AISC Steel Construction Manual — 16th Edition Reference Guide

The AISC Steel Construction Manual is the most widely used reference in structural steel design across North America. First published in 1927 and now in its 16th edition (2023), the Manual consolidates dimensions, properties, design aids, and connection tables that engineers reference daily. This page provides a complete guide to the Manual contents, links to key tables available online, and shows how our free calculators can replace time-consuming manual lookups.

Whether you are a practicing engineer looking up a W-shape property or a student learning the LRFD method for the first time, understanding how to navigate the Manual efficiently is a core professional skill.

Manual contents overview — 16th edition

The 16th edition AISC Steel Construction Manual is organized into 16 parts plus the AISC 360-22 Specification and Commentary. Each part addresses a specific aspect of steel design.

The 16th edition ships as a two-volume boxed set. Volume 1 contains Parts 1 through 8 and the AISC 360-22 Specification. Volume 2 contains Parts 9 through 16 and the Commentary.

Key tables available online

Several of the most frequently referenced Manual tables have free online equivalents on Steel Calculator. Using these online versions saves the time of flipping between pages and lets you search, filter, and export values directly.

These online tables pull from the same AISC database used in the Manual and are updated for the 16th edition properties where applicable.

How to use the manual for beam design (Part 3)

Part 3 of the Manual is the starting point for flexural member design. The process follows these steps:

Step 1: Determine the required flexural strength

Calculate Mu (LRFD) or Ma (ASD) from the factored load combinations. This involves summing moments from dead, live, and other applicable loads at the critical section.

Step 2: Select a trial section

For LRFD, use the beam selection table organized by plastic section modulus Zx. Enter the table with the required Zx = Mu / (phi_b * Fy), where phi_b = 0.90 for flexure. Pick the lightest section that satisfies this requirement.

Alternatively, use the beam load tables which list maximum total uniform load (in kips) for each W-shape at various spans. This is faster for simple gravity beams.

Step 3: Check lateral-torsional buckling (LTB)

The Manual provides charts and tables for LTB, but the underlying checks come from AISC 360-22 Chapter F. Determine the unbraced length Lb and compare to the limiting lengths Lp and Lr:

• If Lb <= Lp: full plastic capacity, Mn = Mp = Fy * Zx
• If Lp < Lb <= Lr: inelastic LTB, Mn = Mp - (Mp - 0.7 _ Fy _ Sx) * ((Lb - Lp) / (Lr - Lp))
• If Lb > Lr: elastic LTB, Mn = Fcr * Sx

The Cb factor (moment gradient coefficient) modifies LTB capacity. Use Cb = 1.0 conservatively, or calculate from the moment diagram for higher capacity. Refer to our Cb Factor reference for the formula.

Step 4: Check shear

Verify that the required shear strength does not exceed the available shear strength. For W-shapes with h/tw <= 2.24 _ sqrt(E/Fy), shear yielding controls and phi_v _ Vn = 0.6 _ Fy _ Aw (phi_v = 1.0 for LRFD).

Step 5: Check deflection

Calculate the service-level deflection and compare to project limits (typically L/360 for floors, L/240 for roofs). Deflection is checked under service loads, not factored loads. The Manual provides deflection formulas for common loading cases in Part 3.

Using the calculator instead

The Beam Design Guide automates this entire workflow. Enter your span, loads, and unbraced length, and the calculator selects the lightest adequate W-shape from the full database, checks LTB, shear, and deflection simultaneously.

How to use the manual for column design (Part 4)

Part 4 provides column load tables that list the available compressive strength (phi * Pn for LRFD, Pn / Omega for ASD) for W-shapes across a range of effective lengths (KL).

Step 1: Determine the effective length KL

For braced frames, K = 1.0 is typical (simplified approach). For moment frames, K must be determined from alignment charts or a stability analysis. The effective length factor K depends on the rotational restraint at each end. See the Column K-Factor reference for the alignment chart method and sway / non-sway conditions.

Step 2: Enter the column load table

With KL known, enter the column table for the required steel grade (Fy = 50 ksi is standard for W-shapes). Scan across the row for your trial section at the appropriate KL value to read the available compressive strength.

Step 3: Compare with required strength

If phi * Pn >= Pu (LRFD) or Pn / Omega >= Pa (ASD), the section is adequate. If not, select a larger section and repeat. The tables are organized by section depth, making it straightforward to step up to a heavier shape within the same nominal depth or move to a deeper section.

Step 4: Check local buckling

Verify that the section is compact or noncompact for compression. For W-shapes in Fy = 50 ksi steel, nearly all standard sections are compact in compression (flange slenderness ratio bf/2tf <= 0.56 _ sqrt(E/Fy) and web slenderness h/tw <= 1.49 _ sqrt(E/Fy)). Noncompact sections have reduced capacity per AISC 360-22 Table E7.1.

Using the calculator instead

Our column design tool computes the effective length, checks slenderness, and evaluates the critical stress Fcr per AISC 360-22 Chapter E for any W-shape or HSS section. Input your loads and end conditions, and get instant results.

How to use the manual for connection design (Parts 7–14)

Connection design is where the Manual’s precalculated tables save the most time. Parts 7 through 14 cover the full range of steel connections.

Bolted connections (Parts 7, 9)

For a typical bolted shear connection:

1. Determine bolt forces. Use the bolt group coefficient tables (Tables 7-6 through 7-13) for eccentrically loaded bolt groups. These tables give the coefficient C, and the required bolt strength is Pu / C.
2. Check bolt shear and bearing. The nominal shear strength per bolt is listed in Table 7-1 (A325-SC, A325-N, A325-X, A490 variants). Bearing strength depends on edge distance and bolt spacing per Chapter J.
3. Check the connecting elements. Part 9 covers shear yielding, shear rupture, block shear, and Whitmore section checks on gusset and splice plates.

The Bolt Capacity Table and Bolted Connections Guide provide these values online with interactive lookup.

Welded connections (Part 8)

For fillet weld design:

1. Determine the required force on the weld group.
2. Use weld group coefficient tables (Tables 8-4 through 8-8) for eccentric shear on various weld group geometries.
3. The nominal fillet weld strength is Fw = 0.60 _ FEXX _ (0.707 * a), where a is the weld leg size and FEXX is the electrode classification.
4. Check minimum and maximum weld sizes per Table J2.4.

Refer to the Fillet Weld Size Chart and Minimum Weld Size tables for quick lookups.

Shear connections (Part 10)

Part 10 is the most-used connection section in practice. It provides design tables for:

• Single-plate shear connections (Table 10-9): Prequalified connection capacities for specific bolt and plate configurations
• Single and double clip angles (Tables 10-1 through 10-5): Standard angle sizes and bolt patterns
• End-plate shear connections (Table 10-11): Capacities for stiffened and unstiffened end plates
• Seated connections (Tables 10-6 through 10-8): Unstiffened and stiffened seat angle capacities

These tables incorporate all limit states (bolt shear, bearing, block shear, shear yielding, flexure of the connecting element) in a single precalculated capacity value.

Moment connections (Part 11)

Part 11 covers FR and PR moment connections. For a typical welded flange moment connection:

1. Determine the required moment and shear at the connection.
2. Design the beam flange welds for the flange force (Mf / beam depth).
3. Design the web connection for the shear force.
4. Check the column web for panel zone shear, continuity plate requirements, and web doubler plate requirements.

Base plates and anchor rods (Parts 13–14)

For column base plate design:

1. Determine the bearing area required from the concrete bearing capacity (0.85 _ f’c for LRFD, 0.35 _ f’c for ASD).
2. Calculate the base plate cantilever dimension and the required plate thickness.
3. Design the anchor rods for tension, shear, or combined loading per Part 14 and ACI 318 Chapter 17.

The Base Plate Design Guide and Anchor Bolt Guide walk through these calculations step by step.

Online alternatives to manual lookups

The following table maps common Manual lookups to free online calculators on Steel Calculator. Each tool automates the code checks from AISC 360-22 and presents results with full calculation transparency.

AISC Manual editions comparison — 15th vs. 16th

The 16th edition (2023) supersedes the 15th edition (2017). Key differences include:

For most day-to-day design, the differences are minor. The biggest practical change is the adoption of F3125 as the consolidated bolt specification, which replaces the separate A325 and A490 standards while maintaining the same bolt geometries and strengths. Designers should update their specification references to cite F3125 on new projects.

Specification references — AISC 360-22 key chapters

AISC 360-22 "Specification for Structural Steel Buildings" is the design standard embedded in the Manual. It is adopted by reference in the International Building Code (IBC) and most US building codes. The key chapters are:

Each chapter includes mandatory provisions and a corresponding Commentary section that explains the basis and derivation of the design equations. The Commentary is not legally binding but is essential for understanding the intent behind the provisions.

Frequently asked questions

Which edition of the AISC Manual should I use? Use the 16th edition (2023) for current projects governed by IBC 2024 or later. The 15th edition (2017) remains acceptable for projects under IBC 2021 or earlier codes, since IBC 2021 references AISC 360-16. Always confirm the governing building code for your project jurisdiction before selecting the edition.

Where can I buy the AISC Steel Construction Manual? The Manual is available directly from aisc.org/publications in hardcover and digital formats. AISC members receive a discount. The 16th edition two-volume set retails at approximately $200 for members and $300 for non-members. It is also available from engineering bookstores and some university bookstores.

Are there free alternatives to the AISC Manual? The AISC 360-22 Specification (the design standard itself) is available as a free PDF download from aisc.org. However, the Manual’s design aids, precalculated tables, and connection capacity tables are not available for free. The Steel Calculator section properties and reference tables on this site provide free online access to many of the same data points.

What is the difference between AISC 360 and the Steel Construction Manual? AISC 360 is the design specification (the code of rules). The Steel Construction Manual packages AISC 360 along with extensive design aids, precalculated tables, and worked examples. Think of AISC 360 as the law and the Manual as the handbook that helps you apply it efficiently.

Do I need the Manual if I use software? The Manual is valuable even with software. It provides the context to interpret software output correctly, quick lookup values for sanity checks, and connection prequalifications that many software programs reference. Most experienced engineers keep a copy at their desk for rapid reference during design reviews.

Does the Manual cover stainless steel or aluminum? No. The AISC Manual covers structural steel (carbon and low-alloy) only. Stainless steel is covered by AISC 370 (Design of Stainless Steel Structural Buildings). Aluminum is covered by the Aluminum Design Manual published by the Aluminum Association.

Run this calculation

• Section Properties Lookup
• Beam Design Calculator
• Column Design Calculator
• Bolted Connection Calculator
• Welded Connection Calculator
• Base Plate Calculator

Related references

• Steel Grades
• Load Combinations
• Beam Sizes
• Section Properties
• Bolt Capacity Table
• Column K-Factor
• Fillet Weld Size Chart
• Steel Beam Load Tables
• Beam Design Guide
• Base Plate Design

Disclaimer

This page is for educational and reference use only. It does not constitute professional engineering advice. All design values must be verified against the governing building code, project specification, and the official AISC Steel Construction Manual. The site operator disclaims liability for any loss arising from the use of this information.