ADVANCED MEASUREMENT OF CONSTRUCTION

WORKS - BUT 413

Mr. K. Abban

[email protected] (0249950713)

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 LESSON 4:

MEASUREMENT OF STRUCTURAL STEEL

WORKS

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4.0 SECTION G – STRUCTURAL/CARCASSING METAL/TIMBER

G10 Structural steel framing

G11 Structural aluminium framing

G12 Isolated structural metal members

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

During the 18th century when steam was used to power the cast iron machinery, especially in the
textile industry, large groups of labour force were employed under one roof. Earlier textile factories
were constructed with load bearing stonewalls supporting timber floors and roofs but these could
not withstand the disastrous fires that swept throughout the mills during that century.

The first structural steel framed building to be erected was the Ritz Hotel in London (1904-5) in
which the whole of the weight of the masonry walls, floors and roofs was carried by the steel
frame. Today, most steel frames are designed and erected in the same way as that of the Ritz Hotel
in 1904. Although this chapter emphasizes on the measurement of structural steelwork, the student
is required to read further on the design methods, steel sections, structural steel framing, structural
steel connections (weld, bolts and nuts, rivets), concrete foundation and steel stanchions, steel
grillage foundations and fire protection of steel to improve upon his/her knowledge on structural
steelwork. Excerpts of some structural steelwork drawings with notes have been included in this
section.

G10: Structural steel framing deals with structural steelwork, the members being fabricated
together into framing for structural elements of the building or for the building as a whole; and
protective coatings to the steelwork, which may be applied on site or off site.

G11: Structural aluminium framing deals with structural aluminium, the members being fabricated
together into framing for structural elements of the building or for the building as a whole.

G12: Isolated structural metal members deals with structural steel or aluminium standard sections
or fabricated joists/trusses which are incorporated into the building structure individually rather
than being framed together.

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4.1 EXCERPTS OF STRUCTURAL STEELWORK FRAMING,
CONNECTIONS, ETC.

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4.2 FABRICATION OF STRUCTURAL STEEL FRAMING

Fabrication of structural steel framing is classified according to the type of member such as
columns, beams, bracings, purling and cladding rails, grillages, and trusses and built up girders.
Items for fabrication measured by weight include shop and site black bolts, nuts and washers for
structural framing to structural connections.

Fabricated components not measured by weight but as enumerated items consist of holding down
bolts or assemblies, special bolts and fasteners, permanent formwork, cold rolled purlins and
cladding rails.

Special bolts and fasteners are fixings which serve specific functions other than the standard
connections and are not at the discretion of the contractor such as black bolts (G10.D4).

Special fixings are those which have a higher level of structural rigidity. A good example would be
high strength friction grip bolt, chemical anchor bolts, resin anchor bolts, etc. Special bolts and
fasteners and special fixings are enumerated and described in accordance with G10.1.12.1.

Universal columns (UC) are vertical steel members which span from floor to floor. Universal
beams (UB) are horizontal members which span across floors, roofs, over windows, etc. and are
supported by columns. All steel members are measured based on weight.

This requires the measurement of the linear length of the steel and the application of the specific
weight (kg/m). Note also that weights are given in kilograms and therefore needs to be converted to
tonnes. Profiles are given as follows:

e.g. UC 254 x 254 x 132

or 254 x 254 x UC132

UC implies Universal Column (this indicates the profile/shape)

254 x 254 implies the physical size 254mm x 254mm (height x width)

132 implies weight per linear meter (in kgs)

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When weighting steelwork, fittings are not included within the weights unless they are attached to
the steel members. When measuring for the overall lengths of steel members, no deductions are
made for splayed cuts or mitred ends or notches or holes not exceeding 0.10m2 measured on the
surface.

When calculating the weight of steelwork, no allowances are made for bolts, nuts, washers, etc.
only the basic steel members are included in the measurement.

When measuring steel which does not have a specific weight i.e. kg/m, then the weight is
multiplied by 7.85t/m3 (based on volume).

4.3 FITTINGS, CONNECTIONS AND SPECIAL BOLTS

Fittings to structural steel framing comprises of caps, bases, gussets, end plates, slice plates, cleats,
brackets, stiffeners, distance pieces, separators, etc. these are weighted up with the members to
which they are attached. They are only measured separately if they are of a different type and grade
of material (SMM G10.M2 and G10.1.10.0.0).

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4.4 SURFACE PREPARATION AND TREATMENT

Surface preparation of structural steelwork is measured over the surface area of the steelwork as a
superficial item stating the type of preparation such as sand/stone blast cleaning, pickling, wire
brushing, flame cleaning and other approved processes (G10.7.1-5.0.0).

Surface treatment is also measured over the surface area of the steelwork as a superficial item
stating the details of the treatment such as galvanizing, sprayed metal coating, protective coating
and other equally approved application (G10.8.1-4.0.0).

The timing for both preparation and treatment is very important to determine the sequence of
operation, particularly in the context of applied finishes, e.g. factory applied finishes (G10.S4).

c b

Surface area = 2a + 2b + 4c

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4.5 MEASUREMENT PROCEDURE FOR STRUCTURAL STEELWORK FRAMING.

As with all other measurement works, it is advisable to adopt a logical sequence of taking off to
avoid the omission of items and to secure higher marks in examination. The following checklist
should be helpful to the student:

a) Columns or stanchions (and their associated fittings)

Worked Example L4-1

The attached drawings show the structural steelwork framing of a warehouse of size 6.60m x 5.00m
x 4.31m high above ground level, to be constructed at Tema. Take off complete for all the concrete
stumps, universal columns and beams, and their associated fittings.

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