More from less: Greater materials efficiency using high strength steels

The use of high strength steels (HSS) enables members to have smaller cross-sections, or be lighter, or both. The extent of the weight savings depends on the type of member and  the mode of loading. Lighter sections lead to reductions in carbon and, usually, lower material costs. The reduction in weight can also lead to a cost saving in the foundations, welding, fabrication, transportation and erection. As a result of these benefits, steels of higher strength are being used increasingly in a range of applications in construction, particularly for heavy columns, transfer beams, trusses and bridge girders. Certain aspects of the design and fabrication of HSS require special attention in order to exploit fully the benefits of the high strength. In 2018, ICE awarded a grant from the ICE Research and Development Enabling Fund for SCI to write a guide covering both design and execution of HSS of yield strength from 420 MPa up to 700 MPa, giving ‘holistic’ guidance covering strength, stability, serviceability and fabrication. The High Strength Steel Design and Execution Guide, was written in collaboration with experts in the steel construction supply chain, and was published in 2020.