Project teams across the country continue to push the boundaries with structural steel--and it can be hard to keep up. We’ve made it easy: focus on these five.

They’re this year’s winners of the structural steel industry’s highest design honor: the Innovative Design in Engineering and Architecture with Structural Steel (or IDEAS²) Awards, presented by the American Institute of Steel Construction.

"Innovative breakthroughs happen at intersections--be they meetings of minds, changes in a structure’s needs, or a challenge to build something that will make people stop and take notice," said AISC Senior Vice President Scott Melnick. "Each of these projects found themselves at the right intersection with the right team at the right time."

A pedestrian bridge that draws inspiration from a Möbius strip. A plan to turn neglected rear yards into thriving communities. A system that diverts the scrap metal stream to help vertical gardens thrive.

These three projects are finalists for the American Institute of Steel Construction's 2025 Forge Prize. One of these projects will win $10,000.

But which one? No one knows yet--including the judges. They'll make their decision during final presentations streamed live on YouTube from noon to 2 p.m. Central on March 18!

A draft of the next edition of the AISC Code of Standard Practice for Structural Stainless Steel Buildings (AISC 313) is now available for public review and comment.

The next edition of AISC 313 will supersede the 2021 version. AISC anticipates finalizing it later this year.

The latest draft standardizes terminology to match the AISC Specification for Structural Stainless Steel Buildings (AISC 370). Additional editorial improvements clarify tolerances.

There can be plenty of surprises when renovating an existing building.

The American Institute of Steel Construction is making life easier with a brand-new one-shop stop for anyone working on a steel building: Design Guide 16, Assessment and Repair of Structural Steel in Existing Buildings.

It’s where experts have gathered insights on common considerations for initial assessments as well as methods for detailed inspection, evaluation, and nondestructive examination.

The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) will host its 52nd Convention and Trade Show from May 6 to 9 in Pittsburgh, Pa., at The Landing Hotel at Rivers Casino. The event will bring together industry professionals for networking, education, and exciting excursions.

“Our annual convention is an unmatched opportunity for networking, learning, and industry engagement for steel construction business owners and managers,” SEAA executive director Pete Gum said. “We encourage members to register early, as hotel space is limited and high demand is expected with major events happening in Pittsburgh.”

A draft of the next edition of the AISC Specification for Structural Steel Buildings (AISC 360) is now available for public review and comment.

The next edition of AISC 360 will supersede the 2022 version and is anticipated to be published as a 2027 edition.

Among other proposed changes, this draft updates the Chapter F requirements for flexural members with noncompact and slender elements, expands Appendix 5 pertaining to existing structures, and adds an appendix for determining strength by testing.