This British Standard relates primarily to the use in building of hot rolled steel sections and plates, and normalized tubular shapes. It has been prepared in accordance with the change to the metric system in the construction industry, giving values in terms of SI units.
This standard stipulates limits of stress and gives rules for design with the twofold purpose of ensuring normal safety and economy in the use of structural stell. While the stresses and other requirements are to be regarded as limiting values, the purpose in design should be to reach these limits in as many parts of the structure as possible and to adopt a layout such that maximum structural efficiency is attained for a minimum use of steel.
The use in building of cold formed sections in light gauge plate, sheet and strip steel of 6 mm thick and less, is dealt with in Addendum number 1 to this standard.
The provisions of this standard are not deemed to apply to transmission towers and farm buildings; nor to structures which are designed on an experimental basis.
