TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

STEEL STRUCTURES

DEP 34.28.00.31-Gen.

July 1996
(DEP Circular 85/03 has been incorporated)

DESIGN AND ENGINEERING PRACTICE

This document is confidential. Neither the whole nor any part of this document may be disclosed to any third party without the prior written consent of Shell
International Oil Products B.V. and Shell International Exploration and Production B.V., The Hague, The Netherlands. The copyright of this document is vested in these
companies. All rights reserved. Neither the whole nor any part of this document may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any
means (electronic, mechanical, reprographic, recording or otherwise) without the prior written consent of the copyright owners.
 DEP 34.28.00.31-Gen.
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PREFACE
DEPs (Design and Engineering Practice) publications reflect the views, at the time of publication, of:
Shell Global Solutions International B.V. (Shell GSI)
and
Shell International Exploration and Production B.V. (SIEP)
and
Shell International Chemicals B.V. (SIC)
and
other Service Companies.
They are based on the experience acquired during their involvement with the design, construction, operation and
maintenance of processing units and facilities, and they are supplemented with the experience of Group Operating
companies. Where appropriate they are based on, or reference is made to, international, regional, national and industry
standards.
The objective is to set the recommended standard for good design and engineering practice applied by Group
companies operating an oil refinery, gas handling installation, chemical plant, oil and gas production facility, or any other
such facility, and thereby to achieve maximum technical and economic benefit from standardization.
The information set forth in these publications is provided to users for their consideration and decision to implement.
This is of particular importance where DEPs may not cover every requirement or diversity of condition at each locality.
The system of DEPs is expected to be sufficiently flexible to allow individual operating companies to adapt the
information set forth in DEPs to their own environment and requirements.
When Contractors or Manufacturers/Suppliers use DEPs they shall be solely responsible for the quality of work and the
attainment of the required design and engineering standards. In particular, for those requirements not specifically
covered, the Principal will expect them to follow those design and engineering practices which will achieve the same
level of integrity as reflected in the DEPs. If in doubt, the Contractor or Manufacturer/Supplier shall, without detracting
from his own responsibility, consult the Principal or its technical advisor.
The right to use DEPs is granted by Shell GSI, SIEP or SIC, in most cases under Service Agreements primarily with
companies of the Royal Dutch/Shell Group and other companies receiving technical advice and services from Shell GSI,
SIEP, SIC or another Group Service Company. Consequently, three categories of users of DEPs can be distinguished:
1) Operating companies having a Service Agreement with Shell GSI, SIEP, SIC or other Service Company. The
use of DEPs by these operating companies is subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of the relevant
Service Agreement.
2) Other parties who are authorized to use DEPs subject to appropriate contractual arrangements (whether as part
of a Service Agreement or otherwise).
3) Contractors/subcontractors and Manufacturers/Suppliers under a contract with users referred to under 1) or 2)
which requires that tenders for projects, materials supplied or - generally - work performed on behalf of the said
users comply with the relevant standards.
Subject to any particular terms and conditions as may be set forth in specific agreements with users, Shell GSI, SIEP
and SIC disclaim any liability of whatsoever nature for any damage (including injury or death) suffered by any company
or person whomsoever as a result of or in connection with the use, application or implementation of any DEP,
combination of DEPs or any part thereof, even if it is wholly or partly caused by negligence on the part of Shell GSI,
SIEP or other Service Company. The benefit of this disclaimer shall inure in all respects to Shell GSI, SIEP, SIC and/or
any company affiliated to these companies that may issue DEPs or require the use of DEPs.
Without prejudice to any specific terms in respect of confidentiality under relevant contractual arrangements, DEPs shall
not, without the prior written consent of Shell GSI and SIEP, be disclosed by users to any company or person
whomsoever and the DEPs shall be used exclusively for the purpose for which they have been provided to the user.
They shall be returned after use, including any copies which shall only be made by users with the express prior written
consent of Shell GSI, SIEP or SIC. The copyright of DEPs vests in Shell GSI and SIEP. Users shall arrange for DEPs to
be held in safe custody and Shell GSI, SIEP or SIC may at any time require information satisfactory to them in order to
ascertain how users implement this requirement.
All administrative queries should be directed to the DEP Administrator in Shell GSI.
 DEP 34.28.00.31-Gen.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................4
1.1 SCOPE........................................................................................................................4
1.2 DISTRIBUTION, INTENDED USE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS..........4
1.3 DEFINITIONS .............................................................................................................4
1.4 CROSS-REFERENCES .............................................................................................4
2. DESIGN AND ENGINEERING ...................................................................................5
2.1 GENERAL ...................................................................................................................5
2.2 DESIGN REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................................5
2.3 CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS..................................................................................6
2.4 CONSTRUCTION DETAILS .......................................................................................6
2.5 ACCESSORIES ..........................................................................................................8
2.6 FIREPROOFING OF STEEL STRUCTURES ............................................................8
3. FABRICATION ...........................................................................................................8
3.1 MATERIAL ..................................................................................................................8
3.2 WELDING AND WELD INSPECTION ........................................................................8
4. PROTECTION AGAINST CORROSION ....................................................................9
5. ERECTION................................................................................................................10
5.1 GENERAL .................................................................................................................10
5.2 BY SUPPLIER OF THE STRUCTURE .....................................................................10
5.3 BY OTHERS .............................................................................................................10
5.4 FIELD WELDING ......................................................................................................10
6. REFERENCES..........................................................................................................11
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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 SCOPE
This DEP specifies requirements and gives recommendations for the design, fabrication
and erection of onshore steel structures.
Design requirements for steel sub-structures for fixed offshore platforms are covered in
DEP 37.19.00.30-Gen., and material requirements for fixed offshore structures are covered
in DEP 37.19.10.30-Gen.
This DEP is a revision of the DEP with the same number dated July 1984.
This DEP shall be used in conjunction with DEP 34.00.01.30-Gen.

1.2 DISTRIBUTION, INTENDED USE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS

Unless otherwise authorised by SIOP and SIEP, the distribution of this DEP is confined to
companies forming part of the Royal Dutch/Shell Group managed by a Group company and
to Contractors nominated by them (i.e. the distribution code is "C" as described in DEP
00.00.05.05-Gen.).
This DEP is intended for use in oil refineries, chemical plants, gas plants, exploration and
production facilities and supply/marketing installations.
If national and/or local regulations exist in which some of the requirements may be more
stringent than in this DEP the contractor shall determine by careful scrutiny which of the
requirements are the more stringent and which combination of requirements will be
acceptable as regards safety, environment, economic and legal aspects.
In all cases the contractor shall inform the Principal of any deviation from the requirements
of this DEP which is considered to be necessary in order to comply with national and/or
local regulations. The Principal may then negotiate with the Authorities concerned with the
object of obtaining agreement to follow this DEP as closely as possible.

1.3 DEFINITIONS
The Contractor is the party which carries out all or part of the design, procurement,
construction, commissioning or management of a project or operation of a facility. The
Principal may undertake all or part of the duties of the Contractor.
The Manufacturer/Supplier is the party which manufactures or supplies equipment and
services to perform the duties supplied by the Contractor.
The Principal is the party which initiates the project and ultimately pays for its design and
construction. The Principal will generally specify the technical requirements. The Principal
may include an agent or consultant authorised to act for and on behalf of the Principal.
The word shall indicates a requirement.
The word should indicates a recommendation.

1.4 CROSS-REFERENCES
Where cross-references are made, the number of the section or sub-section referred to is
shown in brackets. Other documents referenced by this DEP are listed in (6.)
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2. DESIGN AND ENGINEERING

2.1 GENERAL
The design of a steel structure shall take into account not only the properties of the
materials of construction and the calculated stresses for the members, but also the
prevailing conditions of the local environment and the requirements at site, the details of
construction, methods of erection and fabrication and their effect on cost, in order to
achieve a safe and economic design.

2.2 DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

2.2.1 General
The design shall comply with DEP 34.00.01.30-Gen. and one of the following Codes:
ENV 1993-1-1, or
BS 5950 Parts 1 and 2, or
AISC Steel Construction Manual.
For the design and engineering of buildings see DEP 34.17.00.32-Gen.

2.2.2 Derrick structures for flares

The Shell standard design of flare structures with retractable flares is based upon a
structure consisting of 4 legs and a rectangular cross section, built up from rolled steel
sections.
A structural concept based on a 3-leg derrick with a triangular cross section is acceptable if
the Contractor can clearly demonstrate (for the approval of the Principal) the structural
integrity of both piping and structure. This demonstration shall include the following factors:
- impact of dynamic wind loading (vortex shedding);
- torsion effects due to asymmetrical wind loading;
- fatigue;
- allowance for spare flare positions in case of future extension. This shall also include
maintenance during operation and flare lifting activities.
If load carrying steelwork will be subjected to a temperature greater than 315 °C, the
appropriate coefficient, Kt, as defined in BS 4076, shall be applied to the allowable
stresses. The expected temperature of the steel components shall not exceed 480 °C.
If tubular members are used, they shall be designed to prevent ingress of rainwater and
shall have adequate provisions for drainage of water condensate.
Tubular members shall be protected against internal and external corrosion.

2.2.3 Fatigue due to vortex shedding or other cyclic loads

For structures sensitive to the effects of vibration, calculations shall be made for vortex
shedding and/or cyclic loads from other sources. The effects of fatigue shall be verified in
compliance with ANSI/AWS D1.1.
The Palmgren-Miner's rule shall be applied to judge the combined effect of various types of
cyclic loading; the DNV Rules refer. The design shall ensure adequate safety against
damage within the planned life of the structure under the applicable loading.
The method of analysis shall be agreed with the Principal. A detailed fatigue analysis may
not be necessary when the design is based on previous and satisfactory experience which
is strictly comparable.
As most of the wind loads which contribute to fatigue are of a random nature, statistical
consideration will normally be required for determining the long term distribution of fatigue
loading effects. See also Appendix 1 (Section 6) of DEP 34.00.01.30-Gen.
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2.2.4 Maximum allowable stresses

The maximum allowable stress on foundations for steel structures shall not exceed the
following values:
Maximum allowable stress (N/mm2)

on concrete: sand cement grout 4.0

non-shrink ready mixed grout 8.0

on masonry: 1.0

2.2.5 Deflection and displacement

Unless otherwise specified, the following criteria for deflection shall apply for the load
combinations A and C of Section 3.14 of DEP 34.00.01.30-Gen.:
Wall stanchions: max. 1/300th of the height
Purlins: max. 1/250th of the span
Supporting beams: max. 1/400th of the span

Lifting applications:
Crane gantry girders: max. 1/600th of the span
Overhead runway beams: max. 1/500th of the span
Cantilevered runway beams: max. 1/250th of the overhang
Maximum total horizontal displacement of portal frames shall not exceed 1/150th of the
height.

2.2.6 Slenderness
Unless otherwise specified, the ratio of effective length to the appropriate radius of gyration
shall not exceed 180.

2.2.7 Temperature range

Additional consideration will be necessary for structures in special conditions and in
locations where wide temperature ranges occur.

2.3 CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

Materials shall be selected in accordance with EN 10025 taking weldability into
consideration.
In locations where the lowest service temperature is 0 °C or lower, materials of construction
shall also comply with the requirements of Table 3.2 and Annex C of ENV 1993-1-1.

2.4 CONSTRUCTION DETAILS

2.4.1 General
Structures shall be designed and constructed such that the joints/nodes are accessible for
proper inspection, cleaning and painting.
Pockets or depressions which could hold water shall have drain holes or shall be otherwise
protected.
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2.4.2 Structural members

For open steel structures higher than 20 m, the thickness of any parts of structural
members shall not be less than 6 mm.
Gusset plates shall not be thinner than the members to be connected, and shall have a
thickness of at least 6 mm.
For overhead runway beams with underhung cranes, joists with inside tapered flanges are
preferred. If only broad flange beams are available, the bottom flange shall be checked
separately for distortion, and reinforced if required (see BS 2853).
The flange width of purlins supporting light-weight concrete slabs shall be not less than
80 mm. For supporting roof sheeting and wall cladding, the flange width shall be not less
than 50 mm.
Purlins shall be fixed to the roof beams or trusses by means of angle cleats.

2.4.3 Bolting
Bolts, nuts and threads shall comply with ISO 4014, ISO 4032 and ISO 888, respectively.
The use of other threads requires prior approval of the Principal.
All bolts, unless otherwise stated, shall be grade 8.8 or equivalent in accordance with ISO
898-1 and ISO 898-2.
High-strength friction-grip bolts may be used for appropriate applications if approved by the
Principal.
Washers shall be used in all bolted connections.

2.4.4 Walkways, platforms, staircases, ladders and handrailing

The minimum width of walkways, platforms and staircases shall be 750 mm.
The minimum headroom for platforms and walkways shall be 2100 mm.
The width of walkways over ground level pipe tracks shall be 600 mm and the walkways
and steps shall be fitted with handrails on one side only.
For design criteria and details of staircases, see Standard Drawing S 28 001.
Stair treads shall be made of hot-dip galvanized grating (see 4.).
GRP or aluminium stair treads shall not be used unless approved by the Principal.
Ladders may be installed instead of staircases if the ladders are only required for
occasional use and escape routes.
Ladders should be made with side steps.
For details of ladders, see Standard Drawing S 28.011.
Where handrailing is installed, floors, platforms and walkways shall be provided with toe
plates 75 x 6 mm.
On platforms, the distance to a stair or ladder shall not exceed 25 m.
For standard details, reference is made to the following Standard Drawings:
S 28.001, S 28.002, S 28.003, S 28.004, S 28.005, S 28.006, S 28.007, S 28.008, S
28.009, S 28.010, S 28.012, S 28.013, S 28.014 and S 28.023.

2.4.5 Flooring and grating

Open flooring shall be used, using grating in accordance with S 28.022.
Solid flooring shall not be used unless approved by the Principal. If used it shall be made
out of 6 or 8 mm checkered floor plate.
Grating and fixing material shall be hot-dip galvanized (see 4.).
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GRP or aluminium grating shall not be applied unless approved by the Principal.

2.4.6 Anchor bolts

If anchor bolts are included in the supply of the steel structure they shall be fabricated and
despatched to the construction site in advance for timely installation prior to concreting the
foundations.
For standard details of anchor bolts, see S 28.020.
Anchor bolts shall be derusted and degreased. Thread and nuts shall be oil-dipped.

2.5 ACCESSORIES

2.5.1 Rain water down pipes and roof gutters

Rain water down pipes and roof gutters shall be made either of 1.5 mm thick steel sheet,
hot dip galvanized after construction, or of rigid PVC or equivalent. The bottom 2 m of
exposed down pipe shall be of galvanized steel.

2.5.2 Roof and wall sheets

If the supply of roof and wall sheets is included in the order for the steel structure, the type
required shall be stated on the instruction drawing(s) or requisition. Only galvanized steel
sheets shall be used, and they shall have a coating giving maximum protection against the
local climate and other environmental factors. The type of coating shall be selected in
consultation with the Principal.
The sheets shall be fixed in accordance with the sheet manufacturer's standards.

2.5.3 Translucent sheets

Translucent sheeting shall be of the same size and profile as the adjacent wall cladding
and/or roof sheeting.
The translucent sheets shall be of glass fibre reinforced polyester resin of self extinguishing
quality, with a resin rich external surface to prevent aging (see DEP 34.17.00.32 Gen.).

2.6 FIREPROOFING OF STEEL STRUCTURES

The method and extent of fireproofing of the steel structure and parts thereof shall be in
accordance with DEP 34.19.20.11-Gen.
Cover plates for the protection of fireproofing for stanchions and beams shall be included in
the supply of the steel structures.

3. FABRICATION

3.1 MATERIAL
Only new material shall be used, which shall be thoroughly straightened in the shop by
methods that will not cause damage before it is laid aside or worked in any way.
All bolting material, including washers and nuts, required for erection shall be furnished by
the supplier of the steel structure, who shall allow 5% for spares.

3.2 WELDING AND WELD INSPECTION

AWS D1.1 shall apply.
Records of all data, tests and examinations relating to all welding procedures used during
construction and erection shall be made available to the Principal.
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4. PROTECTION AGAINST CORROSION

Surface preparation and surface protection, i.e. painting, shall be in accordance with DEP
30.48.00.31-Gen., thermal sprayed coatings shall be in accordance with DEP 30.48.40.31-
Gen. and hot-dip galvanizing shall be in accordance with ISO 1461.
Amended per
Circular 85/03

Structural steelwork, platform flooring and handrailing located above austenitic stainless
steel, duplex stainless steel, nickel alloy or 9% nickel steel piping or equipment shall not be
galvanized or coated with zinc-containing paint unless precautions are taken to prevent zinc
contamination of the piping or equipment when hot-working on the galvanised material or
applying the zinc-containing paint. A suitable measure is the application of temporary
shielding, e.g. fire blankets (for components which are insulated, the cladding is considered
to be sufficient protection.).
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5. ERECTION

5.1 GENERAL
The method used to erect a steel structure depends upon the type of structure, the size of
the structure, the risk involved, whether the structure is to be erected without interfering with
other work or operations, the lifting gear available and the local conditions.
All tools, equipment and ropes used for erection shall comply with national and/or local
regulations and shall be certified for the purpose intended.

5.2 BY SUPPLIER OF THE STRUCTURE

If specified on the requisition, e.g. for complicated structures, the Supplier shall submit to
the Principal an erection plan complete with data on heavy lifts, shipping weights and the
calculations involved.

5.3 BY OTHERS
If the erection of the steel structure is not to be carried out by the Supplier, it shall provide
the Principal with all information essential for erection of the structure.

5.4 FIELD WELDING

Refer to Section 3.2.
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6. REFERENCES

In this DEP, reference is made to the following publications:

NOTE Unless specifically designated by date, the latest edition of each publication shall be used, together
with any amendments/supplements/revisions thereto.

SHELL STANDARDS

Index to DEP publications and standard specifications DEP 00.00.05.05-Gen.

Index to standard drawings DEP 00.00.06.06-Gen.

Metallic materials - Selected standards DEP 30.10.02.11-Gen.

Metallic materials - Prevention of brittle fracture DEP 30.10.02.31-Gen.

Welding of metals DEP 30.10.60.18-Gen.

Painting and coating for new construction projects DEP 30.48.00.31-Gen.

Thermal spraying of coatings of zinc, aluminium and their DEP 30.48.40.31-Gen.

alloys (Endorsement of ISO 2063)

Minimum requirements for structural design and engineering DEP 34.00.01.30-Gen.

Minimum requirements for design and engineering of buildings DEP 34.17.00.32-Gen.

Fire hazard and fireproofing/cold splash protection of steel DEP 34.19.20.11-Gen.

structures

Design of steel substructures for fixed offshore platforms DEP 37.19.00.30-Gen.

(amendments/supplements to API RP 2A-LRFD)

Weldable structural steels for fixed offshore structures DEP 37.19.10.30-Gen.

(amendments/supplements to BS 7191)

STANDARD DRAWINGS

NOTE The latest edition of Standard Drawings can be found in DEP 00.00.06.06-Gen.

Stairways: general arrangement S 28.001

Stairways: base of stringers S 28.002

Stairways: railing connections S 28.003

Stairways: intermediate platform S 28.004

Stairways: to connections of stringers S 28.005

Handrailing: Type 'A' S 28.006

Handrailing: Type 'B' S 28.007

Handrailing: Type 'C' S 28.008

Handrailing: connection to concrete Type 'A' S 28.009

Handrailing: connection to concrete Type 'B' and 'C' S 28.010

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Ladder: general arrangement to columns S 28.011

Ladder: sliding/fixed connections S 28.012

Column platforms: cleats and brackets for design load 300 kg S 28.013
max

Column platforms: cleats and brackets for design load over S 28.014
300 kg

Anchor bolts S 28.020

Grating S 28.022

Fastening of apparatus to fireproofed beam S 28.023

AMERICAN STANDARDS

Structural Welding Code - Steel AWS D1.1

Issued by:
American National Standards Institute
1430 Broadway
New York, NY 10018, USA.

Steel Construction Manual AISC

Issued by
American Institute of Steel Construction, Inc.
400 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA.

BRITISH STANDARDS

Structural use of steelwork in building, Part 1 and 2 BS 5950

The design and testing of steel overhead runway beams BS 2853

Steel chimneys BS 4076

Issued by
British Standards Institution
389 Chiswick High Road
London W4 4AL, United Kingdom.

EUROPEAN STANDARDS

Design of Steel structures, Part 1-1: General Rules and rules ENV 1993-1-1
for buildings

Hot rolled products of non-alloy structural steel EN 10025

Issued by:
Comité Européen de Normalisation
Secrétariat Central
Rue de Stassart 36
B-1050 Bruxelles, Belgium

Copies can also be obtained from national standards organizations

 DEP 34.28.00.31-Gen.
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INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS

Metallic coatings; hot-dip galvanized coatings on fabricated ISO 1461

ferrous products; Requirements

Hexagon head bolts; product grades A and B ISO 4014

Hexagon nuts, style 1; product grades A and B ISO 4032

Plain washers for high-strength structural bolting, hardened ISO 7415

and tempered

Bolts, screws and studs; nominal lengths, and thread lengths ISO 888
for general purpose bolts

Mechanical properties of fasteners;

Part 1: bolts, screws and studs ISO 898-1
Part 2: nuts with specified proof load values; coarse thread ISO 898-2

Issued by:
International Organisation for Standardisation
1, Rue de Varembé
CH-1211 Geneva 20
Switzerland.
Copies can also be obtained from national standards organizations.

NORWEGIAN STANDARDS

Rules for the classification of fixed offshore installations DNV Rules

Issued by:
Det Norkse Veritas
Veritasveien 1, 1322 Hovik,
P.O. Box 300, 1322 Hovik, Norway.

Last page of this DEP