Massive Structural Column Fabrication
In modern mega-projects—from high-rise skyscrapers and sports stadiums to heavy industrial plants—the structural columns are the critical backbone carrying immense vertical and lateral loads. Fabricating these massive load-bearing members requires flawless welding, strict dimensional control, and the facility scale to handle extreme lengths and tonnages.
Openex specializes in the fabrication of oversized built-up steel columns that exceed standard mill sizes. Utilizing tandem Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) and massive CNC planer mills for perfect end-facing, we manufacture heavy box columns, cruciform columns, and custom welded I-beams up to 40 meters in length and weighing up to 250 tons.
Column Fabrication Capabilities
We custom build structural columns to your exact architectural and engineering blueprints. Below are our general facility capacities:
| Column Types Processed | Built-Up Box Columns, Cruciform, Heavy Welded I/H-Beams, Tubular Columns. |
|---|---|
| Maximum Length | Up to 40+ Meters (130+ feet) |
| Maximum Weight | Up to 250 Tons per column |
| Materials & Grades | Carbon Steel & HSLA: A36, A572, A992, A514, Q345, S355. |
| Welding Codes | AWS D1.1 (Structural Welding Code), ASME, EN 1090 EXC3/EXC4. |
| End Machining | CNC Planer Milling for 100% bearing contact on splice plates and base plates. |
Our Work: Structural Columns
The Manufacturing Process
Thick steel plates are precisely cut using our heavy-duty CNC Plasma and Laser tables. Edges are mechanically bevelled to exact angles to ensure full joint penetration (CJP) during the welding phase.
Columns are tacked and placed into massive turning rolls. We utilize multi-pass Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) to lay down heavy, flawless, continuous welds with deep penetration, strictly adhering to AWS D1.1 codes.
To ensure the column sits perfectly plumb on site, the ends of the column are milled perfectly flat using our large gantry and planer mills, guaranteeing 100% bearing contact for base and splice connections.
Welds undergo 100% Ultrasonic Testing (UT) or Radiographic Testing (RT). Finally, the column is moved to our massive blasting rooms for steel grit blasting and coated with high-performance epoxy or zinc-rich paints.