The role software has played in reshaping the structural design world is of course monumental. Software has enabled designers to focus on the most economical solution, based on multiple iterations of design, and rigorous finite element analysis instead of tedious hand calculations. How has software affected the means of designing a hollow structural section (HSS) is also important to many designers.

All major structural software programs such as Fastrak Building Designer, RAM Elements, Visual Analysis, RISA 3D, RISA Floor, ETABS, SAP2000, RAM Structural System, STAAD.Pro, SCIA Engineer, and others allow designers to model members (beam, columns, and braces) as HSS sections.

The design advantages of an HSS section being relatively long compression members, and/or members capable of resisting biaxial bending and torsional loads are highlighted in several programs. See the design matrix below:

As you can see from the matrix above, software varies in its capabilities in analysis and design. Therefore when designing with HSS members that are versatile (biaxial bending, torsion, and tension/compression capabilities), it is important to use the correct program for analysis and design dependent on the use of the HSS members.

To completely understand a programs design capabilities, I encourage engineers to study the program manual, learn from internal training programs, or learn from companies that specialize in training and consulting for structural engineering software.

For HSS members, connection design is also a critical component of the overall design and which program you use may very likely be dependent on the connection design capabilities. In the near future, I will review software for HSS steel connection design.