Need for Speed


Other Efforts

With COVID-19 impacting progress on the work in the above in 2020, we have adapted to create a long list of everything that’s already being done by us and others in the marketplace to make steel faster.

Initially, we developed a document describing some associated speed-related activities ongoing in the steel industry. This is a live document intended to be updated as we come across more initiatives being undertaken in our industry. Some of the noted initiatives/products that we have come across to date follow.

 

Faster Connections

Quicon ConnectionQuiconTM Connection

The Quicon connection was developed in the early 2000s by the Steel Construction Institute (SCI) in Great Britain. The connection used a unique connector component that eliminated the need for onsite bolting. It could be used for beam to column or beam to beam connections. The supporting member, either a beam or column, was fitted with a fabricated tee piece using ordinary structural bolts. The tee piece is fabricated with key-hole shaped slots. The unique connection is bolted to the supported beam prior to erection. Expedited erection and improved safety were the goals. A photo of the Quicon System is shown below.

 

 

Schematic of Connect-EZ System for JoistsConnect-EZ V System for Joists

Developed in response to steel erectors and concrete contractors’ requests, the CONNECT-EZ® “V” provides a secure mechanical connection for the erection of structural steel to concrete without the expense and uncertainty of field welding. The interlocking chamber and bearing seat engage remotely, eliminating the need to connect the steel to the concrete manually. The result is reduced labor and equipment costs, as well as increased job site safety during steel erection. The CONNECT-EZ® “V” mechanical connection ensures contractors and engineers increased confidence in every connection’s integrity. Further, third-party structural inspections are conducted quickly and reliably.

 

 

Simpson Yield-Link Moment ConnectionPatented Moment Frame Connections

There are several patented solutions available in the market today for SMF and R=3 moment connections. These include SidePlate Systems, Inc., ConXtech, DuraFuse, and Simpson Yield-Link. All have options that benefit the entire lateral system related to reducing erection/fabrication time and costs and improving performance, resilience response, and safety on the jobsite. It is believed that at least one or two of these companies are also looking at column splice solutions as well.

 

Top-Down Construction Systems for Buildings

Intel Construction in Bangalore, IndiaTop-Down building construction as it applies to steel construction is an approach where:

  1. A central core, generally a reinforced concrete shear wall type system, is constructed ahead of any other part of the structure
  2. Specialized strand jack systems are attached to the top of the core
  3. Each individually level of the building is constructed on the ground level
  4. Each completed building level is then lifted from the strand jacks atop the core to their final elevation on the building - the top level is lifted first followed by the lower levels until the building is complete

An example of a building being constructed in this manner is shown at left. The project shown in the figure is the SRR4 Building that was constructed in India.

Top-Down construction has been around for many years but is now garnering more interest due to its potential to reduce field construction time and reduce costs. There are currently two competing top-down construction proprietary systems in the U.S. There is the TGE Top Down℠ System and the LIFTbuild®, which are described below.

TGE Top Down℠ System

TGE Top Down℠ (TGE) is a patented technology developed by Charlie Thornton that implements the top-down construction method. TGE works with General Contractors, architects, fabricators, and erectors to implement their system into a given project. They work with the various stakeholders to develop the structural design and train fabricators to fabricate the components of the TGE system. They also engage with heavy lift contractors to design and implement the strand-jack lifting systems. 

LIFTbuild® System

LIFTbuild® is a turnkey top-down system owned by Barton Malow Company (BMC), a General Contractor based in Southfield, MI. It uses technology developed previously by Charlie Thornton and is very similar to the TGE system discussed above. BMC sells the system as a turnkey product where they act as the General Contractor for the Project.