Our steel structure fabrication process

A steel bridge is only as good as the process that builds it. Each project follows the same controlled sequence, from contract review to shipment, with inspection points defined in advance and records kept for every step.

1. Contract and technical review The specification, drawings, codes, execution or construction class, coating system and delivery terms are reviewed. Open questions are listed and resolved before work starts.
2. Shop drawings and planning Shop drawings, cutting lists and the assembly sequence are prepared and submitted for approval. The inspection and test plan (ITP) and the welding procedures for the project are prepared at the same time.
3. Material procurement and receiving inspection Steel is ordered to the specified standard and grade. On arrival, dimensions, surface condition, markings and mill certificates are checked against the order.
4. Marking, cutting and hole making Plates and sections are marked with piece and heat numbers, then cut and drilled or punched to the approved drawings and the tolerances of the execution standard.
5. Fit-up and assembly Members are assembled in jigs or on set-out beds with the specified camber. Fit-up is checked before welding starts.
6. Welding Welding is carried out by qualified welders to qualified welding procedure specifications (WPS), with controlled preheat, consumables and heat input.
7. Inspection and NDT Visual inspection of all welds, dimensional checks and non-destructive testing to the extent required by the code and the specification.
8. Trial assembly Where required, segments are assembled in the shop to confirm fit-up, geometry and splice alignment before shipment.
9. Surface preparation and coating Blast cleaning to the specified grade, then the specified paint, galvanizing or duplex system, with inspection of cleanliness, profile and film thickness.
10. Final inspection, marking and packing A final check against drawings and the ITP; pieces are marked to match the erection drawings and packed to protect the coating during transport.
11. Shipment and documentation Shipping documents for the agreed incoterm, and the manufacturing record book with certificates, inspection reports and NDT records.

What you receive

• Approved shop drawings and the project ITP
• Material certificates traceable to every main member
• Welding procedures and welder qualification records
• Dimensional, NDT and coating inspection reports
• Packing lists and a manufacturing record book

Final member sizes, details and specifications are determined by the engineer of record for each project. This page describes general practice and does not replace project-specific engineering.