Quality Control Plan for steel structure

fabrication
QAQC (Quality Assurance and Quality Control) procedures for steel fabrication are
essential to ensure that fabricated steel components meet specified standards and
requirements. Here’s an outline of typical QAQC procedures for steel fabrication:

1. Project Specifications Review:

Thoroughly review the project specifications, drawings, and any applicable codes
and standards (e.g., ASTM, ASME, AWS) to understand the requirements for
fabrication.

2. Material Control and Traceability:

Implement a system to track and control materials from receipt through
fabrication to ensure they meet specified requirements (e.g., material grade,
dimensions, traceability).

3. Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS):

Develop and qualify WPS according to applicable codes and standards.
Document parameters such as welding processes, preheat requirements, welding
consumables, and interpass temperatures.

4. Welder Qualification:
Qualify welders according to WPS requirements. This includes testing their
welding skills and knowledge to ensure they can consistently produce quality
welds.

5. Fabrication Process Control:

Monitor and control fabrication processes including cutting, forming, fit-up,
welding, and assembly to ensure they are performed correctly and meet specified
tolerances and requirements.

6. Visual and Dimensional Inspection:

Conduct visual inspections of fabricated components to detect defects such as
surface irregularities, improper weld profiles, and dimensional inaccuracies. Use
measuring tools to verify dimensions against drawings.

7. Non-Destructive Testing (NDT):

Perform NDT methods such as ultrasonic testing (UT), magnetic particle testing
(MT), dye penetrant testing (PT), and radiographic testing (RT) as required by
specifications to detect internal defects in welds and base materials.

8. Assembly and Fit-Up Inspection:

Ensure proper fit-up and alignment of fabricated components before welding.
Check for proper joint preparation, alignment, and cleanliness.
 Quality Control Plan for steel structure
fabrication

9. Surface Preparation and Coating Inspection:

Inspect surface preparation (e.g., cleaning, blasting) and coating application (e.g.,
paint, primer) to ensure they meet specified requirements for adhesion, thickness,
and appearance.

10. Documentation and Records:

Maintain comprehensive records of fabrication processes, inspection results,
material certifications, NDT reports, welder qualifications, and any deviations or
corrective actions taken.

11. Quality Control Checks:

Implement quality control checks throughout fabrication to verify compliance
with approved procedures and standards. This may include holding points for
inspections at critical stages of fabrication.

12. Final Inspection and Acceptance:

Conduct final inspection of completed fabricated components to ensure they
meet all specified requirements before acceptance and delivery.

13. Quality Audits:

Conduct periodic quality audits to review adherence to QAQC procedures,
identify areas for improvement, and ensure continuous compliance with
standards.