Construction of steel framed structures includes construction of its foundations, columns,

beams and floors systems. Construction phases of structural steel frame are discussed.

Fig.1: Construction of Steel Frame Structure

Construction of Steel Frame Structural Elements
Steel frame structure construction procedures are as follow:

o Construction of steel frame structure foundation

o Steel column construction

o Erection of steel beams

o Floor systems used in the steel frame structure construction

 Fig.2: Steel Structure Frame
Construction of Steel Frame Structure Foundation
Steel framed structure construction begins with the construction of its foundation.
Generally, the types of foundation required for the given structure is based on the soil
bearing capacity.

Soil investigation including surface and subsurface exploration is used to assess the
condition of soil on which steel frame structure rests.

For example, when moderate or low loads are imposed, then it is advised to use
reinforced concrete bearing pads or strip foundation. These foundation types transfer
loads to soil capable of supporting transferred loads.
 Fig.3: Reinforced Concrete Bearing Pad Foundation for Steel Frame Structure
If the strength of soil is poor and the imposed load is large, then it is recommended to
consider pile foundation. The pile foundation would transfer the load of the structure to
the stiff soil.

Fig.4: Pile foundation to transfer loads of steel frame structure though low soil
bearing capacity of stiff soil with adequate bearing capacity
 Fig.5: Steel Bearing Pile Driven into Ground
Steel Column Construction
The next step of steel frame construction is the placement of steel columns. The section
of the steel is specified based on the load imposed.

There are various sizes of steel column section to choose and these steel columns are
commonly produced in advance.

The most significant point in column installation is the connection between foundation
and column and splices between columns.

Regarding foundation to column joints, base plates are welded to the end of columns. The
most desired shape of base plate is square and rectangular shape. Typical details of
column to foundation connection is shown in Figure-6.

It should be known that, the most desired shape of base plate is rectangular and square
shape because such plates provide largest spacing between the bolts which is desirable.
Fig.6: Steel Column to Foundation Details, (A) Top bolt places created in base plate,
(B) Side view of column base to foundation
As far as column splices are concern, it is provided in every two or three storey to ease
erection process in addition to simplify steel column production and deliveries.

The distance between floor and column splice is about 60cm. When circular steel
columns are used, weld connection is used to join both steel columns above and below.

Fig.7: Column Splices

Erection of Steel Beams
Various prefabricated beam sections are available to be used in the construction multi
storey steel frame structure. Beams commonly transfer loads from floors and roof to the
columns.

Steel beam members can span up to 18m, but the most usual range of steel beam spans
rang from 3m to 9m.

While steel beams are erected, column to beam connection and beam to beam
connections are encountered. There are different types of column to beam connection
which are selected based on the type of loads imposed on the column to beam joint.

For example, if the joint is subjected to vertical loads only, then simple connections are
used. Flexible end plate, fin plate and double angle cleat are examples of simple
connections which are shown in Figure-8.
 Fig.8: Different types of column to beam connection suitable for the case where
vertical loads are applied solely: (A) Flexible end plate, (B) fin plate, (C) Double
angle cleat
If the joint is subjected to both vertical loads (shear force) and torsion forces, then full
depth end plate connections and extended end plate connections should be considered as
shown in Figure-9.

Fig.9: Full depth and extended end plat connection used when the column to beam
connection subjected to both shear and torsion stress
As far as beam to beam connection is concerned, end plate beam to beam connection is
used to join secondary steel beams to primary steel beams.

Since top flange of secondary beams support floor system, so it must be leveled with top
flange of the primary beams. This can be obtained by notching the top flange of the
secondary beam as shown in Figure-10 and Figure-11.
 Fig.10: Notched Part of Secondary Beam

Fig.11: End Plate Beam to Beam Connection

Alternatively, projected bracket is welded to the primary beam and then secondary beam
is attached without the need for notching secondary steel beams as shown in Figure-12.

Fig.12: Provision of Bracket Welded to Primary Steel Beams

Floor Systems Used in Steel Frame Structure Construction
There are various types of floor systems which can be used in the steel frame structure
construction. Floors are commonly installed as the beams are erected.
Not only do the floors systems support vertical applied loads but also they act like
diaphragms and resist lateral loads through the use of bracings.

Examples of floor systems include Short-span composite beams and slabs with metal
decking, Slimdek, Cellular composite beams with slabs and steel decking, Slimflor beams
with precast concrete units, Long-span composite beams and slabs with metal decking,
Composite beams with precast concrete units and Non-composite beams with precast
concrete units. Also Read: Types of Floors Systems for Multi-Storey Steel Structure
Construction

Fig.13: Details of Composite Floors used in Steel Frame Structure

Fig.14: Precast Concrete Slab Placed on Structural Steel Frame

Construction of Bracing and Cladding in Steel Framed
Structures
Bracings are used to resist lateral forced imposed on structure and it transfer lateral loads
to the columns and then to the foundation.
 Fig.15: Bracing with Connection Details
Regarding cladding of steel frame structure, various types of cladding such as brick
cladding and sheet cladding can be used to protect the inside area of the structure.

Read More:
Types of Floors Systems for Multi-Storey Steel Structure Construction
What are the Types of Structural Steel Framing Systems?
Modern Methods of Construction -Details and Applications
References
D G BROWN, D C ILES, E YANDZIO. Steel Building Design: Medium Rise Braced
Frames: In accordance with Eurocodes and the UK National Annexes. The Steel
Construction Institute. Berkshire, p. 32-74. 2009. (P365).

M E BRETTLE, D G BROWN. Steel Building Design: Concise Eurocodes: in

accordance with Eurocodes and British National annexes. The Steel Construction
Institute. Berkshire, p. 69-79. 2009. (P362).

STEEK construction: Foundation BCSA and Tata steel. [S.l.]: BCSA and Tata steel.
2013.

STEELCONSTRUCTION. Cost Planning Through Design Stages Accessed on: 5 Oct.

2017.
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About
Madeh is a Structural Engineer who works as Assistant Lecturer in Koya University. He is the
author, editor and partner at theconstructor.org.