What is Steel Detailing?

Steel detailing is the process of creating detailed drawings and plans for the fabrication and erection of steel structures. It involves translating the structural engineering drawings, often provided by an engineer or an architect, into detailed shop drawings that can be used by steel fabricators and erectors.

The first step is interpreting the design intent of architect and structural engineer. A good detailer will thoroughly analyze the design drawings in order to draft technical instructions that the shop and field installers will use to do their jobs.

The end result are two sets of drawings: shop drawings and erection drawings.

The first set of drawings, the shop drawings - provide detailed information on the dimensions, shapes, sizes, and manufacturing requirements of every single steel part. These drawings will provide specific notes on cuts, bends, welds, coating, paint and all information required to satisfy the engineer’s requirements for each member. Every steel part will be marked with a unique name to be used as an identifier so it can be easily distinguished from all others.

The second set of drawings, the erection drawings - are used on-site and guide the field installers on how to assemble and install each steel member. Erection drawings show the position and alignment of each part, distinguished by its unique identifier, within the overall structure.

This process requires careful attention to detail. Steel detailers must consider factors such as unrealistic design intentions, safety requirements, shipping logistics of large steel assemblies.

In conclusion, steel detailing is critical in any construction project that requires structural steel. Steel detailing is the bridge between the design and its execution.