Standard Certification Programs: AISC 207-20
Standard Certification Programs: AISC 207-20
Standard Certification Programs: AISC 207-20
Standard
for
Certification
Programs
October 2, 2020
Supersedes the Certification Standard for Steel
Fabrication and Erection, and Manufacturing of
Metal Components (AISC 207-16)
Standard
for
Certification
Programs
October 2, 2020
Supersedes the Certification Standard for Steel
Fabrication and Erection, and Manufacturing of
Metal Components (AISC 207-16)
© AISC 2020
by
Competent design, construction, and legal advice should be sought when applying the
provisions of this document to a specific construction project or contract document. The
publication of this information is not a representation or warranty on the part of the
American Institute of Steel Construction, its officers, agents, employees, or committee
members, or of any other person named herein, regarding performance of contract work or
compliance with contract specifications or safety regulations. All representations or warran-
ties, express or implied, are specifically disclaimed. Anyone making use of the information
presented in this publication assumes all liability arising from such use.
Caution must be exercised when relying upon standards and guidelines developed by
other bodies and incorporated by reference herein since such material may be modified or
amended from time to time subsequent to the printing of this edition. The American Institute
of Steel Construction bears no responsibility for such material other than to refer to it and
incorporate it by reference at the time of the initial publication of this edition.
PREFACE
This Preface is not a part of AISC 207-20, Standard for Certification Programs. It is in-
tended for informational purposes only.
This Standard is the result of the deliberations of a balanced committee, the membership
of which included engineers, fabricators, erectors, quality control consultants, a code
official, a state bridge official, and a general contractor. This Standard is proprietary and has
been created for the sole use of the AISC Certification Program as part of its policies and
procedures for auditing and certification.
This Standard brings together provisions from four individual predecessor standards
relating to the four industry segments: steel building fabrication (Chapter 2), metal com-
ponent manufacturing (Chapter 3), steel bridge fabrication (Chapters 4, 4.I, 4.A, and 4.F),
and steel erection (Chapter 5) that have been a part of the AISC Certification Program since
its beginnings in 1975. A new chapter has been added with requirements for hydraulic
metal structures (Chapter 6). Chapter 6 is the work of a task group comprised of members
of the hydraulic structures industry, whose work is gratefully acknowledged. Chapter 1 pro-
vides general requirements that apply to all industry segments, and Chapters 2, 3, 4, 4.I, 4.A,
4.F, 5, 6, 6.A, and 6.F contain supplementary requirements in addition to those in Chapter 1.
This Standard was approved by the Certification Standards Committee:
Michael A. West, Chairman Andrew J. Lye
Jack A. Klimp, Vice Chairman Larry A. Martof
Todd Alwood Carol A. Post
Joseph A. Bracken III Alan T. Sheppard
Theodore L. Droessler Ricky D. Zaske
James K. Hilton Margaret A. Matthew, Secretary
Charles J. Kanapicki
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GLOSSARY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi
CHAPTER 1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.1. PURPOSE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.2. SCOPE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.3. REFERENCES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.4. DEFINITIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.5. MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.5.1. Policy for Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.5.2. Quality Management System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.5.3. Management Review. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.5.4. Responsible Quality Personnel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.5.5. Resource Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.5.6. Internal Communication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.5.7. Quality Manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.6. CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENT REVIEW
AND COMMUNICATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.7. DETAILING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.7.1. Detailing Standards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.7.1.1. Digital Document Production. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.7.2. Checking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.7.3. Control of Approval Documents and Release for Fabrication. . . . . 7
1.7.4. Fabrication and/or Installation Documents Supplied by Others. . . . 8
1.7.5. Management of Detailing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1.7.6. Detailing Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1.7.7. Subcontract Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.8. CONTROL OF MANAGEMENT SYSTEM DOCUMENTS
AND PROJECT DOCUMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.8.1. Management System Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.8.1.1. Quality Management System Documents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.8.1.2. Review and Approval. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.8.1.3. Revision Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.8.1.4. Access. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
1.8.1.5. Communication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
1.8.2. Project Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
1.8.2.1. Tracking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
1.8.2.2. Revision Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
1.8.2.3. Access. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
1.8.2.4. Communication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
5.10. PURCHASING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
5.12. PROCESS CONTROLS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
5.12.3. Material Preparation for Application of Coatings . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
5.12.4. Coating Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
5.16. CORRECTIVE ACTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
5.18. TRAINING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
5.19. INTERNAL AUDIT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
5.20. ERECTION PLAN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
5.21. SAFETY PLAN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
5.22. OTHER PROJECT-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
CHAPTER 6. HYDRAULIC METAL STRUCTURES FABRICATOR
REQUIREMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
6.2. SCOPE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
6.3. REFERENCES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
6.5. MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
6.5.4. Resource Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
6.5.4.1. Personnel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
6.5.4.2. Buildings, Workspace, Equipment, and
Associated Utilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
6.6. CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENT REVIEW AND
COMMUNICATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
6.7. DETAILING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
6.7.1. Detailing Standards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
6.7.6. Detailing Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
6.7.8. Preparation of Fabrication Documents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
6.12. PROCESS CONTROLS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
6.12.1. Welding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
CHAPTER 6.A. SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS FOR FABRICATORS
OF ADVANCED HYDRAULIC METAL STRUCTURES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
6.A.3. REFERENCES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
6.A.5. MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
6.A.5.4. Resource Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
6.A.5.4.1. Personnel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
6.A.12. PROCESS CONTROLS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
6.A.12.1. Welding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
6.A.12.2. Bolt Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
6.A.12.6. Trial Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
6.A.12.7. Machining. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
GLOSSARY
The terms listed below are to be used in addition to those in the AISC Code of Standard
Practice for Steel Buildings and Bridges, hereafter referred to as the Code of Standard
Practice; some commonly used terms are repeated here for convenience and marked
with an †. Where used, terms are italicized to alert the user that the term is defined in this
Glossary.
AASHTO. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
AISC.† American Institute of Steel Construction.
Approval documents.† The structural steel shop drawings, erection drawings, and embed-
ment drawings, or, where the parties have agreed in the contract documents to provide
digital model(s), the fabrication and erection models. A combination of drawings and
digital models also may be provided.
Approved construction documents. Those construction documents approved by the building
official as part of the building permit issuance process.
AREMA.† The American Railway Engineering and Maintenance of Way Association.
ASNT. The American Society for Nondestructive Testing.
Assembly. Two or more components that are joined together. Joining methods include weld-
ing, bolting, pressure fit, molding, and adhesion.
ASTM.† American Society for Testing and Materials.
AWS.† American Welding Society.
Calibration. The process of comparing the measurements of a device of known accuracy or
standard to the device under calibration to determine if the difference is acceptable when
compared to the desired accuracy.
Checker. A person in a detailing organization who, because of experience and ability, has
advanced successfully to a position of responsibility with the ability to perform the final
verification of fabrication and erection documents without direct supervision.
Checking (of fabrication documents and erection documents). A detailed review of all
graphical depictions on the fabrication documents and erection documents by a checker
other than the original detailer. Checking is performed to ensure that the fabrications and
erection documents have accurately and completely transferred the information from
the contract documents. Checking will compare the fabrication documents and erection
documents to design documents, specifications, and project requirements.
Coating. Coatings may include paint, powder coatings, galvanizing, metalizing, Teflon, and
electro-deposited metals.
Component. A bridge- or transportation-related item that contract documents stipulate to be
obtained from an AISC Certified Bridge and Highway Metal Component Manufacturer
and that is not covered by the AISC Bridge Fabricator Certifications. A component may
be entirely produced by the manufacturer or comprised of subassemblies and parts from
subcontractors and suppliers, assembled by the manufacturer. A finished component may
ship as a single piece or multiple elements and may require field assembly or adjustment,
based upon installation instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Construction documents. Written, graphic, and pictorial documents prepared or assembled
for describing the design (including the structural system), location, and physical charac-
teristics of the elements of a building necessary to obtain a building permit and construct
a building. See also approved construction documents.
Contract documents.† The documents that define the responsibilities of the parties that are
involved in bidding, fabricating, and erecting structural steel. These documents normally
include the design documents, the specifications, and the contract.
Corrective action. The action or actions undertaken to identify and eliminate the root cause
of a service or process nonconformance to prevent its recurrence. Corrective action is not
the repair or rework of a nonconformance.
Corrective measure. The action taken to bring a nonconformance into conformance.
Customer furnished material. Material or products that the fabricator, erector, or manufac-
turer receives from the customer directly for incorporation into their work.
Detailer. See steel detailer.
Detailing. The function that produces fabrication and erection (or installation) documents
from contract documents.
Design documents.† The design drawings or, where parties have agreed in the contract
documents to provide digital model(s), the design model. A combination of drawings and
digital models also may be provided.
Design drawings.† The graphic and pictorial portions of the contract documents showing
the design, location, and dimensions of the work. These documents generally include,
but are not limited to, plans, elevations, sections, details, schedules, diagrams, and notes.
Design model.† A dimensionally accurate 3D digital model of the structure that conveys
the structural steel requirements given in Code of Standard Practice Section 3.1 for the
building.
Documentation (documented). Material that provides information or evidence. Documen-
tation may include written instructions, drawings, models, diagrams, charts, photographs,
electronic media, specifications, and references to or excerpts from appropriate technical
standards and codes.
Documented procedure. A procedure that is established, documented, implemented, and
maintained. The documentation provides information about how to perform an activity
or process consistently.
Documented training. Training in which there is a record of the course outline, a record of
who attended, the date it was given, and the instructor who provides the training.
Embedment drawings.† Drawings that show the location and placement of items that are
installed to receive structural steel.
Erection. The process of assembling individual members into a structural steel building or
bridge in accordance with all contract documents.
Erection documents.† The erection drawings or, where the parties have agreed in the
contract documents to provide digital model(s), the erection model. A combination of
drawings and digital models may also be provided.
Erection drawings.† Field-installation or member-placement drawings that are prepared
by the fabricator to show the location and attachment of the individual structural steel
shipping pieces.
Erection model.† A dimensionally accurate 3D digital model produced to convey the infor-
mation necessary to erect the structural steel. This may be the same digital model as the
fabrication model but is not required to be.
Erection plan. The documentation of major resources and activities anticipated to be needed
in performance of the work as it is affected by the conditions and requirements of one
singular project.
Erector.† The entity that is responsible for the erection of the structural steel.
Executive management. The highest ranking official(s) in the company, e.g., CEO, President,
General Manager, Owner, etc. Executive management has full authority in final decision
making for all aspects of the quality management system and safety management system.
Fabrication. The process of preparation and assembly of individual parts into a shipping
piece in accordance with all contract documents (e.g., assembly, drilling, sawing, milling,
thermal and mechanical cutting, and shipping).
Fabrication documents.† The shop drawings or, where parties have agreed in the contract
documents to provide digital model(s), the fabrication model. A combination of drawings
and digital models may also be provided.
Fabrication model.† A dimensionally accurate 3D digital model produced to convey the
information necessary to fabricate the structural steel. This may be the same digital model
as the erection model but is not required to be.
Fabricator.† The entity that is responsible for detailing (except in Section 4.5 of the Code
of Standard Practice) and fabricating the structural steel.
Installation documents. The installation drawings or, where the parties have agreed in the
contract documents to provide digital model(s), the installation model. A combination of
drawings and digital models may also be provided.
Installation drawings. Field-installation or member placement drawings that are prepared
by the manufacturer to show the location and attachment of the individual manufactured
components.
Installation model. A dimensionally accurate 3D digital model to show the location and
attachment of the individual manufactured components.
Quality assurance (QA). That part of quality management focused on providing confidence
that quality requirements will be fulfilled. For the purposes of this program, quality assur-
ance is the planned system of documented procedures and organizational requirements
developed and implemented for the purpose of measuring and assuring compliance with
customer requirements and providing confidence that quality goals are achieved. Quality
assurance encompasses such areas as compliance with project specification requirements,
compliance with referenced standards, and achievement of customer service objectives.
Specific functions included in quality assurance are:
• Determination of quality criteria
• Establishment of a plan to monitor quality, including assignment of quality control (in-
spection)
• Determination of acceptance criteria
• Determination of QC personnel qualifications
• Oversight (periodic monitoring) of QC activities
• Summarizing and reporting quality conformance measures to management
The foregoing definition is solely applicable to this Standard. It is mutually exclusive of
other definitions for the term quality assurance that are found in other AISC publications,
such as the Specification for Structural Steel Buildings.
Quality control (QC). Controls and inspections implemented by the fabricator or erector,
as applicable, to ensure that the material provided and work performed meet the require-
ments of the approved construction documents and referenced standards.
Quality control records. Documents that report the results of inspections mandated by the
documented procedures and the contract documents.
Quality manual. A document stating the quality policy and describing the quality manage-
ment system.
Quality management system. A system to establish policy, objectives, plans, and resources
to direct and control an organization with regard to quality.
Quality record. A document that provides objective evidence of activities performed or
results achieved.
RCSC.† Research Council on Structural Connections.
Repair. Action taken on nonconforming work to make it acceptable for the intended use.
Registered design professional. An individual who is registered or licensed to practice his/
her respective design profession as defined by the statutory requirements of the profes-
sional registration laws of the state or jurisdiction in which the project is to be constructed.
Released for fabrication. Status of the work as described in AISC Code of Standard
Practice Section 4.
Rework. Action taken on nonconforming work to make it conform to the requirements.
RFI.† A documented request for information or clarification generated during the construc-
tion phase of the project.
Safety management system. A system to establish policy, goals, plans, and resources to
identify and document hazards and their elimination, mitigation, or isolation related to
the safety and health of employees and third parties and to eliminate property and equip-
ment damage that may be caused by unsafe acts or unsafe conditions. Safety management
systems only apply to erectors.
Safety manual. A document stating the safety policy and describing the safety management
system of the erector’s organization.
Safety plan. The identification and documentation of specific hazards related to a singular
project and the means and methods to be used to eliminate, mitigate, or isolate those
hazards.
Shop drawings.† Drawings of the individual structural steel shipping pieces that are to be
produced in the fabrication shop.
Specifications.† The portion of the contract documents that consists of the written require-
ments for materials, standards, and workmanship.
SSPC.† The Society for Protective Coatings, which was formerly known as the Steel
Structures Painting Council.
Steel detailer.† The entity that produces the approval documents.
Structural engineer of record.† The licensed professional who is responsible for sealing
the contract documents, which indicate that he or she has performed or supervised the
analysis, design, and document preparation for the structure and has knowledge of the
load-carrying structural system. See also registered design professional.
Structural steel.† Elements of the structural frame as given in AISC Code of Standard
Practice Section 2.1.
Structural steel buildings and other structures. Buildings and other structures designed,
fabricated, and erected in accordance with the AISC Specification for Structural Steel
Buildings. See AISC Specification Section A1.
Subcontractor. A firm that performs a portion of the fabricator’s, manufacturer’s, or
erector’s contract work, such as fabrication, erection, detailing, coating application,
inspection, or consulting services.
Supplier. A firm that supplies materials (including, but not limited to, mill materials,
process supplies, welding consumables, coatings, and process machinery) and completed
purchased product (including, but not limited to, fasteners, decking, joists, and proprietary
buy-out items) needed to fulfill the contract requirements.
Training. See documented training.
Verification. The confirmation through objective evidence that the quality management
system requirements have been met.
WPS. Welding procedure specification as defined by AWS A3.0/A3.0M.
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
1.1. PURPOSE
The purpose of this Standard is to confirm to owners, the design community, the
construction industry, and public officials that certified participants who adhere
to the requirements in this Standard have the personnel, organization, experience,
documented procedures, knowledge, equipment, and commitment to quality to
perform fabrication, manufacturing, and/or erection as described in this Standard.
1.2. SCOPE
The requirements in this Standard shall apply as follows:
(a) Chapters 1 and 2 shall apply to building fabricators, who fabricate and supply
the structural steel frames for buildings where elements of the frames are as
defined in AISC Code of Standard Practice Section 2.1.
(b) Chapters 1 and 3 shall apply to metal component manufacturers, who manufacture
components that include bracing not designed for primary loads (diaphragms,
cross frames, and lateral bracing); camera, light, sign, and signal support struc-
tures; bridge rail; stairs; walkways; grid decks; drains; scuppers; expansion
joints; bearings; ballast plates; and mechanical movable bridge equipment.
Manufacturers of camera, light, sign, and signal support structures; high mast
light towers; bridge rail; complex expansion joints; high load multi- rotational
(HLMR) bearings; and mechanical movable bridge equipment shall also be
required to meet specific supplemental requirements to this Standard.
(c) Chapters 1 and 4 shall apply to bridge fabricators, who fabricate and supply
steel highway or railroad bridges.
(d) Chapters 1 and 5 shall apply to erectors of structural steel.
(e) Chapters 1 and 6 shall apply to hydraulic metal structure fabricators.
In Chapters 2 through 6, only those subsections that are supplementary to Chapter
1 are indicated.
The Glossary is an integral part of this Standard. Nonmandatory Commentaries are
provided for background, and the user is encouraged to consult them.
1.3. REFERENCES
The reference documents and standards necessary to make personnel aware of
work requirements shall be consistent with the requirements of existing contract
documents and shall be readily available to those who need them.
The ability to work to and meet the requirements of the latest edition of the follow-
ing documents shall be demonstrated:
(a) ANSI/AISC 303 Code of Standard Practice for Steel Buildings and Bridges
(b) RCSC Specification for Structural Joints Using High-Strength Bolts
(c) Selected ASTM Standards for Structural Steel Fabrication, as published for
AISC, or equivalent content
(d) AWS A2.4 Symbols
(e) AWS A3.0M/A3.0 Terms and Definitions
(f) AWS D1.1/D1.1M Structural Welding Code—Steel
1.4. DEFINITIONS
As used in this Standard, the words shall, must, or will denote a mandatory
requirement. The word should denotes a guideline or recommendation. The words
may or can denote an opportunity to make a choice.
Commentary: Ideally, the review should begin during the project estimation
or bid process.
The review should identify, plan for, and record the specific project requirements.
The documented procedure should provide for review of the contract documents
and referenced standards to ensure awareness of the contract requirements.
Evidence of contract review may take the form of technical summaries, sign-
offs, schedules, change orders, and allocation of adequate resources, as well as
development of an erection plan and a safety plan as applicable. Such evidence
should indicate consideration of pertinent Sections of this Standard and other
critical project requirements that, if missed, will have a major impact on project
quality.
1.7. DETAILING
Section 1.7 does not apply to erectors.
1.7.2. Checking
The fabricator shall develop a documented procedure to provide for checking of
all fabrication and erection documents. The documented procedure for checking
of these documents shall describe the method used by the fabricator or its subcon-
tractor to perform and record the final check to ensure compliance with contract
documents. Records shall provide means for identification of the individual
checker who performed the final check of each document.
When detailing is performed by a subcontractor, the documented procedure shall
define the extent of review required by management and the extent of checking
required of received documents before release.
The documented procedure for checking fabrication and erection documents shall
include comparison and compliance with project requirements.
During the checking process, the following shall be verified:
(a) Geometry.
(b) Use of connections as specified in the contract documents.
(c) Appropriate notes are included.
(d) Material usage as specified in the contract documents.
(e) Shop bills contain all required information.
(f) Use of appropriate and complete welding symbols.
(g) Use of coatings and surface preparations as specified in the contract docu-
ments.
(h) Proper representation on erection drawings, including the notation of any
necessary instructions and depiction of details necessary to conduct the work
in the field.
(i) All information is accurately presented and in compliance with the Code of
Standard Practice requirements.
(j) All steel included in the contract documents has been detailed.
Detailers in training shall work under the supervision of a trained detailer or checker.
A qualified checker shall check the fabrication and erection documents before
release for fabrication. Qualification requirements for checkers shall be defined
and documented and include training and experience in connection selection.
Demonstrated experience and competency of employed and subcontracted indi-
viduals performing final checks shall be documented by detailing management.
Revisions shall be reviewed for adequacy and approved by the same function and
authority level that authorized the original document.
Quality management system documents shall remain legible and easily identifiable.
1.8.1.4. Access
Documents shall be available and readily accessible to all personnel responsible for
performing functions affecting the quality of the completed work.
1.8.1.5. Communication
Changes and revisions shall be clearly communicated to all personnel responsible
for performing functions affecting the quality of the completed work.
1.8.2.1. Tracking
Project documents and changes to project documents shall be tracked. Tracking
information shall indicate, at a minimum, date of receipt, summary of issue, and
ultimate disposition of the change, including distribution of the final decision to
the appropriate parties.
The documented procedure shall define methods for receipt and documentation of
owner and general contractor requirements and fabricator-originated changes as
they occur throughout the fabrication and detailing process. Requirements may be
received in original contract documents; in subsequent telecommunications, let-
ters, and related transmittals; and in change orders or contract addenda.
The documented procedure shall require records (e.g., logs, files, or master lists) that
show receipt of change data, incorporation, issue, and distribution of approved and
revised approval documents to all necessary departments and personnel at the fab-
ricator’s facility and necessary external organizations, subcontractors, or suppliers.
1.8.2.3. Access
Project documents shall be available and readily accessible to all personnel respon-
sible for performing functions affecting the quality of the completed work.
1.8.2.4. Communication
Changes and revisions shall be clearly communicated to all personnel responsible
for performing functions affecting the quality of the completed work.
1.9.1. Retention
The documented procedure for the maintenance of quality records shall define the
retention policy and provisions for the disposition of the records at the end of the
retention period.
1.9.2. Storage
Quality records shall be stored in a manner that minimizes damage, deterioration,
or loss.
Standard for Certification Programs
October 2, 2020
American Institute of Steel Construction
12 MAINTENANCE OF QUALITY RECORDS [Sect. 1.9.
1.9.3. Retrieval
Quality records shall be accessible in a reasonable time frame.
1.10. PURCHASING
A documented procedure shall be developed to ensure that subcontractors
and suppliers provide contracted services and materials conforming to project
requirements.
The procedure shall also include provisions for obtaining approval to retain a sub-
contractor who is not certified on a project-specific basis from the owner, owner’s
designated representative for design, and the owner’s designated representative
for construction when certification is required in the contract.
1.12.1. Welding
A documented procedure for welding shall be developed that addresses the man-
agement of:
(a) WPSs.
(b) Preheat requirements.
(c) PQRs.
(d) Storage (including ovens), handling, and identification requirements for weld-
ing consumables.
(e) Welder, welding operator, and tack welder qualifications and qualification test
records in accordance with appropriate AWS requirements.
(f) Welder, welding operator, and tack welder performance records—to provide
objective evidence that the “period of effectiveness” has not been exceeded and
satisfactory performance is consistently achieved.
(g) Traceability of welds to the welders who produce them, as applicable.
WPSs shall be in close proximity to and used by the welders, welding operators,
or tack welders.
1.18. TRAINING
Personnel responsible for functions that affect quality, including, but not limited to,
project managers, field/shop supervisors, detailers, inspectors, welding personnel,
fitters, painters, riggers, signal persons, and crane operators, shall receive appropri-
ate initial and periodic documented training. Training records shall be controlled
in the same manner as quality records. Personnel providing training shall have
appropriate training or experience in the subject they are teaching. Training course
outlines include the subject and the key points.
CHAPTER 2
BUILDING FABRICATOR REQUIREMENTS
This chapter addresses building fabricator requirements and applies as required in Section
1.2.
This chapter is organized as follows:
2.3. References
2.5. Management Responsibility
2.3. REFERENCES
The ability to work to and meet the requirements of the latest edition of the follow-
ing documents shall be demonstrated:
(a) ANSI/AISC 360 Specification for Structural Steel Buildings
(b) ASTM F3125/F3125M Standard Specification for High Strength Structural
Bolts, Steel and Alloy Steel, Heat Treated, 120 ksi (830 MPa) and 150 ksi
(1040 MPa) Minimum Tensile Strength
Commentary: The fabricator should also have the following references avail-
able as applicable:
(a) ANSI/AISC 341 Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings
(b) ANSI/AISC 358 Prequalified Connections for Special and Intermediate
Steel Moment Frames for Seismic Applications
(c) AWS D1.4/D1.4M Structural Welding Code—Reinforcing Steel
(d) AWS D1.8/D1.8M Structural Welding Code—Seismic Supplement
(e) SSPC Steel Structures Painting Manual, Volume I, Good Painting Practice
(f) SSPC Steel Structures Painting Manual, Volume II, Systems and Specifications
CHAPTER 3
METAL COMPONENT
MANUFACTURER REQUIREMENTS
This chapter addresses metal component manufacturer requirements and applies as required
in Section 1.2.
This chapter is organized as follows:
3.3. References
3.5. Management Responsibility
3.7. Detailing
3.3. REFERENCES
The ability to work to and meet the requirements of the latest edition of the follow-
ing documents shall be demonstrated:
(a) ANSI/AISC 360 Specification for Structural Steel Buildings
(b) AASHTO/ASTM standards applicable to the component manufacturer’s prod-
uct and/or contract documents (for verification purposes)
(c) SSPC Steel Structures Painting Manual, Volume I, Good Painting Practice
(d) SSPC Steel Structures Painting Manual, Volume II, Systems and Specifications
3.7. DETAILING
CHAPTER 4
BRIDGE FABRICATOR REQUIREMENTS
This chapter addresses bridge fabricator requirements and applies as required in Section 1.2.
This chapter is organized as follows:
4.2. Scope
4.3. References
4.5. Management Responsibility
4.7. Detailing
4.11. Material Identification
4.12. Process Controls
4.2. SCOPE
This Standard establishes three categories of bridges: simple, intermediate, and
advanced. Fabricators producing intermediate bridges, advanced bridges, or
fracture-critical members shall be required to meet supplemental requirements in
Chapters 4.I, 4.A, and 4.F, as applicable.
Bridge Category Descriptions:
Simple bridges consist of unspliced rolled sections.
Intermediate bridges are those that require a high level of fabrication expertise,
including, but not limited to, techniques for geometric control, bending, curving,
welding, and handling.
Advanced bridges are more complex bridge structures than simple or intermediate
bridges, and they require a higher level of fabrication expertise.
4.3. REFERENCES
The ability to work to and meet the requirements of the latest edition of the follow-
ing documents shall be demonstrated:
(a) AASHTO/AWS D1.5M/D1.5 Bridge Welding Code
(b) ASTM F3125/F3125M Standard Specification for High Strength Structural
Bolts, Steel and Alloy Steel, Heat Treated, 120 ksi (830 MPa) and 150 ksi
(1040 MPa) Minimum Tensile Strength
(b) At least one Certified Level II technician for each NDT method performed in
the shop.
The fabricator shall have documented procedures for certifying and updating NDT
personnel employed by the fabricator. Alternately, the fabricator’s documented
procedures shall describe how they review the methods and/or written practice of
contractors as suitable to subcontract to their organization.
The fabricator shall have enough AWS Certified Welding Inspectors (or other
personnel as permitted by AASHTO/AWS D1.5M/D1.5, “Inspection Personnel
Qualification”) to monitor all shifts on which welding is performed.
The fabricator shall have a competent welding technician on staff with extensive
knowledge and experience with or education in welding processes, procedures,
and equipment; and, with the development, preparation, qualification, and execu-
tion of welding procedure specifications.
4.7. DETAILING
4.7.8. Preparation of Fabrication and Erection Documents
Fabrication and erection documents shall incorporate all contract requirements,
specifications, codes, and relevant standards to procure materials, and fabricate and
erect the structure. To ensure this, a documented procedure for preparation of these
documents shall be developed, which describes:
(a) How project requirements are reviewed and incorporated.
(b) How the fabricator coordinates, proposes changes, and tracks information with
the general contractor or owner (e.g., change orders and RFIs), and how the
associated resolutions are tracked and controlled.
4.11.1. Traceability
The fabricator’s documented procedures for identification of material and for
material traceability shall include provisions for maintaining heat and MTR identity
material throughout the fabrication process.
CHAPTER 4.I
SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS FOR
FABRICATORS OF INTERMEDIATE BRIDGES
4.I.2. SCOPE
Eligible fabricators shall have either:
(a) Supplied plate girder spans with field splices for highway or railroad bridges
within the last five years, or
(b) Established a documented training program for the purpose of communica-
ting intermediate bridge work functions to the work forces and demonstrated
capability to fabricate intermediate bridges. Training shall include detailing,
purchasing, and project management functions.
4.I.7. DETAILING
4.I.12.6. Laydown/Assembly
The fabricator’s documented procedure for shop assembly of field connections
shall include, at a minimum, the following items:
(a) Provisions for control of assembled dimensions for both vertical and hori-
zontal geometry.
(b) Provisions for control of accuracy of drilling and reaming of field
connections.
(c) Documented procedures, including reference drawings, for match-marking
shop-assembled pieces.
(d) Provisions for assuring the accuracy of numerically controlled equipment,
if contract documents permit the use of such equipment in lieu of physical
assembly.
CHAPTER 4.A
SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS FOR
FABRICATORS OF ADVANCED BRIDGES
This chapter addresses supplemental requirements for fabricators of advanced bridges and
applies as required in Section 4.2.
This chapter is organized as follows:
4.A.2. Scope
4.A.6. Construction Document Review and Communication
4.A.12. Process Controls
4.A.2. SCOPE
Eligible fabricators shall have either:
(a) Supplied advanced bridges for highway or railroad applications within the
last five years, or
(b) Supplied intermediate bridges for highway or railroad use within the last
five years, established a documented training program for the purpose of
communicating advanced bridge work functions to the work forces, and
demonstrated capability to fabricate advanced bridges.
Fabricators of advanced bridges shall also meet the supplemental requirements
of Sections 4.I.5, 4.I.7, and 4.I.12.
4.A.12.1. Welding
The fabricator’s documented procedure for welding shall include a distortion
control program.
CHAPTER 4.F
SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS FOR
FABRICATORS OF FRACTURE-CRITICAL MEMBERS
4.F.2. SCOPE
Eligible fabricators shall have either:
(a) Supplied fracture-critical members in accordance with AASHTO/AWS
D1.5M/D1.5 within the last five years, or
(b) Established a documented training program for the purpose of communi-
cating fracture-critical work functions to the work forces and demonstrated
capability to fabricate fracture-critical members.
4.F.7. DETAILING
4.F.10. PURCHASING
4.F.12.1. Welding
The fabricator’s documented procedure for welding shall include:
(a) PQRs for fracture-critical WPSs.
(b) Fracture-critical provisions for welding procedure qualification, preheat,
and storage of consumables.
CHAPTER 5
ERECTOR REQUIREMENTS
This chapter addresses erector requirements and applies as required in Section 1.2.
This chapter is organized as follows:
5.3. References
5.5. Management Responsibility
5.8. Control of Management System Documents and Project Documents
5.10. Purchasing
5.12. Process Controls
5.16. Corrective Action
5.18. Training
5.19. Internal Audit
5.20. Erection Plan
5.21. Safety Plan
5.22. Other Project-Specific Requirements
5.3. REFERENCES
The ability to work to and meet the requirements of the latest edition of the follow-
ing documents shall be demonstrated:
(a) ANSI/AISC 360 Specification for Structural Steel Buildings
(b) ASTM F3125/F3125M Standard Specification for High Strength Structural
Bolts, Steel and Alloy Steel, Heat Treated, 120 ksi (830 MPa) and 150 ksi
(1040 MPa) Minimum Tensile Strength
Instructions for metal deck installation shall be provided in the erection plan and
the safety plan.
5.3.4. Safety
The erector shall provide access to OSHA Part 1926 Safety and Health Regulations
for Construction, or the appropriate state equivalent, to employees and others who
require access to this information to perform their scope of work.
5.8.1.4. Access
The safety management system documents shall be available and readily accessible
to all personnel affected by the safety management system.
5.8.1.5. Communication
Changes and revisions to the safety management system documents shall be clearly
communicated to all personnel affected by the safety management system.
5.8.2.1. Tracking
A transmittal system shall be established to record the distribution of project infor-
mation to steel erection personnel, subcontractors, and suppliers. Transmittals
shall indicate the status of approval and release for erection.
5.8.2.3. Access
The safety plan shall be available and readily accessible to all personnel affected
by the safety management system.
5.10. PURCHASING
The information included in purchasing documents shall include safety data sheets.
5.18. TRAINING
The requirements in Section 1.18 shall additionally apply to personnel responsible
for functions that affect safety.
Safety training shall include weekly safety training talks and an initial safety ori-
entation for each employee.
Safety training shall include the requirements of OSHA Part 1926, as applicable.
The safety plan shall include the following information as appropriate for the
project:
(a) Project name and location.
(b) The erector’s emergency contacts on site and off site.
(c) Medical services available on site, contact information for emergency services,
and emergency evacuation procedures.
(d) Fall protection requirements that differ from those in the safety manual.
(e) Required personal protective equipment.
(f) Protection for openings and perimeters.
(g) Special procedures required, such as, but not limited to, lockout/tagout, con-
fined space training, and lead exposure mitigation.
(h) Special training required.
(i) Requirements for work attire.
(j) Information as provided to the erector regarding other hazardous materials
onsite.
The safety plan shall be reviewed before the start of erection by the erector’s
project management team and be available to all employees assigned to the project.
All revisions shall be approved by the individual responsible for the safety manage-
ment system and communicated to affected personnel at the time of the revision.
CHAPTER 6
HYDRAULIC METAL STRUCTURES
FABRICATOR REQUIREMENTS
This chapter addresses hydraulic metal structures fabricator requirements and applies as
required in Section 1.2.
This chapter is organized as follows:
6.2. Scope
6.3. References
6.5. Management Responsibility
6.6. Construction Document Review and Communication
6.7. Detailing
6.12. Process Controls
6.2. SCOPE
This Standard establishes two categories of hydraulic metal structures: standard
and advanced.
Fabricators producing standard hydraulic metal structures shall be required to
meet the requirements in Chapter 6 and may be required to meet supplemental
requirements in Chapter 6.F.
Fabricators producing advanced hydraulic metal structures shall be required to
meet the requirements in Chapter 6 and the supplemental requirements in Chapters
6.A. and 6.F.
Hydraulic Metal Structure category descriptions:
Standard hydraulic metal structures are those that do not require sophisticated
measures such as specialized equipment and techniques for geometric control,
machining, welding, and handling.
6.3. REFERENCES
The ability to work to and meet the requirements of the latest edition of the follow-
ing documents shall be demonstrated:
(a) ANSI/ASNT CP-189 Standard for Qualification and Certification of
Nondestructive Testing Personnel, or ASNT Recommended Practice No. SNT-
TC-1A Personnel Qualification and Certification in Nondestructive Testing
(b) ASTM F3125/F3125M Standard Specification for High Strength Structural
Bolts, Steel and Alloy Steel, Heat Treated, 120 ksi (830 MPa) and 150 ksi
(1040 MPa) Minimum Tensile Strength
Commentary: The fabricator should also have the following references avail-
able, as applicable:
• UFGS 05 59 20 Fabrication of Hydraulic Steel Structures
• AWS D1.2/D1.2M Structural Welding Code—Aluminum
• AWS D1.3/D1.3M Structural Welding Code—Sheet Steel
• AASHTO/AWS D1.5M/D1.5 Bridge Welding Code
• AWS D1.6/D1.6M Structural Welding Code—Stainless Steel
6.5.4.1. Personnel
The following qualification requirements shall apply:
(a) For production and QA management functions, at least five years of fabrica-
tion experience or training.
(b) For QC and purchasing management functions and for detailing checkers, at
least three years of fabrication experience or training.
The fabricator shall have the following personnel on staff or available under con-
tract that are certified in accordance with the fabricator’s NDT program:
(a) At least one Certified NDT Level III for each NDT method performed in the
shop.
(b) At least one Certified NDT Level II for each NDT method performed in the
shop.
The fabricator shall have documented procedures for certifying and updating NDT
personnel employed by the fabricator. Alternately, the fabricator’s documented
procedures shall describe how they review the methods and/or written practice of
firms as suitable to subcontract to their organization.
The fabricator shall have an individual on staff that has knowledge and experience
with:
(a) Welding processes, procedures, welding equipment, and welder performance
qualifications.
(b) Development, preparation, qualification, and execution of welding procedure
specifications.
In addition, the fabricator shall have AWS Certified Welding Inspectors (or other
personnel as permitted by AWS D1.1/D1.1M, “Inspection Personnel Qualification”)
available to monitor all shifts on which welding is performed.
6.7. DETAILING
6.12.1. Welding
The documented procedure for welding shall include welding of dissimilar metals.
WPSs and supporting PQRs shall be available for the dissimilar metals to be joined,
including those not addressed by AWS D1 welding codes.
CHAPTER 6.A
SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS FOR
FABRICATORS OF ADVANCED
HYDRAULIC METAL STRUCTURES
6.A.3. REFERENCES
The ability to work to and meet the requirements of the latest edition of ASTM
F3125/F3125M Standard Specification for High Strength Structural Bolts shall
be demonstrated.
6.A.5.4.1. Personnel
The fabricator shall have AWS Certified Welding Inspectors present to monitor
all shifts on which welding is performed. Alternate qualifications described in
AWS D1.1, “Inspection Personnel Qualification,” are not permitted for fabrica-
tors of advanced hydraulic metal structures.
6.A.12.1. Welding
The fabricator’s documented procedure for welding shall include provisions for
distortion control.
6.A.12.7. Machining
A documented procedure shall be developed for machining, whether it is
performed by the fabricator or a subcontractor.
CHAPTER 6.F
SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS FOR
FABRICATORS OF FRACTURE-CRITICAL MEMBERS
OF HYDRAULIC METAL STRUCTURES
6.F.3. REFERENCES
The ability to work to and meet the requirements of the latest edition of
AASHTO/AWS D1.5M/D1.5 Bridge Welding Code shall be demonstrated.
6.F.7. DETAILING
6.F.10. PURCHASING
6.F.12.1. Welding
The fabricator’s documented procedure for welding shall include:
(a) Fracture-critical provisions for welding procedure qualification, preheat, and
storage of consumables.
(b) Provisions for the creation and implementation of a FCP. The FCP shall
be in accordance with the requirements of AASHTO/AWS D1.5M/D1.5
Bridge Welding Code, “AASHTO/AWS Fracture-Control Plan (FCP) for
Nonredundant Structures,” with the following modifications:
(1) All instances of the word “bridge” shall be replaced with “hydraulic
structure.”
(2) The first sentence of the section, Certification and Qualification, shall
be omitted.