Stainless steel showing signs of discoloration is called “Tea Staining”. This type of staining is only cosmetic and does not affect the structural integrity or the life expectancy of the steel. Tea staining is common in a salted and/or polluted environment, such as adjacent to a busy street and in an enclosed courtyard that does not receive periodical cleaning from clean rain or regular washing.
We have several projects across the country that have had issues with the fastening of the metal deck to steel joists. Sometimes it is the type of steel joists and how the steel flange is constructed, and other times it is the actural installation of the fastening system. Many times, we see the powder-actuated fasteners not fully engaged into the steel deck, on angle, and too close to the edge of the steel. We have also seen the wrong fastener into thicker structural steel. This bulletin will discuss our lessons leaned and what is a correct installation of the PAF's
When designing the building envelope, we need to take into account the constructability and tolerance of the materials, components, and systems. Each material has a tolerance from material fabrication, component installation, as well as system installation tolerance. There are more tolerance allowances indicated in the referenced standards.
Shop Drawings for steel or aluminum ladders being installed on the building's exterior need to be explicitly reviewed for attachment to the building and make sure that it is not in a compromising location.
When installing Nelson studs on a metal deck or steel, the ferrules should be removed before the concrete pours. The team should confirm that all ferrules are broken from each stud to confirm a visual review of the welds and that the deck is clean before the concrete pours. It is recommended that the removal of the ferrules be added to the ironworker's scope of work.
When reviewing Design Development or Construction Drawings, we should be making sure that the Architect has given the skin proper construction tolerance when placing the materials…
Structural steel connections to existing concrete beams and columns typically are never clean and easy. (Yes, shelf angles are structural steel connections!) We need to make sure that the concrete is either relatively flat or the steel is properly shimmed. The steel and the concrete MUST have full contact with each other (properly shimmed) in order for the bolts and steel to perform as designed. If the steel is not fully in contact with the concrete, the bolts will be over-stressed and have the potential to shear off.
Steel grinding, cutting, chopping, & torching…common activities on the job site… When we have sheathing, air barriers, insulation, and flashing installed, these need to be considered finished components on the building and treated as such.