Structural steel in a plant covers sheds, pipe racks, platforms, walkways and equipment supports. Fabrication can be done in a workshop or on site, depending on access and modifications. Most site problems come from foundations and anchor bolts that do not match the steel, so civil and steel should be checked against each other before erection.
Where steel is used in a plant
- Industrial sheds and roofing
- Pipe racks and pipe supports
- Platforms, ladders and walkways
- Equipment support structures
- Technological structures around process equipment
Shop or site fabrication?
Fabricating in a workshop gives better control and speed; fabricating on site gives flexibility for modifications in running plants. Many jobs use both. Decide during planning, based on access and transport.
Avoiding fit-up problems
Most steel problems on site come from foundations and anchor bolts that don’t match the steel. When one team handles civil and steel, the two are checked against each other before erection.
Steel and piping go together
Pipe racks must be ready before the piping team can start. Sequencing steel and piping under one contract keeps both moving.
Protection and finishing
Painting and corrosion protection matter in chemical environments. Agree the specification before fabrication starts.