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I have been working with architects who needed to know the cross sectional dimensions and geometry of a rolled open steel section. For example what would be the radius of the tip of the leg of a 1.5"x1.5"x0.25 angle? I know you have an answer for every question. – C.C.Y. 10/1/2006
The answer is “it depends”. It depends on whether you need the value for detailing, or whether you want to incorporate the value specifically as part of a design calculation. It depends on who produces it. It depends on the rolls that are being used in the hot-rolling process. It depends on whether it is at the beginning of a batch or at the end. So whatever you do, don’t expect this number to be as precise as other dimensions that we publish in our Handbook. Or should I say, don’t count on that dimension. Charles Albert says that unlike the angle leg dimensions and thickness, the fillet radius at the intersection of the legs and the leg-toe radius are not standardized section dimensions. These dimensions will vary between producers and will depend on the rolls used in the hotrolling process. Some steel mills do provide the fillet and toe radii in their product catalogs. Arcelor is one example, http://www.arcelor.com/sections. We’ve come to think that steel is very precise, and it is. An exception is the value of k and k1, which depends on the fillet radius joining the two legs. You should tell the architect that k1 has a range. As you know, I rarely have the answer, I just have access to a vast network of great human resources! This question appeared in the "Ask Dr. Sylvie" column of Advantage Steel no. 27, Fall 2006.
The answer is “it depends”. It depends on whether you need the value for detailing, or whether you want to incorporate the value specifically as part of a design calculation. It depends on who produces it. It depends on the rolls that are being used in the hot-rolling process. It depends on whether it is at the beginning of a batch or at the end. So whatever you do, don’t expect this number to be as precise as other dimensions that we publish in our Handbook. Or should I say, don’t count on that dimension. Charles Albert says that unlike the angle leg dimensions and thickness, the fillet radius at the intersection of the legs and the leg-toe radius are not standardized section dimensions. These dimensions will vary between producers and will depend on the rolls used in the hotrolling process. Some steel mills do provide the fillet and toe radii in their product catalogs. Arcelor is one example, http://www.arcelor.com/sections. We’ve come to think that steel is very precise, and it is. An exception is the value of k and k1, which depends on the fillet radius joining the two legs. You should tell the architect that k1 has a range. As you know, I rarely have the answer, I just have access to a vast network of great human resources!
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