Structural Steel Fabrication Process
Steel structures are becoming common, especially in large factories and assembly plants. Structural steel fabrication is the process of designing, bending, and welding together pieces of steel to form a complete structure. It might sound simple in theory, but many details are involved in the process. Before a steel structure is complete, it goes through the following steps:
Ideation and Blueprints
The first stage of any structural project is ideation. During this stage, the engineers and architects collaborate to bring the idea into a design. They use specialized software programs to put pieces of designs together to form a blueprint. The blueprints are then converted to shop drawings that can be understood and interpreted by the contractors, foreman, and construction workers to bring the structure to life. The stage is crucial since all details are considered, including precise measurements that would be translated into an actual structure.
Cutting and Customization
Once the designs are refined and deemed acceptable, the actual physical work begins where large steel chunks are cut into manageable sizes. Plasma torches and laser cutters are often preferred due to their preciseness and ease of use. The cutting process is followed by bending, where pieces of steel are forced into certain shapes. While some fabricators opt for manual bending, machinery bending is economical and fast, especially in large-scale residential steel fabrication. Bending has to be precise and accurate to minimize wastage and misalignment. Finally, welding is done to attach the pieces to form a semi-structure that will be transported to the construction site. Welders follow a strict blueprint highlighting the type of joints to include in the semi-structures that can support the maximum weight of the entire structure.
Structural Assembly
The semi-structures are assembled to form the steel structure on the construction site. The engineers and architects supervise the process to ensure the correct process is followed and the structure mirrors the designs. Final touches like coating and painting are done on the construction site; welders and construction workers weld the semi-structures to form a complete structure and reinforce the crucial joints.
Benefits of Structural Steel Fabrication
Steel structures are strong and durable, making them ideal for industrial and permanent residential projects. Structural steel fabrication is also cost-effective and easy to manage compared to other forms of construction. Additionally, the project is fast and can be accomplished within a short time after launch, making it perfect for projects with a strict deadline.
Conclusion
Structural steel fabrication has grown in popularity, thanks to the evolving technology and an abundance of steelworkers. The structures are strong, have an incredible lifespan, and can withstand different weather elements. Contact a steel fabricator if you need help with commercial or residential steel fabrication.