Telus Atrium, B. C. | Ziggy Walsh, George Third and Sons
We did not set out to make this a HSS Special Issue however in many ways that is what has happened. Steel tubes are central to most of the articles. Not surprising from an architectural perspective. Hollow Structural Steel has long been used to provide beauty, environmental stewardship, as well as function. We are now seeing more development and research work going into non standard shapes, pushing the architectural envelope, providing even more options for steel designers.
Professor Jeffrey Packer’s fascinating series on Elliptical Hollow Sections continues with Part Two on EHS member design. He explores the technical specifications and engineering properties necessitated in the design of EHS. Carlos de Oliveira looks at ingenious solutions to the need for seismic-resistant concentrically braced frames using standardized brace connectors. While Seismic Corner launches Part 1 on buckling-restraining braced frames and one of the questions Ask Dr. Sylvie deals with is HSS corner radius. Ask Dr. Sylvie also deals with AESS categories, shortened out-standing angle legs and advises the 10thEdition of the CISC Handbook will be released by June 2010.
Also, we have an article examining three CISC Design Award winning structures launched as part of Quebec City’s 400th anniversary. The image above of the EHS in the Telus Atrium in B. C. also received a CISC Design Award. Always an interesting read, our annual summary of scholarship and awards wraps up this issue.
My best wishes to you all, for a healthy and prosperous 2010!
Ed Whalen, P.Eng.
President CISC