiffin, OH to name just a few.
Design Guide No. 23 is available as a free download to AISC members from www.aisc.org/ePubs or at a price of $60 for nonmembers.

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