Handling and Erection of Steel Joists and Joist Girders: Technical Digest 9
Handling and Erection of Steel Joists and Joist Girders: Technical Digest 9
Handling and Erection of Steel Joists and Joist Girders: Technical Digest 9
HANDLING AND
ERECTION OF
9
STEEL JOISTS AND
JOIST GIRDERS
1
MARCH 2008
The information presented in this publication has been developed by the Steel Joist
Institute and its Technical Committees. This digest is produced in accordance with
recognized engineering principles and is for general information only. The SJI and
its committees have made a concerted effort to present accurate, reliable, and
useful information on the erection of steel joists and Joist Girders. The information
contained in this digest should not be used or relied upon for any specific project
without competent professional assessment of its accuracy, suitability and
applicability by a licensed professional engineer or architect. The publication of the
material contained in this Technical Digest is not intended as a representation or
warranty on the part of the Steel Joist Institute. Any person making use of this
information does so at one’s own risk and assumes all liability arising from such use.
Copyright © 2008
by
All rights reserved. This Technical Digest or any part thereof must not be
reproduced in any form without the written permission of the Steel Joist Institute.
Third Edition
Fourth Printing - November 2015
TECHNICAL DIGEST 9
HANDLING AND ERECTION OF
STEEL JOISTS AND JOIST GIRDERS
The second edition of Technical Digest No. 9 was prepared by Cary Andrews, former
Engineering Manager, SOCAR, Florence, SC, the Institute’s Erection Committee and
the SJI’s Technical Director, Perry S. Green, PhD, and has been carefully reviewed
by members of the Steel Erectors Association of America. Much of the revised
information is a direct result of the changes that have been adopted in the workplace
based on the new Occupational Safety and Health Administration safety standards
issued in 2001.
This third edition of Technical Digest No. 9 has been prepared by Michael Winarta,
Engineering Manager and Greg Davis, Design Engineer, New Millennium Building
Systems, Butler, IN and Perry S. Green, PhD, Technical Director in conjunction with
SJI’s Health and Safety Committee. The main purpose of this revision is to include
information related to SJI’s newest composite steel joist series, the CJ-Series.
FOREWORD
Technical Digest No 9 concerns itself with the proper handling and erection
procedures to be employed in the field to make certain that these products are not
damaged, that they perform as specified, and above all, to ensure the safety of the
steel erectors.
This Technical Digest is another addition to the series of Steel Joist Institute
publications designed to give the reader information regarding the application
and usage of Steel Joists, Joist Girders and Composite Steel Joists. These
digests serve to highlight specific areas of design and/or application for the
benefit of architects, building inspectors, building officials, designers, engineers,
erectors, students and others.
i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT .......................................................................................................i
FOREWORD ........................................................................................................................i
GLOSSARY ..........................................................................................................................vi
PRODUCTS .................................................................................................... 1
BRIDGING .......................................................................................................59
ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................................................74
Appendix B Standard Specifications for Open Web Steel Joists, K-Series .................................78
iii
BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION
The first known application of steel joist construction was in the Bank of the State of
New York building that was erected in 1855 at Williams St. and Exchange Place in
New York City. The architect, James Renwick, developed a type of floor joist that was
comprised of two 1/16 in. riveted wrought iron web plates with 4 x 1/8 in. top and
bottom plates riveted to the web to form the joist. The building was razed in 1903.
During the period 1885 to 1920 various proprietary and patented joist designs were
manufactured including the O’Shea Joist in Chicago, St. Louis Joist, Berger Joist,
Truscon Steel Joist, and the National Strip Steel Joist. All these joists had solid sheet
steel for their webs and it was not until 1923 that the first “open web” steel joist
appeared. The Massillon Bar Joist consisted of five bars: Two top chord bars, two
bottom chord bars and a web bar. The web bar was bent to proper dimensions and
the assembly arc welded at panel points into a Warren truss configuration. The
design of each end of the joist gave it flexibility of span.
In June 1928, the Steel Joist Institute was formed by a group of joist manufacturers,
Concrete Steel Co., New York, NY, Gabriel Steel Co., Detroit, MI, Kalman Steel
Corporation, Bethlhem, PA, The Macomber Steel Co., Canton, OH, and Truscon
Steel Co., Youngstown, OH. The original purposes for which the Institute was founded
were to standardize the methods of design and details of construction, to promote
proper building regulations and to disseminate information relative to the proper use
of steel joists. In December of that same year the Steel Joist Institute adopted the
Standard Specification of Steel Joists, and in August 1929 the first standard loading
table applicable to the design of joists by all member companies was approved. This
loading table was later adopted as Simplified Practice Recommendation R 94-30 of
the United States Department of Commerce. In April 1931 the first Code of Standard
Practice was adopted.
The SJI’s first Catalog, Steel Joist Construction - A Handbook for Architects
and Engineers on the Uses and Properties of Steel Joists, was published
January 1932. The catalog contained information on Open Web Steel
Joists, Standard Specifications and Code of Standard Practice of the Steel
Joist Institute, Handling and Erecting Steel Joists, Standard Steel Joist
Loading Tables and Properties of Steel Joists. That catalog, in addition to the
over 40 other catalogs that have been published subsequently by the SJI,
contains information related to the proper handling and erection of steel joists. In
1932 the SJI provided recommendations on unloading, hauling, piling (storing),
setting joists, decking, construction loads, centering, reinforcing for the top slab,
wood sleepers, placing of concrete, and mechanical trades. Today, each of the
current Standard Specifications for Open Web Steel Joists, K-Series; for
Longspan Steel Joists, LH-Series; and Deep Longspan Joists, DLH-Series has
a section on Erection Stability and Handling while the Standard Specification
for Joist Girders has a section on Handling and Erection.
iv
Today, steel joists and Joist Girders are widely used products primarily in commercial,
industrial and institutional buildings. However, until this technical digest was first
published in 1987, no definitive handbook on their handling and erection had been
written. Since the original publication date, there have been numerous changes
and innovations in the use of steel joists. Among these changes have been the
introduction of new or expanded joist products, innovations in building materials
and systems, changes in design philosophy, and the adoption of new building
codes and federal regulations. Therefore, for these reasons the Steel Joist Institute
determined that an extensive revision to this Technical Digest No. 9 was required.
If a joist manufacturer is asked, “How good are your products?” the answer almost
certainly would be: “only as good as their installation.” A joist manufacturer can
design and build joist products with remarkable intrinsic strength, but whether
or not these products can deliver this strength is largely dependent on how well
they are handled from the time they leave the manufacturing facility until they are
permanently installed in the field.
The purpose of this digest is to present a clear and concise guide for the safe
installation of open web steel joists and Joist Girders. Though it is not possible
to include every conceivable joist application or field condition that could be
encountered, the reader should come away with a basic knowledge of open web
steel joists and Joist Girders and a general understanding of the SJI recommended
safe practices for handling, storing and erecting these products.
One of the most important aspects of safe erection of joist products is proper
bridging. Bridging is a component of the steel joist system that braces the joists
against unanticipated horizontal movement during erection as well as during the
placing of construction loads. A lateral displacement of the joist may mean that
the construction load caused the joist to distort, roll over, or shift from its intended
position resulting in both the ironworkers and joists falling. Much attention will
be given to this critical component. Additionally, as a result of changes in code
provisions and design requirements, bridging may be an integral part of the initial
as well as final structural system.
This digest does not attempt to address all hazards that may be present in a particular
construction environment. Pre-job planning and development of site-specific plans
that identify hazards are very important. The implementation of systems and
procedures to eliminate those hazards completes this process. Contained in the
technical digest is a discussion of several different types of systems used to protect
employees, but regardless of the type selected it should be designed by a qualified
person and employees should be trained in the proper use of the system.
v
GLOSSARY
NOTES:
Terms in Bold and their definitions come from the AISC AND AISI STANDARD,
“Standard Definitions for Use in the Design of Steel Structures,” 2004 Edition, First
Printing - April 2005.
* These terms are usually qualified by the type of load effect, e.g., nominal tensile
strength, available compressive strength, design flexural strength.
†
The definitions provided for these terms come from the OSHA Steel Erection
Standard Part §1926.757 – Open Web Steel Joists.
Anchored Bridging†. The means that the steel joist bridging is connected to a
bridging terminus point.
ASD Load Combination. Load combination in the applicable building code intended
for allowable strength design (allowable stress design).
Applicable Building Code. Building code under which the structure is designed.
Bay. The distance between the main structural frames or walls of a building.
Bearing. The distance that the bearing shoe or seat of a joist or Joist Girder extends
over its masonry, concrete or steel support.
Bearing Plate. The steel plate used for a joist or Joist Girder to bear on when it is
supported by masonry or concrete supports. The plate is designed by the Specifying
Professional to carry the joist or Joist Girder reaction to the supporting structure.
vi
Bottom Chord Extension (BCX). The two angle extended part of a joist bottom chord
from the first bottom chord panel point towards the end of the joist.
Bridging Clip†. A device that is attached to a steel joist to allow the bolting of the
bridging to the steel joist.
Bridging Terminus Point†. A wall, beam, tandem joists (with all bridging installed
and a horizontal truss in the plane of the top chord) or other element at an end or
intermediate point(s) of a line of bridging that provides an anchor point for the steel
joist bridging.
Buckling. Limit state of sudden change in the geometry of a structure or any of its
elements under a critical loading condition.
Bundle. The banding together of joist products, bridging, and decking into certain
sizes, weights, pieces, lengths, etc. to expedite shipping, unloading and storage,
and erection at a job site.
Buyer. The entity that has agreed to purchase material from the manufacturer and
has also agreed to the terms of sale.
Camber. An upward curvature of the chords of a joist or Joist Girder induced during
shop fabrication. Note, this is in addition to the pitch of the top chord.
Cantilever. The portion of a joist product that extends beyond its structural support.
A lateral brace may need to be provided at the end of the cantilever to ensure it is
stable during erection and under load.
Ceiling Extension. A bottom chord extension except that only one angle of the joist
bottom chord is extended from the first bottom chord panel point towards the end
of the joist.
Centering. The material placed over the joists used for cast in place slabs and may
be ribbed metal lath, corrugated steel sheets, paper backed welded wire fabric,
removable centering or any other suitable material capable of supporting the slab
at the designated joist spacing. Centering shall not cause lateral displacement to
the top chord of joists during installation or damage to the joists during removal or
placing of the concrete.
vii
Choker†. A wire rope or synthetic fiber rigging assembly that is used to attach a load
to hoisting equipment or device.
Chords. The top and bottom members of a joist or Joist Girder. When a chord is
comprised of two angles there is usually a gap between the members.
Clear Span. The actual clear distance or opening between supports for a joist,
that is the distance between walls or the distance between the edges of flanges
of beams.
Collateral Load. All additional dead loads other than the weight of the building, such
as sprinklers, pipes, ceilings, and mechanical or electrical components.
Construction Load†. (for joist erection only) Any load other than the weight of the
employee(s), joists and the bridging bundle (see OSHA Regulations 1926.757(d)
(1), (d)(2) and (d)(3)).
Deck. A floor or roof covering made out of galvanized, painted, or unpainted gage
metal attached by welding or mechanical means to joists, beams, purlins, or other
structural members.
Design Load. Applied load determined in accordance with either LRFD load
combinations or ASD load combinations, whichever is applicable.
Diagonal Bridging. Two angles or other structural shapes connected from the top
chord of one joist to the bottom chord of the next joist or anchorage to form an ‘X’
shape. These members are almost always connected at their point of intersection.
viii
Diaphragm. Roof, floor or other membrane or bracing system that transfers in-
plane forces to the lateral force resisting system.
End Anchorage. The proper attachment of the ends of a joist product to masonry,
structural concrete or structural steel.
End Diagonal or Web. The first web member on either end of a joist or Joist Girder
which begins at the end of the top chord and ends at the first bottom chord panel
point. For an underslung joist the end diagonal begins at the seat.
End Support. The masonry, structural concrete or structural steel that supports the
ends of joist products and is capable of carrying the loads transmitted to it by the
joist products.
Erection Bridging†. The bolted diagonal bridging that is required to be installed prior
to releasing the hoisting cables from the steel joists.
Erector. The entity that is responsible for the safe and proper erection of the materials
in accordance with all applicable codes and regulations.
Extended End. The extended part of a joist top chord with the seat angles also being
extended from the end of the joist extension back into the joist and maintaining the
standard end bearing depth over the entire length of the extension.
Fall Restraint System†. A fall protection system that prevents the user from
falling any distance. The system is comprised of either a body belt or body harness,
along with an anchorage, connectors and other necessary equipment. The
other components typically include a lanyard, and may also include a lifeline and
other devices.
Filler. The material placed between the chords and/or webs at certain intervals to
ensure that the cross-section acts as a built-up member (also spacer or batten if
placed on the outside of the chords or webs). The material may be a short piece of
angle, round bar, or other type of steel shape.
Girt. Horizontal structural member that supports wall panels and is primarily
subjected to bending under horizontal loads, such as wind load.
ix
Gravity Load. Load, such as that produced by dead and live loads, acting in the
downward direction.
Header. A structural member located between two joists or between a joist and a
wall which carries another joist or joists. It is usually made up of an angle, channel,
or beam with saddle angle connections on each end for bearing.
Hoisting Cable. A chain, strap or cable that is attached at each end which is used to
facilitate the moving and lifting of joist products, bridging, decking, etc.
Horizontal Bridging. A continuous angle or other steel shape connected to the top
and bottom chord of a joist.
Joint. Area where two or more ends, surfaces or edges are attached. Categorized
by type of fastener or weld used and the method of force transfer.
Joist. A structural load-carrying member with an open web system which supports
floors and roofs utilizing hot-rolled or cold-formed steel and is designed as a simple
span member. Currently, the SJI has the following joist designations: K-Series
including KCS, LH-Series and DLH-Series, and CJ-Series.
Joist Girder. A primary structural load-carrying member with an open web system
designed as a simple span usually supporting equally spaced concentrated loads
of a floor or roof system acting at the panel points of the member and utilizing hot-
rolled or cold-formed steel.
Joist Placement Plans. Drawings that are prepared depicting the interpretation
of the Contract Documents requirements for the material to be supplied by
the Seller. These floor and/or roof plans are approved by the Specifying
Professional, Buyer or Owner for conformance with the design requirements.
x
The Seller uses the information contained on these drawings for final material
design. A unique piece mark number is typically shown for the individual placement
of joists, Joist Girders and accessories along with sections that describe the end
bearing conditions and minimum attachment required so that material is placed in
the proper location in the field.
Joist Substitute. A structural member who’s intended use is for very short spans (10
feet or less) where open web steel joists are impractical. They are usually used for
short spans in skewed bays, over corridors or for outriggers. It can be made up of
two or four angles to form channel sections or box sections.
Load. Force or other action that results from the weight of building materials,
occupants and their possessions, environmental effects, differential movement, or
restrained dimensional changes.
Load Factor. Factor that accounts for deviations of the nominal load from the actual
load, for uncertainties in the analysis that transforms the load into a load effect, and
for the probability that more than one extreme load will occur simultaneously.
xi
Material. Joists, Joist Girders and accessories as provided by the Seller.
Nailers. Strips of lumber attached to the top chord of a joist so plywood or other
flooring can be nailed directly to the joist.
Nesting. The positioning of joist products so that when they are bundled together
the chords of one member fit tightly against or overlap the chords of the adjacent
member in the bundle. Once the strapping that is used to bundle the joists together
is cut the joists become de-nested.
Nominal Load. Magnitude of the load specified by the applicable building code.
OSHA. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is the federal government
agency whose purpose is to save lives, prevent injuries, and protect the health of
the workers of America.
Permanent Load. Load in which variations over time are rare or of small magnitude.
All other loads are variable loads.
Personal Fall Arrest System†. A system used to arrest an employee in a fall from a
working level. A personal fall arrest system consists of an anchorage, connectors,
a body harness and may include a lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline, or suitable
combination of these. The use of a body belt for fall arrest is prohibited.
Purlin. Horizontal structural member that supports roof deck and is primarily
subjected to bending under vertical loads such as dead, snow or wind loads.
Quality Assurance. System of shop and field activities and controls implemented by
the owner or his/her designated representative to provide confidence to the owner
and the building authority that quality requirements are implemented.
Quality Control. System of shop and field controls implemented by the seller and
erector to ensure that contract and company fabrication and erection requirements
are met.
xii
Required Strength*. Forces, stress, and deformations produced in a structural
component, determined by either structural analysis, for the LRFD or ASD load
combinations, as appropriate, or as specified by the Standard Specifications.
Resistance Factor, φ. Factor that accounts for deviations of the actual strength
from the nominal strength, deviations of the actual load from the nominal load,
uncertainties in the analysis that transforms the load into a load effect and for the
manner and consequences of failure.
Safety Factor, Ω. Factor that accounts for deviations of the actual strength from the
nominal strength, deviations of the actual load from the nominal load, uncertainties
in the analysis that transforms the load into a load effect and for the manner and
consequences of failure.
Seller. A company certified by the Joist Institute engaged in the manufacture and
distribution of joists, Joist Girders and accessories.
Service Load. Load under which serviceability limit states are evaluated.
Specified Minimum Yield Stress. Lower limit of yield stress specified for a material
as defined by ASTM.
Splice. Connection between two structural members joined at their ends by either
bolting or welding to form a single, longer member.
xiii
Spreader Bar. A specially designed structural steel member attached to hoisting
equipment that may be used to lift joist, bridging, or decking bundles at two points.
Stabilizer Plate. A vertical steel plate at a column inserted between the end of a
bottom chord of a joist or Joist Girder (see OSHA Regulations 1926.757(a)(1)). A
stabilizer plate may also be provided when the structural support is at a wall.
Strength Limit State. Limiting condition affecting the safety of the structure, in which
the ultimate load-carrying capacity is reached.
Tagged End. The end of a joist or Joist Girder where an identification or piece mark
is shown by a metal tag. The member must be erected with this tagged end in the
same position as the tagged end noted on the placement plan.
Tie Joist. A joist that is bolted at or near a column. When the joist is bolted at a
column it may be referred to as a column joist.
Top Chord Extension (TCX). The extended part of a joist top chord. This type of
extension only has the two top chord angles extended past the joist seat.
Torsional Buckling. Buckling mode in which a compression member twists about its
shear center axis.
xiv
Unbraced Length. Distance between braced points of a member, measured between
the centers of gravity of the bracing members.
Webs. The vertical or diagonal members joined at the top and bottom chords of
a joist or Joist Girder to form triangular patterns.
xv
1
CHAPTER 1
PRODUCTS
There are two broad categories of open web products, Joist Girders which are considered
primary load-carrying members and joists which are considered secondary load-carrying
members (see Figure 1.1). Joists, or more correctly Open Web Steel Joists, are also known
as bar joists, shortspans, longspans or composite joists. Joists are those structural members
in a steel framing system that are designed to carry the gravity load acting over a floor or
roof being supported and transfer that load through their end supports to structural steel
beams or Joist Girders that are directly supported by structural steel columns.
The Steel Joist Institute’s Standard Specifications Load Tables and Weight Tables for
Steel Joists and Joist Girders currently consist of four joist products:
• K-Series including KCS Joists and Joist Substitutes commonly referred to as Bar
Joists or Shortspans;
• LH-Series Joists commonly referred to as Longspans;
• DLH-Series Joists commonly referred to as Deep Longspans; and
• Joist Girders