Division 05 Metals

Performance Specification Gap in Division 05 Metals submittals

By Deviation Check Editorial Team. Last reviewed June 1, 2026.

Short answer

A measurable performance property in the submittal (rating, capacity, tolerance, efficiency) does not meet what the spec requires. Default grade in Division 05 Metals: Blocker.

A measurable performance property in the submittal (rating, capacity, tolerance, efficiency) does not meet what the spec requires. This guide covers how it shows up specifically in Division 05 Metals submittals.

What to look for in Division 05 Metals

Key performance parameters in metals submittals:

  • Steel grade (ASTM A992 Grade 50 for W-shapes, A36 for plates/angles, A500 Grade B/C for HSS, A53 for pipe)
  • Bolt grade (ASTM F3125 Grade A325 vs A490, or metric equivalents)
  • Weld electrode classification (E70XX for structural, E80XX for high-strength)
  • Steel joist load capacity (total load TL and live load LL at specified span and spacing)
  • Metal deck gauge (22ga, 20ga, 18ga, 16ga) and profile depth (1.5", 2", 3")
  • Composite deck capacity (superimposed load at specified span, unshored vs shored)
  • Deflection limits (L/240 total, L/360 live load, or as specified)
  • Fire rating of steel assembly (spray fireproofing thickness, intumescent coating DFT)
  • Galvanizing thickness (ASTM A123 for hot-dip, A153 for hardware, A653 for sheet)
  • Paint system DFT (dry film thickness in mils per coat)
  • Moment connection capacity (kip-ft at specified rotation)
  • Base plate thickness and anchor rod diameter/embedment

How severe is it?

Default grade: Blocker. Always a Blocker when the gap touches life-safety or structural performance.

Deviation Check assigns a default per category and escalates or de-escalates based on the spec, always showing its reasoning. See the Division 05 severity rules.

What the PM should do

Treat this as a hold. Do not approve the submittal until the sub resolves it, either by providing the specified product and documentation or by routing an approved substitution or or-equal request. Return the relevant spec passage to the sub as a redline.

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Frequently asked questions

What steel grade and bolt grade mismatches should a PM look for when reviewing Division 05 Metals submittals?

Check that W-shapes are ASTM A992 Grade 50, plates and angles are A36, HSS is A500 Grade B or C, and pipe is A53. For bolts, confirm whether the spec calls ASTM F3125 Grade A325 or A490 - these are not interchangeable. Weld electrodes must match: E70XX for standard structural work, E80XX where high-strength steel is involved. Any mismatch on these parameters is a Blocker because it directly affects structural performance.

How do metal deck gauge and composite deck capacity gaps get flagged in Division 05 Metals submittals?

The submittal must match the specified gauge (22ga, 20ga, 18ga, or 16ga) and profile depth (1.5 inch, 2 inch, or 3 inch). For composite deck, verify the superimposed load capacity at the specified span under both shored and unshored conditions. Deflection limits - typically L/240 total and L/360 live load - must also be confirmed. Submitting a lighter gauge or shallower profile than specified is a Blocker, as is a deck that fails the load table at the design span.

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