Also, in case some of you aren’t familiar with it, a “Clean Columns” programming tool is available for free downloading on the AISC site. It can be used to calculate the lightest column section that would be needed to eliminate stiffeners and web doubler plates. Once the joint forces are known, the tool will size the lightest column that can be used in the unreinforced condition. Substituting to a heavier column would obviously cost more for material, but the savings from eliminating stiffeners (continuity plates) and web doubler plates, i.e., eliminating the materials needed to make and prep them, the labor needed to fit them, weld them, and then inspect the welds, in some cases, would more than offset the additional cost of using a heavier column section. This tool would be especially beneficial for use with columns supporting several floors and having moments at each floor. If anyone considers using this tool, contact the EOR to see if he/she would be open to the concept. This should be done prior to submitting a bid, or no later than prior to the preparation of the advanced bill of material. Either way, submitting an RFI to the EOR could result in substantial savings to the fabricator. I haven't experienced being asked to cut our price based on approval of this change, but it's still a possibility.
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