Structural Steel
A variety of automated technologies are
available for the fabrication and erection of structural steel.
Remote-controlled handling of structural steel provides accurate
and efficient movement of steel into place. Once in place,
automated welding systems are available that can produce high
quality welds at an efficient pace. These systems can
accommodate many different standard steel shapes without
extensive adjustment.
Example Automated
Technologies:
The following are examples of automated
technologies that are currently available for the fabrication
and erection of structural steel:
|
Technology |
Description |
|
Metal Welding and Cutting
Systems |
Automated steel welding
and cutting |
|
Robotic Welder |
Automated steel welding |
|
Robotic Hydraulic
Vibratory Pile Driver |
Remote controlled pile
driver |
|
Steel Frame Welding |
Automated welding of
steel frames |
|
Auto Claw |
Robotic shackles for
handling beams |
|
TAP System - Steel
Straightening robot |
Straightens steel that is
bent |
|
Welding Robot - Columns |
Automated welding of
steel columns |
|
Welding Robot - Beams |
Automated welding of
steel beams |
|
Welding Robot |
Automated welding of
different steel shapes |
|
Robotic Fireproof
Spraying |
Automated coating of
steel with fireproofing |
Common Limiting
Design Features
The following are examples of design features
that often limit the use of automated steel fabrication and
erection technologies during construction:
-
Inadequate clearance for access and operation of the
equipment.
-
Non-standard structural shapes, sizes, and lengths.
-
Inconsistent member shapes, sizes, and lengths used on the
project.
-
An
excessive number of attachments and irregularities in the
member.
-
Non-standard connections.
Recommended
Design Practices
The following are examples of suggested design
practices that facilitate the use of automated steel fabrication
and erection technologies during construction:
-
Use
an Object Based Design process so that design documents can be
used to detail and fabricate material.
-
Use
repetitive steel shapes, sizes, and lengths.
-
Standardize connection plate size and location.
-
Use
standardized member layout throughout the project.
-
Eliminate difficult welds.
-
Design for full fabrication and welding of elements in the
shop.
Expected Benefits
The following are examples of benefits that have
been realized from the use of automated steel fabrication and
erection technologies during construction:
-
Increased erection and welding production.
-
Improved quality and consistency of welds.
-
Decreased worker exposure to safety and health hazards
associated with field erection and on-site welding.
|
