Structural Steel Q&A
1. Describe the steps used for erection of structural steel?
Material received at site
Concrete bases and anchor bolts
Shims
Pre assembly at ground level
Main construction steel erection (dimension bolt)
Tightening for anchor bolt
Alignment for structural steel
Tightening for steel
Tightening for anchor bolts.
Grouting
Complete structural steel erection (secondary beams, bracing)
Calibration of wrench and device
Modification during and after erection includes cutting, welding, NDT,….etc.)
Painting inspection
2. What are the defects you can except during inspection of material receiving at the site?
Lamination, distortion, pitting
3. Mention the steps to check material received at the site?
1.Visual inspection
2.Dimension inspection
3.Verification of heat no and mill certificate information’s
4. How can you check the support foundation ? (location, orientation, elevation)
1.Location
2.Orientation
3.Elevation
5. What is the minimum top elevation of leveling shims?
Minimum 25mm
6. What is the acceptable variation in dimensions between the centers of two anchor bolts (within an anchor bolt group) ?
Maximum 3 mm
7. Which code you can use for check bolts used for primary structural connection?
ASTM A325 N
8. What is the minimum size of bolt used at ASTM A32 N ?
Minimum size 20mm
9.How much variation in elevation of the top of anchor rods?
Max 13 mm
10.How many days minimum required to archive 70% concrete strength (curing time) ?
7 days minimum
11.How many bolts minimum required per connection ?
2 bolt minimum required
12.How much variation in dimension from center of any anchor bolts group to be establish column line through the group ?
Equal to or less than 6mm
13.Which code you can use for welding of structural steel?
AWS D1.1
14.What are the types of joints you can use for erection of structural steel?
Snug-tightened joint. Pretension join or slip critical joint.
15 What is minimum thickness of any part of structural steel shape?
Minimum 5 mm
16.What is the vertical tolerance (alignment) for straight compression structural member?
1 mm per 1m accepted
17.What are the types of methods of bolt tightening?
Snug tightening, turn of nutpreten sioning calibrated wrench pretensioning or direct-tension indicator pretensioning
18.Complete, all bolts, nuts and washers shall be properly identified and marked with …………..
Material grade, manufacture’s logo
19.All nuts for high strength bolts shall be …………. to reduce to torque installation .
Wax – dipped
20.All gusset and stiffener plates shall be …………..mm minimum thickness
10 mm minimum
21.What is the minimum height of handrails provided on walkways and platforms ?
Over 1 meter heigh
22.Complete, standard bolt holes shall not be enlarge by more than ……………. mm to make connection resulting from minor mislit
1mm
How to read structural steel drawings
Like in any branch or subject the prepared drawings of any structural steel are coded with certain symbols, conventions and notation that one has to apply in unable to read structural steel drawings. These drawings provide data that is essential in the construction of steel structures particularly in the manufacturing as well as the assembling processes. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to read structural steel drawings:This is how you can read structural steel drawings, as a checklist of the practical steps to follow:
Understand the Drawing Types:
- Amongst the steel structural drawings that may be prepared some of them include plan view, elevation view, section view and detail view. Thus, it would not be a bad idea to introduce the diverse types of drawings with which one may come across.
Examine the Title Block:
- First of all, one should start with the title block – an area that would contain some specifics of the drawing that is a part of a particular project or production, the number of the drawing, and the changes that might have been introduced in the drawing and the name of the person/company that has prepared the particular drawing.
Identify the Scale:
- Determine the drawing's scale, which is usually indicated in the title block. This tells you how the drawing corresponds to actual dimensions. Common scales include 1/8" = 1', 1/4" = 1', and 1" = 10'.
Review the General Notes:
- Look for general notes or references on the drawing that may provide additional information, specifications, or references to other drawings.
Study the Plan Views:
- Plan views depict the structure from a top-down perspective. Identify the overall layout of the structure, including the locations of columns, beams, and connections. Note the dimensions, grid lines, and reference points.
Analyze Elevation Views:
- Elevation views show the structure's vertical faces. Pay attention to the heights of columns and beams, as well as any connections or bracing. These views help visualize the structure's appearance.
Examine Section Views:
- Section views cut through the structure to reveal its internal details. These views show the cross-sections of beams, columns, and connections. Pay close attention to the dimensions and details in these sections.
Inspect Detail Drawings:
- In its details, the connection and welds, and other essential areas are captured in detail. These graphics may contain welding symbols, bolts, and materials such as thickness of material, type, grade etc.
Check for Material Specifications:
- Search which type of steel is used in your case and what grade of steel is most suitable for application; whether any special specifications regarding the material is required such as coatings or surface treatments.
Interpret Symbols and Notations:
- Familiarize yourself with symbols and notations commonly used in structural steel drawings. These may include welding symbols, dimension lines, and reference lines. Consult a key or legend if available.
Consider Annotations and Callouts:
- Annotations and callouts provide additional information or instructions. Pay attention to any specific notes regarding fabrication or construction.
Refer to Codes and Standards:
- Make sure that the design and construction of the specific structure meets the set building codes and standards of the country or state, these could be AISC standards.
Use Software Tools:
- CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software is an example of software that can assist you better understand structural steel drawings to read.
Seek Guidance:
- For the first time readers of structural steel readings, it may be advisable to seek for help or undertake a training session with first with structural engineers or drafters.
The interpretation of structural steel drawings is something that gets easier the more one gets to use it. When it comes to producing each of such drawings, it is possible to take a lot of notes and time to focus on the details that are necessary to complete the drawing according to specifications that respond to the design and construction needs of the structure in question.
What is structural steel design
Structural steel design is the determination of the dimensions, features and characteristics of steel structures to take the service loads and stresses they have to bear. This involves the detailed specifications of the various elements of the structure, for instance the beams, columns and plates and also the interconnection between these elements.
Structural steel design involves a number of scientific processes that involve selection of an appropriate steel material, the behaviour of steel structures under loads and compliance with the structural steel design codes and designing standards. The design of steel structures involves the use of hand calculations and computer software and physical model tests by the structural engineers.
Structural steel design is used in a wide variety of applications, including:
- Buildings
- Bridges
- Industrial facilities
- Power plants
- Sports stadiums
- Other infrastructure projects
It is a well-proven material with high strength, good durability, dimensional stability and very broad usage. Nevertheless, it is desirable that buildings with steel structures are designed by professional engineers with the goal to achieve maximum reliability of these constructions.
Here are some of the key steps involved in structural steel design:
- Load analysis: The structural engineer will then proceed to do force calculations in a bid to ascertain magnitudes of forces that will be exerted to this structure. This will point to dead loads (e. g. the structure’s weight) and live loads (e. g. people, furniture and equipment among others).
- Structural analysis: After the load factors have been determined, structural engineer will proceed to Structural Analysis where stresses and deflections of structure members will be determined. The interpretation of this analysis is often done with the help of computer software.
- Member design: The structural engineer will then design the individual members of structure to carry the load stresses and deflection calculated in the analysis of structures. This will mean identifying the size and the shape of each member, number of legs and type of steel qualified for use.
- Connection design: The structural engineer will also determine how the various members of the structure shall be connected. This is one of the implications of arriving at the design phase since the connections must be capable of transmitting force from one member to another without getting easily compromised.
- Detailing: Once the members and connections have been designed, structural engineer will then prepare drawing of the structure. Such drawings will depict the precise point and scale of all members joining in connections.
Steel structures have to be designed in the most appropriate manner possible, and this is done through structural steel design. These structures require the input of structural engineers for their design and construction to be effected.
What is structural steel fabrication
Structural steel fabrication is the working process of creating steel components and structures people use in constructing buildings and establishments, as well as in other industries. It entails making of structural parts through cutting, fabricating, joining and welding of steels for construction of buildings, bridges, towers and other structures as well as industrial plants. Fabrication of structural steel is very important in the present construction industry because steel possesses property such as strength and durability.
Here are the key steps involved in structural steel fabrication:
Material Selection: Starting with selection of the right type and grade of steel in accordance with the structural design parameters & schematic. Some of the most commonly used types of steel include; A36, A572, and A992 steel.
Cutting: Girder & channel steel can be cut to customers requirement in terms of length using the common cutting methods which include sawing, shearing or thermal cutting techniques like plasma cutting and oxy-fuel cutting.
Shaping and Forming: These include rolling where steel material is passed between rollers to the required thickness and cross-sectional dimensions and bending and press-braking where steel is bent at varying presses to the preferred angles and shapes. These processes help to impart the necessary structure as well as geometrical properties to the steel.
Machining and Drilling: Apertures can be also drilled or milled into the steel details for the fastening, jointing and other support requirements.
Welding: The welding process is very important in the structural steel construction. It is a process of joining specially steel parts with the help of different methods of welding like arc welding method, MIG welding method, TIG welding method etc. Welding is a very effective technique that provides strong and also sturdy joint of structural components.
Assembly: Small or large steel sections or large sections are pre-engineered and are fabricated into integrated parts or modules. This may involve the use of bolts, fasteners, and welding of the different components.
Quality Control: Adequate quality control measures are exercised at fabrication so as to guarantee that the steel parts conform to the laid down specifications, standards and quality standards. The tests and/or inspections might be included Non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques, dimensions control, welds inspections.
Surface Treatment: Components may then also obtain surface treatments in order to improve the strength of steel and its anti-corrosive properties. Some of the familiar treatments are priming, painting, galvanizing and powder coatings.
Transportation: Manufactured steel parts are moved to the construction site, they will be partly or in this form known as modular construction and usually are labeled or stenciled for identification.
Erection: In this location, the steel parts are lifted and fixed on site depending on the architectural design and construction drawings. It involves pulling and bending of structures with special focusing on steel works such as placing and joining of beams, columns and other related structures using cranes and other equipment with pulling force.
Final Inspection: Upon completion of erection, the structure is reviewed to confirm that each of the steel components are properly connected and that the structure is safe as well as meeting stiff set requirements.
Steel fabrication involves the use of equipment, workforce, and the application of a certain level of construction standards and code of precaution. It remains as essential part to construction projects since steel frames are the base for buildings as they possess capacity of holding premiums pressure of load. Great attention is paid to the geometrical accuracy and quality of fabrication because they are determinative for the safety of the end structure and its service life.
What is structural steel detailing
Structural steel detailing is therefore the act of preparing drawings to indicate how a particular structural steel is to be built or assembled. These drawings indicate the location and scale of every joint and all of the members in the structure together with every other piece of data which the fabricator of the framework might require from the drawing.
It is the duty of the structural steel detailer to coordinate the various drawings with the structural engineers. They have to be conversant with the nature of steel, behavior of steel structures under loads and the codes and standards that govern the design.
Structural steel detailing is an important step needed often in construction of complexes and large buildings. It would be important to point out that the detailed drawings can actually influence the cost, time and safety measures that are to be undertaken.
Here are some of the key tasks involved in structural steel detailing:
- Reviewing the structural engineer's drawings: Structural steel detailer, at first, will go through the structural engineers drawings and will check whether all necessary details or not. They also will verify possible contradictions or incompatibilities in the document.
- Creating shop drawings: It is the duty of a structural steel detailer to provide fabrication shop drawings of the steel members in the structure. These drawings will indicate where each member will be located and to scale it will also outline where different holes, cuts and any other form of manipulation that is necessary will occur.
- Creating erection drawings: Another type of drawing that the structural steel detailer will prepare is erection drawings, showing how the steel structure will be erected. These drawings will indicate the order in which the members are to be erected, and any special conditions in this regard.
- Creating bill of materials: He will also prepare the BOM part for the steel structure to be used by fabricators and erectors of the building’s frame and roof. This document shall give all the steels members that are necessary for the project and their correspondents quantities and sizes.
Steel detailing generally and specifically, structural steel detailing in particular, is quite a significant and complicated process the purpose of which is to provide clear, accurate and coordinated information regarding steel structure fabrication and construction. The position of structural steel detailers is important in the construction sector.
Here are some of the benefits of using structural steel detailing:
- Improved accuracy: Structural steel detailing assists in increasing the accuracy of the construction and creation of the steel structures. This can lead to decrease in errors and the need to redo work, which is time consuming and will cost an organization money.
- Increased safety: Structural steel detailing also plays a vital role of ascertaining that steel structures to be put in place are safe and effective in their performance. The structural steel detailers then through the attention in the members and connections can assist in avoiding the failures.
- Reduced costs: Structural steel detailing can be of great assistance in coming up with ways of bringing down the general cost of steel structures. In as much as fabrication and erection work for creating the structure, structural steel detailers can ensure that several ques and avoid on waste and inadequate work.
In summary, structural steel detailing is the most crucial role in construction of steel structure works. Structural steel detailing entails identifying important characteristics about a structure so as to enable engineers and contractors to ensure that the specific structures of steel are put up effectively, efficiently and at minimal cost.
what is structural steel work
Steel construction work is defined as the use of structural steel and or parts thereof in the construction of various elements in the building or structure. The scope of structural steelwork in modern construction remains profound because the strength, enduring nature as well as flexibility of the steel component is unmatchable. It refers to the construction process of the framework of structures using steel components, for building types of constructions, buildings, bridges, industrial premises and the likes.
Key aspects of structural steelwork include:
Design: Structural engineers and architects work hand in hand in detailing the steel structure depending on the need and the capacity in bearing load the project will reqirement. These are for instance identifying size, shape, and position of the steels.
Fabrication: Erection comprises the erection of columns, beams, trusses, girders fabrication through cutting, shaping, assembling as well as welding of steel materials. Pre-assembled steel members are normally produced with the help of parts produced in other different fabrication shops.
Erection: The fabricated steel components are conveyed to the construction site and are then either erected or built from the design plans prepared. This process takes some time, and it involves use of cranes and other heavy equipment for placing and joining the steel framework. Specialized technicians who include ironworkers and riggers are very essential with regard to the safe and efficient construction of steel buildings.
Connections: Joinery is an essential part of structural steel because it determines the stability of the members and ultimately the structure. Connections are made by the use of welding, bolting and other techniques in the steel members.
Safety: Safety is actually a major consideration every time structural steelwork is under consideration. Safety procedures and precaution measures are put in place from the stage of fabrication of the materials up to the time the structure is erected.
Quality Control: Much care is paid on quality in fabrication and construction with standard specifications, as well as safety regulations, complied to in order to guarantee steel components quality. Check and examinations are performed on joints, seams, and dimensions to ascertain the standards.
Surface Protection: The steel pieces may be painted, galvanized or powder coated to prevent rusting of the steel parts or increase the durability of the steel parts.
Environmental Considerations: Use of recycles materials in structural steelwork has improved over the years and so has the disposal of wastes around the structure.
The following are the benefits of structural steelwork; It has a high strength to weight ratio thus it is light, It has a flexible design, construction is fast especially when there are large open floor plans desired, and it allows the construction of large open interior space. Commercially, it is utilized in practically all kinds of construction including house, business and industrial structures, sports complexes, and structures, as well as bridges and towers.
It entails that because of the style together with the kind and excellence of the materials that is used during the construction of the structural steelwork, careful design and construction is imperative if the safety, stability and durability of the constructed structure is to be attained. In order to have good results in relation to projects involving structural steel works, it is required that the architects and engineers for the project, the fabricators of steel and the construction workers and teams all work hand in hand.
How long does structural steel last
Structural steel can last for many decades, even centuries, when properly designed, fabricated, and maintained. The lifespan of structural steel depends on a number of factors, including:
- The quality of the steel
- The quality of the fabrication and erection
- The environment in which the structure is located
- The maintenance and inspection of the structure
Quality of the steel
Fom the research that was done, it was realized that the quality of the steel used as the key determiner of the lifespan. High quality steel is more resistant to corrosion and all other forms of degradation.
Quality of the fabrication and erection
Of course, it is necessary to take into consideration also the quality of the fabrication and erection of the structure. Is structures that are poorly fabricated or erected are most likely to fail in the early ages.
Environment
Location of the structure also plays a role in the assumed lifespan of the structure as does the environment. Buildings which are located in areas that will cause them to be subjected to high levels of pollution like the marine environment or areas with heavy industries will degrade faster.
Maintenance and inspection
This means that the building can be used for a longer time as frequent checkups and cleaning help in pulling the lifespan of the structure back. It reveals that if one is able to trace the cause of failure and correct it before it goes worse, then, there will be less or no failure.
As a rule, structural steel is a very strong and reliable material that can be insensitive to a great many of years. But it is essential to prevent corrosion and other forms of deterioration of the steel used in the frame construction. Engineering, manufacturing, preservation, and testing of steel structures in the right manner can extend the time it takes before new structures will be needed.
Here are some tips for extending the lifespan of structural steel:
- Choose steel with a high quality and ensure that you find one which is resistant to corrosion.
- It is recommended that the steel is purchased from qualified manufacturers and the erection of the steel is made by professionals.
- However, paint or apply a coat of zinc to the steel so as to prevent further corrosion of its surface.
- Daily or weekly, check the fiber reinforced steel for a mark of any harm and treat it as soon as you observe the harm.
Staying on these tips will go along way in helping your structural steel structures to stand the ravages of time.
where steel is used
Steel is used in a wide variety of applications in the oil and gas industry, including:The following are some minor uses of steel in the oil and gas industry:
- Upstream: In the upstream sector, steel is used for well drilling and production methods that are used to obtain oil and or gas from the well. This includes drill bits, Well head and other drilling heads and accessories of steel.
- Midstream: Here, steel is used in midstream in transportation and storage of oil and natural gas. This is for the steel employed in pipelines storage tanks and other structures deployed for for instance the oil as well as the gas industries.
- Downstream: Looking downstream, steel is used in products that are employed in carrying and selling of finished goods such as; gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. This embraces steel that is used in refineries, petrochemical plants and every other processing plant that can be thought of.
Here are some specific examples of where steel is used in the oil and gas industry:
- Wellheads: In the control of the production of oil and gas from well, steel wellheads are warmly received. They can in most cases be produced using high strength steel for withstanding the pressure and temperature characteristic of oil and gas production.
- Drill bits: These are employed to drill well into the earth and they can be classified as; the steel drill bits. They are typically built using a kind of steel that is strong and durable because of the abrasive friction that is typical of the drilling procedures.
- Pipelines: Oil and natural gas also flow through steel pipeline either from production to the consuming area or within the production area only. Most of them are made from high strength steel in order to endure the pressure of oil and gas on transit.
- Storage tanks: Steel storage tanks are the vessel used in storing of oil and gasses. The are normally made using steel materials such as high strength steel in order to deal with the load of the oil and gas to be stocked.
- Refineries: Crude oil is taken through refining process in the refineries which employs steel and transforms it into improved or manufactured products. This embraces steel used in distillation towers, reaction and cracking units as well as other processing equipment’s.
- Petrochemical plants: Iron products are used for construction of petrochemical plants where petrochemicals are manufactured and used latter in production of many other products including; plastics, fertilizers, and drugs etc.
Steels are quite common in the oil and gas industry since it is one of the primary components of the fixed asset of the firms. Its use is in drilling and extraction, processing, and transportation of the crude as well as in other activities. Steel is a hard, durable and versatile material of construction suitable in areas everywhere that the oil and gas business transpires.
Where steel is found
Steel is a popular construction material and it can be used in different forms and in various sectors of the society. Here are some common places and applications where steel is found:Here are some common places and applications where steel is found:
Construction Industry:
- Steel is piece de resistence material in construction engineering, for construction application used in buildings structures, bridges, tunnels and many more infrastructural developments. For constructional applications, it is used in structural frames, beams and columns and as reinforcement bars in concrete.
Automotive Industry:
- Automobiles are known to comprise of several parts and among the most common if not the most widely used component is steel. In automotive applications, it is utilized for frames; chassis pieces, and other mechanical parts; engines; as well as car body sections owing to the extraordinary mechanical properties.
Manufacturing and Machinery:
- It is used in the manufacturing industry in creating machinery, tools, equipment, vehicles among them being industrial machinery, manufacturing tools, and heavy duty equipment like bulldozers and cranes.
Transportation:
- Transportation sector: The steel is also have application in the body of ships, trains, aeroplane and other conveyances. It supplies the required strength and flexibility for the transport structures.
Energy Industry:
- Some of the names where steel is applied include the energy industry in building the power stations, pipelines and the offshore oil and or gas drilling structures. It is also used in wind turbines, transmission towers and nuclear reactors.
Household Appliances:
- Most of the utensils we use at home for cooking, fridges, ovens, washing machines all have steel parts since they are strong and can withstand heat.
Tools and Cutlery:
- The hardness of the steel makes it ideal for the manufacture of the hand tools, the cutting tools and the kitchen cutlery including knives.
Furniture:
- teel has been commonly employed in production of furniture such as chairs, tables, and bookcases, commonly in industrial and modern furniture.
Railroad Tracks:
- Steel rails are employed in railroads to construct tracks on which trains run on while steel ties help in supporting them.
Construction Equipment:
- Many pieces of construction equipment like bulldozer, cranes, and excavator are built with steel material because of its strength and durability.
Aerospace Industry:
- Aerospace is one of the leading consumers of steels, and the product is preferably used in manufacturing of aircraft components such as landing gears, engines, and frames.
Oil and Gas Industry:
- It plays a very vital role in oil and gas because of its qualities of offering high tolerance to corrosion resistant and high pressure use; steel is used in pipes, storage tanks, drilling machinery and offshore platforms.
Sporting Goods:
- In bicycles, golf clubs and even baseball bats, steel is used in the construction of this products.
Infrastructure:
- Steel is applied in the construction of vital amenities such as purification stations, communication mast and sewerage works.
Sculpture and Art:
- For that reason artists have embraced the use of steel as it is easily workable and more so it is used in making sculptures and art works.
Steel's versatility, strength, and durability make it a material of choice in a wide range of applications, contributing to its ubiquity in various industries and everyday life. Different types of steel, such as carbon steel, stainless steel, and alloy steel, are used to meet specific requirements in each application.
Which structure of steel contain 0 carbon
The structure of steel that contains 0 carbon is ferrite.
Ferrite is a ferromagnetic body-centered cubic (BCC) crystal structure of iron (alpha iron). It is the most stable iron allotrope at room temperature and below.Ferrite is a soft and ductile material with the low tensile strength and hardening capacity. It is also comparatively less magnetic than other forms of iron, and is also a bit more brittle.
Ferrite is used in a variety of applications, including:
- Computer peripheral devices in the form of hard disk drives and floppy disk drives
- Large frame constructions, automobile skeletons, bridges
- Stainless steel
Ferrite is a commonly used and quite popular material in a multitude of industries.
However, it is necessary to point out that pure ferrite is not used in practice, and, therefore, its properties are rather hypothetical. Every one of the steels, which can be procured in the marketplace, contains, at least, a touch of carbon. This is so because carbon is essential in determining the properties of the steel such as strength and hardness.
which statement about structural steel is correct
The following statement about structural steel is correct:
Structural steel is very strong under both tension and compression.
Compressive strength of structural steel is rather high, and so is tensile strength.
Structural steel may be defined as the iron and steel, which are mainly used in structures. It is virtually always made up from high carbon steel which provides it with a high level of strength and rigidity. Moreover, structural steel is also fairly anti-corrosive, and because of the frequent utilisation of the structures, weak and temperature fatigue is also a concern.
Structural steel is used in a wide variety of applications, including:
- Buildings
- Bridges
- Industrial facilities
- Power plants
- Sports stadiums
- Other infrastructure projects
Structural steel plays crucial role in construction industry and is quite flexible and utilised in many ways. This tree is especially valued for its strength, density and stability as well as for its resistance against damage.
Here are some other key characteristics of structural steel:
- Contrary to other materials, it is somewhat light in weight, particularly when compared to concrete or masonry.
- It is fairly easy to work with and can easily be forged as well as welded.
- It is recyclable.
- It is relatively affordable.
On balance, it can be stated that structural steel is a very promising material for a vast number of structures. It is very strong, tough, dependable, light, easy to form and join, reusable, recyclable and cheap.
Structural steel list
Structural steel list may be defined as a list of the many diverse profiles, dimensions, sections, beams and other products used in the general construction industry and the engineering industry. Among these, this list can contain a very vast array of steel products and these can be of dimensions that may vary and may also possess some particularity. Here's a general list of common structural steel components:Here are some of the most ordinary structural steel parts:
I-Beams (or H-Beams): These are members with rectangular or ‘C’ or ‘I’ cross-sectional shapes cast in the horizontal position. They are mainly used as the primary members in framed systems as well as in the construction of bridges.
Columns: Members in the form of vertical pillars possessing the function of the transferring load from the beams to the base.
Channels: Construction and engineering use products made of C-shaped steel sections as beams and supports.
Angles: Channels of steel fabricated in an L shape for the purpose of bracing, framing and placing structural parts.
Tee Sections: Channel steel sections that are used in a number of structures.
Plates: Carriage and Ferrous Products Flat steel sheets or plates used in numerous structural and engineering applications.
Bars: steel bars which are round, square or hexagonal used in construction and engineering industries.
Pipes and Tubes: From the conveying of fluids to as structural members and more especially structural frames and columns.
Reinforcing Bars (Rebar): Rebar, which are steel bars with ribs, which are utilised in the strengthening of concrete items like foundations or bridges.
Structural Hollow Sections: Natural frequencies of square and rectangular hollow steel sections to be used in structural applications.
Rail Sections: Used in construction of railway tracks Rail used in the construction of railway tracks.
Fasteners: Many assembled parts made of steel used to hold together mechanical parts which make up a structure, including bolts, nuts, washer, and anchors.
Welding Consumables: Materials for welding of steels including welding rods, wires and electrodes for joining steel parts.
Gusset Plates: The product is steel plates that are incorporated in connecting structural members with joints and reinforcement.
Bearing Plates: Shoes that are provided at the bases of columns and other members in order to spread the loads.
Base Plates: Some of the plates used in the construction of building which are placed at the bottom of the columns where they join the foundation.
Brackets and Cleats: Fastenings to connect and support beams, columns and other structural parts made of steel.
Stiffeners: Pieces of steel that are used to improve load-bearing features of structural members.
Lattice Girders: Ceaseless space construction frames with roof and bridge structures through open-web steel trusses.
Decking: The various steel decking sheets which form the composite floors used in constructions.
Purlins and Girts: Z-Secondary steel members used in roof and wall claddings.
Rods and Tendons: Rebar used in post tensioning and pre stressed concrete construction where tension is applied to the steel bars.
Cranes and Hoists: Parts for steel manufacturing applications which are incorporated in the designs of cranes and other hoisting machines.
The following is a comprehensive list of the structural steel products that can be employed in construction and engineering activities: This suggests that the extent and nature of the components and their dimensions depends on the design and programme of the project.
structural steel members
Main steel members are the components of steel structures. They are employed in the construction of the framework of the structure that has to bear the load of the structure and its contents. Structural steel members are produced from high carbon steels which provide the members with high strength and stiffness.
Here are some of the most common types of structural steel members:
- Beams: Beams are the members which carry the loads of other members such as joists, floors and roofs.
Steel beam
- Columns: There are columns which are vertical members of the structure which transfer the bearing of the beams and many other members on them.
Steel column
- Joists: Joists are the horizontal structural members which transfer the loads of floors and roof slabs. It is frequently located between beams.
Steel joist
- Channels: Actuality, channels are U-shaped members that are typically applied for usage as beams or columns.
Steel channel
- Angles: Angles are long straights and are used especially as brace elements or stiffening members.
Steel angle
- Plates: Hollow sections are cylindrical which are produced by either using plate or API casing Pipe while plates are flat sheet of steel that can be used produce theses below members or component such as, web plates in beams n columns.
Steel plate
Structural steel members also have many joining techniques some of which include welding, bolting, and riveting. Depending on the particular appliance and degree of connection needed, one type or another is used.
Structural steel members are used in a wide variety of applications, including:
- Buildings: Steel products are applied in construction to make the frame of a building which could be residential or commercial buildings or even industrial buildings or a high rising building.
- Bridges: These are used to fabricate the main points of the bridge such as the trusses and girders.
- Industrial facilities: Structural steel members are applied to develop skeletal systems for industrial buildings for example: factories, warehouses, and power plants.
- Other infrastructure projects: It is also utilized in other infrastructural developments such as the sports facilities, airport facilities, dams and the like.
Members for structural steel are flexible and cannot be overlooked in the construction business of the current generation. They are employed in order to develop structures which are firm, dependable and capable to bear high pressure of environment.
what is steel structure design
Steel structure design can therefore be described as the designing of steel structures for such loads and forces as may be imposed on the structures. This consists of the design of the members of the structure like the beam, columns, and plates and the joint which connects them.
Structural steel design involves knowledge of the properties of steel, behaviour of structures made of steel and code of practices. A number of tools and methods are employed in the design of steel structures by structural engineers including hand calculations, computer aided design as well as experimental analysis.
Optimum design of a steel structure is to provide stiffness adequate to support the various loads to be imposed upon it but at the same time being cheap to construct and maintain. Structural engineers need to look at and evaluate all aspects of how the structure will be designed, to include the type of steel that will be used together with its grade, the size and configuration of the various members to be used, type of connection that is keen in joining the various members, and the types and magnitude of loads that will be exerted on the structure.
Steel structure design is used in a wide variety of applications, including:
- Buildings
- Bridges
- Industrial facilities
- Power plants
- Sports stadiums
- Other infrastructure projects
As an alternative to wood steel is a rather distinguished material: it is rather tough and hardwearing, and is successfully used for most applications. However, to produce the required sound appearance, steel structures of the buildings have to be developed by professional engineers.
Here are some of the key steps involved in steel structure design:
- Conceptual design: Consultation with the architect and others: the structural engineer will draw what he or she has in mind as to the structure of the building. This shall entail deciding on how the structure is to be laid out in a broad sense the kind of steel that is to be used, and approximately how big the members are likely to be.
- Load analysis: The structural engineer will perform a load check to determine the loads which affect facility. These will include the fixed and variable loads (fixed loads will include the dead loads such that the weight of the structure and variable loads will include the likes of people, furniture and any other equipment that may likely to be in the structure at one time or the other.
- Structural analysis: Following that, the loads that are present or acting on the structure must be determined, the structural engineer will then proceed to determine the amount of stress and deflection manifested in the members of such structure.This analysis is typically performed using computer software.
- Member design: In this step the structural engineer will then design each of the members of the structure which will have capacity to resist stresses and or the deflection as analysed in the structural analysis. This will also include determination of sizes and shapes of members to be used and the grade of steel to be used.
- Connection design: Another decision to be made by the structural engineer is on how the different members within the structure will join to give the complete structure. This is a consideration at the design of junctions because they have to transfer the forces from the members across the connection without becoming destructive.
- Detailing: After this process of the member and connections have been developed the structural engineer will prepare sketches of structure. It should be noted that position and dimensions of all member and connection shall be shown by these drawings.
Steel structure design can be described as a careful and profound practical activity of increasing constructions made of steel for additional uses. It is also factual that professional in structure engineering are very much relevant especially with regard as to fabrication of such structures.
what is the main advantage of structural steel
As a result of right mix of properties, structural steel still remain to be one of the most essential aspects of constructions and the engineering disciplines. The primary advantages of structural steel include:The following are the advantage of having structural steel:
Strength: Structural steel can be looking very strong and its strength to weight ratio is very high, that is it is very strong yet it is very light in terms of its weight carrying capability. Due to this, it becomes suitable to be used in construction of structures such as tall buildings, long-span bridges and so on.
Durability: Steel is one of the most resilient and one that cannot be easily affected by the erosive effects of the environment such as corroding agents, fire and borer insects. When correctly coated or treated steel products have a long life span and thus they do not require frequent replacement.
Versatility: Steel can bend anywhere and hence can be fabricated in many ways and in many sizes hence the many different designs that can be made. The criteria make it possible to modify easily to suit certain project needs thus broad construction applicability.
Speed of Construction: The components of steel structures can also be assembled off-site thus can be quickly put up. Such a speed of construction can lead to efficient working and early project delivery hence cutting on cost.
Sustainability: They include; the fact that steel can be recycled and used again without any reduction in its quality. This recyclability lowers the environmental effects of construction projects and assists in the enhancement of sustainable construction.
Design Flexibility: The structural steel industry enables different and Practical designs in the field of architecture. It can take open floor plans, large window provisions, and any interesting shape allowing the architects and engineers much freedom.
Predictable Material Properties: There is more information and great material uniformity in steel as a material and hence can be used to precisely perform structural analyses and design studies. When designing the steel structures engineers can depend on some characteristics of the material.
High Quality and Consistency: Most of the processes that go into the fabrication of steel are strictly regulated hence the good quality and structure of the material. This consistency makes the steel structures to be more reliable.
Safety: It is widely popular that steel frames are secure and can endure various hazardous conditions including the seismic activity and hurricanes. It may also offer very good protection against fire in the right manner that the construction is made.
Longevity: Proper management of steel structures, therefore, can last for a long time, minimizing on the incidences of having to replace them and the costs that this will attract.
Cost-Effective: Nevertheless, the primary first cost of providing steel could be somewhat more compared to some of the other building materials; nevertheless, permanency of steel, its great durability and ease of construction make its use and possible cost benefit probable in the long run.
Adaptability: Compared to most of the construction materials, steel structures are easier to change, add to or even improve which makes them optimal for projects that involve repurposing or upgrading of the structures.
In a nutshell, the main strength of structural steel is in giving solid, long-lasting and flexible solutions to literally any construction- or engineering-related problem that might come their way. These advantage push structural steel to top the list for many building and infrastructure projects around the globe.