Unloading & Shaking Out Beams
- Use a Crane and /or Forklift when unloading beams.
- Make sure that when you unload beams that they are unloaded in the most optimal location to erect them.
- Have good solid dunnage to place beams on and verify that the lay-down is a firm area, properly graded, well drained and accessible.
- Once the beams are all standing, mark the beams centers and write the piece marks on top of the beams making sure you put all piece marks all on the same end.
Unloading Beams – can be done with a forklift or crane, depending on the job site if there is room, a forklift works well, if site is tight or you have the crane set up and can land the beams in the most optimal location to erect them, then crane is best. On larger projects where you have a raising gang that is erecting steel, it is better to unload with the forklift so you do not shut down the raising gang to unload trucks.
Shaking Out Beams – the lay-down area for beams is critical and you want to make sure that when you unload beams that they are unloaded in the most optimal location to erect them and that the lay-down area is firm, properly graded, well drained and accessible.
Have good solid dunnage to place beams on. Use crane and shake out hooks to stand the beams up, leave plenty of room between beams so a ironworker can walk though the beams and rig them. (if you are using a stanchion post system for fall protection you will need to leave additional space to put stanchion posts on the carrier beams)
Once the beams are all standing, mark the beams centers and write the piece marks on top of the beams making sure you put all piece marks on the same end of the beam pile so the ironworker does not have to walk to each end to know what the piece mark of each beam is.
Steel Estimating Solutions
Vince Hughes
505-249-2390
PS… If you are looking to take your estimating process into the 21st century, Steel Estimating Solutions can be a great resource to help you make that happen. I have been doing digital takeoffs since 2001 and have developed a pricing tool (actually much more than that) called the Steel Erection Bid Wizard. I have helped over 260 Steel Erectors to make the transition and would love to help you as well. Give me a call anytime.
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