Steel Structures Research Update: Advances in Design with Hollow Structural Steel Members

Recent advances in design of steel-frame systems with hollow structural steel (HSS) members are highlighted. The featured work includes new and updated design guides that are co-authored by Jeffrey Packer and Jason McCormick. Dr. Packer’s experimental, numerical, and analytical research informs the design of HSS for various loading conditions, with a bias toward code/specification-related issues and guidance for practicing engineers. Dr. McCormick’s research on HSS members and connections ranges from research on steel HSS-based seismic moment frames to the use of innovative materials (e.g., polymer foam) to control the structural response of HSS members under seismic and wind loads. Selected studies are featured along with a preview of the new design guides. Research on HSS columns under axial and lateral loads fills knowledge gaps in seismic behavior and design. Foam-filled brace and bending member experiments show improved seismic performance with a light-weight polyurethane fill. Field tests, laboratory experiments, and numerical modeling are used to study behavior and develop design methods for hollow and concrete-filled HSS subject to blast and impact loading. Research on single-sided fillet welds of HSS members leads to improved design recommendations. Improved design procedures are also recommended based on research on HSS connections that are in branch compression, near chord ends, or offset laterally.