Steel Frame Construction Course

Lesson 1 • Component Identification and Terminology

Introduces studs, tracks, joists, headers, and bridging with standardised naming conventions. Accurate terminology is essential for reading plans and communicating on site.

Lesson 2 • Steel Framing Materials and Properties

Examines steel alloy composition, galvanisation, and mechanical properties relevant to framing. Connects material science to real-world performance expectations.

Lesson 3 • Regulatory and Safety Framework

Outlines building code requirements, fire ratings, and occupational safety standards for steel framing. Compliance knowledge prevents costly rework and site hazards.

Lesson 1 • Quantity Takeoff from Drawings

Teaches systematic methods for counting and measuring steel components directly from plans. Accurate takeoffs reduce material waste and support cost estimation.

Lesson 2 • Structural Drawing Interpretation

Focuses on reading framing plans, load paths, and connection details specific to steel. Students learn to identify member sizes, spacing, and critical structural notes.

Lesson 3 • Construction Drawing Fundamentals

Explains drawing scales, orthographic views, and sheet organisation used in steel framing projects. Accurate plan reading is the prerequisite for all layout and fabrication tasks.

Lesson 1 • Wall Layout and Stud Spacing

Teaches standard stud spacing patterns and how to mark tracks for consistent stud placement. Correct spacing ensures structural integrity and simplifies sheathing installation.

Lesson 2 • Site Control and Benchmarks

Establishes how to set horizontal and vertical control points before framing begins. Control accuracy at this stage prevents compounding errors throughout the project.

Lesson 3 • Floor Layout Techniques

Covers snapping chalk lines, locating partition intersections, and marking door openings on slabs. Precise floor layout is the foundation for plumb and aligned walls.

Lesson 1 • Bolted and Specialty Connections

Covers through-bolts, anchor bolts, and proprietary connectors for high-load and seismic applications. Specialty connections are required where standard screws are insufficient.

Lesson 2 • Connection Quality Control

Establishes inspection criteria, common defects, and corrective actions for all fastener types. Quality control at connections is critical to structural performance and code compliance.

Lesson 3 • Welding in Steel Framing

Introduces tack welding, fillet welds, and weld inspection for structural steelwork connections. Welding is used where screw connections cannot meet load requirements.

Lesson 4 • Screw Types and Selection

Covers self-drilling, self-tapping, and fine-thread screws with their appropriate applications in steel framing. Screw selection directly affects connection strength and installation speed.

Lesson 1 • Bracing and Temporary Support

Covers diagonal strap bracing, let-in bracing, and temporary shoring during erection. Adequate bracing prevents wall racking and collapse before permanent connections are made.

Lesson 2 • Track and Stud Installation

Covers fastening floor and ceiling tracks, then inserting and securing studs at marked locations. Proper track attachment is the critical first step in wall assembly.

Lesson 3 • Load-Bearing Wall Considerations

Addresses increased gauge requirements, hold-down anchors, and load transfer details for load-bearing walls. Load-bearing walls require stricter tolerances and additional connection hardware.

Lesson 4 • Opening Framing for Doors and Windows

Teaches header sizing, king stud placement, and sill framing for rough openings. Accurate opening framing ensures proper door and window installation later.

Lesson 1 • Rim Track and Bearing Installation

Covers installing rim tracks, bearing clips, and web stiffeners at joist ends. Proper bearing details transfer floor loads safely to supporting walls.

Lesson 2 • Ceiling Framing and Soffit Construction

Covers ceiling joist layout, dropped soffit framing, and attachment to bearing walls. Ceiling framing must accommodate mechanical systems and finish material weight.

Lesson 3 • Floor Joist Selection and Span Tables

Explains how to use span tables to select joist size and gauge for given loads and spans. Correct joist selection prevents excessive deflection and structural failure.

Lesson 4 • Bridging and Blocking for Floors

Addresses solid blocking, X-bridging, and strapping to control joist rotation and lateral movement. Bridging is required at specified intervals to maintain joist stability.

Lesson 1 • Roof-to-Wall Connection Details

Covers hurricane ties, rafter clips, and continuous load path connections at the roof-wall interface. Proper connections resist uplift forces and transfer roof loads to walls.

Lesson 2 • Roof Geometry and Pitch Calculations

Explains roof pitch, rise-over-run ratios, and how to calculate rafter lengths for common roof shapes. Geometry mastery is prerequisite to accurate rafter cutting and placement.

Lesson 3 • Rafter Fabrication and Cutting

Covers marking plumb cuts, bird's mouth notches, and tail cuts on steel rafters. Precise cuts ensure tight bearing at ridge and wall plate connections.

Lesson 4 • Ridge, Hip, and Valley Framing

Teaches ridge beam installation, hip rafter layout, and valley framing for intersecting roof planes. These elements define roof shape and must carry concentrated loads.

Lesson 1 • Complex Structural Conditions

Addresses cantilevered floors, transfer beams, and moment frames requiring advanced detailing. These conditions demand precise execution and thorough understanding of load paths.

Lesson 2 • Framing Inspection and Punch Lists

Establishes a systematic approach to pre-inspection walkthroughs, deficiency documentation, and correction. Thorough inspection prevents failed inspections and project delays.

Lesson 3 • Project Closeout and Handoff

Covers as-built documentation, material waste disposal, and handoff procedures to subsequent trades. Proper closeout ensures the framing scope is complete and the site is ready for next phases.

Lesson 4 • Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Coordination

Covers web penetration rules, sleeve installation, and coordination with MEP trades in steel framing. Improper penetrations compromise structural integrity and require costly repairs.