The smallest errors in shop drawings can cause costly delays and even safety hazards in a construction project. Steel detailing is, without a doubt, one of the major players in the transition of a design into precise instructions for fabrication and erection. Notice how small steel detailing mistakes can easily multiply themselves into huge issues. Here are the common detailing errors that occur, their influence, and how to avoid them for seamless projects:

1. Weld Errors on Skewed Shear Tabs

Incorrect weld specifications for a skewed shear tab are probably one of the most general problems that occur. Compromised strength and stability of a connection are often consequences of incorrect judgments regarding angles or missing calculations about the accessibility of welds. Skewed tabs very often require special types of welds, like bevel or fillet welds, which should be modified for nonstandard angles.

You can ensure compliance with industry standards by referring to reliable resources like the AISC SteelWise Guide. Collaborating with fabricators and checking weld accessibility helps maintain accuracy.

2. Forgetting to Specify Intermittent Welds

One of the most overlooked mistakes in shop drawings is leaving out details for intermittent fillet welds. When this happens, workers often assume they need to do continuous welds instead. This not only eats up more time and material than necessary but can also make the structure heavier than it should be.

To avoid this, make sure your drawings clearly show the length and spacing for intermittent welds. A little extra attention here can save a lot of wasted effort and resources on the shop floor.

3. Outdated Hole Sizes

One of the most common mistakes is the use of nominal hole sizes that are incorrect. Most detailers fail to keep up with updates in the AISC 15th Edition, which can lead to bolts that won’t fit or slip during erection.

To avoid these problems, stay updated with the latest standards and verify all hole dimensions before finalizing shop drawings. This simple step prevents costly field adjustments and delays.

4. Miscalculations with Bolt Lengths

Specifying too short or long bolts is a common mistake that disrupts on-site workflows. Excessively long bolts may jam, while shorter bolts fail to secure joints properly. Although most modern software used in detailing calculates bolt lengths, there are still instances where manual calculations are required for specific cases.

Calculating the exact length of a bolt requires an understanding of AISC SCM Table 7-14 and ASME B18.2.6 tolerances. Employing bolt-length calculators or developing customized in-house tools can help ensure precision and avoid assembly issues.

5. Tight Clearance for Connections

Detailers sometimes overlook the need for proper tool clearance when designing connections. Small clearance for bolting tools may lead to installation delay or redesigning at site by the workers

The testing of clearances through CAD models of bolting tools provides ample space for accurate assembly. Early engagement of erectors in the project assists in addressing field conditions and tool requirements.

6. Challenges with Bent Plates

Bent plates are usually complicated and challenging to make due to press-brake operations besides spring-back. Ignoring these might lead to poor fits and/or extra shop adjustments.

Aligning detailing requirements with fabricator capabilities is crucial for accuracy. Referencing the minimum inside radii in the AISC SCM ensures bent plates meet fabrication and performance standards. Additionally, specifying which leg of the bent plate should be held and which leg may deviate by a fraction of an inch can significantly simplify the fabrication process.

7. Unrealistic Member Lengths

Submitting member lengths that are greater than mill production or transportation limits can be a logistical nightmare. These oversized members may require rework, which will result in delays and additional costs.

Understanding mill production constraints and transportation logistics is essential. Early communication with fabricators ensures that submitted lengths are feasible and practical.

8. Overlooked Safety Connections

The temporary connections for double connections are very important in ensuring that the worker is safe during the erection process. The lack of such supports leads to accidents and instability during assembly. For detailed safety and health regulations regarding construction, refer to OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Safety and Health Regulations for Construction.

Safety connections should always be incorporated into shop drawings. Consulting with erectors and fabricators ensures these features meet project requirements and safety standards.

9. Errors with Fillet Encroachment

Another common mistake is encroachment into the fillet area of wide-flange members. Misapplication of encroachment tolerances weakens connections and gives up structural integrity.

It is important that detailers carefully review the encroachment tolerances for each connection. The AISC SCM clearly outlines how to ensure compliance and maintain strength. Specifically, Figure 10-3 illustrates the maximum permissible encroachment into the fillet area of wide-flange members.

10. Oversights in Coatings and Surface Preparation

Detailers often neglect to include coatings and surface preparation details in shop drawings. This oversight leads to confusion about finishing requirements, delaying production, and increasing costs.

Collaborating with coatings experts ensures accurate documentation. Including detailed surface preparation methods, coating types, and application techniques eliminates ambiguity during fabrication.

Tying It All Together

Steel detailing mistakes can have very widespread impacts on projects, impacting everything from timelines and costs to safety. All these mistakes can, however, be avoided through better planning, improved communication, and a keen knowledge of industry standards. Catching these issues upfront will ease the execution process much better and reduce surprises at the fabrication and erection stages.

Partner with ESD Solutions for Reliable Detailing Services

ESD Solutions provides accurate, practical steel detailing that enables clients to avoid common mistakes while saving time and money. From weld specifications and bolt length calculations to safety connections, our team does it all in the most appropriate manner for your specific project.

Explore our portfolio and discover how we can elevate your next project at https://esd-s.com/