STRUCTURAL GLASS FACADES - USC School of Architecture

3.1.3 Fabrication
Fabrication requirements vary as a function of the selected structural system type and glass
system type. Depending upon the glass specification, product cost and availability, the glass
may be imported, which can present logistical and scheduling issues. These requirements
are not trivial, and how they are dealt with will directly impact the quality, timely completion
and cost of the work. Exposed steel structures require a level of craftsmanship in their
fabrication that is uncommon in the construction marketplace. Measures must be taken both
in properly specifying the work requirements on the design side and assuring that these
specifications are in fact met on the build side. Again, some of the materials and processes
utilized in structural glass facades, while not new by any means are unfamiliar to much of the
construction industry, impacting fabrication and erection processes as much as they do
design practices.
On approval of final design by the architect, and often before, the design/build contractor will
commence the fabrication scope of work, including material procurement and subcontracting
to other service providers as required. The design/builder may or may not have its own
fabrication facilities. The project specifications may stipulate that certain materials or
services be acquired from a named provider (sole-source) or providers. Such specifications
often include an “or equal” clause, that allows the design/builder to submit an alternate
provider for approval by the architect.
Fabrication issues are discussed in more detail in Chapter 2.
3.1.4 Erection
The building site is where all prior work converges for assembly and erection; construction
can be the most challenging and demanding phase of a project. The financial success of a
project is most often determined on the building site, at least in areas with high field labor
rates. Here again the previously cited elements that comprise structural glass technology
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