Project scope

As a Kent steel fabricator, we work in Bromley a lot, and even sponsor Bromley football club! This project wasn’t an exception – the customer required some fabricated steel. Due to our convenient location just across the M25 in Gravesend, we turned it around super swiftly. Let’s have a look at all the steps we took to make this steel project come to life.

A “multi steel frame” typically refers to a structural framework made primarily of steel that supports multiple floors or levels within a building. Steel frames are commonly used in construction due to their strength, durability, and versatility. In the context of multi-story buildings, a multi steel frame would consist of interconnected steel beams and columns that form a skeleton or framework. It’s primary goal is to support the weight of the structure and distribute loads such as those from floors, walls, and roof. These frames are often fabricated off-site and then assembled on-site, speeding up the construction process. Additionally, steel frames offer advantages such as flexibility in design, allowing for large open spaces, and resistance to fire, corrosion, and pests. Overall, multi steel frames are a popular choice for constructing tall buildings, skyscrapers, industrial facilities, and other structures where strength, durability, and efficiency are key considerations.

The beginning of steel fabrication process

This project began with acquiring specialised structural steel from our trusted EU steel suppliers. MAH Steel is a CE-marked steel fabrication company. This signifies that MAH Steel complies with the essential health, safety, and environmental protection standards set by the European Union (EU) for its steel products. This certification is crucial for steel manufacturers exporting their goods to the EU market. It indicates that MAH Steel’s products meet the stringent requirements outlined in relevant EU directives and regulations. It means we are safe and suitable for use in construction and other industries across EU member states. This connection to the EU market not only demonstrates MAH Steel’s commitment to quality and regulatory compliance but also enhances our competitiveness and credibility in serving customers within the EU and beyond.

So, upon arrival at our yard, our quality control team thoroughly inspected the material for defects. After that, our fork trucks carefully unloaded and moved it into our steelwork factory premises.

The steel is then ready for the next phase, which is the cutting. Steel cutting is the process of removing material from a steel workpiece to achieve a desired shape or size. This can be done using various methods, including sawing, shearing, milling, drilling, or laser cutting, depending on the specific requirements of the project and the properties of the steel being used. The choice of a cutting method often depends on factors such as the thickness of the steel, the complexity of the desired shape, the precision needed, and the production volume. Steel cutting is a fundamental step in the steel manufacturing process.

Our steel cutting team precisely saw the steel according to the project’s cutting list. Each cut is meticulously executed to ensure the steel is at the correct length, undergoing multiple checks by our vigilant QA team.

Steel fabricators’ work step by step

The cut lengths then proceeded to the steel fabrication area. The steel fabricators ensured the precise cut length before starting the fabrication process.

Next, we prepared the cut ends, cleaned them, and marked for drilling. This allowed us to tack-weld the end plates and connecting plates into the correct position.

After that, the drilling team drilled holes according to the engineering drawings. At MAH Steel, we use 3d modelling (for example, Tekla structures software) for engineering drawings. Utilising it offers a comprehensive and efficient approach to the design and detailing of steel structures. By creating detailed digital representations of the intended structures, engineers can accurately visualise and analyse complex geometries, connections, and components before fabrication and construction begin. Tekla Structures, renowned for its advanced Building Information Modeling (BIM) capabilities, is a brilliant software. It facilitates seamless collaboration among multidisciplinary teams and streamlining workflows. Besides, it reduces errors during the design and construction phases. This integrated approach enhances project efficiency, accuracy, and coordination. It ultimately leads to cost savings and improved project outcomes.

After drilling, our welding fabricators fully welded the steel to the engineers’ exact specifications. In the steel welding process, we employ various welding techniques such as arc welding, MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding, TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding, or stick welding to join pieces of steel together. First, we prepare the surfaces to be welded by cleaning. Then, an electric arc or heat source is applied to melt the base metals. A filler material may be added to facilitate the fusion of the pieces. As the welded joint cools, it solidifies, creating a strong, permanent bond between the steel components. Throughout the process, we pay careful attention to welding parameters such as heat input, welding speed, and electrode selection to ensure optimal weld quality, strength, and integrity.

Finishing touches

At the end of the process, our quality control team reviewed the welding and drilling again. At this stage they have to ensure that strict adherence to engineering drawings guarantees that every hole, end plate, and fabrication specification is correct.

When our multi steel frame is almost ready, it goes to the painting area for steel finishing. This time we blasted it and painted it with precise paint thickness. It is crucial to use the right steel finish for achieving desired aesthetic appearance and ensuring long-term durability. A uniform paint thickness helps to provide consistent colour and surface texture. It enhances the visual appeal of the steel structure or component. Moreover, an adequately thick paint layer acts as a barrier, shielding the underlying steel from exposure to moisture, oxygen, and other corrosive elements.

This way, it prevents rust formation and deterioration over time. Conversely, if the paint layer is too thin, it may fail to provide adequate protection, leading to premature corrosion and structural degradation. Besides, excessive paint thickness can result in uneven drying, cracking, or peeling. It compromises both the appearance and protective properties of the coating. Therefore, achieving precise paint thickness through proper application techniques is essential for ensuring the longevity, performance, and aesthetic quality of steel finishes. After painting, we hang the multi steel frame in our yard to dry.

Steel Delivery and Installation in Bromley

The loading team then ensured each piece of steel aligns with specifications. Bolts, nuts, washers, and packing plates were added as the steel was carefully loaded onto one of our hi-ab lorries. The experienced driver conducted a final check before delivering the steel to the construction site, placing it precisely where the customer required it. In this case in the front garden!