Posted By Homer In near future we are going to be manufacturing and erecting a large kit framed building. There are working at height issues and also panel sizes will be up to 6 metres with roof having a 12 metre span. Can anyone point me at any good sites with info on this subject as bracing will be a big issue during erection sequence. Cheers

Posted By Mitch As Robert has pointed out the designers are responsible, in an earlier incarnation I used to design large prefabricated structures/equipment housings. Part of my responsibilities was to prepare lifting plans, including diagrams and also specify any specialist lifting equipment, bespoke slings etc. The structural calculations included all lifting points, associated member's and braces whether fixed or removable.

Posted By Robert K Lewis Homer No - this is the originating designer to do this as he IS the lead designer. Also - why pay more money to another designer when it is already a legal duty on the originating designer? You are less likely, as well, to get the best answers in such as the latter situation The lead designer knows the structure and is thus best positioned to determine sequencing, permissible wind loadings during erection, bracing, fixing etc. Do not let up on forcing this duty back on to him. Bob

Posted By Robert K Lewis Mitch My view was that these types of structure almost always need bracing during initial erection until a tie "bay" is formed that is able to support the rest of the structure. This means the sequence needs to be clearly defined as does the precise method of bracing etc. There have been a number of fatalities over the years where initial columns and panels have fallen over due to improper or undesigned bracing. Placing turbines etc onto erected steelwork is, I think, more predictable for a lifting company to plan and execute. Bob

Posted By Robert K Lewis Mitch Sorry I misread you:-) I trust the designer gave you enough information to work out the answers but ultimately he should be paying you to do this not the contractor. I have several design house on my list and all use their temporary works or structural engineers to formulate the erection plan, inclusive of bracing. If the engineers are fully committed the work is commissioned out. Either way the designer retains ultimate responsiobility for the provision. I do not after all wish to return to the situation of less than 2 decades ago when designers simply passed all responsibility to the contractor to design and implement the erection plan, inclusive of any temporary works or other bracing/supports. Bob