Architectrally Exposed Struct. Steel

[ctg65]

We are erecting a bldg. using struct. steel w/ some members that are exposed, but not designated AESS as such. THe erector is claiming an extra because the members are not designated AESS on the dwgs., even though the specs. have a section that says that all AESS welds will be grinded dowm etc. etc. THe architect is claiming that the spec. is sufficient, and the erector is claiming that he is not supposed to try to figure out the AESS members and has bid the project, as if everything was getting covered. CAn someone shed some light on this, because as the GC and the money involved, it may have to go into some sort of arbitration.
Nayeem Choudhury

 

[Taro]

See AISC Code of Standard Practice Section 10. The contract documents must provide specific identification of members or components that are AESS. If the specifications say that all steel that is exposed to view is considered AESS, that should be adequate.

 

[dik]

If the specifications have a requirement that AESS be treated differently and assuming the heirarchy that specifications take precedent over drawings then the erector/fabricator has little to stand on. There is a good possibility that the General (assuming there's one) did not provide the erector/fabricator with all of the specifications and/or drawings which included this information or showed what was exposed.

This is a matter between the General and the Sub. The General should control his Subs! Why is he 'passing the buck'?