Steel Structure Fabrication: Advanced Technology and Techniques 2024

Steel structure fabrication is the process of transforming steel material into components with desired shapes and sizes according to design drawings, serving civil and industrial construction projects. In this article, we will guide you on how to fabricate steel in the most detailed way.

Step 1: Quality inspection of materials before steel structure fabrication

The inspection of incoming materials plays a crucial role in steel structure fabrication, ensuring quality and safety for the project. The inspection process needs to be carried out rigorously, including the following steps:

Check the documentation: Require suppliers to provide complete documentation proving the origin, provenance, and quality of materials as required. Check the validity of documents such as invoices, quality certificates, delivery notes, etc. Then, cross-check the information on the documents with reality to see if it is accurate.

Compare the technical specifications of the materials (dimensions, steel grades, tensile strength, etc.) with the requirements in the design drawings and technical construction documents. If discrepancies are found, corrective actions should be taken as soon as possible.

Common issues with non-standard steel structures:

• The incoming materials exhibit defects such as: rust, cracks, warping, deformation, etc.
• The dimensions (length, width, thickness) of the materials do not meet standards according to requirements after inspection with a ruler or measuring machine.
• After conducting simple tests such as: tensile tests, bending tests, impact tests, etc., it is found that the materials do not meet the standards for tensile strength, ductility, toughness, etc.

Step 2: Cutting or slitting steel for steel structure fabrication

Cutting/slitting steel is the second crucial step in the steel structure fabrication process, playing a role in shaping and sizing details according to design drawings. Accurate cutting/slitting of steel ensures the precision of the structure, directly affecting the quality and safety of the project.

Steel structure components are fabricated from two main forms of steel:

• Profiled steel: This type of steel has been pre-cast with basic shapes such as I, H, U, L, C, V, etc. according to standards. The process of cutting/slitting profiled steel mainly aims to remove excess parts, ensuring dimensions meet the drawing requirements.
• Composite steel: This type of steel is cut from plates and processed into shapes as required by the design. Individual steel plates after cutting will be bonded together by welding or bolting to create a complete component.

Today, workers use advanced cutting/slitting methods such as laser cutting, plasma cutting, oxy-gas cutting, disc saw, band saw, etc. This requires workers to read and understand technical drawings to accurately identify dimensions, shapes, and positions for each detail that needs to be cut, as well as to be trained on the proper use of cutting/slitting machines and equipment.

Step 3: Assembly jigging, processing connection plates

Assembly jigging, also known as steel framing, plays a foundational role in the steel structure fabrication process, creating the skeleton for construction projects. This process includes:

Processing connection plates:

• Drilling holes: Use drilling or milling machines to create holes in the connection plates according to design drawings. These holes function to connect steel details together using bolts or welds.
• Cutting: Cut the connection plates to the desired dimensions and shapes using laser cutting machines, plasma cutting machines, or metal cutting machines.
• Bending: Bend the connection plates into the required shape using bending machines or manual bending methods.

Assembly jigging:

• Positioning: Use precise measuring tools to position steel details in the correct locations according to design drawings.
• Temp bonding: Use temporary welds to bond steel details together, ensuring accuracy and stability before permanent welding.

Step 4: Assembly welding

Assembly welding is an important step to connect the steel details that have been jigged into a unified block, creating a solid structure for the project.

Before welding, the surface must be cleaned of dust, rust, and paint. Appropriate welding methods such as manual arc welding, automatic arc welding, or submerged arc welding are selected based on the thickness, material, and technical requirements of the weld.

Step 5: Straightening steel structures after welding

Straightening steel structures is an essential step after welding to correct deformations caused by high temperatures during the welding process. This ensures absolute precision in the structure before erection.

Workers can use measuring devices such as steel rulers or laser leveling machines to check the deformations of the steel structure against the design drawings. Tools like hammers, weights, hydraulic jacks, or machines are then used to adjust the steel structure to its correct position as per the design.

Step 6: Welding plates and reinforcement ribs for greater strength

Welding plates and reinforcement ribs is a crucial step to enhance the rigidity, stability, and load-bearing capacity of steel structures, including:

• Welding Plates: Welding plates at specific locations as per the design drawings to connect steel components, increasing the rigidity and load-bearing capacity of the structure.
• Welding Reinforcement Ribs: Welding reinforcement ribs at key load-bearing points of the steel structure to enhance load capacity, prevent deformation, and ensure safety for the project.

Step 7: Surface cleaning and shot blasting for steel structures

Surface cleaning and shot blasting are essential steps before coating to remove dirt, rust, and ensure good adhesion for the paint.

Workers can use methods such as sweeping, air blowing, or washing with water to remove dirt from the steel surface or use specialized cleaning solvents to remove grease.

Step 8: Coating to complete fabrication and transport

Coating is the final step in the steel structure fabrication process, providing protection against corrosion and enhancing durability and aesthetics for the project. Common paints for steel structures include epoxy, alkyd, and polyurethane paints. Multiple layers of paint are applied to achieve the desired thickness and adhesion.

5.0 / 5 - (19 bình chọn)Loading...