Primary framing

Erection procedure

1. 1Step one — columnsCheck the anchor-rod plan and the erection drawings for special conditions. Stand the column, install anchor-rod nuts and temporary bracing, install girts, flange braces, and all bolts. The number of girts and the temporary bracing required to secure columns is the erector’s call.
2. 2Plan the first bayErect a braced bay first — usually the first interior bay from either end. Bolt as many clips and flange braces as possible before raising the frame so you are not doing it in the air.
3. 3Step two — first rafterRaise the first rafter / haunch section. All high-strength bolts snug-tight before it leaves the ground. Hold it until it is secured to the columns and temporary bracing is tied off. If there are interior columns, brace those too.
4. 4Bolt roof-beam sections on the groundRigid-frame roof beams often ship in two or more pieces. Layout and block them in the assembled position. Align holes in the ridge plates, then bolt. Draw the bolts up evenly. When the frame is still on the ground, snug-tight is recommended; pretension after the frame is standing if required.
5. 5Step three — second frameRaise the second rafter and roof-beam section. Hold it until it is bolted to columns and lead purlins are on. Add a brace near the strut purlin. Keep the strut purlin in tension until it can be stabilized with intermediate channel braces or sheeting. Continue leapfrogging temporary braces as additional frames and purlin struts go in.
6. 6Step four — the braced bayBolt remaining eave members, purlins, and girts of the braced bay. Install brace rods and flange braces. Square and plumb the braced bay before erecting adjacent bays.
7. 7Step six — remaining framesProceed with remaining frames. Plumb in the longitudinal direction the same way, H/500.
8. 8Step seven — secondary, then coveringComplete all primary and secondary. After secondary in one end bay, roof panels may start — worked with completion of primary and secondary, not ahead of it. Remove temporary bracing only after all paneling is installed.

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Lifting

Three-point sling, three-point with a bridle center leg, structural spreader, or a flying connection — pick the method that matches the weight, the length, and the crane. Block roof-beam sections for assembly so other parts can be attached on the ground.

Block between the flanges so the choker does not crush the beam. Softeners at the sling points. After the sling is on, make a test lift. A spud through a hole in the top flange at the sling keeps the choker from walking. Note the sling location and repeat it on the remaining beams. While the beam is still on the ground, connect tag lines.

Setting the roof beam

Raise slowly and guide so rafter flanges align with column flanges, then bolt. A spud wrench lines the holes. Secure guy lines before releasing the crane.

Squaring, plumbing, H/500

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1. 1Locate the transitSlightly to the left of the rigid frame in this typical case. Level it.
2. 2Match the basesRotate until you get the same tape reading at points A and B — the base of each column. Measure from the web.
3. 3Lock and work upLock horizontal rotation. Adjust rod bracing and temporary bracing until that same tape reading appears at every point up the frame. Take all readings from the web.

Columns shall be plumb at the check points to within height / 500. Beams shall be straight from column to column (field splices) to within span / 500.

Rafter-to-column details

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