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High Performance Steel Designers' Guide


Second Edition, April 2002


5.0 AVAILABILITY AND COST

5.1 Availability

Currently, HPS 50W and HPS 70W steels are available in plates only in thicknesses shown in Table 2.2.1. Steel producers will welcome inquiry for custom orders of special sizes. The delivery time is approximately 6 to 10 weeks depending on market demand.

Based on industry information, the steel industry has responded to a market demand of over 400,000 tons of steel bridge fabrication in 1999 and 2000. The industry capacity for steel production is expected to be much greater in 2001 and beyond. Steel producers are well positioned to meet the growing demands for HPS in the years ahead.

5.2 Cost

The approximate unit prices for materials, fabricated members and in-place cost of steel structures are shown below:

  Material Fabricated In-Place
Grade 50W $0.35-0.42/lb. $0.55-0.62/lb. $1.00-1.25/lb.
HPS 50W $0.42-0.50/lb. $0.63-0.71/lb. $1.15-1.40/lb.
HPS 70W Q&T $0.48-0.60/lb. $0.75-0.83/lb. $1.18-1.50/lb.
HPS 70W TMCP $0.45-0.57/lb. $0.70-0.78/lb. $1.15-1.45/lb.

The actual unit cost for a project is expected to vary from region to region, from structure to structure depending on complexity, and to change based on market conditions. For the most current information, contact NSBA.

5.3 Producers
Presently, the following three manufacturers produce HPS steels:

The following industry organizations are very helpful in providing technical information regarding the design, specifications and fabrication of steel bridges using high performance steels:

These plate producers and industry organizations can best provide the latest project specific information on availability, delivery schedule and cost.

5.4 Suppliers and Fabricators

It is important that the designers establish open communication with the local suppliers and the fabricators of HPS steels. The communication should start from preliminary design to final design and PS&E. This open communication between parties with specific knowledge and experience will lead to cost effective design and successful construction. The latest information on availability and cost can best be obtained from local suppliers and fabricators when the PS&E is almost complete and the Engineer's Cost Estimate is being prepared.

The following industry representatives have extensive experience on the development and application of HPS. They will be happy to help designers with questions on HPS materials, fabrication and welding:

5.5 FHWA

The following individuals from FHWA can also provide information on research, design, fabrication and construction for cost effective use of HPS:

5.6 State Departments of Transportation

The following State Departments of Transportation have completed HPS steel bridges and have performance experience to share with the designers:

5.7 Academia

The following researchers/professors are actively involved in HPS applied research:

5.8 Websites

The following websites contain a wealth of information on research, design, fabrication, construction, committee and advisory group activities, conferences and other technical aspects of HPS. They also link to other websites for additional information.

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