Concepts and Calculations Based on the New MBMA/AISC Guide to Frame Design Using Web-Tapered Members

A new MBMA/AISC guide for frame design using web-tapered members [Kaehler et al. 2008] is due to be released in the near future. This guide extends the AISC [2005] provisions to the design of web-tapered members. The fundamental concepts employed in this extension are similar to those employed in prior AISC provisions, which are discussed in detail by Lee et al. However, there are a number of important differences that make the new procedures more general and easier to use than the previous provisions. In this paper, the procedures detailed in the new MBMA/AISC design guide are illustrated by showing results for a representative modular metal building frame. The similarities and differences between the new procedures and the previous AISC provisions are discussed.