Round hollow structural sections (HSS) are used in a plethora of applications – from bridges to transmission towers and stadium roofs, or from handrails to posts. HSS are also used beyond structures. For example, HSS are used as sprinkler pipes, oil transmission lines, and pistons, which can make sourcing a confusing headache. This article assists in navigating it all from a structural engineer’s point of view. …
Author Archives : Kim Olson, P.E.
Kim Olson is an HSS Consulting Engineer with the Steel Tube Institute and is based in Denver, Colorado. (kim@steeltubeinstitute.org)
ASTM A500 has been the preferred material specification in the United States for cold formed, welded carbon steel hollow structural sections (HSS) since the late 1970s. In April of 2013, a new material specification, ASTM A1085, was released for steel tubes used in structural applications. …