OSHA Requirement For Joists Over 40 Feet
OSHA Requirement For Joists Over 40 Feet
(OP)
Was there EVER an OSHA requirement or SJI recommendation, that, joists over 40 foot span are to be field bolted to support, prior to release of hoist line, and THEN welded to support?
I'm trying to explain to the G.C. why I have that in my spec when the following OSHA interpretation says:
Question (3): May joists 40 feet or longer be bolted and not welded for final attachments?
Answer
Yes. Section 1926.757(b)(1) and (2) set out requirements for the final attachment of steel joists and steel joist girders. Under these provisions, employers may
elect to make the final attachments by either bolting or welding -- there are specifications in the standard for both options. Either option may be chosen
irrespective of whether the joist is required to be initially attached by field bolting. So, if a joist is required by §1926.757(a)(8) to be initially attached by field
bolting, the employer may elect to make the final attachment by bolting using bolts that meet the §1926.757(b) criteria for bolted final connections. Alternatively,
the final attachment can be made by welding, as long as the final attachment criteria in §1926.757(b) for welded final connections are met.
Thank you!
I'm trying to explain to the G.C. why I have that in my spec when the following OSHA interpretation says:
Question (3): May joists 40 feet or longer be bolted and not welded for final attachments?
Answer
Yes. Section 1926.757(b)(1) and (2) set out requirements for the final attachment of steel joists and steel joist girders. Under these provisions, employers may
elect to make the final attachments by either bolting or welding -- there are specifications in the standard for both options. Either option may be chosen
irrespective of whether the joist is required to be initially attached by field bolting. So, if a joist is required by §1926.757(a)(8) to be initially attached by field
bolting, the employer may elect to make the final attachment by bolting using bolts that meet the §1926.757(b) criteria for bolted final connections. Alternatively,
the final attachment can be made by welding, as long as the final attachment criteria in §1926.757(b) for welded final connections are met.
Thank you!






RE: OSHA Requirement For Joists Over 40 Feet
At column lines, the SJI spec has, for many years, required that joists be bolted to ensure stability during erection. The assumption is that there is a field erection bolt at the column line and that the "typical" joist to steel support connection be done later - i.e. the welded connection.
The concept of longer joists (i.e. >40 ft. spans) is mentioned in the past specifications with regard to bridging - where you need to have some minimal amount of bridging lines that can be installed and bolted quickly into place prior to releasing the hoist support lines.
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RE: OSHA Requirement For Joists Over 40 Feet
I don't know where i got the dual connection spec from.
I'm aware of the bridging requirement.
I was NOT aware of the column line requirement other than the stabilizer plates.
Thank you for your support.
RE: OSHA Requirement For Joists Over 40 Feet
1926.757(a)(8)(i)
Except for steel joists that have been pre-assembled into panels, connections of individual steel joists to steel structures in bays of 40 feet (12.2 m) or more shall be fabricated to allow for field bolting during erection.
Been that way for about 10 years.
RE: OSHA Requirement For Joists Over 40 Feet