Standards, quality and control in metal structures

Our designs, fabrication and erection follow the technical standards applicable to each project, covering structural requirements, loads, fabrication, welding, protection and erection.

The right standard for every project
Send my projectSee what we build

With transparency

Following a standard is not the same as being certified

Following a standard means designing, fabricating and erecting according to what it defines. Certification is the assessment of a system or product by an external body.

Here you'll find the standards that guide our designs, the fabrication and erection controls, and the documents that accompany the project. The standards for each project are recorded in the design calculation report.

Structural design

The standards behind the structural calculation

They define how the structure is sized, which loads go into the calculation, and what safety margin is applied.

ABNT NBR 8800

Design of steel structures and steel-concrete composite structures

What it defines
How to size steel beams, columns, connections and bracing so the structure safely resists the expected loads.
Where it applies to your project
In the structural design of warehouses and buildings using rolled and welded steel sections.
ABNT NBR 14762

Design of cold-formed steel structures

What it defines
The specific rules for cold-formed sections, which are lighter and widely used in purlins, girts and wall panels.
Where it applies to your project
In roofing, side cladding and lightweight structures.
ABNT NBR 6120

Loads for building structure calculations

What it defines
The self-weight and use loads that go into the calculation: dead load, equipment, storage and occupants.
Where it applies to your project
In defining the loads for each area, such as storage areas and mezzanines.
ABNT NBR 6123

Wind forces on buildings

What it defines
How to calculate the effect of wind based on the region of the country, the surrounding terrain and the shape of the building.
Where it applies to your project
In sizing roofs, cladding and bracing. It carries significant weight in tall, open warehouses.
ABNT NBR 8681

Loads and safety in structures

What it defines
How to combine loads and apply safety factors in each structural check.
Where it applies to your project
In the design calculation report, across every check in the project.

Interfaces with concrete

Where steel meets concrete

Bases, footings and foundations follow concrete standards, coordinated with the metal structure design.

ABNT NBR 6118

Design of concrete structures

What it defines
The design rules for the concrete parts, such as bases, footings and floors.
Where it applies to your project
In the connections between the metal structure and the concrete, such as column bases and anchor bolts.
As required by the project

Other standards applicable to each project

What it defines
Specific standards the project may call for, for example on foundations or other materials.
Where it applies to your project
Defined in the preliminary study and recorded in the design calculation report.

Fabrication and erection

Control from the plant to the job site

Plant · transport · job site

  • Welding with qualified procedures

    Each type of weld follows a defined procedure, qualified before it enters production.

  • Weld inspection

    Welds are inspected before the piece leaves the plant.

  • Anti-corrosion protection and industrial painting

    The protection system is defined according to the project's environment: indoor, urban area, coastal or industrial.

  • Transport, lifting and erection safety

    Numbered pieces ship out in the order they'll be erected, with a lifting plan and crew safety on site.

  • Non-destructive weld testing

    Tests such as dye penetrant or ultrasonic, when the project requires them.

  • Paint thickness measurement

    The paint layer is measured to confirm the specified protection.

  • Safety under regulatory standards

    Erection follows NR-18 (construction sites), NR-35 (work at height) and NR-11 (load handling), Brazil's occupational safety regulations.

Project documentation

What you receive

The documents that record the project, materials and inspections.

  • ART, when applicable

    The ART (Technical Responsibility Certificate) is registered with CREA, Brazil's regional engineering council, naming who is responsible for the design and execution.

  • Design calculation report

    The document with the loads considered, the standards applied and the checks performed.

  • Material certificates

    The quality certificates for the steel and other materials used in the project.

  • Inspection and dimensional control records

    The records of inspections and measurements checked on the pieces.

FAQ

Questions about standards

Is following a standard the same as being certified?

No. Following a standard means designing, fabricating and erecting according to what it defines. Certification is the assessment of a system or product by an external body. This page lists the standards we apply, without claiming certification.

Which standards apply to my project?

It depends on the type of structure, its use and the location. The preliminary study defines the applicable standards, and they're recorded in the design calculation report.

Do I receive the project's ART?

Yes, when it applies to the contracted scope. That's written into the proposal.

How does wind factor into the design?

Through ABNT NBR 6123, which defines wind forces based on the region, the terrain and the shape of the building. In tall, open warehouses, wind is often the deciding factor.

Does a metal structure need corrosion protection?

Yes. Anti-corrosion protection and industrial painting are defined according to the project's environment.

Next step

Have a project? Our engineering team will assess it.

Send us the project details and the drawings. You'll receive feasibility, scope and what's needed to move forward.

Send my projectTalk on WhatsApp
Send project