AISI Publishes New Standard For Design Of Profiled Diaphragm Panels

Washington, DC - The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) has published a new standard: AISI S310-13, North American Standard for the Design of Profiled Steel Diaphragm Panels.

The new standard provides design provisions for diaphragms consisting of profiled steel decks or panels which include acoustic panels, cellular deck, and composite deck filled with concrete. The diaphragm may be installed with or without insulation between the panels and supports, and may be supported by materials made of steel, wood or concrete. AISI S310-13 was approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as an American National Standard.

Both analytical and test methods are provided. The AISI S310 analytical method is based on the Steel Deck Institute’s Diaphragm Design Manual, which is commonly used to determine the strength and stiffness of diaphragms. The standard determines the in-plane strength and stiffness of steel panels with or without concrete-fills, and the strength and stiffness of connections in a diaphragm. The standard was developed by AISI’s Committee on Specifications, with participation by the Steel Deck Institute, Metal Building Manufacturers Association, and Metal Construction Association. It is intended for use in the United States, Canada and Mexico. AISI S310 is available for downloading free of charge at www.aisistandards.org.

Jay Larson

“In 2006, AISI was asked by the steel industry to develop a consensus standard for diaphragm design, and AISI S310-13 is the collaborative response to that request,” said Jay Larson, P.E., F.ASCE, Managing Director, Construction Technical Program. “The new standard represents the consensus of industry stakeholders and enhances the standardization of steel diaphragm design.”

AISI’s codes and standards work is conducted under the Construction Market Council of the Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI), a business unit of AISI, which oversees the industry’s investment in advancing the competitive use of steel by meeting the demands of the marketplace.

For more information on SMDI’s Construction Market program, visit www.smdisteel.org.

About The American Iron And Steel Institute

AISI serves as the voice of the North American steel industry in the public policy arena and advances the case for steel in the marketplace as the preferred material of choice. AISI also plays a lead role in the development and application of new steels and steelmaking technology. AISI is comprised of integrated and electric furnace steelmakers, and associate members who are suppliers to or customers of the steel industry. For more information, visit www.steel.org.