"k" distance 1

[UcfSE]

In the AISC 3rd ed. LRFD, the tables with the sections properties of wide flanges give the "k" distance in both decimal and fraction format. The fraction is not equal to the decimal or even close. Is there a reason for this? For other section dimensions, such as tf, tw, and bf the decimal and fraction are approximately equal. For a W24x76 for instance, k is given as 1.18" or 1-9/16", not close to each other. Are they to cover the differences between maunfacturers, maybe to use one value for engineering properties and one for detailing?

 

[WillisV]

UcfSE, just like the web and flange thickness the k distance if given in a decimal for the lower bound k between manufacturers for structural design and a fractino for the upper bound k between manufacturers for detailing to provide enough clearance.