General requirements

0942 FABRICATION

Fabrication work shall generally comply with the requirements of BS 5950 Part 2. All fabrications shall be carried out in strict conformity with the approved shop drawings, and the Engineer may give other instructions as from time to time. Material components of structural steel intended for field assembly or erection shall be properly marked to identify their location in the structure. The identification marking shall be easily visible and durable but not causing damage to the material.

Fabrication shall follow sequences, which will expedite assembly and erection and minimize field handling of structure.
Cutting shall be, by sawing, shearing, cropping or flame cutting.
Holes in structural steel shall be drilled or punched. Holes shall be drilled or punched in one operation ensuring that, the diameter of the holes is as required for the connection. No flame cutting to enlarge holes shall be made.
Holes shall not be more than 3mm larger than the diameter of the bolts. Burrs formed during punching and drilling shall be removed before assembly.
Ends of tubular profile shall be sealed. Anchors, bolts, bearing plates, etc., shall be shop fabricated and connected to the structure, if such connection does not interfere with the transport and handling of the structure.
Fastenings of bearing splices of compression members shall be done after the abutting surfaces have been brought into full contact. Bearing surfaces and surfaces in permanent contact shall be cleaned prior to assembly of members.
Structural steel shall be shop primed immediately after fabrication where necessary. Surfaces shall be cleaned and left free from loose scale, loose rust, mill, oil, water etc. before priming.