Do You Need Steel Structural Detailing Services?

Should you hire an engineer to do your steel structural detailing? How can you tell if it’s the right choice? Many architects, builders, and contractors choose to handle their steel structural detailing on smaller projects, while others prefer to hire experienced engineers to handle the job of steel structural detailing for them on large projects. Hiring an engineer isn’t always necessary, but it can be beneficial under certain circumstances.


What is Structural Steel?


It’s sometimes called steel construction or structural steel, but what does that mean, exactly? The International Code Council defines it as columns, girders, and other vertical and horizontal members required for strength, rigidity, and stability in the construction of buildings and structures. 


In a practical sense, structural steel is a type of metal with a low yield strength that provides reliable support to a project. Put simply: if your building collapses because of bad detailing work then it wasn’t up to code. So why would you want to risk structural steel? Steel provides economical, speedy solutions with long lifespans. Plus, steel framing doesn’t burn easily so you can feel safer knowing your structure won’t go up in flames during an emergency—as long as you follow all safety regulations outlined by organizations like FEMA! 


So are there any drawbacks to using steel instead of another material? 


There are some downsides associated with using steel detailing services rather than alternatives like wood framing. Although these downsides tend to be lower-cost materials or faster installation times instead of safety concerns—there are still things you should consider before choosing steel framing.


What are the Different Types of Structural Steel Framing Details?


There are several types of structural steel framing details for you to choose from, depending on whether you need them for residential or commercial use. The more common steel detailing types include Welded Steel Framing (WSF), Cold-Formed Steel Framing (CFS), and Hot-Rolled Steel Framing (HRS). 


These three standard steel framing systems can be used for any building type. Hot-rolled steel framing is most commonly used because it’s stronger than cold-formed or welded options. Each system has special characteristics that make it unique, but they all work well as long as you follow industry standards and your local building codes. 


Some additional steel detailing services may include Kwikbolts—used in vertical columns between floors—open web joists, and H-section beams. Your project will usually require a combination of each different type to meet strength requirements. For example, if your foundation walls are too weak to support a building with only a few interior load-bearing walls, then it would also need a heavier steel framing method like H-sections along with vertical bracing at midpoints where necessary. 

When considering which structure will best fit your needs, consider how much loading will occur in different areas of the building and how much dead weight you plan on supporting—these two factors will dictate what kind of steel framing detail you should opt for.


Structural Steel Detailing
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay


Is structural steel detailing necessary for my project?


Steel detailing is an important step in ensuring your project is put together correctly and safely. Steel detailing services to ensure that steel structures, such as building frames and floors, are accurately detailed for purposes of shop fabrication, erection, and completion. It’s important to note that structural steel detailing isn’t just for tall buildings; smaller projects also require these services. For example, a small kitchen renovation may not be tall enough to warrant structural steel detailing, but it still requires attention to detail when it comes to how it’s fabricated and assembled. 


What starts as a simple idea can grow into something much larger if your project lacks structural steel detailing. And while some issues may seem insignificant at first, they could end up having a big impact on you or your client. Therefore, structural steel detailing is important no matter what size project you’re working on. 

These professionals work with architects and builders from start to finish throughout their entire life cycle from inception through construction and occupancy of a structure. Not only do they make sure things go according to plan but they also inspect final completed projects before issuing certification or release upon completion inspection reports.


How do I know if I need structural steel detailing on my project?


The next time you find yourself wondering whether or not your project needs structural steel detailing, ask yourself these questions: 


(1) Does your project include any new construction, renovation, or reconstruction of buildings? 

(2) Is it more than 40 feet high or long (about 12 m)? 

(3) Do you expect that there will be at least 10 new steel members of any size on your project? 


If you answered yes to all three questions, then it’s likely that you need structural steel detailing services. 


What can these detailing services do for me?: The purpose of structural steel detailing is to ensure that structures are safe and fit for their intended use. Steel detailing also ensures your project will meet building codes and is aesthetically pleasing.


Steel Detailing Services
Image by ds_30 from Pixabay


What are some key design considerations when using structural steel framing details on my project?


When you’re planning a project with structural steel, certain design considerations can make or break your design. If you’re a contractor building a home, for example, your number one goal is to create a safe structure that won’t fail. 


There are several details you can include in your design—like beams over columns and gusset plates—that will help you accomplish exactly that. Knowing how these details work, however, is crucial to know whether or not they're necessary for your project. 


This post will explain how three common steel detailing techniques function and if they're right for your structure. If nothing else, it's good to know what's out there! 


Learn how beam-to-column connections support load: Sometimes referred to as an 'A' frame design, steel column-to-beam connections often look similar to an 'A'. However, though both types have axial force applied through them, their properties are much different. Simply put, A-frames are stronger than just adding two small I beams together at 90 degrees to each other at the top and bottom.

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