Who provides leveling nuts or shims? 6

[shaneelliss]

I am involved in a project that has a concrete contractor and a steel erector as two separate contracts. Neither contract specifies who is to provide leveling nuts or shims. In my mind the answer is obvious that the steel erector is to provide the leveling nuts or shims because they have a choice on how to set the level and don't have to use one over the other (shims or nuts). The concrete contractor provided the anchor rods and one nut, which is what the drawings require. The drawings also show 1.5" grout space between concrete and baseplate. The steel erector is saying that they can't install the columns until the concrete contractor provides him with leveling nuts. I tried looking in the code of standard practice, but don't see anything there. Is there a standard that says the erector is to provide these? Or is it the concrete contractor's responsibility? Or is it the responsibility of the owner to make sure that the contract specifies one way or the other?

 

[hokie66]

But Mike, this is different from your o-ring. These nuts are not required at all...unless the erector wants to use them as an aid in setting the columns.

 

[dik]

I was aware of the OP... but, there really isn't much of an argument... just a matter of informing the steel fabricator that he should be providing the accessories and if not, then the owner should and take other actions... including putting the fabricator on notice for any delays.

The other info added was to let the OP know that there are other issues that could be problematic and I agree with CEL... played engineer in Ontario for nearly 30 years...

Dik

 

[kylesito]

Leveling nuts are a means and methods issue regarding setting the steel. It's by far the simplest, most cost effective way, but the column wasn't designed uniquely because it's designed on leveling nuts versus not. In that respect then, it's on the erector/fabricator to supply them to the contractor or the concrete guy should have a guarantee that the top of his piers will be within leveled tolerance (not likely)


PE, SE
Eastern United States

"If a builder builds a house for someone, and does not construct it properly, and the house which he built falls in and kills its owner, then that builder shall be put to death!"
~Code of Hammurabi

 

[CELinOttawa]

Ah, notice for damages... Work for Mike's kids!

Being "new" around here, I'll have to ask whether or not it is inappropriate for me to ask you where you worked in Ontario Dik?

Hokkie's right as well, of course, but there is no way of knowing which way any adjudicator (mediator, arbitrator, the courts) will side. I often think it has more to do with the amount of money a side puts into the argument than the validity of any arguments. *sigh*

 

[dik]

Toronto and environs... My first major project when I moved to Toronto was the Cornwall Centre in Regina... go figgur!

Dik

 

[Gumpmaster]

The general contractor is just sitting back and enjoying it while you work out his problems. Hokie is right, don't let the general get out of his obligations. You probably didn't specify explicitly who was providing most things (fabricator supplies the steel, erector provides the cranes...). You just provide the end state and the general figures out how they want to divy up the work.

Don't get sucked into the arguement, place it back on the general.

 

[dik]

I gather it's the client that is playing General...

Dik

 

[dhengr]

When I call out leveling nuts for column erection, I always note that they should be welded to the A.B’s., by the fabricator, in the controlled conditions of the shop. That way they all end up at exactly the same height/elevation from the top of the A.B’s, and can’t get lost in the field. If they don’t want leveling nuts, just put them down 6-8" from the top of the A.B., then they will be out of everyone’s way. You could just tell the fabricator or erector that if they want to be paid, they should send a free bucket of leveling bolts with their first invoice.

 

[hokie66]

dhengr, welding levelling nuts to the anchor bolts defeats the purpose. They are used for adjustment.

 

[kylesito]

Hokie, was going to make the same comment. I'm not sure what the best purpose of this would be.

PE, SE
Eastern United States

"If a builder builds a house for someone, and does not construct it properly, and the house which he built falls in and kills its owner, then that builder shall be put to death!"
~Code of Hammurabi

 

[dhengr]

Hokie:
I was just trying to get you a few more LPS. Sorry for the attempt at humor. Does it take two smiley faces to indicate humor and silliness these days?

Actually I was in complete agreement with your 16JAN14, 18:52 post. I hope you intended your clarification so that no body would take my post as being serious. Without a sense of humor or an interest in teaching non-engineers, and even non-tech practitioners how to pretend to be engineers, this place has kinda become a desert when it comes to the blooming of interesting topics and questions.

 

[cvg]

Does it take two smiley faces to indicate humor and silliness these days?

I think this would be better

 

[TDIengineer]

weld leveling nuts... good one.. and in the shop!

 

[hokie66]

I apologize, dhengr. Profusely. Will blame it on the weather here. Has been hot, too hot.

 

[dik]

We've had -30C stuff for the last week or so... quit winin' about the heat <G>...

Dik