The order in which steel is to be fabricated and delivered to the site should be planned in advance so as not to conflict with the erectors methods or construction schedule. For example, if steel is to be erected with derricks, the approximate locations at which the derricks will be placed will determine the shipping installments, or sections, into which the frame as a whole must be segregated for orderly shipment. When installments are delivered to the site at predetermined locations, proper planning will eliminate unnecessary rehandling. Information should be conveyed to the drafting room so that the shipping installments can be indicated on the erection plans and installments identified on the shipping lists.
In erection of multistory buildings with guy derricks, the practice is to hoist and place all columns in each story first, spandrel beams and wall bracing next, and interior beams and wall bracing next, and interior beams with filler beams last.
More specifically, erection commences with bays most distant from the derrick and progresses toward the derrick, until it is closed in. Then, the derrick is jumped to the top and the process is repeated for the next tier. Usually, the top of the tier is planked over to obtain a working platform for the erectors and also to afford protection for the trades working below. However, before the derrick is jumped, the corner panels are plumbed; similarly when panels are erected across the building, cables are stretched to plumb the structure.
There is an established sequence for completing the connections. The raising gang connects members together with temporary fitting-up bolts. The number of bolts is kept to a minimum, just enough to draw the joint up tight and take care of the stresses caused by deadweight, wind, and erection forces. Permanent connections are made as soon as alignment is within tolerance limits. Usually, permanent bolting or welding follows on the heels of the raising gang. Sometimes, the latter moves faster than the gang making the permanent connections, in which case it may be prudent to skip every other floor, thus obtaining permanent connections as close as possible to the derrick a matter of safe practice.
Some erectors prefer to use permanent high-strength (A325 and A490) bolts for temporary fitting up. Because bolts used for fit-up are not tightened to specified minimum tension, they may be left in place and later tightened as required for permanent installation.
