16.

3-40 ERECTION

SECTION 7. ERECTION

7.1. Method of Erection

Fabricated structural steel shall be erected using methods and a sequence that will
permit efficient and economical performance of erection, and that is consistent with
the requirements in the contract documents. If the owner or owner’s designated
representative for construction (ODRC) wishes to prescribe or control the method
and/or sequence of erection, or specifies that certain members cannot be erected in
their normal sequence, that entity shall specify the required method and sequence
in the contract documents. If the ODRC contracts separately for fabrication services
and for erection services, the ODRC shall coordinate planning between contractors.

Commentary:
Design modifications and/or erection aids are sometimes requested by the erec-
tor to allow or facilitate the erection of the structural steel frame. When this is
the case, the erector should notify the fabricator prior to the preparation of the
approval documents so that the fabricator may refer the erector’s request to the
owner’s designated representatives for design and construction for resolution.

7.2. Jobsite Conditions

The ODRC shall provide and maintain the following for the fabricator and the
erector:
(a) Adequate access roads into and through the jobsite for the safe delivery and move-
ment of the material to be erected and of derricks, cranes, trucks, and other
necessary equipment under their own power
(b) A firm, properly graded, drained, convenient, and adequate space at the jobsite
for the operation of the erector’s equipment, free from overhead obstructions,
such as power lines, telephone lines, or similar conditions
(c) Adequate storage space, when the structure does not occupy the full available
jobsite, to enable the fabricator and the erector to operate at maximum practi-
cal speed
Otherwise, the ODRC shall inform the fabricator and the erector of the actual job-
site conditions and/or special delivery requirements prior to bidding.

7.3. Foundations, Piers, and Abutments

The accurate location, strength, and suitability of, and access to, all foundations,
piers, and abutments shall be the responsibility of the ODRC.

7.4. Lines and Benchmarks

The ODRC shall be responsible for the accurate location of lines and benchmarks at
the jobsite and shall furnish the erector with a plan that contains all such informa-
tion. The ODRC shall establish offset lines and reference elevations at each level
for the erector’s use in the positioning of adjustable items (see Section 11.3.1.3),
if any.
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 ERECTION 16.3-41

7.5. Installation of Anchor Rods, Foundation Bolts, and

Other Embedded Items
7.5.1. Anchor rods, foundation bolts, and other embedded items shall be set by the ODRC
in accordance with embedment drawings that have been approved by the owner’s
designated representatives for design (ODRD) and the ODRC. The variation in
location of these items from the dimensions shown in the approved embedment
drawings shall be as follows:
(a) The vertical variation in location from the specified top of anchor rod location
shall be equal to or less than plus or minus 2 in. (13 mm).
(b) The horizontal variation in location from the specified position of each anchor
rod centerline at any location along its projection above the concrete shall be
equal to or less than the dimensions given for the anchor rod diameters listed
as follows:
Anchor rod diameter, in. (mm) Horizontal Variation, in. (mm)
w and d (19 and 22) 4 (6)
1, 14, 12 (25, 31, 38) a (10)
1w, 2, 22 (44, 50, 63) 2 (13)

Commentary:
The tolerances established in this Section have been selected for compatibility
with the holes sizes that are recommended for base plates in the AISC Steel
Construction Manual. If special conditions require more restrictive tolerances,
such as for smaller holes, the required tolerances should be stated in the contract
documents. When the anchor rods are set in sleeves, the adjustment provided
may be used to satisfy the required anchor-rod setting tolerances.

7.5.2. Unless otherwise specified in the contract documents, anchor rods shall be set with
their longitudinal axis perpendicular to the theoretical bearing surface.
7.5.3. Embedded items and connection materials that are part of the work of other trades,
but that will receive structural steel, shall be located and set by the ODRC in
accordance with an approved embedment drawing. The variation in location of
these items shall be limited to a magnitude that is consistent with the tolerances that
are specified in Section 11.3 for the erection of the structural steel.
7.5.4. All work that is performed by the ODRC shall be completed so as not to delay or
interfere with the work of the fabricator and the erector. The ODRC shall conduct
a survey of the as-built locations of anchor rods, foundation bolts, and other
embedded items, and shall verify that all items covered in Section 7.5 meet the
corresponding tolerances. When corrective action is necessary, the ODRC shall
obtain the guidance and approval of the ODRD.

Commentary:
Few fabricators or erectors have the capability to provide this survey. Under
standard practice, it is the responsibility of others.

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16.3-42 ERECTION

7.6. Installation of Bearing Devices

7.6.1. All leveling plates, leveling nuts, and washers, and loose base and bearing plates
that can be handled without a derrick or crane are set to line and grade by the
ODRC.
7.6.2. Loose base and bearing plates that require handling with a derrick or crane shall
be set by the erector to lines and grades established by the ODRC. The fabricator
shall clearly scribe loose base and bearing plates with lines or other suitable marks
to facilitate proper alignment.
7.6.3. Base and bearing plates that are shop attached to shipping pieces shall be set with
the shipping pieces by the erector to lines and grades established by the ODRC. See
Section 11.3.
7.6.4. Promptly after the setting of all bearing devices, the ODRC shall check them
for line and grade, as required in Section 7.6.4(a) and 7.6.4(b). The permissible
variation in elevation relative to the specified grade for all bearing devices shall
be equal to or less than plus or minus 8 in. (3 mm). The final location of bearing
devices shall be the responsibility of the ODRC.
(a) For base and bearing plates shop attached to shipping pieces, the variation shall
be measured at the top of the base or bearing plate.
(b) For loose base and bearing plates and other leveling devices, the variation shall
be measured at the top of the base or bearing plate, or devices.

Commentary:
The 8 in. (3 mm) tolerance on elevation of bearing devices relative to estab-
lished grades is provided to permit some variation in setting bearing devices,
and to account for the accuracy that is attainable with standard surveying
instruments. The use of leveling plates larger than 22 in. by 22 in. (550 mm by
550 mm) is discouraged and grouting is recommended with larger sizes. For the
purposes of erection stability, the use of leveling nuts and washers is discour-
aged when base plates have less than four anchor rods.

7.7. Grouting
Grouting shall be the responsibility of the ODRC. Leveling plates and loose base
and bearing plates shall be promptly grouted after they are set and checked for line
and grade. Columns with attached base plates, beams with attached bearing plates,
and other similar members with attached bearing devices that are temporarily sup-
ported on leveling nuts and washers, shims, or other similar leveling devices, shall
be promptly grouted after the structural steel frame, or portion thereof, has been
plumbed.

Commentary:
In the majority of structures, the vertical load from the column bases is trans-
mitted to the foundations through structural grout. In general, there are three
methods by which support is provided for column bases during erection:

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 ERECTION 16.3-43

(a) Pre-grouted leveling plates or loose base plates

(b) Shims
(c) Leveling nuts and washers on the anchor rods beneath the column base
Standard practice provides that loose base plates and leveling plates are to be
grouted as they are set. Bearing devices that are set on shims or leveling nuts
are grouted after plumbing, which means that the weight of the erected struc-
tural steel frame is supported on the shims or washers, nuts, and anchor rods.
The erector must take care to ensure that the load that is transmitted in this
temporary condition does not exceed the strength of the shims or washers, nuts,
and anchor rods. These considerations are presented in greater detail in AISC
Design Guide 1, Base Plate and Anchor Rod Design, and AISC Design Guide
10, Erection Bracing of Low-Rise Structural Steel Frames.

7.8. Field Connection Material

7.8.1. The fabricator shall provide field connection details that are consistent with the
requirements in the contract documents and that will, in the fabricator’s opinion,
result in economical fabrication and erection.
7.8.2. When the fabricator is responsible for erecting the structural steel, the fabricator
shall furnish all materials that are required for both temporary and permanent
connection of the component parts of the structural steel frame.
7.8.3. When the erection of the structural steel is not performed by the fabricator, the
fabricator shall furnish the following field connection material:
(a) Bolts, nuts, and washers in sufficient quantity for all structural steel-to-struc-
tural steel field connections that are to be permanently bolted. The fabricator
shall include an extra 2% plus three bolts, subject to a minimum of five extra
bolts of each grade, type, diameter, length, and production lot number.
(b) Shims that are shown as necessary for make-up of permanent structural steel-
to-structural steel field connections.
(c) Steel backing and runoff tabs that are required for field welding.
7.8.4. The erector shall furnish all welding electrodes, fit-up bolts, and drift pins used for
the erection of the structural steel. Non-steel backing, if used, shall be furnished by
the erector.

Commentary:
See the Commentary for Section 2.2.

7.9. Loose Material

Unless otherwise specified in the contract documents, loose structural steel items
that are not connected to the structural steel frame shall be set by the ODRC with-
out assistance from the erector.

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16.3-44 ERECTION

7.10. Temporary Support of Structural Steel Frames

7.10.1. The ODRD shall identify the following in the contract documents:
(a) The lateral force-resisting system and connecting diaphragm elements that
provide for lateral strength and stability in the completed structure
(b) Any special erection conditions or other considerations that are required by the
design concept, such as the use of shores, jacks, or loads that must be adjusted
as erection progresses to set or maintain camber, position within specified
tolerances, or prestress

Commentary:
The intent of Section 7.10.1 of the Code is to alert the ODRC and the erec-
tor of the means for lateral force resistance in the completed structure so that
appropriate planning can occur for construction of the building. Examples of a
description of the lateral force-resisting system as required in Section 7.10.1(a)
are shown in the following.
Example 1 is an all-steel building with a composite metal deck and concrete
floor system. All lateral force resistance is provided by welded moment frames
in each orthogonal building direction. One suitable description of this lateral
force-resisting system is as follows:
All lateral force resistance and stability of the building in the completed
structure is provided by moment frames with welded beam-to-column con-
nections framed in each orthogonal direction (see plan sheets for locations).
The composite metal deck and concrete floors serve as horizontal diaphragms
that distribute the lateral wind and seismic forces horizontally to the vertical
moment frames. The vertical moment frames carry the applied lateral loads to
the building foundation.
Example 2 is a steel-framed building with a composite metal deck and con-
crete floor system. All beam-to-column connections are simple connections and
all lateral force resistance is provided by reinforced concrete shear walls in the
building core and in the stairwells. One suitable description of this lateral force-
resisting system is as follows:
All lateral force resistance and stability of the building in the completed struc-
ture is provided exclusively by cast-in-place reinforced concrete shear walls
in the building core and stairwells (see plan sheets for locations). These walls
provide all lateral force resistance in each orthogonal building direction. The
composite metal deck and concrete floors serve as horizontal diaphragms that
distribute the lateral wind and seismic forces horizontally to the concrete shear
walls. The concrete shear walls carry the applied lateral loads to the building
foundation.
See also Commentary Section 7.10.3.
Section 7.10.1(b) is intended to apply to special requirements inherent in the
design concept that could not otherwise be known by the erector. Such condi-
tions might include designs that require the use of shores or jacks to impart a

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 ERECTION 16.3-45

load or to obtain a specific elevation or position in a subsequent step of the erec-

tion process in a sequentially erected structure or member. These requirements
would not be apparent to an erector and must be identified so the erector can
properly bid, plan, and perform the erection.
The erector is responsible for installation of all members (including canti-
levered members) to the specified plumbness, elevation, and alignment within
the erection tolerances specified in this Code. The erector must provide all
temporary supports and devices to maintain elevation or position within these
tolerances. This work is part of the means and methods of the erector and the
ODRD need not specify these methods or related equipment.
See also the preset elevation requirements for cantilevered members in Sec-
tion A4 of ANSI/AISC 360.

7.10.2. The ODRC shall indicate to the erector prior to bidding, the installation schedule for
non-structural steel elements of the lateral force-resisting system and connecting
diaphragm elements identified by the ODRD in the contract documents.

Commentary:
See Commentary Section 7.10.3.

7.10.3. Based upon the information provided in accordance with Sections 7.10.1 and
7.10.2, the erector shall determine the need for, furnish, and install all temporary
supports, such as temporary guys, cables, beams, falsework, cribbing, erection aids,
or other elements required for the erection operation. If the selection or design of
such temporary supports is necessary, this shall be the responsibility of the erector.
These temporary supports shall be sufficient to secure and maintain the stability of
the bare structural steel framing, or any portion thereof, against loads that are likely
to be encountered during erection, including those due to wind and those that result
from erection operations.
The erector need not consider loads during erection that result from the perfor-
mance of work by, or the acts of, others, except as specifically identified by the
ODRD or the ODRC. Further, the erector need not consider those loads that are
unpredictable, such as loads due to hurricane, tornado, earthquake, explosion, or
collision.
Temporary supports that are required during or after the erection of the struc-
tural steel frame for the support of loads caused by non-structural steel elements,
including cladding, interior partitions, and other such elements that will induce or
transmit loads to the structural steel frame during or after erection, shall be the
responsibility of others.

Commentary:
Many structural steel frames have lateral force-resisting systems that are acti-
vated during the erection process. Such lateral force-resisting systems may
consist of welded moment frames, braced frames, or, in some instances, col-
umns that cantilever from fixed-base foundations. Such frames are normally
braced with temporary guys that, together with the steel deck floor and roof

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16.3-46 ERECTION

diaphragms or other diaphragm bracing that may be included as part of the

design, provide stability during the erection process. The guy cables are also
commonly used to plumb the structural steel frame. The erector normally
furnishes and installs the required temporary supports and bracing to secure
the bare structural steel frame, or portion thereof, during the erection process.
When erection bracing drawings are required in the contract documents, those
drawings show this information. The need for and selection or design of tempo-
rary supports should be based on industry standards such as AISC Design Guide
10, Erection Bracing of Low-Rise Structural Steel Frames.
If the ODRC determines that steel decking is not installed by the erector,
temporary diaphragm bracing may be required if a horizontal diaphragm is not
available to distribute loads to the vertical and lateral force-resisting system. If the
steel deck will not be available as a diaphragm during structural steel erection, the
ODRC must communicate this condition to the erector prior to bidding. If such
diaphragm bracing is required, it must be furnished and installed by the erector.
Sometimes structural systems that are employed by the ODRD rely upon
other elements besides the structural steel frame for lateral force resistance.
For instance, concrete or masonry shear walls or precast spandrels may be used
to provide resistance to vertical and lateral forces in the completed structure.
Because these situations may not be obvious to the contractor or the erector,
it is required in this Code that the ODRD must identify such situations in the
contract documents. Similarly, if a structure is designed so that special erection
techniques are required, such as jacking to impose certain loads or position dur-
ing erection, it is required in this Code that such requirements be specifically
identified in the contract documents.
In some instances, the ODRD may elect to show erection bracing in the struc-
tural design documents. When this is the case, the ODRD should then confirm
that the bracing requirements were understood by review and approval of the
erection documents during the submittal process.
Sometimes during construction of a building, collateral building elements,
such as exterior cladding, may be required to be installed on the bare structural
steel frame prior to completion of the lateral force-resisting system. These ele-
ments may increase the potential for lateral loads on the temporary supports.
Such temporary supports may also be required to be left in place after the struc-
tural steel frame has been erected. Special provisions should be made by the
ODRC for these conditions.

7.10.4. All temporary supports that are required for the erection operation and furnished
and installed by the erector shall remain the property of the erector and shall not
be modified, moved, or removed without the consent of the erector. Temporary
supports provided by the erector shall remain in place until the portion of the
structural steel frame that they brace is complete and the lateral force-resisting
system and connecting diaphragm elements identified by the ODRD in accordance
with Section 7.10.1 are installed. Temporary supports that are required to be left
in place after the completion of structural steel erection shall be removed when no
longer needed by the ODRC and returned to the erector in good condition.

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 ERECTION 16.3-47

7.11. Safety Protection

7.11.1. The erector shall provide floor coverings, handrails, walkways, and other safety
protection for the erector’s personnel as required by law and the applicable safety
regulations. Unless otherwise specified in the contract documents, the erector is
permitted to remove such safety protection from areas where the erection opera-
tions are completed.
7.11.2. When safety protection provided by the erector is left in an area for the use of other
trades after the structural steel erection activity is completed, the ODRC shall
(a) Accept responsibility for and maintain this protection
(b) Indemnify the fabricator and the erector from damages that may be incurred
from the use of this protection by other trades
(c) Ensure that this protection is adequate for use by other affected trades
(d) Ensure that this protection complies with applicable safety regulations when
being used by other trades
(e) Remove this protection when it is no longer required and return it to the erector
in the same condition as it was received
7.11.3. Safety protection for other trades that are not under the direct employment of the
erector shall be the responsibility of the ODRC.
7.11.4. When permanent steel decking is used for protective flooring and is installed by
the ODRC, all such work shall be scheduled and performed in a timely manner
so as not to interfere with or delay the work of the fabricator or the erector. The
sequence of installation that is used shall meet all safety regulations.
7.11.5. Unless the interaction and safety of activities of others, such as construction by
others or the storage of materials that belong to others, are coordinated with the
work of the erector by the ODRC, such activities are prohibited until the erection
of the structural steel frame, or portion thereof, is completed by the erector and
accepted by the ODRC.

7.12. Accumulation of Mill and Fabrication Tolerances

The accumulation of mill tolerances and fabrication tolerances shall not cause the
erection tolerances to be exceeded.

Commentary:
In editions of this Code previous to the 2005 edition, it was stated that
“…variations are deemed to be within the limits of good practice when they
do not exceed the cumulative effect of rolling tolerances, fabricating tolerances
and erection tolerances.” It is recognized in the current provision in this Section
that accumulations of mill tolerances and fabrication tolerances generally occur
between the locations at which erection tolerances are applied, and not at the
same locations.

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16.3-48 ERECTION

7.13 Owner’s Acceptance

Prior to placing or applying any other materials, the ODRC shall determine that the
location of the structural steel is acceptable for plumbness, elevation, and align-
ment and is in accordance with applicable requirements of this Code, ANSI/AISC
360 Chapters M and N, and any project specific requirements. The erector shall
be given either timely notice of acceptance by the ODRC or a listing of specific
items that are to be corrected in order to obtain acceptance. Such notice shall be
rendered promptly upon completion of any part of the work and prior to the start of
work by other trades that may be supported, attached, or applied to the structural
steel frame.

7.14. Correction of Errors

The correction of minor misfits by moderate amounts of reaming, grinding, weld-
ing, or cutting, and the drawing of elements into line with drift pins shall be
considered to be normal erection operations. Errors that cannot be corrected using
the foregoing means, or that require major changes in member or connection con-
figuration, shall be promptly reported to the ODRD, the ODRC, and the fabricator,
by the erector, to enable the responsible entity to either correct the error or approve
the most efficient and economical method of correction to be used by others.

Commentary:
As used in this Section, the term “moderate” refers to the amount of reaming,
grinding, welding, or cutting that must be done on the project as a whole, not
the amount that is required at an individual location. It is not intended to address
limitations on the amount of material that is removed by reaming at an individ-
ual bolt hole, for example, which is limited by the bolt-hole size and tolerance
requirements in ANSI/AISC 360 and the RCSC Specification.

7.15. Cuts, Alterations, and Holes for Other Trades

Neither the fabricator nor the erector shall cut, drill, or otherwise alter their work,
nor the work of other trades, to accommodate other trades, unless such work is
clearly specified in the contract documents. When such work is so specified, the
ODRD and the ODRC shall furnish complete information as to materials, size, loca-
tion, and number of alterations in a timely manner so as not to delay the preparation
of the approval documents.

7.16. Handling and Storage

The erector shall take reasonable care in the proper handling and storage of the
structural steel during erection operations to avoid the accumulation of excess dirt
and foreign matter. The erector shall not be responsible for the removal from the
structural steel of dust, dirt, or other foreign matter that may accumulate during
erection as the result of jobsite conditions or exposure to the elements. The erec-
tor shall handle and store all bolts, nuts, washers, and related fastening products in
accordance with the requirements of the RCSC Specification.

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 ERECTION 16.3-49

Commentary:
During storage, loading, transport, unloading, and erection, blemish marks
caused by slings, chains, blocking, tie-downs, etc., occur in varying degrees.
Abrasions caused by handling or cartage after painting are to be expected. It
must be recognized that any shop-applied coating, no matter how carefully
protected, will require touching up in the field. Touching up these blemished
areas is the responsibility of the contractor performing the field touch-up or
field painting.
The erector is responsible for the proper storage and handling of fabricated
structural steel at the jobsite during erection. Shop-painted structural steel that
is stored in the field pending erection should be kept free of the ground and posi-
tioned so as to minimize the potential for water retention. The owner or ODRC
is responsible for providing suitable jobsite conditions and proper access so that
the fabricator and the erector may perform their work.
Jobsite conditions are frequently muddy, sandy, dusty, or a combination
thereof during the erection period. Under such conditions, it may be impossible
to store and handle the structural steel in such a way as to completely avoid any
accumulation of mud, dirt, or sand on the surface of the structural steel, even
though the fabricator and the erector manages to proceed with their work.
Repairs of damage to painted surfaces and/or removal of foreign materials
due to adverse jobsite conditions are outside the scope of responsibility of the
fabricator and the erector when reasonable attempts at proper handling and
storage have been made.

7.17. Field Painting (see also Section 3.1)

Neither the fabricator nor the erector is responsible to paint field bolt heads and
nuts or field welds, nor to touch up abrasions of the shop coat, nor to perform any
other field painting.

7.18. Final Cleaning Up

Upon the completion of erection and before final acceptance, the erector shall
remove all of the erector’s falsework, rubbish, and temporary buildings.

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AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF STEEL CONSTRUCTION