OSHA's steel erection standard, 29 CFR 1926 Subpart R, is written for the erector. Several of its requirements, though, have to be built into the steel before it leaves the shop. If the detailer misses them, the erector finds out in the field, where the fix costs the most.
These are the items we check on every US package. This is a summary for planning, not legal advice: the regulation and the contract documents govern.
Columns and anchor rods (1926.755)
- At least four anchor rods per column. Posts, the light vertical members defined in the standard, are excluded. A two-rod base detail on a column should go back to the engineer of record as an RFI.
- The 300 lb stability check. The column base, anchor rods, column-to-base-plate weld and foundation must resist a 300 lb eccentric gravity load located 18 in. from the extreme outer face of the column, in each direction, at the top of the column shaft. The detailer doesn't design for it, but base details that look light for it should be raised.
- No field changes without approval. Anchor rods can't be repaired, replaced or modified in the field without the approval of the project structural engineer of record. That makes an accurate, early anchor rod plan the most important sheet in the set.
Column splices (1926.756(d))
Column splices have to resist the same 300 lb eccentric load at 18 in. Splice details should be checked against it, together with the splice location, so the erector isn't left with an unstable column stub.
Double connections (1926.756(c))
When two members frame from opposite sides into a column web, or into a beam web over a column, and share the same bolts, at least one bolt with its wrench-tight nut must stay connected to the first member while the second is set. The alternative is a shop- or field-attached seat or similar device that holds the first member.
On the drawings that means one of two things: a staggered connection, where one clip angle extends past the other and carries its own bolt, or an erection seat designed for the load and bolted or welded before the shared bolts are removed.
Perimeter safety cables (1926.756(e))
- Column extension. Perimeter columns must extend at least 48 in. above the finished floor so perimeter safety cables can be installed before the next tier is erected, unless constructability prevents it.
- Cable holes or devices. Perimeter columns need holes or other devices at 42 to 45 in. above the finished floor, and at the midpoint between the finished floor and the top cable.
These elevations are measured from the finished floor, not from the top of steel, so the detailer has to take the slab and deck thickness into account when placing the holes on the column shop drawings.
Shear connectors (1926.754(c)(1))
Shear studs, reinforcing bars, deformed anchors and threaded studs can't be attached so that they project from the top flange of beams, joists or beam attachments until the metal deck or other walking surface is installed. In practice, studs are shown for field installation after the deck, not shop-welded to the top flange.
Joists
Open web steel joists have their own section, 1926.757. If your detailer also coordinates joist bearing at columns, check those connections against it too.
Make it part of the check
On our packages these items are part of the check before any sheet is released. Whoever details your work, ask them to show you where Subpart R is covered in their checking procedure.