Base plates, cleats and connections: the small steel that matters
Beams get the attention, but almost every steel job that goes wrong on site goes wrong at a connection. The plates and cleats are where fabrication accuracy is either present or absent.
What each component does
A base plate spreads a column's load into the concrete below and provides the holding down bolt positions. A cleat is an angle or plate welded to one member so another can bolt to it. An end plate is welded across the end of a beam and bolted to the face of a column. Stiffeners keep a web from buckling where load is concentrated.
Each is sized and detailed by the engineer, including plate thickness, weld size and bolt grade. None of these are fabricator's choice.
Why holding down bolts cause trouble
Base plates bolt to cast in holding down bolts. If those bolts are set slightly out of position, which happens on nearly every site, the plate does not drop over them. Oversized holes and a bolting washer allow a reasonable tolerance, and where the error is larger the plate can be re drilled.
The better approach is to supply a setting out template with the steel so the bolts go in the right place in the first place.
Welding quality
Connection welds carry the load path. Under EN 1090-1 EXC3 our welders work to approved procedures and the welds are inspected, including non destructive testing where the class requires it.
This is the part of a fabrication that nobody can inspect once the steel is painted and installed, which is exactly why the certification matters.
Getting it right before delivery
We produce shop drawings from the engineer's design for approval before anything is cut. Complex connections are trial assembled in the workshop where the detail warrants it, so the first time a frame goes together is not on site with a crane running.
Send the engineer's drawings and we will come back with shop drawings and a price.
Want this priced for your own job? Send us your drawings or a photo and we will come back with a fixed price, usually within one working day.
Common questions
Need this done properly? Talk to the workshop.
Send us drawings, a sketch or a site photo. We come back with a fixed price and a firm lead time, usually within one working day.