Erection

Erection of structural steel work consists of the assembly of steel components into a frame on site, and it can be a significant project cost. The processes involve lifting and placing components into position, then connecting them together - generally using bolting but sometimes using site welding. The assembled frame needs to be aligned before bolting up is completed. Often the ability to complete these processes safely, quickly and economically is influenced significantly by early decisions made during design long before erection commences.

The cost of erection is determined by the speed of erection which is dependent to a large extent on the connection design. Typically it can be 7 to 10% of the total project budget. Its estimation requires careful consideration of all aspects of erection scheme. A structure may be subjected to temporary loads during its erection, which it will never again be asked to carry. This may happen before all structural members are in place.