Steel Estimating Down to the
Anchor Bolts.
The main members are easy to weigh. The profit is lost in the moment connections, the embed plates, the galvanizing specs, and the crane rental required for erection sequencing.
Submit Structural PlansBeyond Base Tonnage
A raw tonnage takeoff from a 3D model is dangerous if it doesn't account for fabrication and erection reality. Our Division 5 estimators dissect the structural drawings, extracting the W-shapes, HSS tubes, and channels, but we don't stop there. We calculate the weight of the base plates, cap plates, and stiffeners.
Plan Review: Structural Steel
Generic takeoff services just click lines. Our estimating team reviews the architectural details against the structural and MEP notes. When we find a conflict, we highlight it on the plans and generate an RFI before you bid.
The structural drawings showed an open roof deck. We cross-referenced the mechanical plans and found three 10-ton Rooftop Units. We drafted an RFI and proactively estimated the required W8 and HSS dunnage steel, pitch pockets, and welding labor to support the RTUs.
Joists, Decking, and Shear Studs
We perform exact counts for open web steel joists, tracking their bearing depths and bridging requirements. For composite floor systems, we calculate the metal deck square footage (including lap waste) and explicitly count the Nelson shear studs required to bond the concrete to the steel frame.
Missed: Crane Rental and Mobilization
Fabricators who also bid erection often use a flat '$X per ton' erection rate. On tight urban sites where the crane must be set up in the street, or on sprawling sites requiring constant crane relocation, this flat rate fails spectacularly.
We analyze the site logistics and the heaviest pick weight (usually the largest beam or the RTU). We add the specific crane rental cost (e.g., 80-ton rough terrain vs. 200-ton crawler), the mobilization fee, and the rigger/signalman labor for the duration of the erection schedule.
James 'Iron' Sullivan
Senior Structural Estimator • Heavy Structural & Connections
"If you miss the field welding requirements on a moment frame, your erection budget will vanish. We check the weld symbols. If it requires CJP (Complete Joint Penetration) field welds, we price the ultrasonic testing and the extra welder hours."
| Material / Scope Item | Base Qty | Unit | Waste / Lap Factor | Estimator Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| W12x40 Columns (A992) | 14.2 | TONS | N/A | Includes base plates and shop welding |
| 24K7 Open Web Steel Joists | 128 | EA | N/A | Verify bridging requirements in S-Notes |
| 1.5in. 20-ga Type B Roof Deck | 32,400 | SF | 10% Lap/Cut | Puddle welded 12in. O.C. at supports |
| 3/4inx18in Anchor Bolts (F1554) | 240 | EA | N/A | Furnished by Div 5, installed by Div 3 |
The Structural Steel Precision Protocol
A systematic approach to Division 5 takeoffs that captures every connection detail, embeds, and erection variable.
Member Takeoff & Grade Sort
We extract every W-shape, HSS, channel, and angle, sorting by grade (A992, A572-50, A36) and weight per foot for accurate tonnage reporting.
Connection Detailing
Moment connections, shear tabs, gusset plates, and stiffeners are weighed and priced separately from main member tonnage. We count every A325 and A490 bolt.
Embed & Anchor Bolt Log
We quantify all embed plates, anchor bolts, leveling nuts, and shear key pockets that must be coordinated with the concrete placement sequence.
Erection Logistics & Crane
We analyze heaviest pick weight and site access to determine the minimum crane size, mobilization cost, and rigging labor required for the erection sequence.
Steel Estimating FAQ
Do you quantify connection detailing and bolts?
How do you handle open web steel joists and metal deck?
Do you catch embeds and anchor bolts?
How is galvanizing and shop primer estimated?
Core Services
Protect Your Steel Margins
Stop losing money on connection plates, embeds, and crane logistics. Let us price it right.
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