The erection of a high rise building’s structural steel frame involves careful planning and coordination between trades. Here are the typical steps:

1. Foundation work – Piers, grade beams and footings are constructed to support columns. Anchors and embeds are installed to attach the base of columns and bracing.

2. Column installation – Steel erection crews connect bottom columns to the foundation using anchor bolts. Columns are placed into position using cranes and temporarily braced.

3. Floor framing – Girders and beams that will support floor decks and wall panels are erected. They are aligned, leveled and bolted to columns at each level.

4. Wall framing – Exterior steel columns and spandrel beams that support curtain walls are installed. Interior columns are erected to support ceiling loads.

5. Elevated decks – Metal decking is secured to steel beams and joists using welding or mechanical fasteners to create floor surfaces.

6. Stairs and elevators – Steel support frames are erected to carry stairwells and elevator guide rails up the structural system.

7. Crane upgrades – Mobile cranes are reconfigured or replaced with tower cranes as the structure gets taller to safely hoist steel.

8. Temporary bracing – Cross-bracing is installed diagonally between columns and beams to stabilize each newly erected level.

9. Shear stud installation – Headed steel studs are welded to beams and girders prior to placing concrete to make composite floors.

10. Level completion – All steel is fully bolted at one level before crane moves teams to the next floor to repeat the process upwards.

11. Topping off ceremony – A final beam is placed at the highest floor and workers sign their names as the structure tops off.

12. Spire and roof – The tower crane is dismantled as steel for the roof and spire trusses, parapets and signature architectural elements are erected.

Careful coordination between all involved trade partners is necessary for safe and efficient structural steel erection of high rise buildings level by level to towering heights.

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