Frequently Asked Questions

No. The Solution Finder helps you explore relevant solutions, structural systems, standards and resources. It does not check structural adequacy or code compliance. Suitability must be verified by qualified engineers for the specific project, site and governing codes.

The more complete the information, the more accurate the response. Useful items are: project location and country, building or structure type, the governing design standards, design drawings or a model (PDF, DWG, DXF or IFC), approximate steel tonnage, coating or galvanizing requirements, required delivery date and delivery terms.

If some information is not yet available, send what you have and state the assumptions you would like us to use.

The request form accepts PDF, DWG, DXF, IFC, ZIP, XLSX, DOCX, JPG and PNG files. For large models, send a ZIP archive or include a download link in the project description.

Most towers are designed as galvanized bolted assemblies, which ship efficiently and avoid site welding. Welded sections are used where the design or interface requires them.

Yes. We design steel push walls, girts and columns to resist lateral pressure from bulk material, and coordinate with concrete wall options where the stored height or product makes that more suitable. The storage height, material type and filling pattern need to be defined at the start.

Yes. We design trusses with bolted or welded site splices at positions that suit container or break-bulk transport. Shop trial assembly confirms fit before segments are separated and shipped.

Yes. We design the lateral system and inter-module connections for the project seismic requirements, applying AISC 341 and AWS D1.8 provisions where specified.

Yes, when the floor system is designed for it from the start. We assess each sensitive area against the criteria set by the medical planner or equipment supplier and adjust beam stiffness, bay sizes and slab mass accordingly.

Yes. We size modules for road and shipping constraints and design frames for transport loads. Some projects ship flat-packed frames for assembly near site to reduce freight volume.

We can design floor framing with spare capacity in agreed zones and plan beam openings for future services. Defining these allowances early is more economical than strengthening steel after occupation.

Yes. We can design an end wall as an expandable frame so that it can carry future rafters, and leave bracing and foundations arranged for added bays. Telling us about expansion plans early keeps the extension straightforward.

We can design the end frames and foundations to accept future bays, so an extension bolts on without replacing the existing gable. Planning this at the outset costs very little compared with modifying a finished building.

Yes. We can include an allowance for future PV loads and attachment points in the roof design. Defining this early avoids reinforcement or strengthening when solar is added later.

Yes. We agree the exposure category, finish requirements and connection style with the architect, then fabricate, inspect and protect members to that standard. Mock-ups or sample pieces can be prepared when the specification calls for them.

We work from site surveys or point-cloud data supplied by the client to fit platforms, stairs and supports around existing plant, then confirm clearances in the BIM model before fabrication.

Yes. We design to the wind loading requirements of the project code for cyclonic regions, including connections and cladding supports, and consider debris impact and fatigue where the code requires it.

Yes. We define rigging points, grid loads and suspended equipment with the venue operator and include them as specific load cases. The resulting rigging plan and load schedule can be issued with the structural documentation for future event planning.

Yes. Mezzanines, platforms and equipment supports are included in the same model so that their loads flow consistently into columns and foundations. This avoids conflicts between building steel and process steel.

Yes. We coordinate with your racking or automation supplier to agree column positions, clear heights, stiffness criteria and support details. Their requirements are incorporated into the design basis and checked in the BIM model.

Yes. We agree the serviceability criteria with the client or equipment supplier and design the tower geometry and bracing to satisfy them. The design report documents how each criterion is checked.

Yes. We fabricate curved members by rolling or bending and by building up plate sections, and confirm geometry through dimensional surveys and trial assembly.

Yes. We set up a standardized grid, member families and connection library so later phases reuse proven drawings. This speeds approvals and fabrication and keeps documentation consistent across the campus.

Yes. Repetitive renewable components suit optimized design and efficient fabrication with galvanized finishes. We refine connection details and packing to reduce installation time, and we plan shipments to match the client installation rate.

Yes. We design and fabricate rack modules with dimensional control suited to piping fit-up, and we can coordinate with piping fabricators on interfaces. Lifting and transport requirements are included in the design.

We organize design, fabrication and shipping by phase and zone. Erection drawings and delivery schedules follow the handover sequence so that each phase can be completed without disrupting adjacent operations.

Yes. Many custom packages start from the engineer of record's design. We review it for constructability, develop connection and fabrication details, and submit them for approval before production.

Yes. We review the authority specification alongside the structural code basis at the start of the project and build a compliance matrix. Design, welding procedures, inspection and documentation are then aligned to whichever requirement governs, and any conflicts are raised with the engineer of record early.

Yes. We can design to AS 4100 and AS/NZS 1170, fabricate to AS/NZS 5131 and weld to AS/NZS 1554.1 where these are specified. We can also work to US, Canadian or European codes when the project requires them.

Yes. Process, energy and mining owners often have their own structural and coating specifications. We review these at the start, flag any conflicts with the referenced codes, and apply them throughout design, fabrication and inspection.

Yes. We review the owner and EPC specifications together with the code basis and prepare a compliance matrix. Any deviations or clarifications are raised before fabrication so they can be resolved early.

Yes. We design the steel framing around the core and coordinate embed plates, connection loads and tolerances with the core designer. Interface loads are documented clearly so both parties work from the same information.

Fireproofing scope depends on the system and project strategy. We coordinate the fireproofing interface, prepare steel with compatible primers and detail members for application. Shop-applied or site-applied fireproofing is agreed in the proposal.

Our scope covers the steel structure, connection design and anchor bolt layouts. We provide the reactions and anchor details that the foundation designer needs and coordinate closely so the interface is consistent.

We carry out dynamic checks on supports for pumps, compressors, fans and screens using vendor data. Where vendor data is incomplete, we agree design assumptions with the client and verify once final data is received.

We can source and fabricate weathering, high-strength and other specified grades, qualifying weld procedures for each. Material availability and lead times are confirmed during tendering.

We can supply the full steel scope, including main girders or trusses, cross-frames, deck support steel, parapet posts and handrail steelwork. Bearings and deck finishes can be coordinated as interfaces. The scope is defined in the proposal so responsibilities are clear.

We design and fabricate plant platforms and skid frames for shop assembly, with lifting points and transport bracing. They arrive ready for a single lift, reducing site work around critical equipment.

Our scope is the structural steel, including purlins, girts and framed openings. We coordinate cladding fixings, opening details and loads with the envelope supplier so the steel is ready to receive the cladding system.

Yes. Access steelwork is designed and fabricated together with the primary structure so that interfaces are consistent. These items are usually galvanized for durability and supplied in kits by plant area.

We regularly start from architectural surfaces or parametric models. Our engineering team rationalizes the geometry into buildable trusses and nodes, then coordinates any adjustments with the architect before shop drawings begin.

Trusses are divided into segments sized for break-bulk or flat-rack transport, with splice positions agreed during design. Segments are braced for transit and marked by erection zone so site teams can assemble them in sequence.

Modules are connected with engineered connection kits at corners and along beams, designed to transfer vertical and lateral loads. We provide detailed connection procedures and installation drawings.

We collect equipment weights, footprints and mounting details from the mechanical and electrical designers and suppliers, model them in BIM, and check interface plates and hold-downs before release to fabrication.

We share the steel model and agree bracket positions, tolerances and deflection expectations at the edge of the slab or roof. This reduces site adjustments and keeps facade fixings aligned with the structure.

We exchange header girder deflection and camber data with the door supplier early in design, and agree on allowable movement and support details. This prevents door binding and costly adjustments after installation.

We agree a load envelope with the client and design to it, recording assumptions in a vendor interface register. When final vendor data arrives, we check it against the envelope at a defined hold point. This keeps fabrication moving while protecting against late changes.

We coordinate the fire strategy with the design team, select compatible primers and can apply intumescent coatings in the shop. This reduces site spraying near occupied areas and improves quality control of coating thickness.

We confirm the required fire resistance with the design team and coordinate a primer compatible with the chosen intumescent or board system. Section factors are reported so the fire protection supplier can specify thickness accurately.

We use repetitive bays, standardized bolted connections and zone-based delivery sequencing. Clear marking by grid line and bay helps erection crews identify and install members quickly.

We use protective dunnage, edge guards, wrapping and lifting with soft slings, and we sequence deliveries to reduce site storage. Touch-up materials and procedures are supplied for any minor damage.

Members are supported on engineered cradles at defined positions so camber is not lost in transit, and contact points are padded to protect coatings. Lifting points are marked, and shipping drawings state weights and support locations for the carrier and receiving crew.

We use trial assemblies and 3D dimensional surveys compared against the model. Any deviations are resolved in the shop, and survey reports are included in the QC dossier.

We use thin-film intumescent coatings selected for compatibility with the finish, coordinated with the fire engineer and architect to meet required ratings.

Module size is driven by the transport route, permits and lifting equipment available at site rather than by fabrication. We review route and crane information early and set a transport envelope that guides the design. Modules are then planned within that envelope.

Module size depends on the transport route, port handling and site lifting capacity rather than a fixed limit. We study these constraints early and size modules so that they can be shipped and installed safely.

Not always, but it is often the most durable choice because ammonia and moisture make the internal environment aggressive. We assess the exposure for each building and compare galvanizing, paint systems and duplex options on expected maintenance and life-cycle cost before recommending one.

It depends on viewing distance, lighting and the importance of the element. We help the architect select an appropriate category for each area so that visual quality is achieved where it matters and cost is controlled elsewhere.

For most port structures we recommend a duplex system of hot-dip galvanizing with a compatible paint system, selected for the ISO 12944 category and required durability. The final specification depends on exposure zone, design life and maintenance access.

We need crane capacity, span, duty class, wheel loads and spacing, hook approach and the manufacturer tolerance requirements. If the crane supplier is not yet appointed, we can work from a defined design envelope and verify once final data is available.

We need building dimensions, eave height, roof slope preference, location for wind, snow and seismic data, door and opening positions, and any cranes or mezzanines. Cladding type and corrosion environment help us refine the offer.

PEB works best for single-storey buildings with regular, repeating frames and moderate loads, such as warehouses and workshops. Heavy cranes, complex geometry or many openings can make conventional framing more economical. We can compare both approaches for your layout.

Composite metal deck is common because it is light and fast to install, but we also design for precast planks and hollowcore. We compare options for span, depth, fire rating and schedule, then recommend the system that suits the building and local construction practice.

It depends on the span, door width, roof-hung equipment and site assembly conditions. We compare both systems at concept stage on steel weight, fabrication effort and erection method, then recommend the one with the best overall cost and schedule.

This is agreed for each project. In some projects the structural design is provided by the client's engineer of record and we prepare connection design, shop drawings and fabrication; in others the scope includes structural design. The responsibility split should be stated clearly in the request and is confirmed in the proposal.

The governing standards are defined by the project location, the building regulations and the project specification, for example AISC 360 in the United States, AS 4100 in Australia or EN 1993 in Europe. Please list the standards named in your specification. Our Standards Library gives a general overview of commonly used standards; it is not a substitute for the official documents.

No. The online tools give indicative results based on nominal dimensions and stated assumptions, for example a steel density of 7,850 kg/m³ in the weight calculator. They are intended for early estimates only and do not replace design calculations or project-specific checks.

Quality documentation is defined by the project specification and the applicable fabrication standard. Typical records include an inspection and test plan, material test certificates, welding procedure documentation, inspection and NDT reports, coating inspection records and a final manufacturing data record. The required documents should be listed in your request.

Packing, marking and shipping method depend on member sizes, destination and delivery terms. Members are typically marked to match the erection drawings, bundled or crated, and shipped in containers or as break-bulk cargo. Shipping documents are prepared to suit the agreed Incoterms.