The is the definitive foundational reference for structural engineers, fabricators, detailers, and construction professionals working with structural steel. Published by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) , this comprehensive manual acts as the primary tool for translating structural engineering theory into practical, safe, and code-compliant steel structures.
Custom connection calculations can take hours. The "All-Bolted" or "Bolted-Welded" tables in Part 10 allow engineers to instantly determine the shear capacity of standard double-angle connections based on the number of bolts, angle thickness, and bolt spacing. 3. Compliance and Peer Review
Design of flexible moment connections and fully restrained (FR) moment connections.
The AISC 325 Manual seamlessly integrates two distinct design philosophies. Engineers can use either method, provided they remain consistent throughout a project:
If you are looking to deepen your understanding or need to apply these standards to an active project, I can assist you further. Let me know if you would like to (such as a beam or column), compare changes between the 15th and 16th editions , or explore the math behind connection design . Share public link
), containing the raw equations that drive the values in the tables. What's New in the 16th Edition (AISC 325-23)? 16th ed. Steel Construction Manual - AISC
Ranks shapes by economy and plastic section modulus.
Available strength tables for flexural, compression, and tension members. Connections
introduces the fundamental behavior of beams under bending. 2. Member Design Tables (Parts 4 to 6)
Additionally, many software tools (like RAM Structural System, RISA-3D, and ETABS) directly embed the AISC 325 database. However, software alone is dangerous without understanding the manual. You cannot audit a software design if you don’t know which table it referenced.
For each shape, you will find: cross-sectional area (A), moment of inertia (I), elastic section modulus (S), plastic section modulus (Z), radius of gyration (r), and torsional properties. The 15th edition notably adds more HSS sizes and updates dimensions for rolled angles.
The AISC 325 Manual accommodates two distinct design philosophies. Both methodologies ensure that a structure's resistance exceeds the demands placed upon it, but they handle safety margins differently. Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD)
