One of the most common and basic products used in steel fabrication and other construction trades is the steel wedge.

Askew head bolts are used in masonry work in conjunction with wedge inserts. The askew head bolt is inserted into the wedge insert, which is embedded in a concrete wall, to allow for a connection to be made with a steel member (usually a relieving or lintel angle). 

If you were just starting out as a structural steel fabricator, it wouldn’t be long before you saw a tie rod, hanger rod, or cross brace assembly called for on a building plan. Typically, these assemblies are used in conjunction with a clevis, or more commonly two clevises, and a turnbuckle. While we go into depth on tie rods, clevises and turnbuckles in other articles, today we are focusing on a particularly unique clevis rod order that The Steel Supply Company fulfilled.

Thermal Break Bearings have become a more and more common element used in steel fabricating plans. These products are insulators, meaning that they do not easily conduct heat or energy. As such, they are used to stop heat from transferring between steel members or escaping from the wider building envelope.

Now that the COVID-19 lockdowns are being steadily eased, steel fabricators and other construction trades are finding themselves with a ton of work backed up.

Slide Bearing design and specifications fall into categories with the most common being FC-1010-CS, a 3/32” layer of Fluorogold® bonded to 1/8” thick carbon steel. An upper and lower member of FC-1010-CS are used to create the slide bearing, as shown in Fig. 1. This is the most common configuration and can function effectively in the following ranges:

Environmental regulations for the construction industry are continually developed, and in many cases increased. As most readers of this blog are likely already aware, one highly regulated area of construction pertains to the use of steel primers, particularly the level of volatile organic compounds (or “VOCs”) that they contain.

Headed vs. Hooked Anchor Bolts: Is there a difference? Which should you use?

In recent years, there has been a shift in preference by the AISC and ACI between headed and hooked anchor bolts. It's important that fabricators and engineers are aware of this trend, and why it has occurred.

Most steel fabricators are familiar with the difference between headed anchor bolts and hooked anchor bolts. If you’re not, the diagram below will help to show the difference.

Preparation During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Steel Supply Company has taken substantial steps to maintain reliability and excellence for its customers, as well as safety for its employees.

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically impacted all of our lives, and no industry or daily routine has been left unturned.  As always, we here at The Steel Supply Company wish the best for everyone who has been affected by the virus, and our thoughts are with our customers and suppliers in particular.

New Steel Fabrication Opportunities: Rebar Couplers

Rebar coupling provides steel fabricators with exciting new opportunities; however, the advantages and disadvantages of each type of rebar coupler must be considered.

As advancements in engineering and architecture continue, steel fabricators are increasingly required to find new opportunities to expand their work in rebar coupling. Rebar acts as a structural bearing in concrete. To provide maximum strength, it requires connection to a steel member. In recent years, the options for this connection have moved forward, creating greater opportunities for steel fabricators, but also additional complications.