Fabrication involves the processing of raw materials to form the finished members of the structure.
Erection includes all rigging, hoisting, or lifting of members to their proper places in the structure and making the finished connections between members. A wide variety of structures are erected using structural steel. There are three basic types of steel construction. In wall-bearing construction, exterior and interior masonry walls are used to support structural members, such as steel beams and joists, which carry the floors and roof. Wall-bearing construction is one of the oldest and most common methods in use.