A presentation on the new CISC AESS documents that was given at the OAA Conventions in Winnipeg 2010 and Toronto 2011. Introducing the AESS Categories, and the new Matrix. Authored by Terri Boake and Sylvie Boulanger.

1. OAA-Toronto-May2011
CISC’s new AESS docs:
The little matrix that could
OAA Convention – Toronto, Ontario, 19 May 2011

2. OAA-Toronto-May2011
The New CISC Architecturally Exposed
Structural Steel Documents
Sylvie Boulanger
Canadian Institute of Steel Construction
Terri Meyer Boake
University of Waterloo

3. OAA-Toronto-May2011
What is AESS?
• Architecturally Exposed Structural Steel is
steel that has been purposefully left exposed
• It is normally part of the Architectural
aesthetic of the space
• It usually requires detailing, finish and
handling that requires more attention and
care than regular structural steel
• It adds to the cost of the contract

4. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Where did AESS come from?
• Early iron structures were typically left
‘exposed’
• Much exposed iron (cast or wrought) could be
found in bridges
• Architectural uses were associated with
highly glazed structures
• Part of structural rationalist design of the mid
1800s
• Key in High Tech architecture of the 70s

5. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Structural Rationalism
Connections were
“enhanced” to add to the
overall texture and
aesthetic to make it more
in keeping with traditional
architecture of the period.
Biblioteque Nationale, Paris:
Henri Labrouste

6. OAA-Toronto-May2011
STRUCTURALLY
EXPOSED STEEL BRIDGES
The Iron Bridge
Coalbrookdale
UK
Engineering

7. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Portman Bridge, Vancouver
Later bridges were
simplified to reflect “load
paths” – “decoration” lost

8. OAA-Toronto-May2011

9. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Amgen Helix Bridge Engineering or Architecture?

10. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Architecture wanted more!
Foster, Sainsbury Centre, 1977
The High Tech Movement

11. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Contemporary AESS
Chicago O’Hare was the first AESS Airport
Detailing and workmanship expectations rose.

12. OAA-Toronto-May2011
BCE Place,Toronto - CalatravaAND ROSE!!!

13. OAA-Toronto-May2011
How good is “Good Enough”?
• AESS was being used on very
high profile projects
• AESS was also being specified
for mid to lower end projects
• Not all projects had/have the
budget to pay for the sort of
detailing of “A Calatrava”
• There was no agreed language
or specification that could assist
in the communication of
expectations between the
Architect, Engineer and
Fabricator
Wisconsin Art Museum, Calatrava

14. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Problems Specifying AESS
• In spite of the increasing use of AESS the only steel
spec in existence was for standard structural steel
• Miscellaneous Metals did not address the structural
requirements of AESS
• AESS could be priced out of sight on projects if
excessive requirements were added “out of
ignorance”
• All AESS did not need to be equally crafted…
• Not to say that it should not be properly crafted, but
not all situations or projects either needed or could
afford the same level of detailing

15. OAA-Toronto-May2011
“God is in the details”
What are they doing?

16. OAA-Toronto-May2011
They are grinding the surfaces …

17. OAA-Toronto-May2011
... for a structure that will
be visible close-up, but for
passengers that are just
standing by, waiting for an
airport taxi.

18. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Baltimore Washington International Airport

19. OAA-Toronto-May2011
The welded connections on this
truss are basic, not particularly
refined.

20. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Why?
Because it doesn’t matter,
given the thickness of the
coating …

21. OAA-Toronto-May2011
… and the distance.

22. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Dallas Opryland

23. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Pretty smooth welded connections!
A steel fabricator’s main office!

24. OAA-Toronto-May2011
A reaction to the AISC documents of 2003
CISC felt the need to
create a
tiered/differentiated
system to prevent the
“over specification” of
finish quality.
Unnecessary high
standards in finishes
could put projects out
of reasonable price
range.

25. OAA-Toronto-May2011
AESS Questions
• When?
– It all started with ....
• Why?
– To improve communication
• How?
– Initiatives, committee, roundtables
• What?
– Category Matrix / A Spec, a Code, a Guide
• Who?
– Architect | Engineer | Fabricator

26. OAA-Toronto-May2011
To find
common
ground
Why?

27. OAA-Toronto-May2011
I want nice connections!
Architect
architect engineer fabricator

28. OAA-Toronto-May2011
AESS Custody Battle!
Exposed
steel is
“owned” by
the
Architect,
the
Engineer
and by the
Fabricator!
Success
requires
cooperation.

29. OAA-Toronto-May2011
AESS: Factors of influence
• Distance. Visibility.
• Connections mostly
bolted or welded
• Tolerances required at
fabrication and erection
• Interior or exterior
setting
• Paint finish, corrosion
resistance, fire
protection
• Access to detail to
perform required finish
• Degree of expression
• Size and shape of
structural elements

30. OAA-Toronto-May2011
AESS: Factors of influence
• Distance. Visibility.
• Connections mostly
bolted or welded
• Tolerances required at
fabrication and erection
• Interior or exterior
setting
• Paint finish, corrosion
resistance, fire
protection
• Access to detail to
perform required finish
• Degree of expression
• Size and shape of
structural elements
FORM
FINISH
FIT

31. OAA-Toronto-May2011
The importance of form …
Vision realised
Tortured landscape
Canadian War Museum, Ottawa

32. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Ram’s Horn Sculpture
Calgary
Wind mitigation device!

33. OAA-Toronto-May2011

34. OAA-Toronto-May2011

35. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Montreal airport

36. OAA-Toronto-May2011
How?
• Initiatives
– AISC Guide (2003)
– Ontario early doc (2003)
– Quebec involvment (2004)
– National interest (2005)
• National committee
– A President, a Secretary,
Fabricators from every
region, Regional staff,
Guests
• Roundtables
– Montreal
– Toronto
– Vancouver

37. OAA-Toronto-May2011
National committee agreed that …
• Not all AESS need be created equal.
– Adopted the “Category Approach”
• Distance should play a factor.
– 6 m (20 ft) rule
• Finish would play a factor.
– finish OF the steel surface
– finish ON the steel surface
• Connection types are important differentiators.
– bolted vs welded

38. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Zurich airport

39. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Telus Atrium, BC
The new documents refer
to new sections like
elliptical tubes

40. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Mountain Equipment Coop
Montreal

41. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Le Café des Éclusiers
Le Café des Éclusiers
Vieux Port de Montréal

42. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Not all AESS need be created equal.
Bankers Hall Sculpture, Calgary
University of Guelph, Science Building
Exhibition Conference Center
Ricoh Center, Arena

43. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Exquisite/expensive detailing
Needs to be close
enough to be seen,
and even touched, to
be warranted

44. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Distance should play a factor
AESS Structure of CIBC Concourse Skylight
Can
anyone
really see
this?

45. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Distance should play a factor
Edmonton City Hall, Alberta
MUST this be filled?
MUST this be realigned?

46. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Distance should play a factor (360o)
CDP, Montreal

47. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Coating, protection system should play a factor
Hi-gloss
Medium gloss
Thicker intumescent
Thick intumescent
Galvanized

48. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Connection types are important differentiators
Canadian War Museum, Ottawa Waiward Steel Offices, Edmonton
BCE Place, Toronto
Bankers Hall, Calgary

49. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Bolts vs Welds
The choice is there….
And the AESS is
very different…
Palais des Congrès de Montréal
Lougheed Skytrain Station, Vancouver

50. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Round Tables made us realise that …
• The Category Matrix was a winner.
• The Sample Spec should be part of the Structural
Steel Division (not a separate one).
• The Sample Spec should be part of the Engineer’s
spec, NOT the Architect’s!
• Approximate cost premiums should be provided as a
very rough guideline.
• These documents should provide a means for good
communication between the Architect, Engineer and
Fabricator/Detailer/Erector.

51. OAA-Toronto-May2011
What?
 Subdivision of
Specification for
Structural Steel
 Appendix I of the CISC
Code of Standard
Practice
 CISC Guide for
specifying AESS
 Category Matrix
740 Bel-Air, Montreal

52. OAA-Toronto-May2011
AESS: Factors of influence
• Distance. Visibility.
• Connections mostly
bolted or welded
• Tolerances required at
fabrication and erection
• Interior or exterior
setting
• Paint finish, corrosion
resistance, fire
protection
• Access to detail to
perform required finish
• Degree of expression
• Size and shape of
structural elements
SPEC
+
CODE
GUIDE
GUIDE
MATRIX

53. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Approximating Cost Premiums
• Discussions/roundtables made it apparent that
Architects and Engineers wanted cost premiums
provided
• Cost premiums could begin to differentiate the AESS
Categories
• Fabricators wanted no part of having them included
• As a compromise a “range” of extra cost has been
included
• The range is very wide and should only be used as a
starting point for contractual discussions between the
Architect, Engineer, Fabricator and Client

54. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Categories go from lowest at the right to
highest at the left.

55. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Viewing distance is noted as the
differentiating factor between the high and
low end AESS Categories.

56. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Characteristics are listed from the most
common/least expensive at the top to the
more specialized at the bottom.

57. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Estimated cost premiums over Standard
Structural Steel are noted at the bottom.

58. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Roof trusses
for arenas, retail
warehouses,
canopies
Cost premium: Low
(20-60%)
AESS 1

59. OAA-Toronto-May2011
AESS 1 – Basic Elements
Semiahmoo Library,
Surrey, B.C.
Ricoh Center, Arena

60. OAA-Toronto-May2011
1.1 Surface preparation to SSPC-SP 6
photo: Dry-Tec website - www.drytec.ca
AESS 1
SP 15
SP 3 : Power Tool Cleaning
SSPC-SP 6 for complete removal
of visible oil, mill scale, rust, paint.
SP 6 : Commercial Blast Cleaning

61. OAA-Toronto-May2011
1.1 Surface preparation to SSPC-SP 6
Dry-Tec
AESS 1
Shot blast cleaning with
the use of abrasives

62. OAA-Toronto-May2011
1.2 Sharp edges ground smooth
photo: AISC AESS Guide
AESS 1

63. OAA-Toronto-May2011
1.3 Continuous weld appearance
AESS 1

64. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Not to cover welds
AESS 1

65. OAA-Toronto-May2011
TC Bolts
Hex bolts by default
The side on which the bolt
heads should appear can be
specified …. not the rotation!
1.4 Standard
structural bolts
AESS 1

66. OAA-Toronto-May2011
TC Bolts
1.4 Standard
structural
bolts
AESS 1
Court 1, Jarry Park, Montreal

67. OAA-Toronto-May2011
TC Bolts
Or TC bolts
1.4 Standard
structural bolts
AESS 1

68. OAA-Toronto-May2011
TC Bolts
Weld spatter prevents
a quality/smooth finish
as the imperfections
will translate through
the coatings.
1.5 Remove
weld spatter
AESS 1

69. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Retail and arch.
bldgs viewed at
a distance
Cost premium: Low
to Moderate
(40-100%)
AESS 2

70. OAA-Toronto-May2011
AESS 2 – Feature Elements (>6m)
Les Ailes, Montreal Dorval Airport, Montreal
National Works Yard, Vancouver
Lillis Business School, Oregon

71. OAA-Toronto-May2011
AESS 2
2.1 Visual Samples (optional)
1. 3-D rendering;
2. Physical sample of surface preparation and welds;
3. First off inspection; First element fabricated for use
in finished structure
4. Mockups; Scaled or full-scale. Mockups are to
demonstrate aesthetic effects as well as qualities of
materials and execution:
a. May have finished surface
b. Architect’s approval of mockups required;
c. Retained until project is completed;
d. Approved full-scale mockups may be part of work.

72. OAA-Toronto-May2011
3-D rendering
• Ottawa airport

73. OAA-Toronto-May2011
First off inspection at Toronto Airport

74. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Approved first off inspection assembly
One of the
“wishbones” is the
full scale first off
inspected assembly.
Can you tell which
one?
Pearson International Airport, Toronto

75. OAA-Toronto-May2011
AESS 2
2.2 One-half standard fabrication tolerances

76. OAA-Toronto-May2011
AESS 2
2.3 Fabrication marks not apparent

77. OAA-Toronto-May2011
AESS 2
2.4 Welds uniform and smooth
Zurich airport

78. OAA-Toronto-May2011
2.4 Welds uniform and smooth
Brown Center, Baltimore, MD.
Cannon Street, London
National Works Yard, Vancouver
3 very different welded conditions,
yet all are appropriate to the project

79. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Airports, shopping
centres, hospitals, lobbies
Cost premium: Moderate
(60-150%)
AESS 3

80. OAA-Toronto-May2011
AESS 3 – Feature Elements (<6m)
Edmonton International Airport OHare International Airport
Ottawa International Airport
Palais des Congrès de Montréal

81. OAA-Toronto-May2011
photo: AISC AESS Guide
3.1 Mill marks removed
AESS 3

82. OAA-Toronto-May2011
3.1 Mill marks removed
AESS 3
Example of mill mark show through.

83. OAA-Toronto-May2011
3.2 Butt and plug welds ground smooth and filled
Right side shows groove weld ground smooth.
photo: AISC AESS Guide
AESS 3

84. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Plug welds ground smooth and filled if visible
Niagara Casino
AESS 3

85. OAA-Toronto-May2011
3.3 HSS weld seam oriented for reduced visibility
AESS 3

86. OAA-Toronto-May2011
3.4 Cross sectional abutting surface aligned
3.5 Joint gap tolerances minimized
AESS 3
photo: AISC AESS Guide

87. OAA-Toronto-May2011
3.5 Joint gap tolerances minimised
Lake City Way Skytrain
Station, Vancouver
Regan International Airport,
Washington, DC
Pritzker Pavilion, Chicago
Required to accommodate
complexity and alignment

88. OAA-Toronto-May2011
3.5 Joint gap tolerances minimised
Regan International Airport,
Washington, DC
Pritzker Pavilion, Chicago
Required to accommodate
complexity and alignment
Art Gallery of Alberta,
Edmonton
AESS 3

89. OAA-Toronto-May2011
3.6 All welded connections (optional)
AESS 3
Requires skilled field welder.
Millennium Park, Chicago

90. OAA-Toronto-May2011
3.6 All welded connections (optional)
AESS 3
Discrete bolts can be
proposed as unobtrusive.

91. OAA-Toronto-May2011
3.6 All welded connections (optional)
AESS 3

92. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Unobtrusive connections
Even where
design
governs,
there are
alternates to
field welding
Seattle Public Library
AESS 3

93. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Hidden connections
Where site welding
might be
problematic, make
parties aware that
bolted connections
may be effectively
“hidden”
Media Tower, Dundas Square, Toronto
AESS 3

94. OAA-Toronto-May2011

95. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Hidden connections
This hidden
connection must
also be
weatherproof
Media Tower, Dundas Square, Toronto
AESS 3

96. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Showcase or dominant
elements, sculptures
Cost premium: High
(150-250%)
AESS 4

97. OAA-Toronto-May2011
AESS 4 - Showcase or dominant elements
BCE Place, Toronto
CDP, Montreal
Wells Fargo Bridge, Salt Lake City

98. OAA-Toronto-May2011
4.1 HSS seam not apparent
AESS 4
CDP Building, Montreal

99. OAA-Toronto-May2011
4.2 Welds contoured and blended
Very expensivephoto: AISC AESS Guide
AESS 4

100. OAA-Toronto-May2011
4.3 Surfaces filled and sanded
AESS 4
Niagara Casino
St-Pierre Passage, Montreal

101. OAA-Toronto-May2011
4.3 Surfaces filled and sanded
AESS 4
Rose Center
New York City
Polshek

102. OAA-Toronto-May2011
4.4 Weld show-through minimized
photo: AISC AESS Guide
AESS 4

103. OAA-Toronto-May2011
This section is for those
who have unusual
requirements or are
confident enough to
create their own set of
requirements
AESS C

104. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Status of the New AESS Documents
• Completed and available for download at
www.cisc-icca.ca/aess are:
– Matrix
– Sample Spec
– Code of Standard Practice
– References
– AESS Guide

105. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Re-used / Sustainable Steel
• An increasing number of projects are making
use of re-used steel to be sustainable
• Some of these projects choose to leave the
steel exposed to “celebrate” its re-use
• A Custom spec will be required for such
projects as the demounting, transportation,
re-erection of the steel will be unique and
vary by project

106. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Angus Technopole
• Project used an old steam
locomotive shed
• Repurposed for offices and
a grocery store
• Most of the steel was left in
its original condition to show
off the reuse
• Other was
“cleaned up
and
repainted,
leaving the
original
rivets
exposed.

107. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Rivets

108. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Tohu
Steel beams
saved from
demolition at
the Port of
Montreal
were reused
to support
the roof.

109. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Re-used steel properties
1. Do you have the old mill certificate?
2. Have you tried to check the steel as
“unidentified steel”?
• If yes to either question, proceed to re-use.
• If not, perform test for physical and/or
chemical properties. Cost: 500-1000$/test

110. OAA-Toronto-May2011
University of
Edmonton
Triffo Hall
111

111. OAA-Toronto-May2011
The 740 Bel-Air : LEED Gold
Joists from previous building
were dismantled, stored
and reused.
Consortium: ABCP, Beauchamp
Bourbeau, Busby & Assoc.

112. OAA-Toronto-May2011
The AESS Guide:
• The illustrated Guide to assist Architects and
Engineers in understanding the new
specification documents is nearing
completion
• This part of the presentation will walk you
through the COMPLETED version of the
Guide!

113. OAA-Toronto-May2011

114. OAA-Toronto-May2011
This illustrated guide is
designed as a
supplement to the new
set of AESS Specification
Documents created by
the CISC National
Committee over the
period of 2005 to the
present time.
So let’s take a walk
through the Guide!

115. OAA-Toronto-May2011
An Elaboration of
the Spec and text
based documents
Additional value
added detailing and
decision making
information

116. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Additional value
added detailing and
decision making
information

117. OAA-Toronto-May2011
The Development of the new
AESS Documents Focussed on
translating the
PRIMARY FACTORS OF
INFLUENCE
Into specifications and codes
that could be easily used and
incorporated into practice.
~ Distance and Visibility
(if you could not see it up close or touch it, finish
requirements could be softened)
~ Connections mostly bolted or welded
(different aesthetics requiring differing levels of
finish)
~ Tolerances required at fabrication and erection
(different as a function of scope and complexity)
~ Access to detail to perform required finish
(greater concern for workmanship may mean altering
the detail or its location to allow access for different
types of tools)
~ Degree of expression
(complexity of structure and connections)
~ Size and shape of structural elements
(W sections and HSS have different detailing
requirements and their use infers a different
approach to detailing and finish)
~ Interior or exterior setting
(weathering issues, need to fire protect, potential for
impact damage)
~ Paint finish, corrosion resistance, fire
protection
(depending on the relative thickness of the finish
material, more or less care may be required when
preparing the surface, edges and welding of the steel

118. OAA-Toronto-May2011
The core idea!
FORM, FIT &
FINISH
Two “TREES” – both AESS – each quite different from the other – so
why would the AESS Specification be even remotely the same????

119. OAA-Toronto-May2011
The generation of the overall
approach to the new set of CISC
AESS Documents is based upon
the key idea of the Category
“Matrix”

120. OAA-Toronto-May2011
THE CATEGORY APPROACH
VIEWING DISTANCE
TYPE OR FUNCTION OF THE
BUILDING
RANGE OF COST INCREASE
ALL AESS IS BENCHMARKED
AGAINST PRACTICES FOR
STANDARD STRUCTURAL STEEL

121. OAA-Toronto-May2011
AESS1 – BASIC ELEMENTS
is the first step above
Standard Structural Steel.
This type of application
would be suitable for
“basic” elements, which
require enhanced
workmanship. This type of
exposed structure could
be found in roof trusses
for arenas, warehouses
and canopies and should
only require a low cost
premium in the range of
20% to 60% due to its
relatively large viewing
distance as well as the
lower profile nature of the
architectural spaces in
which it is used.

122. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Roof trusses
for arenas, retail
warehouses,
canopies
Cost premium: Low
(20-60%)

123. OAA-Toronto-May2011
AESS 2 – FEATURE ELEMENTS
includes structure that is
intended to be viewed at a
Distance > 6 m. It is suitable
for “feature” elements that
will be viewed at a distance
greater than six meters. The
process requires basically
good fabrication practices
with enhanced treatment of
weld, connection and
fabrication detail, tolerances
for gaps, and copes. This
type of AESS might be found
in retail and architectural
applications where a low to
moderate cost premium in
the range of 40% to 100%
over the cost of Standard
Structural Steel would be
expected.

124. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Retail and arch.
bldgs viewed at
a distance
Cost premium: Low
to Moderate
(40-100%)

125. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Includes structures that
will be viewed at a
distance ≤ 6 m. The
Category would be
suitable for “feature”
elements – where the
designer is comfortable
allowing the viewer to see
the art of metalworking.
The welds should be
generally smooth but
visible and some grind
marks would be
acceptable. Tolerances
must be tighter than
normal standards.
AESS 3 – FEATURE ELEMENTS
As this structure is normally viewed closer than six meters it might also frequently be
subject to touch by the public, therefore warranting a smoother and more uniform finish and
appearance. This type of structure could be found in airports, shopping centres, hospitals or
lobbies and could be expected to incur a moderate cost premium that could range from 60%
to 150% over Standard Structural Steel.

126. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Airports, shopping
centres, hospitals, lobbies
Cost premium: Moderate
(60-150%)

127. OAA-Toronto-May2011
AESS 4 – SHOWCASE ELEMENTS
or “dominant” elements is
used where the designer
intends that the form is the
only feature showing in an
element. All welds are
ground and filled edges are
ground square and true. All
surfaces are sanded and
filled. Tolerances of these
fabricated forms are more
stringent, generally to half of
standard tolerance for
structural steel. All of the
surfaces would be “glove”
smooth. The cost premium of
these elements would be
high and could range from
100% to 250% over the cost
of Standard Structural Steel
– completely as a function of
the nature of the details,
complexity of construction
and selected finish.
Brookfield Place

128. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Showcase or dominant
elements, sculptures
Cost premium: High
(150-250%)

129. OAA-Toronto-May2011
AESS C – CUSTOM ELEMENTS
was created to allow for a
completely custom selection of any
of the Characteristics or attributes
that were used to define the other
Categories. It would allow complete
flexibility in the design of the steel,
but would therefore require a high
level of communication amongst
the Architect, Engineer and
Fabricator. The premium for this
type of AESS could range from
20% to 250% over regular steel. A
wide range may seem odd for
“custom” elements, but the lower
bound of this Category also
includes specialty reused steel for
sustainable purposes, and steel
that might be purposefully less
refined in its Characteristics.

130. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Bow Encana

131. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Canadian Museum for Human Rights

132. OAA-Toronto-May2011
THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE
MATRIX
AESS 1 – BASIC ELEMENTS

133. OAA-Toronto-May2011
AESS 2 – FEATURE ELEMENTS

134. OAA-Toronto-May2011
AESS 3 – FEATURE ELEMENTS

135. OAA-Toronto-May2011

136. OAA-Toronto-May2011
AESS 4 – FEATURE ELEMENTS

137. OAA-Toronto-May2011
AESS C – CUSTOM ELEMENTS
WORKING OUTSIDE OF CANADA

138. OAA-Toronto-May2011
WORKING OUTSIDE OF CANADA

139. OAA-Toronto-May2011
WORKING OUTSIDE OF CANADA
There even are limits on the kind of
workmanship that can be expected for the likes
of Herzog and de Meuron and Arup on high
profile projects such as the Birds Nest!

140. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Beijing International Airport

141. OAA-Toronto-May2011
What about cleaning and maintenance?

142. OAA-Toronto-May2011

143. OAA-Toronto-May2011
COATINGS – GENERAL ISSUES
SURFACE PREPARATION
THIS PORTION OF THE GUIDE IS A
MAJOR VALUE ADDED PIECE
OVER AND ABOVE AN
ELABORATION OF THE
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE
MATRIX AND IS INTENDED TO
HELP ARCHITECTS AND
ENGINEERS TO UNDERSTAND
THE FINE POINTS OF SELECTING
THE CATEGORY AS A FUNCTION
OF THE “FINISH”.

144. OAA-Toronto-May2011
EXTERIOR VS INTERIOR FINISHES
PAINT SYSTEMS
• Water, snow and weathering are
obvious issues here. Steel must be
detailed so that moisture does not get
trapped inside, causing the structure
to rust out.
• Some details create ledges that will
trap snow and meltwater.
• Some arrangements will also collect
dirt and provide roosts for pigeons.
• The paint type and finish MUST be
known.
• The level of gloss will either mask or
reveal minute imperfections.

145. OAA-Toronto-May2011
SHOP VS SITE PAINTING
PRIMERS
INTUMESCENT COATINGS
• Quality is better with shop painting
• Shop painting is less costly
• Shop painted steel requires better care and handling
during transportation, site staging and erection
• Anticipate that some touch up work will be required
• A BIG caution note here!
• Each type of final finish requires a DIFFERENT primer
• Incompatible primers must be removed
• Especially important with intumescent fire protection.
• Some steel does not need a primer – cost and environmental savings!

146. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Intumescent coatings
• Acrylic
Com./arch. applications, mostly interior, field applied
– water based
• longer to dry, more fragile, but “greener”, for interior
– solvant based
• faster, most common use, robust, mostly interior setting
but also exterior
• Epoxy
Industrial applications, ext. or int., shop applied
• very fast to dry, very resistant (also anti-corrosion)

147. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Intumescent coatings
have become a widely
used way of expanding
the application of
exposed steel, but have
major ramifications when
specifying the level of fit
and form on a project!

148. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Robert R. McEwen Hospital, Toronto
(Atrium)

149. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Tubes (HSS 6”X6”X3/8”)
Minutes 60 90 120
(mils*)
Thermo-Sorb 46 123 217
Nullifire S605 127 NR NR
Nullifire S606 107 292 NR
Albi TF 119 NR 431
AD FireFilm III 130 188 257
Sprayfilm III 97 173 280
* 1 mil = 1/1000th of an inch

150. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Columns (W10X49)
Minutes 60 120
(mils)
Thermo-Sorb 42 204
Albi TF 55 310
A/D Fire Film III 55 NR
Nullifire S605 59 215
Spray Film WB III 56 177

151. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Le Casse-Tête
1213, rue Ontario est
Montréal
• Rating: 1 hr
• Cost of material: $6.50
• Labour: $3.82
Sherwin Williams

152. OAA-Toronto-May2011
468 rue St-Jean, Montreal
• Fire rating: 2 hrs
• Material: $12.75
• Preparation and
application: $14.75
Sherwin Williams
The column is
actually cast-iron!

153. OAA-Toronto-May2011
UQAM Kimberlay Pavillon
145 President Kennedy
Montréal
Fire rating: 2 hours
Material: $15.00 /sqft
Application: $15.00 / sqft
Sherwin Williams
A thicker wall HSS
would have likely
reduced cost!

154. OAA-Toronto-May2011
CEMENTITIOUS/FIBROUS
PROTECTION
GALVANIZING
METALIZING

155. OAA-Toronto-May2011
When you need corrosion protection …
• Galvanizing
• Metalizing
• Paint systems
• Intumescent coatings (epoxy)
• Weathering steel
• Stainless steel

156. OAA-Toronto-May2011
THE ARCHITECT SAYS:
But it looks so cool! I want it as a FINISH – can you make it
look consistent please??
THE ENGINEER AND FABRICATOR SAY ABOUT
GALVANIZED STEEL:
It was NEVER meant to be a “FINISH”!
It is a corrosion protection system!

157. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Corporation Corbec
Hot-dip galvanizing
is a chemical
process, where iron
and zinc connect.

158. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Differences between heats!

159. OAA-Toronto-May2011
What impacts the final look of galvanized steel?
• Impurities, presence of certain chemicals,
especially silicon
• Steel origin from several different heats
• Thickness of material: too thin, too different
• Access to all surfaces being dipped
• Size of pieces of steel

160. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Calgary Water LEEDTM Gold

161. OAA-Toronto-May2011
ITHQ building in Montreal
Lapointe Magne / AEdifica
Galvanized steel and glass for
improved energy efficiency at the
new double façade.
ITHQ

162. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Kuujjuaq Airport, Nunavik
The vertical peripheral steel tubes are used
for stabilizing the permafrost.
Fournier, Gersovitz, Moss
All the steel was galvanized (inside and outside).

163. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Shop
When exterior setting
requires fire-protection
and corrosion resistance
Shop applied
Epoxy based
Intumescent
Coating

164. OAA-Toronto-May2011
OCAD
Support legs covered with an
epoxy intumescent coating.

165. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Vancouver
Convention
Centre
Epoxy coating can
also be used for
indoor application.

166. OAA-Toronto-May2011
WEATHERING
STEEL
How do we detail for a material that changes its colour and
finish hue over its life; can bleed onto the concrete below;
is durable in some respects but can also be scratched?

167. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Most common application: BRIDGES
Weathering steel contains
copper and nickel, is less
porous than carbon steels,
and creates a protective
patina after about 2 years

168. OAA-Toronto-May2011
• It “needs” wet/dry cycles to
develop the patina
• No residues should remain
on the steel
• Not advisable for a roof
• Colour is not completely
predictable but almost
always beautiful!
• Weathering
steel will
stain, mostly
in the first
two years;

169. OAA-Toronto-May2011
John Deere
Head office
Moline, IL
1964
Weathering steel
(Cor-Ten)
outside and inside
building
Architect: Eero Saarinen

170. OAA-Toronto-May2011
ABCP Office - Québec

171. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Robson
Robson Square Domes are
made of stainless steel

172. OAA-Toronto-May2011
GENERAL ISSUES FOR
CONNECTIONS
MOCK UPS – WHEN AND HOW
THE SELECTION OF CONNECTION
TYPES GREATLY IMPACTS THE
DETAILING AND THEREFORE THE
AESS CATEGORY LEVEL
• Mock ups can be very expensive
• Fabricators need to be
compensated to create these
• Large mock ups can delay the
project
• Remember to examine the mock
up at the same distance as the final
piece will be viewed!

173. OAA-Toronto-May2011
3-D rendering
Ottawa Airport
• A digital rendering from the
Fabricator was more than
adequate
• Architectural renderings can be
used to discuss finish options as
well

174. OAA-Toronto-May2011
First off inspection at Toronto Airport

175. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Approved first off inspection assembly
One of the
“wishbones” is the
full scale first off
inspected assembly.
Can you tell which
one?
Pearson International Airport, Toronto

176. OAA-Toronto-May2011
SELECTING A CONNECTION TYPE
BOLTED CONNECTIONS – WHEN
TO USE
• A huge impact on detailing!
• Impacts fabrication costs
• Impacts erection and
constructability
• Impacts timing of the project
• Impacts transportation
• How big are the pieces
• How much can be assembled in the
shop?
• Easier for fabrication
• Can be less expensive
• Easier for site erection
• Still must be accurate in AESS for
proper fit
• Makes the steel look more
“technical” – so is this the look that
you want?

177. OAA-Toronto-May2011
WELDED CONNECTIONS
TUBULAR STEEL
• Are typically more expensive
• Better results if done in the shop
• More difficult to do on site, but
possible
• Cleaner appearance
• Difficult geometries not as hard
today with new CNC cutting methods
• Quality depends on the Fabricator
• Very popular in AESS
• Can be welded or bolted
• Very different overall appearance
between welding and bolting
• Can be weight savings when using
HSS
• When galvanizing the interior of the
tube must be coated
• Can be coating/paint savings on
some applications (less surface area)

178. OAA-Toronto-May2011
CAST CONNECTIONS
• Castings have been used in very
special projects with odd geometries
• Special castings will require special
testing for strength, particularly if the
connection is large
• Castings can ease the difficulty of
connection of multiple tubes
• Castings are being mass produced
for seismic connections

179. OAA-Toronto-May2011
CDP Building

180. OAA-Toronto-May2011
When can you justify using castings?
• Stress concentration
• Labour intensive (labour $ > 4x material $)
• Repetition (the mould is expensive)
• Access to a caster and testing
• Collaboration from the engineer!
• Aesthetic requirement

181. OAA-Toronto-May2011
DESIGNING FOR CURVES,CUTS
AND SPECIALTY ITEMS
BENDING
ELLIPTICAL TUBES
AESS is making use of a number of new
technologies and products. This section
will expand upon these to make Architects
and Engineers more aware of these new
possibilities so that they can make a more
educated decision when selecting their
Fabricator and working with them on
detailing the design.
• Steel can be bent
• Amount of bend a function of the
shape
• Hollow sections are limited as they
can suffer buckling
• W sections can also experience
web deformations
• “Hard Way” vs “Easy Way” for
bending
• Not all Fabricators do bending
• Needs to be contracted out
• Can increase costs depending on
location of bender
• These are new on the market
• More common in Europe
• Mostly an aesthetic choice, ratio 2:1
• Narrow profile makes them slimmer
when placed in front of glazing
• Similar connection issues as tubes

182. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Mechanical energy
Heat

183. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Strong axis Weak axis

184. OAA-Toronto-May2011

185. OAA-Toronto-May2011
HOLE PUNCHING AND DRILLING
SHEARING, PLASMA CUTTING, TORCH, ETC.
• New machinery
can do almost
anything!
• Check to see the
state of your
Fabricator’s shop
and equipment
•Modern equipment has improved and automated these
processes
•Accuracy is essential for AESS connections and ease of site
erection

186. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Round holes and straight lines are the
least expensive way of creating openings.

187. OAA-Toronto-May2011

188. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Erection & Challenges
~ Best Practices
~ Transportation Issues
~ Care in Handling
~ Erection Issues
~ Staging and Site Area
Requirements
~ Steel and Wood
~ Steel and Glass
Also included! Sections on:

189. OAA-Toronto-May2011

190. OAA-Toronto-May2011

191. OAA-Toronto-May2011

192. OAA-Toronto-May2011

193. OAA-Toronto-May2011
CISC ADVANTAGE STEEL MAGAZINE
Steel and Glass
Issue No. 29
Steel and Wood
Issue No. 30

194. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Architect Engineer Fabricator
Who?

195. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Architect
Engineer
Fabricator
Santiago
Calatrava
Wayne
Baigent
GUIDE FOR
SPECIFYING
AESS
SAMPLE AESS SPEC FOR
STRUCTURAL STEEL
CODE OF
STANDARD
PRACTICE

196. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Architect
Engineer
Fabricator
Santiago
Calatrava
Wayne
Baigent

197. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Design process implications
• Architects and engineers have to talk to decide on
AESS Categories.
• AESS Categories need to appear on all contract
documents as per Spec.
• We typically expect that there will be 2 Categories
specificed per structure
– ex. AESS 2 upper portion of atrium, AESS 3 for the lower
portion
• Fabricators to bid on Engineering documents and the
Categories specified.

198. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Fabrication and Erection Implications
• Categories specified infer sequencing, cost and
constructability issues.
• Higher level of care as provided in Code of Standard
Practice.
• AESS Categories to appear on all Shop and Erection
drawings.

199. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Acknowledgements of committee
• Walter Koppelaar, Walters Inc., Ontario Region - Chairman
• Sylvie Boulanger, CISC, Quebec Region - Secretary
• Peter Boyle, MBS Steel, Ontario Region
• Paul Collins, Collins Industries, Alberta Region
• Michel Lafrance, Structal-Heavy Construction, Quebec Region
• Graham Langford, Weldfab, Central Region
• Rob McCammon, IWL Steel Fabricators, Central Region
• Jim McLagan, Canron BC, BC Region
• Mike Payne, Waiward Steel, Alberta Region
• Rob Third, George Third and Son, BC Region
• Harrison Wilson, Ocean Steel, Atlantic Region
• Terri Meyer Boake, University of Waterloo - Guest
• Suja John, CISC, Ontario Region
• Alan Lock, CISC, Atlantic Region
• Peter Timler, CISC, Western Region

200. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Acknowledgements of roundtables
• Alain Bergeron, ABCP architecture
• Terri Meyer Boake, University of Waterloo
• Pierre Delisle, Pierre Delisle architecte
• Michael Heeney, Bing Thorn Architects
• Martin Nielsen, Busby Perkins & Will
• Jacques White, Université Laval School of Architecture
• Peter Buchanan, Stantec
• Guy Carrier, CIMA+
• François Deslauriers, SDKLBB
• Jean Lacoursière, Mesar Consultants
• Jeff Leibgott, SBSA Structural Consultants
• Sol Lorenzo, Genivar
• Andrew Metten, Bush Bohlman
• Bob Neville, Read Jones Christoffersen
• Stéphane Rivest, Bureau d'études spécialisées (BÉS)

201. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Appendix 1 - CISC Code of Standard Practice
Appendix 2 - The Matrix
Appendix 3 - Sample AESS Section in Structural Steel
Specification
The AESS Guide
Now available for download at : www.cisc-icca.ca/aess
The guide will also include, for convenience
copies of:

202. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Coming
November 2011!
Looks at AESS
as well as
detailed
chapters on
-Timber
- Glazing
- Castings
- Curving
- Diagrids
- Sustainability

203. OAA-Toronto-May2011
AESS is all about communication, care …
and the little matrix.
www.cisc-icca.ca/aess
www.aisc.org/aess

204. OAA-Toronto-May2011
Terri Meyer Boake:
tboake@uwaterloo.ca
Sylvie Boulanger:
sboulanger@cisc-icca.ca
sbou@me.com
Thank you! Merci!
Comments and suggestions are welcome: