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How to install a steel base plate in 6 easy steps?

Steel base plates are used to spread the load coming from steel column to the foundation (usually concrete). The installation process of steel base plates is quite a delicate process and requires a lot of care. If improperly done, it can lead to imperfect columns, that can compromise the load carrying capacity of entire structure. In this article, we will discuss different steps involved in installing a base plate on concrete foundation.

Read more: How to design a steel column base plate (under axial load only)?

Steel base plate installation

Step 1: Before installing the base plate, ensure that you have already installed the anchors in the concrete slab (foundation). These anchors should be in place before pouring the concrete

Step 2: Use the anchoring template’s centerline to locate the column line. Anchoring template is also sometimes termed as base plate template. It is essentially a piece of card board or plastic paper with holes inside it marking the location of anchor bolts.

steel column base plate template


Step 3: The next step is installation of levelling nuts of anchor rods. They are used to make adjustment to column inclination. For light weight columns or connection where small amount of bending moments have to be resisting, only 4 anchor bolts are necessary

Read more: How to design a composite steel concrete column? [step by step guide]

Step 4: The next is to drop columns onto bolt anchors. This is usually done with the help of crane. Please note that the base plate is already attached to the column end, which is usually welded.

lowering steel columns

Step 5: Raise or lower the leveling nuts under the base plate to level the columns. Place a level on the base plate to make sure it is horizontal.

levelling steel base plate


Step 6: Tighten the nuts that are supplied with the columns to firmly anchor them above the base plate. The tightening of bolts follows certain predefined torque levels. Before loading the frame, place 5,000 psi (minimum) of non-shrink grout beneath the base plate. It is placed to prevent any corrosion around the bolts.

tightening steel base plate

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