Fabrication and erection

Abstract

In this chapter the procedures concerning the construction of the structure of steel buildings are presented, divided in the in-shop fabrication activities and the on-site erection. Specific sections refer to each production phase, such as cutting and holing, welding, bolting, corrosion protection and erection, as well as to the quality control and the constructional imperfections. In all sections the guidelines and application rules provided in the frame of Euronorms are presented and discussed.

As far as welding is concerned, the relevant sections include: the general rules to be respected during welding procedures, the appropriate preparation of the structural elements to be welded, the usual types of welds’ defects, the methods of non-destructive inspection and testing and the limits of acceptable imperfections, in relation to the nature and the importance of the building.

Concerning the surface protection of the steel members, the environment types in relation to their corrosivity, the surfaces preparation, the different paint and protection systems, the methods of inspection and the constructional measures to ensure paints execution, inspection and maintenance, are commented.

A section is dedicated to the quality control and the procedures to be respected during the whole construction, as well as each specific phase, in order to ensure a qualitative, reliable and durable structure. Finally, a specific section is related to the limits of acceptable constructional imperfections within which strength, stability and functionality of the structure are ensured.