Columns - HSS or WF

[JAE]

What are most of you specifying for general steel framed buildings - primarily industrial/warehouse types?

We generally see a lot of wide flange columns used in these kinds of buildings but when you look at the relative weight-stiffness and weight-strength ratios, the tubes look very good.

But if so, why do we see so many WF columns used?

 

[JAE]

The argument put at me is that even when comparing strong axis bending the tubes are better per pound.

I'll spot check a few shapes tomorrow and see.

 

[hokie66]

I think that is correct if you compare a square tube with a square WF, but with a "beam shaped" WF used as a column, not so.

 

[Brad805]

HSS sections are more expensive per pound.

Brad

 

[connectegr]

The trade off is not even. The material, fabrication, and connections cost more for HSS columns, even if the column weighs less.

http://www.FerrellEngineering.com

 

[dik]

Multistory is a different can of worms... HSS come into their own when column height exceeds 10' or 12'... and, I agree, that for multistorey stuff that WF is generally better for ease of connections.
Brad...
Cost per pound is just a little higher unless you are looking at unusual section sizes and the steel has to be 'warehoused' sourced in which case the cost for HSS is markedly higher.

Dik

 

[Brad805]

dik, at one time HSS used to be around $.5/lb compared to $0.35/lb for rolled sections in my area. The fab costs always seem to be more for HSS too. I have not priced any lately. Most of the time the Arch never wants things sticking out of his 6" walls, so HSS usually works best. I am talking two/three stories.

Brad

 

[haynewp]

I got complaints on the cost of a 2 story jail that was cost estimated prior to bidding where I had specified HSS columns instead of WF about 5 years ago. We switched to WF and saved a lot on steel cost, I have since left it to the architect to decide if they really want HSS on any building or else I suggest using WF. It may not always be the case on cost depending on the size of columns you are comparing. I understand some HSS shapes are more expensive than others.