Other Considerations

Often, two connections must be made using a shared hole or set of holes. This could be two structural elements on either side of a column web, or two beam webs over a column. If two connections must share a hole, at least one bolt must remain connected to the first member with a wrench-tight nut while the other connections are being made. This prevents the beam or column from becoming displaced and falling. A connection device, such as a field-attached connection seat, may be used instead of a bolt to maintain the connection. However, the connection device must be designed to support the load during the connection process, and must be firmly bolted or welded to both the support structure and the first structure before the nuts on the shared bolts are removed.

Perimeter columns (that is, those that line the outside border of a building) must extend at least 48 inches above the finished floor so that the safety cables can be installed around the building's perimeter. Perimeter columns must also have holes or other attachment devices located at intervals of 42 to 45 inches, as well as at the midway point between the finished floor and the top perimeter cable, so that the middle and lower perimeter cables can also be installed. This helps make sure that safe barriers are always available around the floor that is currently being erected.

To learn more about Construction Steel Erection visit our Construction Steel Erection Safety Online Training web page.