18/11/2024
Something Different!
I enjoy new challenges in engineering. Here we see my first attempt at structural steelwork in the form of a 6m x 6m steel outbuilding.
I designed this building in partnership with the customer, which was based on the form and features found in a wartime codebreaking hut from Bletchley park.
I decided to get the pens out and developed the kit of parts manually using engineering drawing skills learned at school.
Detailed drawings were prepared to show the mitre angles for cutting the RSJ and Channel sections. The steel delivery was dropped off as a pack of pre-cut parts which I then fabricated on site into the final form. Thankfully the supplier was reasonably accurate and only one or two sections required minor modification.
Bracing and joining plates were created manually from 8mm (5/16"!) plate in the workshop. We did use metric bolts, but I guess we could still upgrade to imperial if we wanted 😋.
I erected the building in person, more or less unassisted with only a scaffold tower for support whilst working at height. The tree did lend an occasional hand, but the majority of sections were lifted and positioned using manual methods. With the right strategy heavy items can be handled with relative ease and efficiency.
Not a back breaking job!
I like to ensure accurate geometry and proper alignment in my work. A solid foundation was provided by the customer in the form of a compacted MOT Type 1 sub base. I created the base frame ensuring truth with basic trigonometry and a level. Ongoing checks ensured that the accuracy was not lost as the job progressed.
My design tolerance was +/- 2mm, with a maximum allowable deviation of 5mm on major dimensions. This was more as a personal challenge than anything. I think i got it all true to a maximum error of 1/8" which was seen only once or twice. It was more or less good to 1/16th" on average.
A fantastic and enjoyable project which was capably completed by the customer and is enjoying mixed usage across various themes.
