2.1 Slings
Lifting, loading and transportation of steel frames shall be accomplished with sufficient care to prevent damage. Frames must be fully supported in either horizontal or vertical planes when being transported. Care must be taken when tying down and lifting wall frames not to put an excessive pressure on joints.
Most wall frames for single storey work may be lifted by hand, however where cranage is required, sling frames at plate and stud connections. When a crane is used to unload, suitable lifting methods are required to minimise racking loads or local distortion of members.
Slings should be located at equal distances from frame centrelines and be approximately one-third to one-half the frame length apart.
Important
Take great care not to damage components when maneuvering any materials by hand. Damaged components may affect structural integrity so all components should be inspected on arrival to site.
2.2 Wall Frame Exposure & Storage
2.2.1 On-site storage
Wall frames stored on-site should be blocked above firm ground to protect them from ground water. You can store frames either:
- vertically
- horizontally.
Vertical storage
Frames are stored vertically should be supported at the designed support locations in a manner that prevents tipping or toppling as shown in Figure 2.2.1.
Figure 2.2.1 Frames stacked vertically
Horizontal storage
Frames stored horizontally should be supported using blocking at 1.0m to 1.5m centres or as required at joints to prevent bending of the frames as shown in Figure 2.2.2.
Figure 2.2.2 Frames stacked horizontally
