Steel Structures

Steel Structures

Steel Structures2025-03-11T14:08:09+00:00

Novelty Structures manufactures Steel Structures and

Custom Steel Fabrications for Industrial and Construction Projects.

Welded Steel Structure Beams
Steel Fabrication Workshop

What is a Steel Structure ?

Structural steel frames are the ‘skeleton’ frame of a structure or a built asset, typically consisting of vertical columns and horizontal beams which are connected together in a grid.

Steel Beams are horizontal placed structural elements that carries loads applied laterally to their axis whereas steel columns are vertical aligned structural elements that transfer compressive loads.

Compared to other means of frames, steel frame structures offer numerous advantages, including their resilience to earthquakes, severe climatic conditions and design flexibility. Moreover, they have higher strength to weight ratio and strength to volume ratio, without compromising the durability.

Steel Welder at work

Why do we use Steel Structures ?

  • Structural Steel Frames are quick and easy to install and decommission, and offer fire resistance when properly treated.

  • Due to their offsite fabrication, they are much more cost effective compared to the timber or concrete frame structures.

  • Steel is often used in major projects to speed up development, reduce onsite risks, and minimise waste.

  • Steel profiles are available in a variety of dimensions, grades and can be bespoke fabricated. Flexible fabrication allows versatile structure design for the designers.

  • Steel is durable and it requires less maintenance, hence reducing the costs throughout the structure’s lifetime.

  • Due to its offsite construction, steel offers advanced material quality traceability compared to the other means of frames.

Steel Structure Fabrication Operations

Material Procurement

  • Sourcing: Steel plates, beams, bars, and other required components are procured based on specifications.

  • Traceability: The certificates and heat numbers of the raw materials are recorded during the fabrication journey

Stainless Steel Fabrication

Cutting & Bending

  • Cutting: Steel components are cut to desired sizes using equipment such as:

    • Laser cutting | Plasma cutting |Oxy-fuel cutter |Water jet cutting
  • Bending: Steel is bent, rolled, or shaped into specific forms using:

    • Press brakes | Rollers

Welding & Assembly

  • Welding: Steel components are welded using various welding techniques (MIG, TIG, arc welding, etc.).

  • Assembly: Smaller steel components are pre-assembled into larger modules to facilitate installation.

Quality Control

  • Dimensional Accuracy: Components are checked to ensure precise dimensions and alignment.

  • Weld Quality: Welds are tested for defects with NDT; Visual testing, Dye Penetrant Testing, Magnetic Particle and X-Ray Testing

Surface Treatment

  • Cleaning: Removal of impurities, rust, and scale using sandblasting or chemical cleaning.

  • Coating: Application of protective coatings such as:

    • Galvanization | Primer paints | Epoxy or powder coatings
steel welding work

Packaging & Shipment

  • Packaging: Fabricated steel components are carefully packed to avoid damage.

  • Loading and Transporting: Transported to the construction site using trucks, cranes, or shipping containers.

Steel  Types

Steel structure fabrication involves a variety of materials to ensure strength, durability, and suitability for specific applications. Below are the primary materials used:

  • Carbon Steel:
    • Most commonly used steel.
    • High strength and durability.
  • Alloy Steel:
    • Steel mixed with other elements like chromium, nickel, or molybdenum for enhanced properties.
    • Used in high-stress environments
  • Stainless Steel:
    • Contains chromium for corrosion resistance.
    • Often used in architectural projects and environments with exposure to moisture or chemicals.
  • Galvanized Steel:
    • Coated with zinc for rust and corrosion resistance.
    • Used in outdoor or marine environments.

Steel Structure Components

1. Structural Components

  • Plates: Flat steel sheets used for base plates, gussets, and floor decking.
  • Beams: I-beams, H-beams, or wide flange beams used as primary load-bearing members.
  • Angles: L-shaped steel pieces used for bracing and framing.
  • Channels: U-shaped steel sections for support in various applications.
  • Pipes and Tubes: Round, square, or rectangular sections for columns, braces, and trusses.
  • Bars and Rods: Solid steel sections used in reinforcements and smaller structural elements.
Steel Beam and Column

2. Fasteners and Joining Materials

  • Bolts: High-strength bolts for secure connections.
  • Anchors & Inserts: For securing steel structures to reinforced concrete
  • Nuts and Washers: Used alongside bolts for fastening.
  • Welding Materials: Wires for MIG/TIG welding.

3. Coatings and Protective Materials

  • Hot Dip Galvanization: Hot Dipped Zinc coating for corrosion resistance.
  • Paints: Epoxy, polyurethane, or acrylic paints for aesthetic and protective purposes.

4. Additional Materials

  • Gratings: Steel mesh or grids used for flooring and walkways.
  • Steel Cables: Used in tension systems and suspension designs such as bridges.
  • Steel Reinforcement (Rebar): Used for reinforcing concrete structures in composite construction.

Quality Control

1. Material Quality Control

  • Material Certification: Verifying that raw materials (steel plates, sections, bolts, and weld consumables) meet specified grades and standards (e.g., ASTM, EN, or ISO).

  • Traceability: Maintaining records of materials to ensure their source and batch comply with project specifications.

2. Dimensional and Tolerance Control

  • Inspection of Fabrication Drawings: Ensuring shop drawings align with design requirements.

  • Alignment and Dimensional Checks: Verifying dimensions and tolerances of cut plates, rolled sections, and assembled parts using measuring tools.

Heat Exchanger Quality Inspection
  • Welding Procedure Qualification (WPS/PQR): Ensuring welding is performed according to qualified procedures.

  • Welder Qualification: Certifying that welders meet standards such as AWS D1.1 or EN 1090.

  • Non-Destructive Testing (NDT):

    • Visual Inspection (VT): Checking for surface defects like cracks, porosity, or undercuts.
    • Ultrasonic Testing (UT): Identifying subsurface defects in welds.
    • Radiographic Testing (RT): Using X-rays or gamma rays to inspect internal weld quality.
    • Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) and Dye Penetrant Testing (PT): Detecting surface or near-surface defects.
Painting Quality Check

4. Surface Treatment

  • Surface Cleaning: Preparing the steel surface free of contaminants like rust, oil, or mill scale before painting or coating (typically assessed using SSPC or ISO cleanliness standards).

  • Coating Thickness: Measuring the thickness of protective coatings using dry film thickness (DFT) gauges.

5. Assembly and Fit-Up

  • Fit-Up Checks: Ensuring proper alignment and fit of bolted or welded joints before assembly.

  • Trial Assembly: Pre-assembling critical structures to verify fit-up before delivery to the site.
  • Bolt Tightening: Verifying bolt torque using torque wrenches or tensioning equipment for connections.

How can we help you ?

Novelty Steel is an experienced fabricator of steel structures for many industries including construction, mining, energy, machinery.

With vast CNC Machinery Park and experienced engineering team, Novelty Steel produces bespoke steel frames according to the EN 1090-2 European Norms.

Some examples of the fabrications are:

Contact our team to further discuss your needs.

FAQ

What industries benefit from steel structure fabrication?2024-12-23T23:17:15+00:00

Steel structure fabrication serves a wide range of industries, including:

  • Construction (commercial and residential buildings, warehouses, etc.)
  • Industrial (factories, refineries, and power plants)
  • Transportation (bridges, rail infrastructure, etc.)
  • Energy (oil and gas platforms, wind turbine structures)
  • Agriculture (barns, silos, and equipment sheds)
What types of steel structures do you fabricate?2024-12-23T23:17:52+00:00

Our services cover the fabrication of:

  • Building frameworks
  • Beams, columns, and trusses
  • Stairs, handrails, and ladders
  • Custom platforms and walkways
  • Storage tanks and silos
  • Bridges and structural components
How long does it take to fabricate a steel structure?2024-12-23T23:18:28+00:00

The timeline for steel structure fabrication depends on factors such as project size, complexity, and customization requirements. Smaller projects may take a few weeks, while larger or more intricate projects could take several months.

What is your geographic service area?2024-12-23T23:19:13+00:00

We provide steel fabrication services locally, regionally, and internationally, depending on the project’s scope and logistics. Contact us to discuss your location.

How much does steel structure fabrication cost?2024-12-23T23:19:49+00:00

The cost varies based on factors such as material type, project size, design complexity, and additional services (e.g., installation). Contact us for a detailed quote.

Can you handle large-scale projects?2024-12-23T23:20:30+00:00

Yes, our facilities and team are equipped to handle projects of any size, from small-scale custom components to large industrial or commercial structures.

What kind of steel finishing do you provide?2024-12-23T23:21:24+00:00

Yes, we offer a variety of steel finishing services to enhance durability, aesthetics, and resistance to corrosion. These include:

  • Powder coating
  • Galvanizing
  • Painting
  • Sandblasting and surface treatment
What welding techniques do you use?2024-12-23T23:22:04+00:00

Our team uses a range of welding techniques to suit different fabrication requirements, including:

  • MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding
  • TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding
  • Arc welding
  • Spot welding
    Each method is chosen based on the project’s material, thickness, and strength requirements.
How do you ensure the precision of fabricated components?2024-12-23T23:22:39+00:00

We use advanced technologies like CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines, laser cutting, and 3D modeling software to ensure precision and accuracy in every fabricated component.

How do you handle transportation of fabricated steel components?2024-12-23T23:23:14+00:00

We provide logistics support, including safe packaging, transport, and delivery of fabricated steel components to your project site. We coordinate with reliable shipping providers to ensure timely and secure delivery.

Can you fabricate steel structures for seismic or high-wind zones?2024-12-23T23:24:10+00:00

Yes, we have extensive experience in fabricating steel structures that are designed to withstand earthquakes, high winds, and other extreme conditions.

How do you manage large-scale fabrication projects?2024-12-23T23:24:53+00:00

For large-scale projects, we follow a streamlined process that includes:

  • Detailed project planning and scheduling
  • Dedicated project managers
  • Efficient material procurement
  • Regular progress updates for clients
Can you fabricate modular steel structures?2024-12-23T23:25:26+00:00

Yes, we specialize in modular steel structures that are pre-engineered and fabricated for quick on-site assembly. These are ideal for temporary or permanent installations like prefabricated buildings, shelters, or portable offices.

How do you accommodate changes during the fabrication process?2024-12-23T23:25:57+00:00

We understand that project requirements may evolve. Our team maintains clear communication and flexibility to accommodate changes, ensuring minimal disruption to timelines and budgets.

Welding works for metal fabrication

Competed Projects

Products

Steel Structures

Plant Engineering Fabrications

Bulk Material Handling Structures 

Steel Buildings

Steel Silos

Hoppers & Chutes

Steel Trusses

Mezzanines & Stairs

Steel Tanks

Services

Laser Cutting 

Metal Bending

Plate Rolling

Machining

Welding

Painting

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