M - shapes

[StrP88]

Anyone has used M shape section?
Where are they being used? What applications?
What is there Fy ?


Thank you

 

[racookpe1978]

What specification are you designing to?

 

[Archie264]

Per Table 2-4 in AISC 360 (i.e., the "Steel Manual") the preferred material specification for M shapes is A36. However, they are listed as being available in other grades as well so I suppose it doesn't have to be A36.

I've never used them myself but I've been involved in a project that did use them. They seem like flimsy things to me but perhaps they have an application in mass production items where every ounce shaved off is money saved.

 

[StrP88]

Archie264 (Structural,
Thank you for sharing. May I ask that project was an industrial or residetial or commercial project?
Were they being used as columns? Beams? Bracings?

 

[bridgebuster]

We use MC sections for bridge diaphragms; commonly done.

 

[dhengr]

StrP88:
They are sometimes used where they can be used, for light framing applications. The are not compact sections, so they require much more analysis and design effort, from the stability standpoint, to justify when used in normal structural applications. They are more often used in industrial and product design applications, where they are well braced, etc.

 

[Archie264]

StrP88,

Sorry, I don't completely remember the project where I ran into them but I'm sure it wasn't a typical building design. In any case it seems like you have some answers there.