What does this structural steel checklist cover?

12 items across 4 sections, covering delivery and anchorage, erection, bolting, welding and coatings. Each item spells out what the person walking the job is actually looking for, not just a box to tick.

Who should run this inspection?

Erector's quality lead with the GC; a special inspector for bolting and welding where required.

When in the schedule should this walk happen?

At delivery, at anchorage, during erection, and at each connection before it is covered or coated.

Why does every item ask for a photo?

All 12 items call for photo evidence, 27 photos in all. A checklist answer without the photo is a claim; the photo is what makes the record worth something in a dispute and lets a reviewer approve work without re-walking the job.

What most often fails a structural steel inspection?

Anchor bolt layout verified after the columns arrived rather than before the pour. Bolt pretensioning recorded on a summary sheet with no photo of a marked connection. Fireproofing applied over a connection that was never signed off.

Can I use this checklist in RTI?

Yes. Start a free RTI workspace, build this list as a checklist, and the Photo Gate holds the submit button until every mandatory item is answered and its photos are attached. Approved inspections roll into a branded turnover package with a tamper evident audit trail.

Free checklist

Structural steel inspection checklist

Steel is inspected on connections. Bolts and welds are the whole story, and both get covered by decking, fireproofing and finishes on a schedule that leaves almost no window for a second look.

Start free with this checklist Download as PDF

The checklist

Every item, and the photo evidence it needs

The photo count on each row is what RTI would require before the item can be submitted. Work the list here and watch the gate hold, or load it into RTI and let it enforce the real thing.

Delivery and anchorage

Members match the shop drawings and are undamaged
Piece marks legible, no bent flanges or damaged coatings from transit.
Anchor bolt location, projection and thread condition verified
Survey the layout before erection; photograph a tape at the critical spacing.
Base plates set, grouted and shimmed as detailed
Full grout bearing, no voids, leveling nuts backed off where required.

Erection

Columns plumb and frame within erection tolerance
Survey readings recorded per column line, not eyeballed.
Temporary bracing installed and left until permanently stable
Bracing photographed in place; removal only after the diaphragm is complete.
Members at the correct elevation and orientation
Check beam elevations against the plan before decking goes down.

Bolting

Bolt type, grade and length correct for each connection
Photograph the connection with the bolt heads and washers visible.
Faying surfaces prepared for the connection type
Slip-critical surfaces free of paint, oil and mill scale where required.
Pretensioning performed and verified by the specified method
Match-marked bolts or indicators photographed after tensioning.

Welding and coatings

Welder qualification and procedure on file for the work performed
Qualification current for the position and process being used.
Weld size, length and appearance inspected
Gauge readings on critical welds; no undercut, porosity or missed returns.
Touch-up and coatings applied after connection signoff
Damaged coating repaired; nothing coated before the connection is accepted.

What usually sends this back

The failures are almost always the evidence, not the work

Anchor bolt layout verified after the columns arrived rather than before the pour.
Bolt pretensioning recorded on a summary sheet with no photo of a marked connection.
Fireproofing applied over a connection that was never signed off.

Common questions

6 answers

What does this structural steel checklist cover?: 12 items across 4 sections, covering delivery and anchorage, erection, bolting, welding and coatings. Each item spells out what the person walking the job is actually looking for, not just a box to tick.
Who should run this inspection?: Erector's quality lead with the GC; a special inspector for bolting and welding where required.
When in the schedule should this walk happen?: At delivery, at anchorage, during erection, and at each connection before it is covered or coated.
Why does every item ask for a photo?: All 12 items call for photo evidence, 27 photos in all. A checklist answer without the photo is a claim; the photo is what makes the record worth something in a dispute and lets a reviewer approve work without re-walking the job.
What most often fails a structural steel inspection?: Anchor bolt layout verified after the columns arrived rather than before the pour. Bolt pretensioning recorded on a summary sheet with no photo of a marked connection. Fireproofing applied over a connection that was never signed off.
Can I use this checklist in RTI?: Yes. Start a free RTI workspace, build this list as a checklist, and the Photo Gate holds the submit button until every mandatory item is answered and its photos are attached. Approved inspections roll into a branded turnover package with a tamper evident audit trail.

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Run it with the Photo Gate

A checklist nobody can submit half-finished

Load this list into RTI, stick a QR tag on the area it covers, and the submit button stays locked until every mandatory item is answered and the 27 required photos exist. Approved walks roll into a branded turnover package with a tamper evident record behind every line.