Can you spot the problem – #5

We continue our blog post series.

Pop-Quiz: What’s wrong with the below connection detail?

Consider the details below. It’s time for a pop-quiz: what issues can you see here?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answer:

The structural engineer provided the gusset connections with a 10mm erection clearance (see the snap above). But as a steel detailer we must provide a standard min erection clearance for all the connections. (We shouldn’t follow blinding, but we have to think before using their details.).

We must need to provide 15mm min as erection clearance. (because the weld takes up to 8mm). If we give 10mm clearance then the connection plate will hit the weld. It makes erection issue at site. Erection issues are costly and time consuming: resources will need to be occupied on site. Labour is expensive in Australia – and time is expensive anywhere. These sorts of issues need to be absolutely avoided with good detailing practices.

 

Please refer to the snap below snap: it shows an example of site issues due to insufficient erection clearance. Also we have attached our sketch shows our standard typ connection details.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bonus Marks

What further issues can you see above?

Answer: The plates are of a non-standard size. This means that the fabricator needs to custom make a plate. That involves extra labour, for something that is entirely unnecessary. Plates need to be custom made only when absolutely required.