Architecture Center

Guide for Architects

Find practical information and inspiration for designing with structural steel in AISC's Guide for Architects.

WHY STEEL?

Why Steel will introduce you to the benefits that structural steel, and only structural steel, can bring to any building project.

ENGINEERING BASICS

Engineering Basics will show you how to create a structural layout for a building, with particular information about bay sizes, column sizes, and overall floor framing depths.

FINISHES, COATINGS, AND FIRE PROTECTION

Finishes, Coatings, and Fire Protection provide critical information about various coating systems for structural steel and how each can be used to best fit the needs of your project.

SOUND ISOLATION AND NOISE CONTROL

Sound Isolation and Noise Control showcases how structural steel assemblies can be used to achieve Sound Transmission Class (STC) and Impact Isolation Class (IIC) ratings.

Sustainability and Resilience highlights structural steel's ability to provide a sound, resilient structure that's environmentally friendly. All structural steel produced in the U.S. is made of recycled steel and the end product is 100% recyclable.

DETAILING CONSIDERATIONS

Detailing Considerations demonstrates how to use structural steel in combination with other building materials such as precast concrete panels, masonry, thin stone veneer panels, and limestone.

ARCHITECTURALLY EXPOSED STRUCTURAL STEEL

Architecturally Exposed Structural Steel illustrates steel's ability to express the structural integrity of a building in a striking way while showcasing the true beauty of the structural system. The broad range of steel shapes and finishes provide infinite possibilities in terms of creative expression.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Additional Resources provides further information and helpful resources for designing in structural steel.