Study each topic below — these are the core knowledge areas tested in Year 1. Build a solid foundation here before advancing to Year 2 material.
🏗️Structural Steel Shapes
- W-shapes (wide-flange beams): flange width, web depth
- HSS (hollow structural sections): round, square, rectangular
- Angles (L-shapes): leg dimensions and applications
- Channels (C-shapes) and I-beams
- Shape designation: W24x68 interpretation
📖Bolted Connections
- ASTM bolt grades: A325, A490 specifications
- Bolt hole diameter and spacing (3d minimum)
- Tension and shear capacity calculations
- Combined loading and interaction equations
- Snug-tight vs fully-tensioned procedures
📖Welded Connections
- Weld types: fillet, groove, plug/slot welds
- FCAW and GMAW processes for structural steel
- Weld size (leg) and length requirements
- Penetration and fusion requirements
- Visual inspection and defect identification
📖Rigging and Sling Angles
- Wire rope and synthetic sling types
- Sling angle correction factors (60° = 1.0; 45° = 1.4)
- Rated load calculations with multiple slings
- Choker hitch vs basket hitch configurations
- Inspection of slings for wear and damage
📖Crane Operations and Signals
- Hand signals and radio communication protocols
- Hoist speed limitations and load testing
- Radius and load capacity interactions
- Counterweight and outrigger requirements
- Swing and positioning safety procedures
📖Column Erection
- Base plate grouting and bearing surface
- Plumbing tolerance: typically 1:500
- Temporary bracing and stability during erection
- Connection bolting sequence and tightening
- Shims and wedges for alignment
⚙️Decking Installation
- Composite and cellular decking types
- Fastener patterns and spacing requirements
- Camber and deflection control
- Fireproofing requirements and application
- Deck reinforcement and concrete placement
🦺Fall Protection Systems
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) harnesses
- Anchor points and strength requirements (5000 lbs)
- Guardrails and safety net specifications
- Rescue plans and emergency procedures
- Competent person responsibilities and training
🔥Torch Cutting Operations
- Oxy-fuel cutting process and safety
- Cut quality and surface finish specifications
- Bevel angle control and precision
- Thickness limitations and standoff distance
- Equipment maintenance and gas handling
🏗️Structural Steel Grades
- ASTM A36 and A992 (most common in Canada)
- Yield strength and ultimate tensile strength
- Notch toughness and Charpy V-notch requirements
- Environmental service conditions and grade selection
- Mill certifications and material verification
📖CSA S16 Steel Construction
- Limit states design (LSD) methodology
- Load factors and resistance factors application
- Plate buckling and member stability checks
- Connection design using composite tables
- Seismic and dynamic loading considerations
⚙️Advanced Welding Techniques
- Multi-pass weld procedures and heat input
- Preheating requirements for thick sections
- Post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) procedures
- Stress relief and hardness testing
- Qualified welder certification maintenance
📖Advanced Connection Design
- Moment-resisting frame connections
- Rigid and semi-rigid analysis
- Splice plate calculations and gussets
- Block shear rupture checks
- Eccentric connection analysis
📖Complex Rigging Operations
- Heavy load planning and simulation
- Multi-crane lifts and load sharing
- Three-dimensional sling load analysis
- Spotter and signaler communications
- Weather impact on rigging operations
📖Advanced Plumbing Steel
- Building mechanical systems coordination
- Pipe supports and clamp sizing
- Hanger rod and rod cap calculations
- Seismic restraint design and installation
- Vibration isolation and mounting systems
🏗️Structural Inspection and Quality Control
- Ultrasonic and radiographic testing interpretation
- Magnetic particle inspection (MPI) techniques
- Hardness testing: Rockwell, Brinell, Vickers
- Nondestructive evaluation standards (ASTM, CAN/ULC)
- Reporting and documentation procedures
📖High-Rise and Complex Structures
- Lateral load resistance systems
- Shear wall and core coordination
- Outrigger systems and dampers
- Building expansion joints and movement
- Architectural steel and cladding integration
📖Fabrication Shop Operations
- CNC cutting and plasma technology
- Shop drawing preparation and bill of material
- Quality assurance programs and standards
- Layout and marking accuracy requirements
- Shipping and installation coordination