COMPLETE REVISION

August 2018

Structural

PIP STS05130
Structural and Miscellaneous
Steel Erection Specification
 PURPOSE AND USE OF PROCESS INDUSTRY PRACTICES

In an effort to minimize the cost of process industry facilities, this Practice has
been prepared from the technical requirements in the existing standards of major
industrial users, contractors, or standards organizations. By harmonizing these technical
requirements into a single set of Practices, administrative, application, and engineering
costs to both the purchaser and the manufacturer should be reduced. While this Practice
is expected to incorporate the majority of requirements of most users, individual
applications may involve requirements that will be appended to and take precedence
over this Practice. Determinations concerning fitness for purpose and particular matters
or application of the Practice to particular project or engineering situations should not
be made solely on information contained in these materials. The use of trade names
from time to time should not be viewed as an expression of preference but rather
recognized as normal usage in the trade. Other brands having the same specifications
are equally correct and may be substituted for those named. All Practices or guidelines
are intended to be consistent with applicable laws and regulations including OSHA
requirements. To the extent these Practices or guidelines should conflict with OSHA or
other applicable laws or regulations, such laws or regulations must be followed.
Consult an appropriate professional before applying or acting on any material
contained in or suggested by the Practice.

This Practice is subject to revision at any time.

© Process Industry Practices (PIP), Construction Industry Institute, The University of

Texas at Austin, 3925 West Braker Lane (R4500), Austin, Texas 78759. PIP Member
Companies and Subscribers may copy this Practice for their internal use. Changes or
modifications of any kind are not permitted within any PIP Practice without the express
written authorization of PIP. Authorized Users may attach addenda or overlays to clearly
indicate modifications or exceptions to specific sections of PIP Practices. Authorized
Users may provide their clients, suppliers and contractors with copies of the Practice
solely for Authorized Users’ purposes. These purposes include but are not limited to the
procurement process (e.g., as attachments to requests for quotation/ purchase orders or
requests for proposals/contracts) and preparation and issue of design engineering
deliverables for use on a specific project by Authorized User’s client. PIP’s copyright
notices must be clearly indicated and unequivocally incorporated in documents where an
Authorized User desires to provide any third party with copies of the Practice.

PRINTING HISTORY
November 1994 Issued February 2011 Complete Revision
December 1998 Revision August 2018 Complete Revision
February 2002 Technical Correction

Not printed with State funds

 COMPLETE REVISION
August 2018

Structural

PIP STS05130
Structural and Miscellaneous
Steel Erection Specification
Table of Contents
1. Scope ...........................................2
2. References ..................................2
2.1 Process Industry Practices ...............2
2.2 Industry Codes and Standards .........2
2.3 Government Regulations ..................3

3. Definitions ...................................3
4. Requirements ..............................4
4.1 General .............................................4
4.2 Products and Materials .....................6
4.3 Execution ..........................................6

Drawing
STS05130-01 – Field Located and
Field Fabricated Grating Openings

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Structural and Miscellaneous Steel Erection Specification August 2018

1. Scope
This Practice provides requirements for receipt, handling, erection, assembly, and field inspection
of structural and miscellaneous steel. Structural and miscellaneous steel are as defined in
ANSI/AISC 303-16 - Code of Standard Practice for Steel Buildings and Bridges.

2. References
Applicable parts of the following Practices, industry codes and standards, and references shall be
considered an integral part of this Practice. The edition in effect on the date of contract award
shall be used, except as otherwise noted. Short titles are used herein where appropriate.

2.1 Process Industry Practices (PIP)

– PIP STS03600 - Nonshrink Cementitious Grout Specification
– PIP STS03601 - Epoxy Grout Specification
– PIP STS05120 - Structural and Miscellaneous Steel Fabrication Specification
2.2 Industry Codes and Standards
 American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC)
– ANSI/AISC 303-16 - Code of Standard Practice for Steel Buildings and Bridges
– AISC 325 - Steel Construction Manual
– ANSI/AISC 360-16 - Specification for Structural Steel Buildings
 American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE)
– ASSE A10.13 - Safety Requirements for Steel Erection – American National
Standard for Construction and Demolition Operations
 ASTM International (ASTM)
– ASTM A36/A36M - Standard Specification for Carbon Structural Steel
– ASTM A307 - Standard Specification for Carbon Steel Bolts and Studs, 60,000 psi
Tensile Strength
– 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, Inch and Metric Dimensions
 American Welding Society (AWS)
– AWS D1.1/D1.1M - Structural Welding Code – Steel
– AWS QC1 - Specification for AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors
 Research Council on Structural Connections (RCSC)
– RCSC Specification for Structural Joints Using High-Strength Bolts
 Steel Deck Institute (SDI)
– SDI Design Manual for Composite Decks, Form Decks and Roof Decks
 Steel Joist Institute (SJI)
– SJI Standard Specifications and Load Tables

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Structural and Miscellaneous Steel Erection Specification August 2018

2.3 Government Regulations

Requirements by state or local agencies that have jurisdiction where the structural and
miscellaneous steel is to be erected, shall apply.
 U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
– OSHA 29 CFR Part 1910
– OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926

3. Definitions
contract documents: Any and all documents, including codes, studies, design documents,
specifications, sketches, practices, and data sheets, that purchaser or engineer of record has
transmitted or otherwise communicated, either by incorporation or reference, and made part of
the legal contract agreement or purchase order between purchaser and erector.

design documents: The design drawings, or where the 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
necessarily 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 Section 3.1 of ANSI/AISC 303-16 for the building or structure.

engineer of record: Purchaser’s authorized representative with overall authority and

responsibility for engineering design, quality, and performance of civil works, structure,
foundations, materials, and appurtenances described in contract documents. Engineer of record
shall be licensed as defined by laws of the locality in which the work is to be constructed, and be
qualified to practice in the specialty discipline required for the work described in contract
documents. Also known as structural engineer of record in AISC Code of Standard Practice.

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.

erector: Party responsible for erecting structural and miscellaneous steel in accordance with
contract documents. The term erector shall apply also to erector’s subcontractor(s) and/or
vendor(s).

inspector: Party responsible for verifying quality of all materials, installations, and workmanship
furnished by erector. Inspector shall be qualified by training and experience and hold
certifications or documentation of their qualifications. Unless otherwise specified in contract
documents, inspector shall be retained by erector.

manufacturer: Party who produces and warrants performance of products, materials, and/or items
provided in accordance with contract documents. Products, materials, and/or items are
manufactured in a controlled process using standard codes, specifications, tests and possibly
include shop drawings to assist in proper application, installation and/or use. The term
manufacturer shall apply also to manufacturer’s subcontractor(s) and/or vendor(s).

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miscellaneous steel: Steel items other than structural steel that are typically attached to elements
of the structural frame including but not limited to stairs, ladders, cages, guards, handrails, toe
plate, floor plate, grating, steel decking, steel joists, crane rails and steel items embedded in
concrete that are not intended to support structural steel.

owner: Party who owns facility wherein the structural and miscellaneous steel will be used.

professional engineer: An engineer, other than engineer of record licensed as defined by laws of
the locality in which the steel is to be erected, and qualified to practice in the specialty discipline
required for the work described in contract documents.

purchaser: Party who awards contract to erector. Purchaser may be owner or owner’s authorized agent.

shop drawings: Drawings of the individual structural steel shipping pieces that are to be produced
in the fabrication shop.

structural steel: Elements of the structural frame that are shown and sized in the structural design
documents, essential to support the design loads. See ANSI/AISC 303-16, Section 2.1 for a list of
items defined as structural steel.

4. Requirements
4.1 General
4.1.1 Quality Control
4.1.1.1 Erector shall participate in the AISC Certification Program and be
designated an AISC Certified Erector, Category ACSE.
4.1.1.2 Erector shall be solely responsible for quality control of all
installations, workmanship, and erector-supplied materials.
4.1.1.3 Provide a written Quality Control Program and Inspection Procedures
document that includes details of how compliance with requirements of
this Practice and shop and erection drawings will be achieved.
4.1.1.4 Maintain a complete up-to-date set of erection drawings at jobsite.
4.1.1.5 Bolted connections shall be installed and inspected in accordance with
RCSC Specification for Structural Joints Using High-Strength Bolts.
4.1.1.6 Welding procedures and individual welders shall be qualified in
accordance with the requirements of AWS D1.1/D1.1M.
4.1.1.7 All welding shall be inspected in accordance with AWS D1.1/D1.1M.
Inspectors shall be qualified and certified as AWS Certified Welding
Inspectors in accordance with the provisions of AWS D1.1/D1.1M or
AWS QC1 or shall be trained by and working under the supervision of
an AWS Certified Welding Inspector.
4.1.1.8 Inspector shall inspect all materials, installations, and workmanship to
ensure conformance with all requirements of this Practice and contract
documents.
4.1.1.9 Purchaser shall have the right to inspect all materials, installations, and
workmanship and shall have an unrestricted right of access to work areas.

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4.1.1.10 Purchaser may reject any improper, inferior, defective, or unsuitable

materials, installations, and workmanship.
4.1.1.11 Rejected materials, installations, and workmanship shall be repaired or
replaced in accordance with purchaser’s instructions at no cost to purchaser.
4.1.1.12 Inspection tools and tool calibration records for tools used shall be
maintained and available for examination by purchaser.
4.1.1.13 Nondestructive testing of welded joints shall be performed in
accordance with ANSI/AISC 360-16, Chapter N. ANSI/AISC 360-16
requirements for buildings shall also apply to nonbuilding structures.
Unless otherwise specified, structures shall be considered as Risk
Category III and groove welds shall be considered as being subject to
transversely applied tension loading.
Comment: Chapter N refers to and is consistent with inspection
requirements of AWS D1.1/D1.1M. However, AWS
D1.1/D1.1M specifies HOW nondestructive testing is to
be performed, but does not specify the extent of
nondestructive testing required. ANSI/AISC 360-16
Chapter N clarifies this. However, there are different
requirements for different structures. To apply Chapter N,
fabricator needs to know the risk category of the structure
and whether a particular weld carries direct tension. The
language included here provides defaults typical for
petrochemical projects which can be modified in contract
documents.
4.1.2 Submittals
4.1.2.1 The following items shall be submitted to engineer of record for
approval. Work shall not proceed without approval.
a. Safety program
b. Quality control program and inspection procedures
c. Welding Procedure Specification (WPS)
d. Procedure Qualification Records (PQR)
e. Welder(s) qualification records
f. Assembly lift plan(s) as required by purchaser or OSHA 29 CFR
Part 1926 Subpart R
4.1.2.2 If requested, the following documents shall be submitted to purchaser
for recording purposes:
a. Quality control inspections and test results
b. Calibration or recalibration performed on tools or equipment used
during the work

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4.1.3 Performance Requirements

4.1.3.1 Safety
1. A written safety program shall be provided that addresses safety
measures that will be used during steel erection work.
2. Safety program shall be in accordance with:
a. Contract documents
b. ANSI/AISC 303-16
c. Applicable portions of OSHA 29 CFR Part 1910 and Part 1926
d. Any other applicable federal, state, or local requirements
4.1.3.2 Assembly Lift Plan
Erector shall be responsible for assuring all preassemblies not
specifically shown or noted in contract documents to be preassembled
before lifting will maintain structural integrity during lifting.
1. Provide a written assembly lift plan to purchaser, prepared by a
professional engineer, for assemblies larger than 50 feet
(15 meters) in one direction, larger than 2,000 square feet
(186 square meters) in the plan area, greater than 50 tons
(45 metric tons), or as otherwise specified in contract documents.
2. Assembly lift plan shall demonstrate that proposed lift will be
performed safely and that assemblies being lifted will remain free
from distortion or undue bending, and maintain structural integrity
during the lift.
3. Assembly lift plan shall contain detailed data on extent of lifted
assembly, its weights, structural calculations that prove structural
stability of assembled components during lifting operations,
verification of capacity capabilities for any cranes utilized in the
lift, location and positioning of cranes, and a description of rigging
to be utilized.
4. Review of assembly lift plan by purchaser does not relieve
erector’s responsibility for safe erection and/or lifting of any
component, structural assembly, or any other item.
4.2 Products and Materials
Unless otherwise specified, all materials shall be in accordance with PIP STS05120.

4.3 Execution
4.3.1 Receiving, Inspection, and Storage
4.3.1.1 All materials shall be received, unloaded, stored, and otherwise handled
in a manner that prevents distortion, deterioration, damage, or staining.
4.3.1.2 Keep all materials free of dirt, grease, and other foreign matter.
4.3.1.3 Unless otherwise specified, inspect all materials immediately after
receipt to ensure that the materials are not damaged, that all items on

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Structural and Miscellaneous Steel Erection Specification August 2018

the packing list have been supplied, and that all documentation has
been received.
4.3.1.4 If any damage is discovered, or any parts, components, or
documentation are missing or otherwise defective, immediately report
the occurrence in writing to purchaser.
4.3.2 Erection
4.3.2.1 Erect structural and miscellaneous steel in accordance with:
a. Contract documents
b. ANSI/AISC 303-16
c. OSHA 29 CFR Part 1910 and Part 1926
d. Applicable state, municipal, or local regulations or codes
4.3.2.2 Erect steel joists in accordance with:
a. Requirements of Steel Joist Institute (SJI)
b. Joist manufacturer’s written instructions
c. OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart R
4.3.2.3 Erect steel deck in accordance with:
a. Requirements of Steel Deck Institute (SDI)
b. Deck manufacturer’s written instructions
c. OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart R
4.3.2.4 Install ladder safety gates, ladder safety systems and personal fall arrest
systems in accordance with:
a. Contract documents
b. Manufacturer’s written instructions
c. OSHA 29 CFR Part 1910
4.3.2.5 Immediately report to purchaser in writing any circumstances discovered
that affect progress, performance, or completion of work activities.
These may include, but are not limited to, discrepancies between the
erection/shop drawings and the delivered steel members, incorrectly
fabricated steel members, or incomplete or unacceptable work of other
contractors affecting the work.
4.3.2.6 Report any damage caused during erection to purchaser in writing. Complete
corrective measures as directed by purchaser at no cost to purchaser.
4.3.2.7 Do not place temporary erection loads or permanent loads on any
incomplete portions of the structure being erected unless it can be
demonstrated by analysis that the contemplated action is safe.
4.3.2.8 Restrain or remove loose timbers, metal sheeting, bolt buckets, tools,
debris, and temporary scaffolding from work areas.
4.3.2.9 Lift painted or galvanized structural members with a nonabrasive choker.

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4.3.2.10 Maintain a daily record, by piece number, of all material erected.

4.3.2.11 Before commencing work, check foundations and other connection points
to confirm their location, orientation, elevation, and condition.
4.3.2.12 Where connecting to existing structures, protect existing structure from
weather.
4.3.3 Structural Stability
4.3.3.1 During construction, erector shall be responsible for maintaining
structure in a stable condition; ensuring that no part shall be
overstressed during construction activities. It shall be erector’s
responsibility to specify, install and locate all temporary bracing and/or
guy cables to maintain the partly-assembled structure in a stable
condition under a combination of probable construction and wind
loads. This responsibility shall also extend to temporary bracing
required to ensure safe and stable conditions of partially completed
structural assemblies.
4.3.3.2 Structure shall be plumbed, leveled, and braced before any final bolted or
welded connections are made and before grouting of base plates.
4.3.4 Setting Base Plates
4.3.4.1 Clean top of bearing surfaces and bottom of base plates.
4.3.4.2 Provide temporary shims or wedges where required.
4.3.4.3 Set and shim column base plates to correct positions, elevations, and
locations as shown on erection drawings.
4.3.4.4 If setting nuts are used, loosen them after installing shims or wedges
and before grouting.
4.3.4.5 Unless otherwise specified in contract documents, grout base plates in
accordance with PIP STS03600 or PIP STS03601 as applicable. Fill
shear key openings with grout. Fill anchor sleeves with grout only if
specified in contract documents. Chamfer or cut off exposed edges of
grout at 45 degrees after grout has acquired its initial set in accordance
with PIP STS03600 or PIP STS03601 as applicable.
4.3.4.6 After grout has reached design strength, remove temporary shims or
wedges and grout void space.
4.3.4.7 If required in contract documents, fully tighten anchors to specified tension.
4.3.4.8 Anchors shall be fully tightened to specified tension only after base
plates have been grouted and grout has sufficiently set in accordance
with manufacturer’s recommendations.
4.3.5 Bolted Connections
4.3.5.1 If structural joints are made using high-strength bolt assemblies,
materials, methods of installation, tension control, types of wrenches to
be used, and inspection methods shall be in accordance with RCSC
Specification for Structural Joints Using High-Strength Bolts and
contract documents.

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4.3.5.2 If used, direct tension indicator (DTI) washers shall be installed in

accordance with DTI washer manufacturer’s written instructions.
4.3.5.3 All bolts shall be as noted on shop drawings, erection drawings, or
other contract documents.
4.3.5.4 Mechanically galvanized bolts and nuts shall not be intermixed with
hot-dip galvanized nuts and bolts.
4.3.5.5 If ASTM A307 bolt assemblies are used for connecting miscellaneous
steel (i.e., guard and handrails, fixed ladders and cages, etc.) to
structural steel members, bolts shall be tightened to a snug-tight
condition.
4.3.5.6 ASTM F3125/F3125M, Grade A490 (Grade A490M) bolts and
galvanized ASTM F3125/F3125M, Grade A325 (Grade A325M) bolts
shall not be reused.
4.3.5.7 Bolts that have been pretensioned shall be color coded, die punched, or
otherwise marked on the ends indicating that bolts have been properly
tensioned and are ready for inspection.
4.3.6 Welded Connections
4.3.6.1 All welding shall be in accordance with AWS D1.1/D1.1M and contract
documents.
4.3.6.2 Unless approved otherwise by the purchaser, all welds shall be
continuous.
4.3.6.3 Minimum fillet weld size shall be AISC minimum or 3/16 inch
(5 mm), whichever is larger, for structural welds.
4.3.6.4 Seal welds shall be 1/8-inch (3-mm) minimum fillet weld.
4.3.6.5 Welds to connection plates embedded in concrete shall be deposited in
a sequence that minimizes distortion of the embedment to plus or
minus 1/8 inch (3 mm) of flat or true.
4.3.6.6 If contract documents require welding to existing facilities that were
constructed before 1963 and/or using steel other than ASTM
A36/A36M, erector shall follow welding procedures provided by
engineer of record.
4.3.7 Correction of Errors
4.3.7.1 Fit-up bolts and drift pins shall not be used to bring improperly
fabricated members and parts into place (springing).
4.3.7.2 Drift pins shall not be driven with such a force as to damage adjacent
metal areas.
4.3.7.3 Holes in connections that misfit by more than 1/16 inch (1 mm) shall
be corrected as directed by engineer of record.
4.3.7.4 Enlargement of holes shall be made only when approved by engineer
of record, and made by reaming or drilling only. Flame cutting,
burning, gouging, chipping, or drift punching shall not be permitted.

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4.3.7.5 Unless approved by engineer of record, packing, shimming, filling, or

wedging shall not be permitted to correct faulty work.
4.3.7.6 One filler plate up to 1/8-inch (3-mm) thickness may be used in spaces
between members to be bolted. Engineer of record’s approval shall be
required for filler plate requirements greater than 1/8 inch (3 mm).
4.3.8 Steel Joists
4.3.8.1 Field welding or bolting joists to supporting steel framework shall be
in accordance with SJI specifications for type of joists used,
erection/shop drawings, and other contract documents.
4.3.8.2 Modifications or repairs to steel joists shall not be performed without
prior written approval of engineer of record.
4.3.8.3 Use of power-driven or powder-actuated fasteners in diagonal and
bottom chord members of joists shall not be permitted.
4.3.9 Floor Plate and Grating
4.3.9.1 Install all field-cut floor plate or grating openings requiring toe plate
protection or banding in accordance with detail STS05130-01.
4.3.9.2 Fasten grating and floor plate in accordance with contract documents.
Use a minimum of four fasteners per panel.
4.3.10 Metal Decking for Floors and Roofs
4.3.10.1 Install floor and roof deck in accordance with deck manufacturer’s
written installation instructions and contract documents.
4.3.10.2 Repair all sags, deformations, holes, and other irregularities.
4.3.10.3 If damage has occurred to shop-applied coatings on metal decking,
field touch-up shall be in accordance with decking manufacturer’s
recommendations.
4.3.11 Shear Connectors
4.3.11.1 Weld all shear stud attachments in strict accordance with stud
manufacturer’s recommendations for welding procedure and welding
equipment.
4.3.11.2 If two or more stud welding guns are operated from the same power
source, interlock guns so that only one gun can be operated at a time to
ensure that the power source has fully recovered from making one
weld before another weld is started.
4.3.11.3 Remove all ceramic insulators from base of studs after welding.
4.3.12 Coating Repairs
4.3.12.1 Repair all erection damage to hot-dip galvanized coatings in
accordance with PIP STS05120.
4.3.12.2 Repair all erection damage to shop-applied paint coatings in
accordance with purchaser’s coating specification.

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4.3.12.3 Paint all galvanized bolt assemblies tightened against shop-applied

paint.
4.3.12.4 Where twist-off bolt assemblies are used, coat ends of bolts to match
the steel coating system.

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