Steel Construction

Q: What fabrication techniques do you use?

Our processes include: CNC Plasma/Laser Cutting – Precision cutting of steel plates Rolling & Bending – Forming curved steel sections Welding (MIG, TIG, Stick, Robotic) – High-strength joints Drilling & Punching – For bolted connections Machining – Fine-tuning critical components

Q: How do you ensure quality control?

Our QC process includes: Material Certification (mill test reports) Dimensional Inspections Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) (X-ray, ultrasonic, dye penetrant) Third-Party Inspections (if required)

Novelty Steel manufactures Steel Construction projects for Warehouse, Industrial Buildings, Hangars, Halls and Residential Buildings

Contents

The role of Steel Construction
What kind of Steel Used in Construction ?
Benefits of Steel Construction
Steel Construction Steps
Steel Construction Tips
Project Management
Estimation
Erection
Conclusion
FAQ
How can we help you ?

The role of Steel Construction

The design of residential steel buildings is influenced by many factors, including new requirements for sustainability, and thermal and acoustic performance.

The pressure for more efficient and sustainable construction processes to meet these requirements has led to a demand for higher ratios of off-site fabrication and improved quality in the performance of the chosen construction technology.

Steel construction have reached a high market share in not only industrial buildings but also residential and commercial buildings, where the main advantages include: construction pace, high quality, reliability and longevity, and space usage. Novelty Structures stands out as one of Turkey’s leading steel fabricators, serving numerous international construction projects.

steel construction beam and column installation2

What kind of Steel Used in Construction ?

Mild Steel (Carbon Steel)

Mild steel sheet is the mainstream fabricated steel used in various industries including construction.
Various grades are available based on different carbon content.
The wide range of grade options makes it ideal for different kind of applications in construction.
Carbon steel is a very strong and durable construction material offering high strength to weight ratio.

Galvanized Steel

Galvanized Steel refers to galvanize coated mild steel.
This galvanization coating gives enormous corrosion protection to the mild steel thus increasing its longevity.
It is ideal for highly corrosive environments and applications.
Apart from galvanized steel, carbon steel fabrications can be galvanized through hot dip galvanization process as a final coating.

Structural Steel

Structural steel is a type of steel manufacture with particular shapes and sections to achieve specific chemical composition and strength.
Some examples are I beams, U profiles, angle profiles, hollow sections.
These steel are the most prominent for their use as structural frame member of single and multi-storey buildings.
Wide Range of grade options ( S275, S355, A36, A50 ) are available.

Steel Construction and Installation for a power station2

Benefits of Steel Construction

Speed

The majority of structural steelwork is manufactured in the steel contractor’s workshops with very little on site work required which leads to fast construction times. This limits the time spent on the jobsite and provides a better erection sequencing and planning for construction project.

Unlike concrete, steel frames gain full strength when their fabrication is completed, allowing the following construction trades to continue.

Safety

More time spent on the steel workshop means less health and security risks on the construction project where these risks are very high. Prefabrication of the steel assemblies and calculated lifting points on the parts facilitates the erection processes. Advanced steel detailing enables only simple bolting jobs to be conducted on the job site.

Cost

Faster construction means earlier delivery better return on investment. Steel fabrication with CNC controlled machinery in well-equipped manufacturing plants has significant outputs providing a better economies of scale.

Robustness and ductility

Steel is a ductile material and it can bear the overload in a controlled fashion with managed load retention. The dimensions of the steel members can be designed to provide structural robustness which cannot be easily achievable with other construction materials.

Fabrication

Fabrication in a steel workshop provides high control over quality and the dimensional accuracy of the steel members. The use of CNC machinery in the production not only revolutionaries the efficiency and output quality but also reduces the wastage. CNC machinery enables to deliver complex shapes and designs in very short time frames. Last but not least, modern quality systems provides material traceability from steel mills to the erection phase.

Weight

Steel structures are lighter than the equivalent concrete structures thanks to their high strength to weight ratio. The lighter structures require smaller foundations. On the other hand, lighter structure are less affected from the earthquake forces which makes steel ideal construction frame for seismic grounds.

Formability

Steel is significantly better in terms of formability compared to the other load bearing material, therefore, it gives a lot of room space for demanding architectural designs. Also the great variety of steel sections provide different design options for the architects.

portal frame steel building construction

Steel Construction Steps

Structural Design

Based on the architectural project and ground study, the structural engineer of the project develops the structural concept, runs the structural analysis and prepares structural steel project.
The structural engineer takes not only architectural design into consideration but also local building regulations, local steel raw material standards as well as the project specific constraints.
Usually the ideal steel project emerges after many iterations trying to find the optimum solution out of these criteria.

structural analysis of steel construction

Steel Detailing

Steel detailing is the preparation of detailed fabrication and erection drawings for steel manufacturing and erection.
These drawings set the detailed part and assembly drawings for each member of the steel construction.
Exact material quantity and dimensions are set out within this study.
Even a minor mistake might result in a significant loss of time and money in the fabrication or erection phase.

Foundation & Anchoring

The foundation type and the anchoring details are set out by the structural engineer of the project.
These works are often performed by the General Contractor, however, the production of the anchor sets (bolts, nuts, temp plates) fall under the responsibility of the steel contractor
During the foundation works, anchor bolts should be left in the concrete in order to accommodate the steel columns when the erection works start.

Fabrication

Fabrication works commence with the detailed steel project.
Each and every member of the project is produced with precision and accuracy in order to deliver a smooth on site erection.
There are various quality control programs for the steel fabrication processes.
These procedures ensure the traceability and quality control of the products.
The fabrication schedule is decided together with the erection contractor to comply with the general construction schedule.

Transportation

The transportation schedule is arranged based on the erection sequence and site storage conditions.
For oversize steel members, special vehicles may be required.
A proper loading and transportation program is essential to minimize the paint deformation during these processes.

Erection

A proper method statement should be prepared prior to the commencement of the erection on the job site.
Erection phase is the single phase conduction on the job site.
Therefore it is subject to higher degree of health and security risks.
Erection phase requires the involvement of the other construction trades as well as 3rd party contractors such as lifting equipment providers.
A close cooperation and communication between these trades is essential to achieve a successful delivery.

Steel Construction Tips

Work with a designer with fabrication experience

Steel Construction design is carried out by structural engineers but not all the structural engineers have hands on experience of steel construction.
An experienced steel project designer can not only provide you a steel project but also can address the potential risks during the fabrication and erection phases.
An experienced steel designer has the necessary skill set to adapt design for fabrication concept into the project and identify various cost saving touches.

Optimize Construction Cost Planning

Cost Planning starts in the early phases of the project and lasts till the erection of the steel construction.
Since the project design sets out all the construction details, it is the most essential phase to reap the highest benefits of Cost Planning.
Also known as estimating, cost planning defines the approximate overall budget, therefore if not conducted properly, it may cause severe financial consequences during the project.

Select an experienced steel contractor

Steel is a very versatile material and it is used as a construction material for various different types of projects.
This broad spectrum of usage areas makes it difficult for steel fabricators to specialize in all different applications.
For example some fabricators are specialized in light steel fabrications whereas some focus on heavy plate works.
It is essential to identify if the steel contractor has expertise on the projects that you are planning to construct.

Choose the right cladding for your steel construction

There are multiple cladding options available in the market based for different budgets and functional requirements.
The cladding material selection should be decided before the commencement of the steel project because it effects the secondary members of the steel structure.
Although in some cases cladding might need a standalone steel structure, in most cases it is connected to the main structure. Therefore steel design should start after the selection of the cladding system.

Identify the right painting system for your steel

Unlike aluminium or stainless steel, steel doesn’t withstand to atmospheric conditions, therefore it requires a proper coating for rust prevention.
Selecting right paint for steel does not only determine the protection level but also the visual appearance of the steel construction.
On the other hand, there are various methods of steel construction fire protection systems for fireproofing of the steel buildings.

Check the steel prices before ordering

Steel is one of the most popular commodities and steel prices are set based on the global demand and supply.
Various type of steel are being used (hot rolled sections, cold rolled sections, steel sheets and etc) in the steel constructions and they all have different pricing terms.
It is essential to evaluate the up to date prices and price forecasts prior to the order of steel construction.

Project Management

Owner

The owner is the person, or organization which will own the building. Its primary responsibilities are to employ an architect, to prepare a design program, arrange the contract documents, lead the contractor, provide the site, and finance the work. In some cases the owner has direct contract with the steel contractor but in some cases the owner assigns this job to the general contractor.

Architect

The architect designs the project based on the owner’s requirements and develops the layout and building concept. The architect works with a consulting structural engineer to develop the structural concept for the building. He also prepares the construction documentation for the architectural components of the building and oversees the work of mechanical, electrical, structural and other disciplines for the project. Sometimes architects also involve in bidding document preparation and contract award. During construction, the architect will have an administrative role conducting activities such as reviewing applications for payment, processing change orders, and reviewing shop drawings.

Structural Engineer

The detailed structural design for the structural steel portions of the project is developed by the structural engineer. They also review steel shop drawings for consistency and the structural assembly during the construction phase. Similar to the architect, the structural engineer also has contract administrative duties such as overseeing production and site erection. Structural engineer also reviews steel fabrication quality control processes.

General Contractor

Assigned by the owner, the general contractor manages and coordinates the whole construction project. They define subcontract work scopes and prices, schedule and coordinate the work of all subcontractors, in some cases construct certain aspects of the building with their own work forces. The general contractor has a direct relationship with the steel subcontractor and is responsible for the subcontractor’s work to the owner. The general contractor is also responsible for the site safety and security, financial transactions and all over delivery and handover of the building to the owner.

Steel Fabricator

The steel fabricator is a subcontractor to the general contractor, or in some cases, is directly awarded and overseen by the owner. The steel fabricator is primarily responsible for fabrication of all steel members in the steel project. This includes steel detailing, material take off, procuring of steel profiles, developing shop drawings, layout and fabrication of the elements, painting and transportation.

Steel Erector

The installation of the steel assemblies on the job site is performed by the steel erector. The erector may be a separate specialized erection company or may be part of the steel fabrication company or its subsidiary. The erector works closely with the general contractor and fabricator to establish the erection sequence and to assemble the frame. The erection works on the jobsite are overseen by the general contractor however steel fabricator is still accountable for the erection works since their production quality may have effect on the progress of the erection.

Estimation

Specialized knowledge of fabrication and erection methods is required for an accurate steel cost estimation. The general contractor is expected to have an understanding of steel materials and estimation. They work closely with the steel traders and fabricators to follow steel prices.

During the initial planning phase of the steel building, the owner frequently requires the architect and structural engineer to come up with budgetary estimates. These estimates may be for the purpose of evaluating the cost of alternative systems (such as concrete framing instead of steel framing) and financial planning.

When overall architectural plans are conceptually developed, the steel fabricator can be very helpful in assisting conceptual costs preparation. For standard single storey building types such steel warehouses, once the basic building characteristics such as building dimensions and design loads are established, the structural engineer or fabricator can quickly determine the preliminary beam and column sizes, and secondary frames. Based on this preliminary material take off and fabricators past experience, a preliminary estimate can be calculated. For non-standard or complex buildings, the initial study should be conducted by a structural engineer and material take off should be submitted to the steel fabricator to provide an estimate.

Building designs frequently change during the project development, therefore, the preliminary estimated should be adjusted to the changes in the building design.

Below are the lists of the costs should be included in the steel estimations

Steel raw material costs
Costs of steel detailing works
Costs of fabrication of the structural elements
Coating of the materials such as steel surface preparation, painting or hot dip galvanization.
Cost of welding tests if required
Handling, storage, and loading costs at the fabricator plan
Field surveying and anchoring works on the job site.
Workshop general overhead costs
Freight for shipping finished fabrications to the project site
Insurance
Subcontracted items such as decking sheet, stud welding, hot dip galvanization
Sales and administrative overhead
Profit

Erection

The erector must analyse the steel construction project to calculate the cost for assembling the steel frame. The erector may be the same with the steel fabricator, or a 3^rd party in contract with the fabricator or the general contractor. The steel erector not only determines the number of pieces and their sizes, but will examine closely how they are to be installed. Building size, height, plan, project type, site conditions, and construction schedule all have impacts on the equipment, methods, and time required for installation. Novelty Structures is a supply only fabricator, therefore, does not offer erection services.

The erector may include the following costs when estimating for erection of the steel

Equipment, tools, cranes and hoists, (including mobilization, setup, and removal)
Unloading of the fabrications at the job site
Lifting and assembling the steel
Temporary shores and bracing
Costs of maintaining safety
Making all field bolted and welded connections
Levelling and final tightening of bolts
Metal decking works
Shear studs application
Demobilization
Insurance
Overhead and profit

Conclusion

Novelty Structures is an experienced steel fabricator with dozens of completed projects all around the World.

Although we do not offer erection and structural design services, we are second to none in Steel Detailing and Steel Fabrication Services with state of the art manufacturing workshops and qualified management team.

We hold EN 1090 and EN 3834 certificates and our fabrications are CE Certified.

FAQ

What types of steel fabrication services do you offer?İbrahim Şahin2025-04-01T21:17:51+00:00

What types of steel fabrication services do you offer?

We specialize in custom steel fabrication for construction projects, including:

Structural steel beams, columns, and frames
Staircases, handrails, and balustrades
Steel trusses and girders
Architectural steelwork (facades, canopies, etc.)
Heavy steel plate fabrication
Welded and bolted connections

What fabrication techniques do you use?İbrahim Şahin2025-04-01T21:21:51+00:00

What fabrication techniques do you use?

Our processes include:

CNC Plasma/Laser Cutting – Precision cutting of steel plates
Rolling & Bending – Forming curved steel sections
Welding (MIG, TIG, Stick, Robotic) – High-strength joints
Drilling & Punching – For bolted connections
Machining – Fine-tuning critical components

What quality standards do you follow?İbrahim Şahin2025-04-01T21:18:58+00:00

What quality standards do you follow?

Our fabrication processes comply with industry standards, including:

EN 1090
EN 3834
ISO 1461
ISO 9001

Do you offer on-site installation services?İbrahim Şahin2025-04-01T21:19:58+00:00

Do you offer on-site installation services?

No, We are a supply only fabricator. We do not offer erection services.

Can you supply painted or galvanized steel?İbrahim Şahin2025-04-01T21:20:48+00:00

Can you supply painted or galvanized steel?

Yes. We offer surface treatments, including:

Priming and painting (to client specifications)
Hot-dip galvanizing
Powder coating

How do you ensure quality control?İbrahim Şahin2025-04-01T21:22:49+00:00

How do you ensure quality control?

Our QC process includes:

Material Certification (mill test reports)
Dimensional Inspections
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) (X-ray, ultrasonic, dye penetrant)
Third-Party Inspections (if required)

Do you ship internationally?İbrahim Şahin2025-04-01T21:23:53+00:00

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, we export fabricated steel globally, handling:

Sea freight
Road transport
Customs documentation

How can we help you ?

Novelty Structures stands out as a reliable partner in providing high quality steel fabrication services for various international steel construction projects.