In industrial construction, structural steel is the backbone of durability, scalability, and precision. From pipe racks and modular skids to platforms and mezzanines, the strength and versatility of structural steel make it indispensable for supporting large-scale infrastructure in power, pharmaceutical, chemical, and process-intensive facilities.
At Scott Process, our in-house structural steel capabilities provide an added layer of value for our clients. We do more than fabricate piping systems—we deliver complete structural solutions that align with your project’s specifications, timelines, and performance goals.
Why Structural Steel Matters in Industrial Projects
Industrial construction projects often face demanding loads, harsh environments, and tight schedules. Structural steel offers a combination of benefits that make it the material of choice in these conditions:
- High Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Structural steel can bear substantial loads without excessive weight, making it ideal for elevated systems and long spans.
- Design Flexibility: It can be fabricated into complex shapes, from support frames and trusses to custom platforms.
- Speed of Assembly: Prefabricated structural components can be rapidly installed, minimizing site disruption.
- Compatibility with Process Equipment: Structural steel frameworks can be seamlessly integrated with pipe systems, vessels, HVAC, and control equipment.
In-House Structural Steel Capabilities at Scott Process
Scott Process provides comprehensive structural steel fabrication services designed to complement our process and power fabrication expertise. Our capabilities include:
1. Custom Steel Fabrication
Our team fabricates structural components to spec, including:
- Pipe racks and supports
- Equipment skids
- Walkways, stairs, and handrails
- Platforms and mezzanines
- Frames for vessels and tanks
We work from client drawings or design-build inputs and apply the same level of quality assurance used in our ASME and high-purity piping.
2. Welding and Assembly
All structural components are welded and assembled by certified professionals. We follow industry-recognized standards such as AWS D1.1 for structural welding to deliver dependable, long-lasting joints.
3. Surface Preparation and Finishing
From hot-dip galvanizing to industrial coatings, we prepare steel surfaces for longevity in harsh operating environments such as chemical plants or outdoor utility installations.
4. Preassembly and Modularization
To reduce on-site labor and improve efficiency, Scott Process offers preassembled structural modules. These can be shipped as ready-to-install units, aligned with our piping systems, and field-welded or bolted as needed.
5. Coordination with Pipe Fabrication
One of the primary advantages of working with Scott Process is that both pipe and structural fabrication are coordinated under the same roof. This minimizes layout conflicts, reduces field rework, and helps keep projects on track.
Structural Steel in Power, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Plants
- Power Plants: Support steel for large-bore piping, elevated piping corridors, turbine platforms, and HVAC ducting systems.
- Pharmaceutical Facilities: Cleanable structures that meet hygienic requirements, including stainless steel handrails and easy-to-access platforms.
- Chemical Processing Plants: Corrosion-resistant framing for process units, tank farms, and pipe bridges in aggressive environments.
According to the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), structural systems in industrial settings must be designed for both static and dynamic loads, with strong coordination between structural and mechanical disciplines—a key strength of integrated shops like Scott Process.
Safety and Quality in Structural Steel Fabrication
- Material traceability and certification
- Dimensional inspections and fit-up verification
- Welding inspections in accordance with AWS standards
- Surface preparation inspections before coatings or galvanization
We also maintain a clean and organized shop floor to promote safe material handling and reduce hazards during layout and welding activities.
Speed and Scalability for Industrial Construction
As industrial construction schedules grow more aggressive, contractors and owners alike benefit from partners who can scale capacity without compromising quality. With our experienced team, lean fabrication workflows, and large shop footprint, Scott Process is equipped to handle fast-track projects that require rapid delivery of structural steel systems.
When combined with our piping and pressure vessel work, we serve as a single-source fabricator, streamlining communication, eliminating vendor coordination headaches, and compressing project timelines.
Why Choose Scott Process for Structural Steel in Industrial Construction?
Scott Process stands out because we offer:
- Fully integrated structural and pipe fabrication
- Experience in power, chemical, and pharmaceutical sectors
- Welders certified to AWS and ASME standards
- Transparent communication and QA/QC reporting
- Scalable production capacity for large and urgent projects
Whether you’re building a new facility, expanding capacity, or executing a plant upgrade, our structural steel capabilities are engineered to align with your construction strategy and deliver long-term performance.
Conclusion
Structural steel is more than a supporting element, it’s a critical component in the success of any industrial facility. With Scott Process, clients benefit from a team that understands the engineering, fabrication, and coordination needed to deliver structural steel systems that are built to perform.
From custom frames to integrated skids, we fabricate with precision, speed, and the flexibility that complex industrial construction projects demand.