PowerPoint® Presentation

Chapter 4
Structural Steel Construction

Structural Steel Construction •

Structural Steel Construction
Methods • Structural Steel
Members • Fastening Systems •
Panel Members
 Chapter 4 — Structural Steel Construction

Structural steel members

are erected, braced, and
secured together to
create a structural
framework.
 Chapter 4 — Structural Steel Construction

In beam and column

construction, beams and
girders support floor and
roof loads and distribute
the loads to the vertical
columns.
 Chapter 4 — Structural Steel Construction

In long span
construction, long
distances are spanned
with built-up structural
steel girders and trusses.
 Chapter 4 — Structural Steel Construction

In wall bearing
construction, horizontal
steel beams and joists
are supported by other
construction materials
such as masonry.
 Chapter 4 — Structural Steel Construction

Pre-engineered metal
buildings consist of
prefabricated structural
steel members including
beams, columns, girts,
and trusses.
 Chapter 4 — Structural Steel Construction

Erection plans provide information regarding

structural steel construction.
 Chapter 4 — Structural Steel Construction

A dimensioned grid of
letters and numbers
provides reference points
on erection plans.
 Chapter 4 — Structural Steel Construction

Various types and grades of steel are used in

structural steel construction.
 Chapter 4 — Structural Steel Construction

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.
 Chapter 4 — Structural Steel Construction

Shop drawings provide

detailed information
required for the
fabrication of structural
steel members.
 Chapter 4 — Structural Steel Construction

Columns are commonly

constructed using M-, S-,
or wide-flange shapes.
 Chapter 4 — Structural Steel Construction

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.
 Chapter 4 — Structural Steel Construction

Wide-flange beams are

identified on erection
plans with the letters “W”
or “WF”.
 Chapter 4 — Structural Steel Construction

Structural steel beams are fabricated based on shop

drawings.
 Chapter 4 — Structural Steel Construction

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.
 Chapter 4 — Structural Steel Construction

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.
 Chapter 4 — Structural Steel Construction

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.
 Chapter 4 — Structural Steel Construction

Bridging and braces

maintain alignment
between structural steel
columns, beams, and
joists and increase
resistance to loads.
 Chapter 4 — Structural Steel Construction

Tie rods are used to brace across long distances.

 Chapter 4 — Structural Steel Construction

Proper bolt and nut

installation is essential
for proper structural
fastener performance.
Erection plan details are
the primary reference for
bolted connections.
 Chapter 4 — Structural Steel Construction

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.
 Chapter 4 — Structural Steel Construction

Details provide
information regarding
welded connections.
 Chapter 4 — Structural Steel Construction

The standard format used for weld symbols provides

information regarding location, length, and type of
welded joint.
 Chapter 4 — Structural Steel Construction

Steel members may

be cut to length using
an oxyacetylene
cutting torch.
 Chapter 4 — Structural Steel Construction

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.
 Chapter 4 — Structural Steel Construction

Erection plans provide

information regarding
metal decking
installation.
 Chapter 4 — Structural Steel Construction

Metal decking may be

used as bridge deck
forms. The decking
remains in place after
the shores and
falsework are removed.
 Chapter 4 — Structural Steel Construction

The exteriors of many

light-gauge metal
buildings are covered
with prefinished
metal panels.
 Chapter 4 — Structural Steel Construction

Metal roof decking is

available in a variety of
designs and dimensions.
 Chapter 4 — Structural Steel Construction

Roof decks may be

formed of metal decking
only or covered with
waterproofing materials
and insulation.