Structural Steel Construction

1
Chapter 4

• Structural Steel Construction

Structural Steel Construction Structural Steel
Construction Methods Structural Steel Members
Fastening Systems Panel Members
2

• Structural steel members are erected, braced, and
  secured together to create a structural framework.

3

• In beam and column construction, beams and
  girders support floor and roof loads and
  distribute the loads to the vertical columns.

4

• In long span construction, long distances are
  spanned with built-up structural steel girders
  and trusses.

5

• In wall bearing construction, horizontal steel
  beams and joists are supported by other
  construction materials such as masonry.

6

• Pre-engineered metal buildings consist of
  prefabricated structural steel members including
  beams, columns, girts, and trusses.

7

• Erection plans provide information regarding
  structural steel construction.

8

• A dimensioned grid of letters and numbers
  provides reference points on erection plans.

9

• Various types and grades of steel are used in
  structural steel construction.

10

• A variety of steel shapes are commonly used in
  structural steel construction. Standard
  abbreviations and designations are included on
  erection plans to indicate structural steel
  members.

11

• Shop drawings provide detailed information
  required for the fabrication of structural steel
  members.

12

• Columns are commonly constructed using M-, S-, or
  wide-flange shapes.

13

• Column locations are shown on erection plans with
  letter and number designations. Specific
  information about web depth and weight (in lb/ft)
  is provided for each column.

14

• Wide-flange beams are identified on erection
  plans with the letters W or WF.

15

• Structural steel beams are fabricated based on
  shop drawings.

16

• Open web steel joists span between beams and
  girders. The standard designation for open web
  steel joists includes the nominal depth (in
  inches), span classification (K, LH, or DLH), and
  chord diameter.

17

• Erection plans indicate structural steel joist
  spacing and installation information. Open web
  steel joists are secured to beams or other
  supporting members using bolts or by welding.

18

• A wide variety of structural steel shapes are
  joined together to form a truss. Common steel
  truss designs include the bowstring, flat, Howe,
  Pratt, scissors, and Warren.

19

• Bridging and braces maintain alignment between
  structural steel columns, beams, and joists and
  increase resistance to loads.

20

• Tie rods are used to brace across long distances.

21

• Proper bolt and nut installation is essential for
  proper structural fastener performance. Erection
  plan details are the primary reference for bolted
  connections.

22

• Ribbed bolts may be used where steel members are
  drawn tightly together before fastening.
  High-strength hex head bolts are identified with
  markings on the bolt head.

23

• Details provide information regarding welded
  connections.

24

• The standard format used for weld symbols
  provides information regarding location, length,
  and type of welded joint.

25

• Steel members may be cut to length using an
  oxyacetylene cutting torch.

26

• Metal floor decking, manufactured in a variety of
  designs and dimensions, is attached to the top of
  open web steel joists to create a floor platform.

27

• Erection plans provide information regarding
  metal decking installation.

28

• Metal decking may be used as bridge deck forms.
  The decking remains in place after the shores and
  falsework are removed.

29

• The exteriors of many light-gauge metal buildings
  are covered with prefinished metal panels.

30

• Metal roof decking is available in a variety of
  designs and dimensions.

31

• Roof decks may be formed of metal decking only or
  covered with waterproofing materials and
  insulation.