Steel as we all know, is basically an alloy of Iron and Carbon along with other metals. And steel fabrication is a process by which steel alloy is cut, bent and given a definite shape to create a new product.
In the construction industry, steel alloy is used because it is durable and strong. Here steel is first fabricated to form different components with the help of skilled workers like on site welders. These are then joined and erected at the construction site to form the skeleton or the basic foundation of the building.
Fabrication and subsequent erection of the framework
There are several ready to use frames also available in the market. Yet there are times when the client requires customised frames using measurements different from the ones available. In such cases a metal fabricator is called in, the feasibility of the measurements discussed and the required components manufactured with the help of cutters, drillers and on site welders. The process of fabrication and erection involves the following steps. Visit this link http://www.ammasteel.com.au/products/ for more information about metal fabricators in Melbourne.
1. Fabrication:
a. Steel is first obtained from stockists or directly from rolling mills in the form of channels, sections and hollow sections, plates or angles.
b. This steel then undergoes a protective treatment to make them resistant to wear and tear by corrosion
c. Then sections of this treated steel are cut, drilled and welded based on the requirements of the structural framework.
d. To improve the quality, turn-around-time and also productivity, certain processes which are numerically controlled, are used.
2. Storage and despatch:
a. This fabricated steel is then stored in the fabrication yards till such time as they are actually needed.
b. Then they are transported to the actual construction sites.
3. Erection:
This process basically involves four main steps.
a. Since the foundation is laid by workers not involved in this process, the foundation needs to be inspected and checked to ensure that
i. They are strong enough to take the load of the framework to be erected and
ii. They are safe enough for the commencement of erection
b. The steel components then need to be lifted, placed and loosely bolted in their correct positions as per the plan.
c. This temporary structure is then aligned to ensure their bases are in line and on the same level. The connection between the plumbed column and its respective beam also need to be adjusted.
d. After this the whole structure is securely bolted in place so that the frame becomes rigid and safe.
There are some important points that need to be kept in mind during the above mentioned processes. They are:
• Every step of the way right from the fabrication till the actual erection needs to be regularly inspected and checked for quality control.
• Column joints especially in multi-storeyed buildings need to be spliced for structural safety.
• Lateral stability also has to be ensured at each step of the construction so that its centre of gravity remains perfectly aligned.