CSI Division
CSI Division 05 Metals: section numbers and submittal deviations
What gets flagged between a Division 05 Metals spec section and the submittal package, why it matters, and how each deviation is graded, so you can catch it before you send the package or before you approve it.
Short answer
Metals is Division 05 in CSI MasterFormat, so its section numbers start with 05. Common sections include 05 12 00 Structural Steel Framing, 05 12 23 Structural Steel for Buildings, and 05 21 00 Steel Joist Framing. Its submittals deviate most often on product substitutions, performance ratings, and missing certifications.
Division 05 covers structural steel, miscellaneous metals, and ornamental metals in commercial construction. Common CSI sections submitted for review:
Division 05 Metals CSI section numbers
Division 05 Metals spec sections frequently submitted for review:
| Section | Title |
|---|---|
05 12 00 | Structural Steel Framing |
05 12 23 | Structural Steel for Buildings |
05 21 00 | Steel Joist Framing |
05 31 00 | Steel Decking |
05 31 13 | Steel Floor Decking (composite and non-composite) |
05 31 23 | Steel Roof Decking |
05 40 00 | Cold-Formed Metal Framing |
05 41 00 | Structural Metal Stud Framing |
05 50 00 | Metal Fabrications (miscellaneous metals) |
05 51 00 | Metal Stairs |
05 52 00 | Metal Railings |
05 58 00 | Formed Metal Fabrications |
05 73 00 | Decorative Metal Railings |
Sending a Division 05 package? Run the free Division 05 pre-submittal checklist first. It prints or downloads as a PDF, no email required.
The six deviation categories in Division 05 Metals
Every issue Deviation Check flags maps to one of six categories. Here is how each appears in Division 05 Metals submittals, with the full guide one click away.
Manufacturer or Product Substitution
Blocker The submittal proposes a different manufacturer or product than the spec names, without an approved or-equal or substitution request.
Structural steel specs name fabricators, joist manufacturers, and deck suppliers. Look for:
Manufacturer or Product Substitution in Division 05 Metals submittals →
Performance Specification Gap
Blocker A measurable performance property in the submittal (rating, capacity, tolerance, efficiency) does not meet what the spec requires.
Key performance parameters in metals submittals:
Performance Specification Gap in Division 05 Metals submittals →
Missing Certification or Compliance Documentation
Fix and Resubmit A required listing, test report, certification, or compliance document is absent from the submittal package.
Required certifications in metals submittals:
Missing Certification or Compliance Documentation in Division 05 Metals submittals →
Aesthetic Deviation
Fix and Resubmit A visible attribute (color, finish, texture, profile) differs from the spec or the architect-approved sample.
Aesthetic Deviation in Division 05 Metals submittals →
Detail or Installation Mismatch
Fix and Resubmit The submitted detail, dimension, anchorage, or installation method differs from what the spec or drawings require.
Detail or Installation Mismatch in Division 05 Metals submittals →
Submittal Package Incompleteness
Fix and Resubmit A required submittal element (cut sheet, schedule, calculation, sample) is missing, leaving the package unreviewable as submitted.
Commonly required items in Div 05 specs:
Submittal Package Incompleteness in Division 05 Metals submittals →
How Division 05 deviations are graded
Each finding is graded Blocker, Fix and Resubmit, or Note. Division 05 escalation rules:
- Steel grade below spec requirement: BLOCKER (structural capacity, building code)
- Bolt grade substitution (A325 where A490 specified): BLOCKER (connection capacity)
- Weld electrode understrength: BLOCKER (connection capacity)
- Missing AISC certification for fabricator: BLOCKER (IBC requirement for structural steel)
- Missing mill test reports: FIX_AND_RESUBMIT (traceability, required by spec and IBC)
- Metal deck gauge lighter than spec: BLOCKER (composite capacity, diaphragm capacity)
- Joist capacity below design loads: BLOCKER (structural)
- Missing AWS D1.8 compliance for seismic connections: BLOCKER (IBC seismic requirement)
- Missing special inspection plan: BLOCKER (IBC Chapter 17)
- Deflection limit exceeded: BLOCKER if structural/serviceability, FIX_AND_RESUBMIT if aesthetic
- Galvanizing thickness below ASTM A123 minimum: FIX_AND_RESUBMIT (durability)
- Fireproofing thickness below UL listing: BLOCKER (fire resistance rating)
- Railing height or picket spacing non-compliant with building code: BLOCKER (life-safety)
Run a Division 05 submittal review
Upload a Division 05 spec section and your submittal package before you send it, and get a one-page deviation report in under five minutes, so the package goes through the first time. GC reviewers use it the same way on a package that just arrived. Before that, work through the free Division 05 checklist.
Frequently asked questions
What is the CSI code for metals?
Metals is CSI MasterFormat Division 05, and every section number in it starts with 05. Common sections include 05 12 00 Structural Steel Framing, 05 12 23 Structural Steel for Buildings, 05 21 00 Steel Joist Framing, 05 31 00 Steel Decking, and 05 31 13 Steel Floor Decking. Type any number into the CSI division lookup to decode it.
What is Division 05 Metals in construction?
Division 05 covers structural steel, miscellaneous metals, and ornamental metals in commercial construction. In a CSI MasterFormat spec, its sections carry the submittal and product requirements a Division 05 package is reviewed against.
What are the most common deviations in Division 05 Metals submittals?
The most common are product or manufacturer substitutions, performance specification gaps, and missing certification or compliance documentation. Deviation Check sorts every finding into one of six categories.
How are Division 05 deviations graded?
Each finding is graded Blocker (resolve before approval), Fix and Resubmit (correct and re-send before fabrication or install), or Note (acceptable with a comment).
View this page as Markdown for LLMs and note-taking.