Category: Steel Detailing Blog
This page show cases some of the Steel Detailing projectgs completed in Melbourne, Sydney, WA, Brisbane Tek1 has completed
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Today I learned : Types of Footing
Footings are the foundation elements that transfer the load from the structure to the ground ensuring stability and strength. Choosing the appropriate type of footing is crucial for the overall safety and performance of the building. Failure in ensuring appropriate footing is used or the if the footing lacks in strength or stability leads to the building to settle unevenly, develop cracks, tilt, and even face catastrophic failure. This jeopardizes safety and results in expensive repairs.
Commonly used types of Footings:
1. Strip Footing:
Strip footings provide support for a row of columns or a continuous load-bearing wall. They are ideal for structures with a even distribution of load along a straight line. These are commonly used alongside steel framing.
2. Isolated Footing:
Isolated footings, also known as pad footings, are designed to support single columns. These are usually square, rectangular, or circular pads that provide stability for light to moderate loads.
3. Combined Footing:
When steel columns are spaced closely, combined footings serve as an efficient foundation. They prevent overlapping of individual footings and ensure stability under heavy loads.
4. Strap Footing:
Strap footings connect isolated footings with a concrete beam. This strap beam transfers the load from a heavily loaded column to a less loaded column, balancing the pressure on the soil . This is particularly useful for unevenly spaced steel columns.
5. Stepped Footing:
Stepped footings are ideal for sloped sites or uneven terrain. The steps help in maintaining level support for columns and walls while minimizing excavation.
6. Raft Footings:
Raft footings also known as mat footings are large, thick concrete slabs that support the entire building footprint, distributing loads evenly across the foundation area. They are particularly useful in steel structures with high loads or poor soil conditions.
7. Pile Footings:
Pile footings are deep foundations used when surface soil cannot support the structure. Piles are driven deep into the ground to reach more stable soil layers or bedrock.
Factors for choosing the correct type of footing :
- Soil Condition: The bearing capacity and stability of the soil determine which footing is suitable.
- Load Requirements: The weight and distribution of the building’s load help decide the footing size and type.
- Building Type: The design and purpose of the structure influence the selection of footing.
- Space Availability: The available space for construction can necessitate certain footing types over others.
- Budget Constraints: Cost considerations can affect the choice of footing material and design.
- Environmental Factors: Local climate, water table level, and seismic activity are also important considerations.
Sources :
5 Types of footing – Best footing – Images – Uses [PDF] – Definecivil
Types of footing Used in Building Construction (7 Different Types) (constructionor.com)
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Ascham College – Streamlining Plant Room Construction for Safety and Efficiency
In a recent project, we encountered a challenge with a plant room constructed from SHS members, featuring grating on both the floor and the roof.
Problem 1:
The original structural drawings specified vertical splice plates bolted together. However, these splice plates would protrude through the floor & roof gratings, creating a potential trip hazard.
Upon identifying this issue, we notified the structural engineer, who then changed the bolted connections to site-welded connections. While this solution addressed the trip hazard, it introduced a new problem: site welding approximately 40 splices would be both costly and time-consuming.
When this issue was discussed with the fabricator, they proposed shop welding the SHS frames into just two large assemblies for the entire plant room which they had the capacity to transport as large units. This approach significantly reduced the number of site welds required.
Problem 2:
However, another challenge arose: these large assemblies were to be galvanised and were too big for the galvanising bath. We consulted with the fabricator regarding the maximum size of the galvanising bath and suggested subsequently splitting the plant room assemblies accordingly. This adjustment reduced the number of site welds to around 20, making the process more efficient.
Two primary problems were identified and solved:
- The bolted splice causing a trip hazard: Transitioning to welded connections resolved this safety concern.
- Assemblies larger than the galvanising bath: Adjusting the assembly size to fit the galvanising bath ensured the integrity of the galvanising process.
By identifying and rectifying these issues at the planning stage, we saved significant time and money.
If you’re interested in having me (Dhileepan) manage your project, please send a quote request to our principal at koshy@tek1.com.au and mention that you want Dhileepan to manage your project.
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Today I learned : Metal Grating
What is Grating:
Metal grating is a framework made from metal bars, plates or mesh arranged in a grid pattern. It allows for the passage of light, air and water while providing a strong platform.
Types of Gratings:
1. Bar Grating:
Bar grating is composed of a series of parallel bars joined by perpendicular crossbars connected using methods like welding, riveting, or press-locking. Bar grating is the most common type of metal grating.
2. Expanded Metal Grating:
Expanded metal grating created by cutting and stretching a sheet of metal, resulting in a mesh with diamond-shaped openings. The resulting diamond-shaped pattern creates a slip-resistant surface.
3. Wire Mesh Grating:
Wire Mesh Grating is produced by using rows and columns of intersecting steel wires forming a grid-like pattern. This grating offers excellent load-bearing capacity due to its grid structure.
4. Safety Grating:
Safety grating features a serrated or perforated surface that is created by forming and punching the grating. The primary function of safety grating is to prevent slips and falls, especially in wet or oily conditions.
Functionality of Metal Grating:
- Structural Support: Metal grating provides a strong and stable platform, capable of supporting significant weight. It’s commonly used in walkways, platforms, and mezzanines.
- Drainage and Ventilation: The open design of metal grating allows for efficient drainage and airflow, making it ideal for outdoor applications and environments requiring ventilation.
- Safety: Specific types of grating, such as safety grating, offer enhanced slip resistance, which is crucial in preventing accidents in wet or oily conditions.
- Weight Reduction: Metal grating offers a high strength-to-weight ratio, making it an excellent choice for applications where minimizing weight is essential.
- Corrosion Resistance: Grating made from materials like stainless steel or aluminum is highly resistant to corrosion, suitable for use in harsh environments.
Applications of Metal Grating
- Industrial Flooring: Metal grating is extensively used in factories, warehouses, and plants, providing durable and safe flooring solutions.
- Drain Covers and Trench Grates: The open structure of metal grating makes it perfect for covering drains and trenches, allowing water to pass through while keeping debris out.
- Stair Treads: Metal grating is often used for stair treads, providing a non-slip surface that enhances safety in both indoor and outdoor staircases.
- Marine and Offshore Platforms: The durability and corrosion resistance of metal grating make it suitable for marine environments, where it is used on ships, offshore platforms, and docks.
- Public Infrastructure: Metal grating is used in various public infrastructure projects, including pedestrian bridges, park benches, and street furniture.
Sources :
What is Metal Grating? Types and Uses of Metal Gratings – What Is Piping
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Today I learned : Eye Bolts
While conversing with the team leader about the construction of buildings, he mentioned the use of eye bolts for lifting purposes.
What is an Eye Bolt:
Eye bolt is a type of bolt that contains a loop or eye at one end and threaded shank at the other end with or without shoulder between them. They are designed to be used as secure connection point in lifting systems. The threaded shank is anchored into the metal surface and the eye or loop is attached with ropes, cables or other rigging.
Types of Eye Bolts:
1.Regular Eye bolts:
Simplest type of eye bolt featuring a loop and a threaded shank without any additional features. They are suitable for vertical lifting applications with minimal to none angular forces.
2.Shoulder Eye Bolts:
Shoulder eye have a shoulder below the eye which provides extra support. This shoulder prevents the bolts from deformation or bending under angular loads.
3.Swivel Eye Bolts:
Swivel eye bolts feature a swivel mechanism between the eye and the threaded shank, allowing for rotation. This minimizes the chances of twisting and potential harm to lifting gear, rendering it well-suited for situations demanding adaptability.
4.Lag Eye Bolts:
Although called a lag eye bolt, it is essentially a screw with an eye and threaded shank. They are specifically designed for wood and is directly screwed into the wood. Its load capacity depends upon the wood’s type and condition.
5.Machinery Eye Bolts:
These bolts are specifically designed to use in machinery. These have a short shank length and large eye diameter. These bolts are often used as permanent lifting points in machinery.
Applications of Eye Bolts:
- Construction: Utilized in lifting materials, securing scaffolds, and suspending equipment and fixtures at construction locations.
- Manufacturing: Engaged in lifting heavy machinery, positioning molds and dies, and managing raw materials within manufacturing plants.
- Entertainment and Events: Deployed in stage rigging, lighting setups, and suspending props and scenery for concerts, theatrical productions, and events.
- Marine: Crucial for anchoring cargo, rigging sails, and securing equipment on ships and offshore platforms.
- Transportation: Utilized for securing cargo during transit.
Sources :
What Are The Different Types of Eye Bolts Used for Overhead Lifts? » Mazzella Companies
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Today I learned : Types of stairs in Australia
Commonly used stairs in Australia:
1. Straight Stairs:
Straight stair consists of a single stair flight from lower to upper level. Straight stairs are the most common type of stair used in residential, commercial and industrial buildings not just in Australia but all over the world as it is easy to design and build.
Stair Flight: It refers to a series of steps or a staircase that leads from one level or floor to another.
2. L-Shaped stairs:
L-Shaped stair consists of 2 stair flight which bends by 90° at the landing forming a L shape. It is used when staircase is needed to fit in the corner of the building. It is more visually appealing than straight stairs.
Landing: A Stair landing is a level platform found at the top, bottom or in the middle of the stairs. An Intermediate landing acts as connecting platform between two stair flights.
3. U-Shaped stairs:
U-Shaped stair consists of 2 stair flights which bends by 180° at the landing forming a U shape. It is commonly used in multistory buildings.
4. Winder Stairs:
Winder Stair is similar to L-shaped stair and U-shaped stair, but here the landing is replaced by triangular or trapezoidal steps. It is commonly used in older homes or used as a secondary stair.
5. Spiral Stairs:
Spiral Stairs have a circular or helical shape with stair flight winding around a central pole or column. It is commonly used in space-constrained areas and as outdoor stairs. Spiral stairs can be challenging to use for people with mobility issues.
6.Curved Stairs:
Curved Stair’s stair flight follows a curved or circular path. Curved stairs are mostly used for its aesthetic appeal rather than functionality. Curved stairs can be challenging to use for people with mobility issues.
7.Floating Stairs:
Floating Stairs are also known as cantilever stairs. These stairs are anchored to the wall on one side while leaving out the other side support less, thus creating an illusion of floating. Floating stairs are used where minimalistic design is desired by the architect.
Sources:
Staircase Building Regulations: Our Comprehensive Guide (adara.co.uk)
STAIRCASE TERMINOLOGY | An Architect Explains | ARCHITECTURE IDEAS
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Change in Structural Design: Adapting to Highway Sign Board Challenges
A recent project involving the installation of a static sign board on a highway required a significant change in structural design. The task involved detailing steel frames for supporting different sized sign board. However, a particular challenge arose when one of the static sign boards exceeded the maximum size allowable for its designated steel frame type.
INITIAL DESIGN We promptly raised a query regarding this discrepancy with the structural engineer. The project was subsequently put on hold to address this critical issue.
The structural engineering team responded by revising the original frame design and also the sign board’s size. This adaptive approach ensured that the structural integrity and safety of the sign board were not compromised. The revised frame design was then implemented, allowing the project to proceed smoothly.
NEW DESIGN -
Slab Infill – 275, Kent Street
The stairwell at 275 Kent Street had been demolished, leaving open slab areas that needed to be closed. Our task was to support these closures with meticulously detailed steel beams. Following a comprehensive site survey, we supplied steel beams tailored to different levels.
Initially, the project scope included orders for only three levels. However, after completing these, four additional levels were incorporated to fully close the openings.
