Architecturally Exposed Structural Steel (AESS)
Architecturally exposed structural steel (AESS) is a meticulously fabricated and finished form of steel that creates new design possibilities.
Unlike regular structural steel, AESS is crafted to achieve both a structural purpose and an aesthetic one. To achieve a look that will last for generations, all debris, oil, and grease must be removed and all welds must be ground smooth. The result is a striking, very low-maintenance building feature that will withstand use and climate.
Shawnee Steel & Welding offers architecturally exposed structural steel in four categories, all hand-finished. Pieces that are more visible or that will be touched may require a higher AESS grade.
AESS, Galvanizing, & Powder Coating
The videos on this page provide an introduction to AESS considerations as they relate to design, painting/powder coating, and galvanizing.
Shawnee Steel & Welding, Inc.
Craig Pardue, President
Jeff Richardson Jr., Senior Project & Sales Manager
Fairway Painting & Sandblasting, Inc.
Chris Harkness
V&S Galvanizing
Rich Collins
Types of AESS Solutions We Offer
AESS 1:
Basic Elements
AESS 1 is the default specification for structural steel that will be visible. Steel is commercially blast clean and sharp edges are ground smooth.
AESS 2:
Feature Elements Not in Close View
AESS 2 is appropriate for elements that will be viewed from more than 20 feet away, when finishing details are not as visible by the human eye. Fabrication marks are not visible; welds are uniform and smooth but may be visible.
AESS 3:
Feature Elements in Close View
AESS 3 is ideal for elements that can be viewed closely within 20 feet away or that are within a person’s reach. Mill marks are removed, hollow structural section weld seams are oriented to have reduced visibility, cross-sectional abutting surfaces are aligned, and joint gap tolerances are minimized.
AESS 4:
Showcase Elements
“Showcase” AESS is the highest grade of architecturally exposed structural steel. AESS 4 adds even more finishing to ensure a flawless surface. Welds are blended or contoured and weld show-through is minimized. Surfaces are filled and sanded and hollow structural sections are not visible. AESS 4 is most often used when the form is intended to be the primary design focus.
AESS Custom:
Custom AESS Solution
We help architects determine the right grade of AESS for their projects by evaluating a number of factors:
- Visibility of the structure
- Proximity of the structure to people
- Climate of the structure site
- Lighting systems that need to be incorporated
- Type of coating to be used on the structure
- Adjacency of the structure to other buildings, infrastructure, or nature
