Beyond the HSS Limits of Applicability

If you’ve designed HSS connections, you’ve likely run into the limits of applicability in Chapter K of AISC-360.

In my latest article written for the Steel Tube Institute, I break down what these limits really mean—and how to approach HSS connection design when your geometry falls outside them. I also cover rational analysis options supported by AISC, including nonlinear FEA, and how tools like IDEA StatiCa help engineers model complex HSS joints with confidence.

Understanding the limits of applicability is an important part of accurately designing HSS connections. With the increasing complexity of projects that structural engineers are being asked to take on, it’s not uncommon to come across connections that are outside the bounds of the Chapter K limits. 

Fortunately, AISC allows the engineer to design connections beyond the limits of applicability by using a “rational analysis.” By pairing advancements in higher level analysis methodology with tools like IDEA StatiCa, structural engineers now have efficient and effective ways to solve all their HSS connections.

Continue reading on the Steel Tube Institute website.