What is the process for customizing light and heavy steel structures?

The core processes for customizing light and heavy steel structures are highly similar, with the main differences lying in production techniques, installation equipment, and key points of acceptance. Overall, it can be divided into five core steps, as follows: In-depth demand decomposition and survey

This is the premise of customization, requiring clarification of core needs and on-site conditions: Collect basic information: building purpose (such as factory building/residence/venue), load requirements (whether there is a heavy crane/equipment), span/height, budget for the construction period, compliance standards (such as seismic intensity, corrosion protection level).

On-site survey: Measure the site dimensions and geological conditions, and determine the foundation type (light steel requires low foundation requirements, while heavy steel requires foundation reinforcement).

Output a list of requirements, specifying the direction for selecting light and heavy steel types (e.g., selecting light steel for light loads, and heavy steel for heavy loads/large spans).

The combination of scheme design and BIM simulation optimization facilitates personalized design that balances safety and economy: structural scheme design focuses on portal frames and modular layouts for light steel structures, while for heavy steel structures, emphasis is placed on steel frame-support and steel truss systems. Construction drawings and 3D renderings are then drawn up.

BIM technology simulation: Simulate component production, lifting paths, and node stress conditions to avoid construction conflicts in advance; optimize the layout of prefabricated components for light steel structures, and focus on verifying the stability of welding nodes for heavy steel structures.
Proposal confirmation: Communicate with the client to adjust details, and finalize the customized proposal and quotation.

Factory prefabrication and quality inspection are the core components of customization, enabling standardized processing of components: material selection: commonly using Q235 cold-formed steel for light steel and Q355/Q460 high-strength hot-rolled steel for heavy steel, cutting and blanking according to the plan.

Differentiated production: Light steel: cold bending forming, precise drilling of bolt holes, modular prefabricated wall panels/roof panels, with precision controlled within ±2mm.

Chongqing Iron & Steel: thick plate welding (requiring preheating/post-heating processes), segmented processing of components, utilizing submerged arc welding to ensure weld quality, and completing rust removal and hot-dip galvanizing for corrosion protection.

Factory inspection: Conduct comprehensive inspection on component dimensions, strength, and weld quality, and issue a quality inspection report.

For on-site installation and precise commissioning, the installation method is selected based on the characteristics of light steel and heavy steel to ensure structural stability: foundation construction: first complete the pouring of independent concrete foundations (for light steel) or pile foundations (for heavy steel), and embed connecting pieces.

Differentiated installation: Light steel: After the components are transported to the site, they are lifted using a small crane and primarily assembled with bolts, quickly completing the installation of steel columns, steel beams, and enclosure structures, with minimal impact from weather conditions.

Chongqing Iron & Steel: Large cranes (over 50t) are used to lift steel columns and beams in sections, with nodes welded on site and fastened with high-strength bolts. This requires the operation of a professional welder team.

Precision adjustment: Calibrate the verticality of the structure and axis deviation (light steel ≤±3mm, heavy steel ≤±2mm), and complete supporting construction such as roof waterproofing and wall insulation.

Acceptance, delivery, and after-sales support ensure that the customized results meet the standards, and long-term maintenance services are provided: Upon completion of the project, we provide materials such as material certificates, weld flaw detection reports, and structural inspection reports. We collaborate with clients and supervisors to conduct on-site acceptance checks, ensuring compliance with design and regulatory requirements.

Delivery training: Explain to customers the key points of structural maintenance, such as regular inspection of anti-corrosion coating for light steel and regular testing of node welds for heavy steel.

After-sales support: Light steel generally provides a 10-year structural warranty, while heavy steel can sign a lifetime maintenance agreement, specifying the procedures for future repairs and reinforcement services.