Structural steel inspection is critical for building safety. Steel frames support entire structures, and connection failures can have catastrophic consequences. Thorough inspection during erection ensures structural integrity for the building's lifetime.
Pre-Erection Inspections
Material Verification
- Mill certificates review
- Steel grade verification
- Member identification matching drawings
- Surface condition assessment
- Shop fabrication quality
Foundation Ready Check
- Anchor bolt location and projection
- Anchor bolt template verification
- Base plate leveling provisions
- Grout pocket preparation
Steel Erection Inspections
Column Installation
- Column orientation and alignment
- Plumb verification (within tolerance)
- Base plate bearing and grouting
- Splice locations per drawings
Beam Installation
- Member size and length verification
- Connection type verification
- Proper seating and bearing
- Temporary bracing adequacy
Bracing Systems
- Bracing member sizes
- Connection details
- Alignment and tensioning
Bolted Connection Inspections
Pre-Installation
- Bolt grade verification (markings)
- Hole alignment check
- Faying surface condition
- Washer requirements
Installation Verification
- Bolt tightening method (turn-of-nut, tension control, direct tension indicator)
- Torque verification for snug-tight bolts
- Tension verification for slip-critical connections
- Thread exposure verification
Welded Connection Inspections
Pre-Weld
- Welder qualification verification
- WPS availability and compliance
- Joint fit-up inspection
- Preheat requirements
Visual Weld Inspection
- Weld size verification
- Weld profile assessment
- Crack and porosity detection
- Undercut evaluation
- Arc strike identification
NDT Requirements
- UT/RT inspection scheduling
- MT/PT for surface defects
- Documentation of NDT results
Alignment and Survey
Structural steel must be erected within tight tolerances:
- Column plumb (typically 1:500)
- Beam level
- Overall frame alignment
- Connection point locations
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