If only 3+ months late and “slightly” over-budget, the steel has finally arrived and is erected. We had a brief scare with the anchor bolts to the base of the steel columns not aligning during erection. But with some clever field adjustments and epoxy anchors, we were able to get everything set securely. The only thing remaining is to finish welding the plates for the moment connections and set a couple of misaligned bolts. This should be completed in the next couple of days and we will be moving on from our adventures in steel. The next item on the agenda will be framing the roof to provide some weather protection for the plank and beam cedar floor.
All in all, the erection of the steel went better than I could have imagined. After what seemed like an eternity of working through shop/fabrication drawings, structural changes, and a few terse conversations with the fabricators, I would be lying if I said I didn’t have my doubts and second guessing of the decision to go with steel. I had my nightmares of pieces being incorrectly sized and holes misaligned, but they proved to be for naught. In the end, it was the right decision in that it allows for a column free interior and unobstructed glass on three sides of the house.
Cheers to Dad for having the patience to work through this process and to D&J and CFE for delivering.
WES