CHICAGO — The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) has issued a technical advisory to clarify issues surrounding whether fully enclosed steel members in building structures should be primed. Anecdotal evidence suggests that specifiers are increasingly requiring the practice.
For almost 70 years, AISC has recommended against painting or priming steel that will be enclosed by building finish, coated with a contact-type fire-proofing, or in contact with concrete. Doing so results in unnecessary costs and delays as well as negative environmental impacts.