IEM PI Section A – Site/ Field Experience related 1

(For PI section A, candidate will have to write an essay, which the question was earlier prepared by interviewers based on candidate’s Report on Training and Practical Experience. The following were predicted questions, by Mr. BAY based on his submitted report to principal interview and his trial exercise prior to sitting of PI.)


Site/ Field Experience Related Question

What are acceptance criteria of structural steel work?

Introduction

There are few items involved in the design, fabrication and erection of structural steel structure. Design engineer, steel fabricator and contractor are work together to ensure the quality and successful construction.

 The structural steel part is often the most expensive for typical industrial building. Hence, the acceptance criterion upon delivery to site are wised to decided and agreed by client, engineer and fabricator (erector) at early stage of construction.

There are the few items discussed here.

1)      Submission of Shop drawing

In order to avoid disagreement and argument upon of fabricated steel members (Assemblies) delivered to site not in accordance to design drws, engineer shall instruct the fabricator to submit shop drawing for review and comment.

2)      Welding procedure specification/ Method of statement on welding

a)      Flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) = semi-automatic or automatic arc welding process. No stick electrode.

b)      Stick Welding = Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) = Manual arc welding (MMA/ MMAW)

Almost all steel assemble works inevitably involve welding works. The quality of welding affect the reliability and strength of structural steel. Hence, this part shall be submitted prior to commencement of mass fabrication work.  

Engineer’s inspection at fabrication yard to witness and inspect the trial welding work by qualified welder is also deemed necessary. Both the engineer and fabricator to discuss for the appropriate approaches.

3)      Inspection record form/ b4 delivered out from fabrication yard

All steel assemblies, prior to delivery out from fabrication yard, should have passed internal quality control system and in accordance to shop drawing and approved method statement. There shall be inspection record or similar form to check and tick all necessary work completed to required quality at yard.

4)      Type and number of test (Visual Inspection, UT test, MPI test)

a)      Visual inspection – to check uniformity of welds, surface condition like painting.

b)      UT test – to check internal flaw of the steel and weld.

c)       MPI test – to check surface and shallow depth of steel for flaw.

5)      Inspection and acceptance upon delivery to site

a)      personnel to inspect and sign the acceptance form.

b)      Visual inspection

6) Rectification work procedure at site, such field welding.