# AESS Guide Spec **URL:** \ **Category:** Archive - Specifications Discussions #5\ **Created:** [September 26, 2013, 6:05pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/aess-guide-spec/2380 "2013-09-26T18:05:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![khercenberg](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex047/user_avatar/forum.4specs.com/khercenberg/32/104_2.png) [@khercenberg](https://forum.4specs.com/u/khercenberg)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2013, 6:05pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/aess-guide-spec/2380/1 "2013-09-26T18:05:12Z")
Not sure if everyone knows about this - [http://www.aisc.org/WorkArea/showcontent.aspx?id=17506](http://www.aisc.org/WorkArea/showcontent.aspx?id=17506) Just thought I’d share just in case. ---
**Author:** ![rlmat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/eb9ed0/32.png) [@rlmat](https://forum.4specs.com/u/rlmat)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2013, 6:16pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/aess-guide-spec/2380/2 "2013-09-26T18:16:47Z")
I just came across a hardcopy this week while updating my reference information. I also downloaded the PDF to my material reference folder. ---
**Author:** ![redseca2](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex047/user_avatar/forum.4specs.com/redseca2/32/50_2.png) [@redseca2](https://forum.4specs.com/u/redseca2)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2013, 6:19pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/aess-guide-spec/2380/3 "2013-09-26T18:19:39Z")
That is a constant reference that I keep on my desktop in a “Reference Standards” folder. FYI - I signed up with AISC recently and their “store” sent me a hardcopy in the mail for free. Although only 16 pags in length, it came in a box that was about 18 by 18 by 8 inches, filled with air pillows! I felt special for a moment. ---
**Author:** ![archlvf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8e8cbc/32.png) [@archlvf](https://forum.4specs.com/u/archlvf)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2013, 7:03pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/aess-guide-spec/2380/4 "2013-12-06T19:03:00Z")
Hi all - new to the forum, so apologies if this is being asked in the wrong spot. I’m an architect in Cincinnati, and have been fighting with contractors lately trying to get good looking welds from them. Is this guide now the best standard to reference in order to get good looking welds? I saw some older posts on this forum that suggested the NOMMA guide, which also seems to be a good standard. In the past, we’ve called for ‘AESS steel’ in our consruction documents, but have still not been getting good results. (welds are sloppy, not ground smooth, and the contractors are scratching their heads at us). Others on this forum have said that calling out ‘AESS steel’ and referencing ‘AISC code of Standard Practice’ was the way to go. I looked into those standards a bit, but there wasn’t a good visual reference to follow (at least one that was free. Eventually got to AWS1.1 but didn’t want to buy it). Wondering if this 16 page document is the way to go… or NOMMA… or some other way of conveying the desired finish? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks! luke [www.citystudiosarch.com](http://www.citystudiosarch.com) ---
**Author:** ![wayne\_yancey](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex047/user_avatar/forum.4specs.com/wayne_yancey/32/228_2.png) [@wayne\_yancey](https://forum.4specs.com/u/wayne_yancey)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2013, 7:19pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/aess-guide-spec/2380/5 "2013-12-06T19:19:51Z")
Luke, The AISC document identified by Ken at top of this thread is full of visual images. Wayne ---
**Author:** ![Davemetzger](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex047/user_avatar/forum.4specs.com/davemetzger/32/389_2.png) [@Davemetzger](https://forum.4specs.com/u/Davemetzger)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2013, 7:37pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/aess-guide-spec/2380/6 "2013-12-06T19:37:35Z")
AESS is applicable to structural steel. The NOMMA (National Ornamental & Miscellaneous Metals Association) standards are for ornamental metal work (railings for example). In our ornamental railings section, we specify “Weld joints in accordance with National Ornamental & Miscellaneous Metals Association (NOMMA) Voluntary Joint Finish Standards: Finish 1: No evidence of a welded joint.” and have been successful in having this enforced to get the desired results. ---
**Author:** ![bunzick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a587f6/32.png) [@bunzick](https://forum.4specs.com/u/bunzick)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2013, 7:48pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/aess-guide-spec/2380/7 "2013-12-06T19:48:28Z")
One could also use a sample weld submittal for critical work. At least then the arguments could start before any actual work was completed. ---
**Author:** ![George\_Everding](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex047/user_avatar/forum.4specs.com/george_everding/32/20_2.png) [@George\_Everding](https://forum.4specs.com/u/George_Everding)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2013, 7:53pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/aess-guide-spec/2380/8 "2013-12-06T19:53:52Z")
Just calling out “AESS” isn’t enough, since there are levels of finishing in that reference standard if I remember correctly. You need to be more specific about what part of the standard you want, as Dave’s example. And the idea of using a photograph reference is a good one. I am surprised more specifiers don’t use it for things like AESS, concrete finish, plaster and others where there are visual references to use. But what about a mock up? No reason you can’t require a small mock up of how welds will be finished. If it is critical enough, you can even design and do a drawing of the mock up so that you show all the important locations and types. ---
**Author:** ![George\_Everding](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex047/user_avatar/forum.4specs.com/george_everding/32/20_2.png) [@George\_Everding](https://forum.4specs.com/u/George_Everding)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2013, 7:55pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/aess-guide-spec/2380/9 "2013-12-06T19:55:36Z")
ooops… or a sample weld submittal. TY, John. ---
**Author:** ![mark\_gilligan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f05b48/32.png) [@mark\_gilligan](https://forum.4specs.com/u/mark_gilligan)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2013, 1:34am UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/aess-guide-spec/2380/10 "2013-12-07T01:34:22Z")
The AISC document is not a standard but it is probably the best guidance as you discuss the tradeoffs with the designers and the owner and then write a specification. As I recall AISC sells the samples of workmanship so they could be used to define what is acceptable. Early on there should be a discussion of the cost implications with the designers. This normally results in a realignment of expectations. ---
**Author:** ![hollyrob](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex047/user_avatar/forum.4specs.com/hollyrob/32/358_2.png) [@hollyrob](https://forum.4specs.com/u/hollyrob)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2013, 4:41pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/aess-guide-spec/2380/11 "2013-12-07T16:41:12Z")
Hello Luke! I am also in Cincinnati. Was there a specification section for AESS in the project manual? Helaine K. (Holly) Robinson CSI CCS CCCA SCIP Secretary & Certification Chair, CSI Cincinnati Chapter Education Chair, CSI Great Lakes Region QSPECS Landline: 513.761.1465 Email: [hollyrob19@gmail.com](mailto:hollyrob19@gmail.com) ---
**Author:** ![jpjordan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/67e7ee/32.png) [@jpjordan](https://forum.4specs.com/u/jpjordan)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2013, 6:01pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/aess-guide-spec/2380/12 "2013-12-07T18:01:29Z")
I am not at all sure that you want AESS. In my experience this would be called AE$$ (like $tarbucks, only with steel instead of coffee). I use AESS when the architect wants a "near museum quality: project, and the specification would be extended to cover finish of steel surfaces and bolt head alignment. When you just want the weld to look like a good weld without large pinholes, pitting, and spatters, the NOMA standard should do very well. I would request samples of both shop and field welds and not permit any fabrication until you have had a chance to review them. So if the steel stairs show up without you having seen the samples, have them send it back (you better have a very good relationship with the Owner). Best to emphasize this at the pre-construction meeting. I remember in metal shop practicing my welding on a piece of 1/4-inch bar stock. We couldn’t actually weld something until we had done an acceptable 4-inch long weld. Most of the field welding I see is pretty good; not AESS by any means, but pretty good. Sometimes I will see a weld that is so sloppy that I wonder how it is actually holding something up. A properly done AESS weld will show no evidence of welding. ---
**Author:** ![mark\_gilligan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f05b48/32.png) [@mark\_gilligan](https://forum.4specs.com/u/mark_gilligan)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2013, 8:56pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/aess-guide-spec/2380/13 "2013-12-07T20:56:41Z")
AESS comes in different flavors. You start with the AESS provisions in the AISC Code of Standard Practice and then address the various issues discussed in the guideline noted above. Do not assume that it is all or nothing. When dealing with structural steel I would follow the approach adopted by AISC since that is what the fabricators understand. Need I say that you should be talking with your structural engineer when specifying AESS. ---
**Author:** ![bunzick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a587f6/32.png) [@bunzick](https://forum.4specs.com/u/bunzick)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2013, 8:24pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/aess-guide-spec/2380/14 "2013-12-08T20:24:21Z")
I also used AESS very successfully. The documents were very specific about what level of finish was required in what locations/situations. We also took care not to over-specify by asking for a better finish than was really needed. I think when one is careful to plainly lay out where this expensive work is needed and where it isn’t, problems are minimized. ---
**Author:** ![tsugaguy](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex047/user_avatar/forum.4specs.com/tsugaguy/32/214_2.png) [@tsugaguy](https://forum.4specs.com/u/tsugaguy)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2013, 12:16am UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/aess-guide-spec/2380/15 "2013-12-09T00:16:03Z")
As George and others allude to, there are 3 predefined levels of AESS. I recall the upcharge over regular structural steel being around 25% to 200% (depending on your design decisions. quite a range, that$ why you don’t want to just say AE$$) BUT don’t quote me on that, look for the AISC’s guidance on this. They have an excellent cost matrix spreadsheet that defines the three categories and allows you to even customize the features to anything in between, while giving you an approximation of the upcharge specific to your design. I hope memory serves on those numbers, can’t find it on a mobile browser. Since there is quite a range of cost you might want to specify a code for each category in the design with the definition you want, and indicate locations of each category on the drawings - e.g. AESS1, AESS2, AESS3. That’s why it is not “all or nothing”. Even if you only want Category 3, the lea$t expensive predefined level, or even a lesser custom level, you can soec only that kevel and note as AESS. But if it is not structural though, just miscellaneous steel fabrication then look into Dave’s NOMMA reference mentioned above, not AESS. I think we could help you a bit more Luke if we knew more about the application. ---
**Author:** ![wayne\_yancey](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex047/user_avatar/forum.4specs.com/wayne_yancey/32/228_2.png) [@wayne\_yancey](https://forum.4specs.com/u/wayne_yancey)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2013, 4:30pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/aess-guide-spec/2380/16 "2013-12-09T16:30:51Z")
The 3 categories are: CATEGORY 1: High profile conditions that are within reach to touch and can be viewed in close proximity CATEGORY 2: High profile conditions that are out of reach to touch and can be viewed in close proximity within 20 feet CATEGORY 3: High profile conditions that are out of reach to touch and can be viewed from a distance of 20 feet or more I agree with Chris’ and Peter’s definition of AE$$. Is AESS really necessary for Categoreies 2 and 3 locations? ---
**Author:** ![wpegues](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex047/user_avatar/forum.4specs.com/wpegues/32/122_2.png) [@wpegues](https://forum.4specs.com/u/wpegues)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2013, 4:38pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/aess-guide-spec/2380/17 "2013-12-09T16:38:37Z")
Category 2 could easily be a canopy at a main entrance - out of touch, within 20 feet (often 10 to 15 feet) Weld quality, end cut quality, stamps/markings, and burrs and other irregularities are plainly visible - I have seen examples of typical structural steel in these locations. ---
**Author:** ![redseca2](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex047/user_avatar/forum.4specs.com/redseca2/32/50_2.png) [@redseca2](https://forum.4specs.com/u/redseca2)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2013, 6:03pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/aess-guide-spec/2380/18 "2013-12-09T18:03:50Z")
We use the AISC guide to define that which of the 3 categories of AESS mentioned above we need for each project. To control AESS costs on a project is is extremely important that the Drawings clearly define th scope. The most common AESS application we see are diagonal steel braces in new or retrofitted steel frame buildings in seismic zones. These are often the only AESS component on a project. Because so much of the cost of AESS work occurs at welded joints and other connections, we include steel elevation drawings clearly showing the extent of each diagonal brace that will be concealed by interior finishes. Many times only the middle of a diagonal brace is exposed to view with some or all of the joint at columns or beams completely concealed. Being able to clearly define a limit of work for AESS is critical to controlling costs. Interestingly, a recent Airport project included a very long enclosed pedestrian bridge designed by a structural engineer consultant who specializes in bridge work. The bridge engineer referenced CalTrans (California Department of Transportation) standards for the finishing of the exposed bridge underside that would be seen at a distance from the highway it crosses. This standard is somewhat akin to Category 3. For the Category 1 diagonal braces that were exposed to touch within the bridge building envelope we also included a seperate AESS spec. The column and beam joints were completley concealed by interior finishes in this design, so the interior AESS spec could be limited to controlling shop and mill marks in the exposed to view areas, specifying seamless tube shapes and special paint finish systems. ---
**Author:** ![guest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/8dc957/32.png) [@guest](https://forum.4specs.com/u/guest)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2013, 7:44pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/aess-guide-spec/2380/19 "2013-12-10T19:44:51Z")
What am I missing here? Where in AISC 303-10 are three categories indicated/defined? ---
**Author:** ![redseca2](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex047/user_avatar/forum.4specs.com/redseca2/32/50_2.png) [@redseca2](https://forum.4specs.com/u/redseca2)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2013, 9:27pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/aess-guide-spec/2380/20 "2013-12-10T21:27:01Z")
Several posts were refering to “Architecturally Exposed Structural Steel - A Supplement to Modern Steel Construction”, May 2003; which is the still current document available from AISC for AESS. This includes a spreadsheet of the various work items that go together to make AESS, along with relative cost commentary for each item as well as checklists for Category 1 through 3 grades of AESS that incorporate different mixes of the line items. From the spreadsheet: CATEGORY 3 - High profile conditions that are out of reach to touch and can be viewed from a distance 20 feet or more (pre-set) [Next page](https://forum.4specs.com/t/aess-guide-spec/2380.md?page=2)