Assembling the structural frame
The column foot plate
The bottom column is mounted on a separate foot plate. It consists of a steel plate which distributes the vertical forces, and a round steel core for mounting the column.
It is suggested to mount the foot plate in a groove in the base plate, using a chemical anchor and grouting. Alternatively, it is possible to cast welding plates directly in the base slabs and then weld the steel cores to the plates on site.
Mounting the column
The columns are mounted on the foot plates or underlying columns. When supporting the columns with SWT's support rings it is important to take into account that the joint to the column foot can be viewed as a free (pivot) joint, and that the loads can be high.
The columns must be aligned vertically, something that should be controlled before continued assembly. It is also important to ensure that contact between the column steel cores exists.
There should be a gap between the outer column pipe and the underlying footplate or floor slab. This ensures that the upcoming casting will work properly.
Mounting the beam
Put the beams in position on the intended supports. Please note the order of assembly and position of the markings, as can be seen in the drawings supplied by SWT.
Center the beams and secure them according to instructions on the drawings, e.g. by welding or bolting.
Whether it's necessary to prop the beam is evident from the drawings. Pre-stressed hollow core slabs should not be propped in field.
Make sure that the beam is correctly secured to the supports. It's also important to check that sufficient support length exists for the floor slabs before the slabs are mounted, especially on short supports.
Mounting the floor slabs
If possible, the beams should be loaded symmetrically along their length. For single-sided support, the beams must be secured to their supports with enough strength to withstand the torsion movement. Propping the beams at the supports could help.
For the beam to interact with the side concrete it's necessary to lay down cross-reinforcement steels before the floors are cast. These reinforcement steels are delivered with the beams, and are placed in the upper holes of the beam, cc 150 mm, before the casting. SWT does not include the reinforcement steels for the floor slab anchorage.