Project: Column Propping on Temporary Works During Steel Tie Removal
Location: Sydney, NSW
Sector: Commercial Construction & Fit-Out
Services: Temporary Works Design, Tilt Prop Brace Supply & Installation
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Legend Hire was engaged to provide temporary propping for existing structural steel columns on a commercial fit-out project. As part of the scope, permanent steel ties connecting the columns to the structure needed to be removed – creating a period of temporary instability that required an engineered propping solution before work could safely proceed.
THE CHALLENGE
The steel columns on site were a SHS (Square Hollow Section) member. Standard prop connections are designed for flanged or solid sections and achieving a reliable load-transferring connection to SHS can be difficult.
The site presented several constraints:
- SHS column making a standard prop connection challenging
- Load needed to be transferred safely without damaging the column section
- Works were being carried out within an active construction environment, requiring minimal disruption
THE SOLUTION
The Legend Hire team designed a custom connection for the Tilt Prop Braces that addressed the SHS profile directly. The approach involved drilling through both faces of the hollow section to install a through-bolt connection, providing a positive attachment capable of transferring the required propping loads into the column.
Key elements of the installation:
- Tilt Prop Braces selected for their adjustability and load capacity in bracing applications
- Through-bolt connection drilled through both walls of the SHS section to provide a secure, load-bearing anchor point
- Prop heads aligned and adjusted to ensure correct load path and full contact with the column face
- Installation completed by Legend Hire’s propping crew with all connections verified on site prior to tie removal
THE OUTCOME
With the Tilt Prop Braces in place and the through-bolt connections verified, the customer was able to safely proceed with the removal of the permanent structural steel ties. The propping system maintained column stability throughout the removal sequence, allowing the structural and fit-out programme to continue without interruption. All works were completed safely, on time, and to the satisfaction of the site team.
Read more about propping in construction, The article talks about the types, positioning and use cases
This project demonstrates what’s possible when non-standard structural members require a purpose-built temporary works solution. When site conditions fall outside conventional parameters, Legend Hire’s team brings the engineering capability and hands-on experience to design and deliver safe, practical outcomes from initial assessment through to completed installation.
