How to Inspect Steel Construction
Steel construction should be inspect by civil engineer with proper inspection to guarantee that the structure will run safely. I have experience on this matter, because of wrong installation, this very dangerous condition if there is no engineer there who make a safe clearance of the steel structure erection. The result can be very fatal if without expert supervision, because the steel construction that look sturdy could collapse immediately because there are small disturbances such as wind or shocks.
Pre-fabricated Systems
Walls, floor panels and roof trusses of CFS that are built in a factory will require engineered drawings and layouts for building code approval, just like any other pre-manufactured structural component. Panel and truss manufacturers are staffed to provide engineered designs, based on the builder’s architectural drawings, along with the components and jobsite delivery. Some manufacturers can offer a “turn-key” solution to builders with the inclusion of product installation by trained crews.
Non-residential Construction
Commercial designs will require an engineer’s review and seal regardless of material of construction.
One of the first steps in implementing any project should be a conversation with the local building department. This is the best way to uncover the particulars that relate to your project and building code jurisdiction.
The plan check process is similar to what is encountered for other structural systems:
- The reviewer will verify that all specifications are accurate and that they match local code requirements.
- Architectural drawings are checked to ensure that wall types are correctly marked, fire-rated assemblies, if required are shown, details are provided for key connections, and mechanical, electrical and plumbing drawings are coordinated with the structural drawings.
- Structural drawings will be reviewed for consistency with the architectural drawings, and to ensure that specific system detailing for items like components and trusses, are provided.
Progress inspections by the building department are required at the same stages of completion as structures built with any other building materials.
The Steel Framing Alliance (SFA) has provided training to thousands of building plan reviewers and inspectors across the United States. Training seminars for state and municipal building departments, builders, and trades persons, as well as, vocational/technical school curriculum development are some of the on-going activities sponsored by the SFA.
Studs are connected to track flanges with screws, or pins, installed through the face of the track flange into the stud flange. Three threads or 3/8” of the screw should be visible on the back side of the connection.
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