Structural Steel Erection, Bolting & Connections — Quick Reference

Erection Tolerances (CSA S16-19 Cl. 28.6)

Old	F3125 Grade	Tensile	Reuse
A325	Grade A325	830 MPa	Once
A325TC	Grade F1852	830 MPa	No
A490	Grade A490	1,040 MPa	Never
A490TC	Grade F2280	1,040 MPa	Never

Snug all bolts first → mark reference line → rotate → inspect marks. Skidmore: 3 bolts/lot, each shift.

Profile	Gauge	Depth	Use
P-3615	20 ga	38 mm	Mezzanine, offices
P-3623	20/18 ga	76 mm	Balconies, halls
B-Deck	22 ga	38 mm	Roof (non-comp.)
N-Deck	20 ga	76 mm	Long-span roof

Erection plan: Written procedure required on site (O. Reg. 213/91 s.153). No steel erected without signed-off plan.
Min 2 bolts: Per connection, snug-tight, before crane release (s.154). No exceptions.
Fall protection: Guardrail/net/arrest at >3 m fall exposure (s.26.1). Includes open deck areas.
Critical lifts: Any lift >80% rated capacity requires engineered critical lift plan.
Tag lines: Min 1/end for beams, 2 for columns. Non-conductive near electrical. Never wrap around hand/body.
Stairs: Temporary guardrails (1,070 mm, mid-rail, toe board) immediately after setting. Permanent within 5 days.

Dry run every first pick: Lift 150 mm, hold, check rigging balance, tag lines, crane LMI, ground conditions before committing.
Skidmore log book: Date, bolt lot, grade, dia, method, 3 tension readings, operator initials. Inspectors love a clean log.
Stud weld failures? Check in order: (1) beam flange clean? (2) ground clamp tight + close? (3) gun settings match stud dia + deck gauge?
Last beam tradition: Entire crew signs the last beam. Fifty years from now someone will know who built this building.