scope:

This Code sets forth criteria for the trade practices involved in structural stainless 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 force-resisting elements. In the absence of specific instructions to the contrary in the contract documents, the trade practices that are defined in this Code shall govern the fabrication and erection of structural stainless steel and any bimetallic interfaces that may be integral to the structural stainless steel.

There are five stainless steel alloy families. Alloys from three of those families are included in this Code. All structural shapes manufactured from the austenitic and duplex stainless steel alloy families are included in this Code. The precipitation hardening stainless steel alloy family applications are limited to tension members, fittings, and fasteners.

Commentary:

The practices defined in this Code are the commonly accepted standards of custom and usage for structural stainless steel fabrication and erection, which generally represent the most efficient approach.

This Code is not intended to define a professional standard of care for the owner's designated representative for design; change the duties and responsibilities of the owner, contractor, architect, or structural engineer of record from those set forth in the contract documents; nor assign to the owner, architect, or structural engineer of record any duty or authority to undertake responsibility inconsistent with the provisions of the contract documents.

This Code is not applicable to steel joists or metal building systems, which are addressed by SJI and MBMA, respectively.