How to inspect structural steel

Step by step

1. 1

   Verify anchor bolts and base conditions

   Before columns land, check anchor-bolt layout, projection, and thread condition against the drawings, and confirm base-plate leveling nuts or shims and grout pockets are ready. A mislocated anchor bolt stops erection cold.

2. 2

   Confirm members and marks against the erection drawings

   As pieces are set, verify each member matches its erection mark, size, and orientation. Check for shipping damage, and that the right piece is in the right place before it's connected.

3. 3

   Check plumb, level, and alignment

   Survey columns for plumb and beams for level and elevation within the erection tolerance before final connections lock the frame. Correcting alignment after everything's bolted and welded is expensive.

4. 4

   Inspect bolted connections

   Confirm bolt grade, that connections have the specified number of bolts, and that snug-tight or pretensioned joints are made by the required method. Watch for missing bolts, short bolts, and joints left snug that were meant to be pretensioned.

5. 5

   Verify welded connections and welder qualification

   Check that welders are qualified for the joints they're running, that weld size and type match the drawings, and that the special inspector performs the required visual and nondestructive testing. Field welds are a common punch item — verify, don't assume.

6. 6

   Confirm decking, shear studs, and bracing

   Verify metal deck attachment, side-lap fastening, and shear-stud placement and welds, plus that temporary and permanent bracing stays in until the frame is complete. Deck and studs are what make the composite floor act as one.

7. 7

   Coordinate special inspection and hold points

   Confirm the special inspector's coverage matches the statement of special inspections, and that high-strength bolting and welding hold points are released before the work is covered by fireproofing or deck. The special inspector certifies; you record.

8. 8

   Document connections and punch the frame

   Photograph bolted and welded connections and any damage before fireproofing hides them, log missing bolts and incomplete welds as punch or nonconformance items, and track them to closure.

Questions people ask

What does the field super check versus the special inspector?

Your field walk verifies members, alignment, and obvious connection defects against the erection drawings and tracks punch items. The special inspector performs the code-required bolting and welding inspections and testing and certifies that work. Both records belong in the file.

When is steel inspected — as it's erected or after?

As it's erected. Anchor bolts and alignment are checked before connections lock in, connections are inspected before they're covered by fireproofing or deck, and nondestructive testing happens at the required frequency during the work.