Following customer requests, the scope of design checks for both steel beams and columns is extended in the Tekla Structural Designer 2023 release to include Hollow Structural Sections (HSS) classified as slender for Flexure. Around 21% of Square Hollow Sections (SHS) are slender in flexure, 3% of Rectangular Hollow Sections (RHS) are slender in major axis flexure and 36% in minor. This enhancement is introduced in the 2023 Release.

• The scope of the new checks is as follows:

  • All 'standard' HSS with yield strength (Fy) <= 65 ksi (448 MPa) are designed.

  • User defined hollow sections, or HSS with Fy > 65 ksi, that are Slender in their flexural classification remain Beyond Scope.

  • Consideration of slender flexural classification sections is included in auto-design.

  • Beams - slender flexural classification HSS sections are now checked for the full range of design forces and conditions; Shear Major and Minor, Flexure Major and Minor (including LTB), Axial Tension and Compression (including Flexural and Flexural Torsional buckling), Combined Forces (including LTB, Flexural and Flexural Torsional buckling), Torsion, Deflection.

• Columns - slender flexural classification HSS sections are now checked for the full range of design forces and conditions; Shear Major and Minor, Flexure Major and Minor (including LTB), Axial Tension and Compression (including Flexural and Flexural Torsional buckling), Combined Forces (including LTB, Flexural and Flexural Torsional buckling).