Structural Steel Quantities: Basics for Estimators
Tonnes, members, connections—introductory notes for steel takeoff and pricing alignment.
Units and schedules
Steel is often priced by tonne with separate allowances for fabrication, transport, and erection. Connection design can shift quantities between supply and install packages.
Use structural schedules and 3D extracts where available; reconcile profile names with finisher standards.
Clarify whether tonnage is shop-weight or field-verified; bolts, welds, and intumescent paint may be priced per item or per tonne.
Connections and secondary steel
Brackets, stiffeners, and cleats add weight not always obvious on early models—review connection drawings.
Handrails, stairs, and miscellaneous metals may sit in architectural packages—align responsibility before you price.
Site allowances
Crane picks, temporary bracing, and survey tolerances affect install hours even if tonnage is fixed.
Fireproofing scope (spray, boards) is often separate from raw steel tonnage—match BOQ lines.