scope:

The Specification for Structural Steel Buildings, hereafter referred to as the Specification, shall apply to the design of the structural steel system, where the steel elements are defined in the AISC Code of Standard Practice for Steel Buildings and Bridges, Section 2.1.

This Specification includes the Symbols, the Glossary, Chapters A through M, and Appendices 1 through 7. The Commentary and the User Notes interspersed throughout are not part of the Specification.

User Note: User notes are intended to provide concise and practical guidance in the application of the provisions.

This Specification sets forth criteria for the design, fabrication, and erection of structural steel buildings and other structures, where other structures are defined as those structures designed, fabricated, and erected in a manner similar to buildings, with building-like vertical and lateral load resisting elements. Where conditions are not covered by the Specification, designs are permitted to be based on tests or analysis, subject to the approval of the authority having jurisdiction. Alternate methods of analysis and design shall be permitted, provided such alternate methods or criteria are acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.

User Note: For the design of structural members, other than hollow structural sections (HSS), that are cold-formed to shapes, with elements not more than 1 in. (25 mm) in thickness, the provisions in the AISI North American Specification for the Design of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members are recommended.