Steel Fabrication Drawings: Their Contribution in the Development of Structural Framework

Do you know, what is the most complex activity in the development of building projects? Well, if you don’t know, let me tell you that design and development of structural framework is the most complex or compound activity in building construction.

Design and construction of structure is totally supervised by structural engineers and civil engineers, who apply engineering mechanics for providing high-end solutions to the complicated structural design problems. Highly crucial role is played by structural engineers and steel detailers when it comes to the design development of structural framework.

The initial blueprint of structural design is generated by structural engineers after they manage to go through the entire specifications which are developed by main architect of the building and are given to them by general contractor. General contractor, who is

accountable for the overall construction of the building, also has to manage the communication between various building stakeholders such as Architects, Structural Engineers, MEP Engineers, Fabricators and owners etc. So once architects’ specifications are effectively communicated to structural engineers by contractors, they create basic drawings for representing structural design. These drawings are then sent to a drafting services company that provide assistance to general contractors when it comes to the execution of steel detailing services during which steel fabrication drawings are created by steel detailers.

Two important types of drawings are generated by steel detailers which are Steel Fabrication Drawings often known as shop drawings and erection drawings. Steel fabrication drawings are basically developed by steel detailers for the empowerment of manufacturers or fabricators who are liable for the manufacturing of steel components.

The entire focus of these drawings remains at providing accurate fabrication related information to fabricators.

Fabrication related details such as manufacturing standards, size and shape of steel components, their dimensions and precise information related to welding and bolting etc are clearly incorporated in fabrication drawings.

The information which is contained in these drawings is about steel components such as beams, columns, joists, trusses and handrail etc.

Though steel fabrication drawings are developed by steel detailers it is mandatory that these drawings are reviewed by architects and structural engineers prior to their release for manufacturing. As these drawings help in the manufacturing of steel components they ultimately remain very significant for the overall development of structural framework.