Setting-out guidance
The design and erection should account for the various interfaces with the structure, and the associated tolerances.
Non-structural interfaces that are common in steel-framed buildings include:
· Attachment points and penetrations for M&E services.
· Lift installations.
· Internal fit-out panels including fire protection boards
· Perimeter and internal masonry walls.
· Metal cladding panels to roof and walls.
· Curtain walling.
· Glazing for facades and skylights.
The most frequent source of difficulty during erection is associated with the fit-up between the erected steelwork and components that require tight tolerances. Common cases of inconsistency between the structure and non-structural components are lift installations, some advanced cladding panels and facade glazing.
The solution is often to provide for some degree of adjustment at the interface.
To determine what particular adjustments or clearances might be needed at a support interface between the steel frame and a close-fitting component, an estimate is needed of the variability of the support position offered by the erected steel frame in relation to the supported component and its associated dimensional tolerances. Typically it will be concluded that the supporting details need to incorporate adjustability at the attachment interface point.
