
Steel Frames Delivered in Sections for Tight Sites
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A steel frame can be delivered in sections when the building site cannot take a full-length piece through its gate, stairwell or lift. The frame is designed, cut and drilled in the factory into transportable modules with bolted or welded joints planned in advance, then assembled on site. Sending the measurements and access route at the start is the key step.
When sectional delivery makes sense
Some sites simply cannot receive a long, rigid frame. A narrow street, a small courtyard, a tight staircase or a lift with a low load limit can all rule out a single piece. In these cases, splitting the frame into sections is the practical route rather than a compromise.
It is most common for balcony structures, pergolas, mezzanine supports and steel stairs inside existing buildings, where the final position is hard to reach with a crane or a truck.
Share the access details before design
The most useful information you can give us is how the materials will reach the spot. Tell us about the gate width, the stairwell turns, the lift dimensions and whether a crane or hoist is available.
- Photos of the entrance and the route to the installation point
- Clear width and height of each access point
- Whether the building has a shared lift or loading restrictions
With this information, we decide where the splits should go before any cutting begins.
How the frame is divided
The frame is designed as a set of modules, each light enough and small enough to carry by hand or with simple equipment. Joints are placed at points of low stress and are detailed on the drawing so that every piece has a clear position and matching connection.
Joint types usually include bolted flanges or plates, which suit site assembly well, and in some cases a short site weld. The choice depends on the structure and on what can be done safely on your site.
Measurement, drawing and approval
After the site visit, we prepare a drawing that shows every section, its length, its weight range and its joint details. A written specification accompanies it so the installer knows the order of assembly and the bolt types.
You approve the drawing before production starts. This step prevents surprises, because a change after cutting is far more costly than a change on paper.
Factory production and finishing
Each section is cut, drilled and fitted in our Tel Aviv workshop so that the joints line up when they meet on site. Trial fitting of key connections helps catch errors early.
After fabrication, the sections receive their finish. Hot-dip galvanizing or powder coating is applied before delivery, so the joints and coating are protected and site work is limited to assembly and touch-up.
On-site assembly and installation
On site, the sections are lifted into place in the order shown on the drawing. Bolted joints are tightened to the specified torque, and the frame is checked for level and alignment before it is fixed to the building.
Where the frame is anchored to walls or slabs, the fixings should be checked with the engineer, who confirms the anchor type and the load path for your building.
Frequently asked questions
Will the joints be as strong as a single piece?
A well-designed joint is detailed to carry the loads at that point, and the engineer checks it on the drawing. The joints are placed where stress is low, so the frame performs as intended.
Do I need special equipment to assemble the sections?
Usually the sections are light enough to handle manually, but larger modules may need a hoist or small crane. We note the expected handling needs on the drawing so you can plan ahead.
Can the frame be finished after assembly?
Galvanizing and powder coating are normally applied before delivery. Only minor touch-up is needed at the joints after bolting.
What information do you need to start?
Send photos of the site, the access route with measurements, and a description of the structure's purpose. We will then arrange an on-site measurement.
Common mistakes to avoid
Ordering a single long piece without checking the access route is the most common error, and it can leave the frame stuck outside the building. Measuring only the final position and forgetting the gates, turns and lift sizes causes the same problem.
Our recommendation
Measure every access point along the route, including the narrowest turn, and send those numbers with photos before the design is fixed. Ask for the joint positions to be marked on the drawing so the installer knows exactly how the sections connect.
Summary
Steel frames can be made in transportable sections and assembled on site when access is limited. Early sharing of access details and an approved drawing make the process smooth.
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Send us photos and your access measurements, and we will adv
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