Costs of HSS vs Wide Flange

[VAStrEngr]

Does anyone have knowledge on the cost differences between fabricated HSS members versus Wide Flange? Since both are steel, does a $/ton figure for fabricated steel cover both?

I was always taught that HSS is more expensive to fabricate and erect but if you look at it on a $/ton basis then the HSS would be cheaper because there is less of it in the structure.

Thanks!

 

[MikeHalloran]

So, why are now doubting what you were 'always taught'?



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[SteelPE]

VAS,

I have always been told the same thing and I work closely with some fabricators. You have to remember that HSS are formed from flat stock so the people who make the HSS are in competition with people from other industries.

Also, with HSS, the connections are a little more difficult. You can't just put clip angles on a beam, drill some holes in the column and bolt up. There is a little more involved.

 

[VAStrEngr]

Mainly questioning the old thinking because of what SteelPE alluded to. I think I was always taught a $/ton figure for any steel to be fabricated...so for a similar configuration of HSS vs W's the HSS would be cheaper. However, reading some articles on the subject (fabrication not cost estimating) it appears that there is more detailing and connection issues with using HSS. I didn't know if this balanced the cost difference per ton or how it affected it.

Mike, are you from Western PA by any chance? I remember a guy with your name at my High School...

 

[paddingtongreen]

I would question "...then the HSS would be cheaper because there is less of it in the structure." It depends on the type and "heft" of structure.

Michael.
Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.

 

[VAStrEngr]

I agree...I actually have the framing configurations I am trying to compare. In this case, the HSS members result in less steel overall...but if it costs more to fabricate/erect them then I want to consider that.

 

[steellion]

I've heard that HSS is anywhere from 10-40% more expensive by weight than WF. You can get a significant cost savings by using HSS columns for one and some two-story buildings instead of WF (plus your architects will love you for reducing column area and simplifying the sections). Otherwise, I only use HSS in areas that will be subject to torsion or in sections where a rectangular section is most practical.

Be careful to check local conditions at connections for HSS columns. There is a tendency to want to punch through the center of an HSS side.

 

[abusementpark]

You can get a significant cost savings by using HSS columns for one and some two-story buildings instead of WF (plus your architects will love you for reducing column area and simplifying the sections). Otherwise, I only use HSS in areas that will be subject to torsion or in sections where a rectangular section is most practical.

This.

 

[rscassar]

The country that I practice in (outside US) has an established estimating cost guide which is quite helpful in establishing costs. Typically the cost of raw material of HSS sections (cold-formed) is greater than WF (hot rolled) (approximatley 30%). This is a base material price only.

 

[VAStrEngr]

Great advice... I appreciate the figures. It should be enough to help me out.

Thanks!

 

[archeng59]

Get a copy of the Sept 2010 issue of Modern Steel Construction which has the article "98 Tips for Designing Strucutral Steel". Tip #68 recommends using HSS for tall columns to reduce costs.