Structural Steel, Metals, and Rough Carpentry
Structural steel
AISC 360 governs design; ASTM A992 is the standard W-shape steel with Fy = 50 ksi. Shop drawings are produced by the fabricator and reviewed by the EOR - review is not approval of design responsibility. High-strength bolts: A325 for most connections, A490 where higher strength is required; install by turn-of-the-nut, calibrated wrench, or direct-tension-indicator washer, then inspect. Welding follows AWS D1.1: prequalified joints, a written procedure, qualified welders, visual inspection plus UT or MT where specified. Mill certificates trace heat numbers. Spray-applied fireproofing or intumescent coating protects members - shop primer is not fireproofing.
Light-gauge metals
Cold-formed framing is specified by mil thickness (33 mil is roughly 20 gauge) and coating weight; G60 versus G90 zinc coating matters in exterior and coastal work. Structural studs are not the same as nonstructural drywall studs.
Rough carpentry
Lumber is nominal: a 2x10 is 1-1/2 x 9-1/4, and that actual depth drives section properties. Grade stamps (#2 SPF, stud grade) and span tables govern allowable spans. Pressure-treated lumber carries a use category (UC4A for ground contact) and requires hot-dip galvanized or stainless fasteners. Know headers, bearing, joist hangers, sheathing span ratings, and fireblocking at wall intersections.
Worked example
A W12x26 beam spanning 20 ft has 26 lb/ft self-weight: 26 x 20 = 520 lb to add to the total load. If a question offers the nominal 12 in depth for a deflection calculation, it is a distractor - use the actual section properties from the table.