Have you ever wondered how towering skyscrapers, long-span bridges, or expansive stadiums are constructed with such precision? The secret lies in steel detailing.

Steel detailing is the process that turns designs into detailed plans, ensuring every piece of steel fits together seamlessly. At the heart of this work are steel detailers, who bring it all to life by creating accurate 2D drawings and 3D models, preparing shop and erection drawings, and figuring out exactly what’s needed—like beam lengths and bolt placements.

They’re the ones who ensure every hole and connection is in the right place, update drawings when changes occur, and even help with material procurement.

By the end of this article, you’ll understand what steel detailing is, the role it plays for fabricators and engineers, and why it’s essential for building the world’s most complex structures.

What is Structural Steel Detailing?

So, what is structural steel detailing? It’s the process of creating detailed erection plans and steel piece drawings used in fabricating and assembling steel structures. Steel detailers transform a building design into highly detailed plans that can be used for fabrication in the shop and assembly on-site. They interpret the original design into precise, actionable models, adding the fine details needed to bring the structure to life. This detailed interpretation is why they’re called detailers.

Two key types of drawings play a major role in this process:

Shop Drawing

A shop drawing (also called “Piece Details” or “Assembly Drawings”) is a precise and detailed document created by the steel detailer. It outlines the specifications for individual structural steel components (known as shipping pieces) fabricated in the workshop: beams, columns, braces, and many others. These drawings include critical information such as dimensions, material requirements, weld details, and any additional fabrication instructions necessary for manufacturing each piece accurately in the shop.

Shop drawing example
Shop Drawing Sample: Beam

Erection Drawing

An erection drawing is a construction-level diagram illustrating how the fabricated steel components will be assembled and installed on-site. It shows the layout, orientation, and connections of structural elements, ensuring that each piece fits correctly into the overall framework of the structure.

(For more detailed information, refer to the Code of Standard Practice for Steel Buildings and Bridges by the AISC)

Erection drawing example
Erection Drawing Sample: Roof Framing Plan

Shop drawings and erection drawings give fabricators and construction teams everything they need to get the job done right. They’re not just plans—they’re the detailed instructions that keep things moving smoothly and prevent costly mistakes. So, why is structural steel detailing such a big deal for steel fabricators? Let’s break it down.

Why is Structural Steel Detailing Required for Steel Fabricators?

Steel detailing isn’t just helpful—it’s absolutely essential for steel fabricators. Without it, manufacturing and assembling steel components would be almost impossible. Design drawings from architects and engineers provide the overall idea of a building, including only general dimensions, spatial planning, structural schemes, and steel member profiles and sizes. But they don’t include the specific details fabricators need, like exact measurements, connection placements, and material lists.

What is steel detailing?
The Difference between the Design and Detailing

This is where steel detailing comes in, bridging the gap between design and fabrication. Here’s why fabricators can’t do without it:

Accurate Fabrication

Detailers create drawings that include all the dimensions, showing exactly where every hole, cut, plate, and angle needs to go. These details ensure all the pieces fit together perfectly, so fabricators can get it right the first time without any guesswork.

Efficient Workflows

The detailer interprets the design and refines it through the approval process and RFI exchanges to the point where there’s no room for guessing. This ensures that the erected steel frame perfectly matches the design intent, streamlining production and eliminating unnecessary delays.

Cost Savings

Detailers can adapt and modify parts of the design to suit the specific capabilities of the fabricator, including their equipment, processes, and preferences. By tailoring the design to fit the fabricator’s workflow, they help save money and streamline the fabrication process, making it more efficient and cost-effective.

Safety Assurance

Detailers make sure all connections, tricky spots, or changes are shown on the approval drawings and get reviewed by the Engineer of Record. This helps guarantee that every connection is strong enough and meets the design requirements, ensuring the steel frame is safe and reliable during construction.

What Does a Steel Detailer Do?

Project Analysis

  • Reviews the project to understand the scope, specifications, and structural requirements.
  • Identifies potential issues or missing information in the design provided by the client or design team.
  • Conducts pre-model verifications to ensure the setup aligns with the initial design and client requirements.

Modeling

  • Develops a detailed 3D model of the steel structure, ensuring all components (beams, plates, bolts, connections) are accurately represented.
  • Handles the accumulation of questions that may arise during modeling.

RFI Management

  • Prepares and sends RFIs (Requests for Information) to clarify discrepancies or missing details in the design.
  • Incorporates responses from the design team to refine the model and drawings.

Model Checks

  • Conducts thorough checks of the model to identify errors or areas requiring adjustment.
  • Ensures the model complies with design intent and project standards.

Approval Drawings

  • Prepares Erection and sometimes Shop Drawings for approval by the client and the design team: Engineer and Architect
  • Performs a release check to ensure all drawings are complete and accurate.

Revisions and Updates

  • Implements changes resulting from approval feedback, client requests, or field conditions.
  • Ensures revisions are accurately reflected in both the model and the drawings.

Final Release of Erections and Shop Drawings for Construction

  • Finalizes the shop & erections drawings for construction, ensuring all drawings are precise and ready for fabrication and erection.
  • Performs final checks before releasing sets for construction

What Types of Steel Detailing Exist? What are Some Examples?

Steel detailing is essential for bringing all kinds of buildings and structures to life. Depending on what part of the building or structure is being detailed, steel detailing can be divided into different categories. While the basics are the same across these types, the details and expertise required can vary.

1. Structural Steel Detailing

This is all about the main framework of a building or structure—the skeleton that keeps everything standing. It includes steel components for:

  • Buildings: From small homes to towering skyscrapers.
  • Industrial Facilities: Platforms and equipment supports.
  • Infrastructure: Bridges, towers, and other large structures.

Structural detailing ensures the framework is fabricated and assembled accurately, following all the required specifications and standards.

2. Miscellaneous Steel Detailing

This focuses on secondary components that are just as important for functionality and safety. Examples include:

  • Staircases and Railings: Internal and external, complete with handrails.
  • Catwalks and Equipment Platforms: Access points for maintenance.
  • Ladders: Both vertical and inclined (ship ladders) for industrial and commercial projects.

These elements might not carry the main load but are critical for building operation and safe use.

3. Ornamental Steel Detailing

This is where design meets functionality, focusing on elements that enhance a building’s visual appeal. Examples include:

  • Feature Stairs: Stunning, decorative staircases that serve as focal points.
  • Architectural Metalwork: Custom steel elements designed for aesthetics.
  • Glass Rails and Balustrades: Sleek, modern steel-framed supports for glass panels.

Ornamental detailing combines craftsmanship and precision, ensuring beauty and functionality go hand in hand.

Have Questions? We’re Here to Help!

Whether you’re looking for expert advice, need clarification on a project, or want to learn more about how we can assist with your steel detailing needs, we’re just a message away. Curious about what steel detailing looks like in action? Check out the projects we’ve worked on for a better understanding of the precision and expertise we bring to every job.

🔗 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/esd-solutions/