What Will You Gain From This Article
- • General knowledge of structural steel
- • An understanding of the different ways that structural steel is connected
- • Insight into types of bolts and their installation
• An awareness of types of bolted joints used for structural steel
• Knowledge of welding terminology, weld types, and welding processes
• Familiarity with common weld inspection methods and considerations associated with field welding
Benefits of Structural Steel
Some benefits associated with the use of structural steel for owners are:
• Steel allows for reduced frame construction time and the ability to construct in all seasons
• Steel makes large spans and bay sizes possible, providing more flexibility for owners
• Steel is easier to modify and reinforce if architectural changes are made to a facility over its life
• Steel is lightweight and can reduce foundation costs
• Steel is durable, long-lasting and recyclable
Unique Aspects of Steel Construction
Procurement and management of structural steel are similar to other materials, but there are some unique aspects of steel construction:
• Steel is fabricated off-site (above left)
• On-site erection is a rapid process (above right)
• This gives users of structural steel some scheduling advantages
• Coordination of all parties is essential for achieving potential advantages
Connecting Structural Steel
• The primary connection methods for structural steel are bolting and welding
• A structure’s strength depends on proper use of these connection methods
• Connections made in a fabrication shop are called shop connections
• Connections made in the field by the steel erector are called field connections
• Bolting and welding may be used for shop connections and field connections
Connecting Structural Steel
• A fabrication shop will have the desired fastening method suited to its equipment and fabrication methods
• Field connections are typically bolted
• Welding may be used for field connections where bolting is either impractical or undesirable
• Welding is better suited to the controlled environment of a fabrication shop
