S shape material (topic)

Tip: Connection design can create connections for S shape beams, columns and braces in generally the same framing situations that it can design connections for wide flange members. However, bolting to an S shape flange is more difficult than to a W flange because of its inside angular surface. Shown at left is a cross section of an S18x70.

Also see :

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General description :

  • S shape material is rolled structural steel, the cross section of which resembles the letter "I." It is characterized by narrow, tapered flanges and relatively thick webs.
  • S shape material may also be referred to as S flange material or S material.

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Entering S shape section sizes :

  • Naming convention: S+nominal_depth+x+nominal_weight/length .
  • Example: S18x70 .
  • Note: When you add an S shape to a shape file, you do not have to follow this naming convention.
  • In Modeling and the Drawing Editor : An S shape section must exist in the local shape file before you can enter it as a " Section size " to a member or material edit window, or before its weight will be automatically calculated when you add it to the " Description " field in the bill editor.

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Submaterial piece marking :

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Shape file specifications for S shape material :

d = depth
tw = web thickness
tf = flange thickness
g = gage
bf = flange width
k = k distance

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Adding S shape sections to the model :

  • To add an S shape to a member as a submaterial (pre-selection method): Select the one (1) member that you want to add the material to (so that it is displayed in the " Primary selection color ") > press F3 > filter for " Hot / Cold Rolled " > double-click " Rolled Section " > locate two material work points > enter an S shape " Section size " on the Rolled Section Material window > optionally rotate the material into place > locate a material dimension reference point > right-click ( Return ) if done adding material to the member > Change All Options can be applied if the material is being added to a member that is batched together with other members that have the same member piecemark.
  • To add an S shape as a miscellaneous member: Press F2 > filter for " Miscellaneous steel " > double-click " Rolled Section " > locate two member work points > enter an S shape " Section size " on the Rolled Section Edit window > right-click ( Return ) if you are done adding duplicates or variations of the miscellaneous member.
  • To add a wide flange as a legacy miscellaneous member, click here for instructions.
  • Locating work points for an S shape that is added as material or a legacy miscellaneous member should be done in a view whose work plane is orthogonal to (at right angles to) the material being added. A rolled section miscellaneous member , on the other hand, can be added and properly rotated into place even in an isometric view.
  • Settings for S shapes added as legacy miscellaneous members or submaterial may be entered on the Rolled Section Material window. Settings for S shape miscellaneous members may be entered on the Rolled Section Edit window. Additional settings can be found in the local shape file (see above ).
  • S shape sections can also be added to the model as the main material of a member by inputting the appropriate " Section size " (example: S12x50 ) on a member edit window. Connection design can create connections for S shape beams , S shape columns , S shape vertical braces and S shape horizontal braces .

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Steel grades :

  • Steel grades that are available for S shape material are set up at Home > Project Settings > Job > Wide Flange Grades .

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