When it comes to structural engineering, the process of structural steel detailing is a vital element. In fact, for nearly every steel engineering project, the detailing process should hope to exceed near perfection in its accuracy to avoid loss of money and time. Whether it is manufacturing or the building of a residential or commercial project, steel detailing is a golden link in a chain of many parts of the overall project. Detailing brings together nearly every professional on a job, from engineers to contractors, and architects to fabricators. If someone or a group is responsible for an element of a steelwork job, then the detailing process should be part of their wheelhouse.
Steel Detailing: The Basics
The process of steel detailing begins with the drawing up of blueprints for fabricators and contractors. This includes the plans, reports, and estimates for a project. In steel detailing, the main two drawings that will be involved are erection drawings and shop drawings.
Erection Drawings
These important drawings will give a visual plan to the dimensions of a steel-based project. Giving a view of the overall structure, erection drawings include details regarding the exact location of each steel component in a project, what needs to be done to install them properly, as well as any vital diagnostic information about needed materials such as bolts and anchors. These drawings will create the blueprint for all parts of the construction of the project based on the items that are fabricated based on shop drawings.
Shop Drawings
Shop drawings are also known as “detail drawings”. These drawings are precise and exact, showing nearly every detail of each steel component in a project. This could include columns, beams, braces, joists, or trusses. If a fabricator is going to make it, the steel designer needs to draw it up. Shop drawings will often include the specifications of materials, any particulars as to the dimensions, as well as information regarding welding and bolting. These drawings will become the backbone of the fabrication of the elements that will make up the erection drawings.
Steel Detailing Standards & Expectations
For any project in any part of the world, a steel detailer is responsible for maintaining the highest level of standards.
As a vital link between the structural engineer and the architect, the steel detailer provides drawings that will give guidance as to the design, strength, and integrity of steel structures. Once they are completed, the detailer will then seek the approval of both the architect and structural engineer before any fabrication can occur.
Indiana Steel Fabricating - Guiding You In Steel Design
At Indiana Steel Fabricating, we pride ourselves on our reputation and years of experience dealing with builders, contractors, and building owners in every part of the building process. Our team is experienced in the process of steel detailing and can help you and your team with any information or guidance needed for nearly any steel-based project. Our expertise has helped us complete countless projects for a variety of industries.
If you need more information on steel detailing, are looking for a steel quote, or would like to talk to an expert in the field, give us a call today. At Indiana Steel Fabricating, no one knows steel like we do.
