Block

Refer to the Thirteenth Edition, Steel Construction Manual (AISC, 2005) Figure 9-7, Copes Blocks and Cuts:blocks.pdf

These are the current standards for the nomenclature of various ways to cut away material from beams. It would be useful for all detailers to update their personal preferences to the latest standards so there is no confusion in the fabrication shop.

There are other standards that have been used historically.

Figure (a) was frequently called a”block.” What was called a ”cope” is not shown in figure 9-7. A cope was any block that was not rectangular in shape. A cope was usually a formed cut that followed the profile of an I beam or channel flange. A weld access hole could also be called a cope.

Figure (b) was called a “cut” as in “cut top flange to 3” wide” or “cut top flange to 1” from center - F.S.” It could be applied to figure © using the terms “cut, not chip” or “cut and chip” as previously discussed. A top view would never be shown.

Blocks or copes were cuts into the web. Cuts were only on the flanges.

US Steel called everything a cut, whether it was a block or a cope or a cut. You will find it used in Detailing for Steel Construction, First Edition as well as Structural Shop Drafting (AISC 1950). That terminology is presently used in Detailing for Steel Construction, Third Edition (AISC 2009) but needs to be updated to whatever is shown in the current Manual of Steel Construction.

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