AISC 360 and FEMA 353: Quality Control and Assurance for Structural Steel
Ensuring safety and compliance with construction documents in structural steel construction projects is a paramount concern. The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) has taken a significant step in this direction by establishing standards and guidelines for quality control and assurance in its AISC 360-22 specification. Similarly, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has published guidelines for structural steel inspection in its FEMA 353 document, both of which play a crucial role in maintaining safety and compliance.
AISC 360-22 outlines the quality control procedures for fabricators and structural steel erectors. Fabricators must have a documented quality control plan that addresses material procurement, material handling and storage, welding procedures, inspection and testing, and nonconformance procedures. Erectors must also have a quality control plan that addresses site safety, erection procedures, inspection and testing, and nonconformance procedures. The AISC 360-22 specification requires that welding operations be observed, in-process, and completed, and welds be visually inspected to ensure that materials, procedures, and artistry conform with the construction documents.
A study conducted by TWI (The Welding Institute) on weld quality problems revealed some significant findings. It found that 27% of the issues were related to welder skills, 18% were due to poor or incorrect fit-up, and 16% were linked to welding conditions such as positions and accessibility. These findings underscore the critical importance of proper training and monitoring of welders, as well as ensuring that fit-up and welding conditions are up to the mark.
Bolting, along with welding, is a crucial aspect of structural steel construction. It’s worth noting that bolting inspection should be done before and during installation, and torque testing can be used as a dispute resolution method. FEMA 353, in light of the 1989 San Francisco earthquake, strongly recommends onsite verification of bolt testing at the start of the day or when new personnel are present. This underscores the importance of proper bolting in seismic-resistant design, a key aspect of structural steel construction.
FEMA 353 also provides detailed inspection items for structural steel, including starting with the welder and progressing through all stages of fabrication and erection. The document is available for free download and provides valuable guidance for ensuring quality control and assurance in structural steel construction.
In conclusion, AISC 360-22 and FEMA 353 provide essential guidelines and standards for quality control and assurance in structural steel construction. Properly implementing these guidelines can ensure safety and compliance with construction documents and reduce the need for repair and rework. By prioritizing quality control and assurance, we can build strong, durable, safe, and reliable structures for years to come. Quality Control and Quality Assurance AISC 360-22. N2.2 Fabricator Quality Control Procedures. N2.3 Erector Quality Control Procedures, N5.2 Quality Assurance, which outlines requirements. AISC 360-22, observation of welding operations and visual inspection of in-process and completed welds shall be the primary method to confirm that the materials, procedures, and workmanship conform with the construction documents.
A random basis must be coordinated to ensure priorities are attended to.
TWI (The welding institute) Weld quality problems, 27% welders skills, 18% poor /incorrect fit up, 16% welding conditions (positions, accessibility). Based on these findings, 61% of repair requirements could be addressed before welding started.
Bolting Inspection should be done before and during installation. Torque testing is a method of dispute resolution. The start of the day or when new people start is the best time to perform onsite verification of bolt testing. Recommendations originally came from FEMA 353 after the San Fransico Earthquake. (Recommended Specifications and Quality Assurance Guidelines. Inspection items are detailed and clearly outlined for structural steel inspection.
This specification is responsible for inspection, starting with the welder. FEMA 353 is a free document that can be downloaded. To be coordinated to ensure that priorities are attended to.
