How does the process of structural steel drafting happen?

 In simple words, Structural Steel Drafting is the process of creating detailed drawing which are used by steel erectors and fabricators, including plan, estimates, reports, drawings, etc. for erection as well as manufacturing of the steel members. It comprises of a wide range of steel members such as trusses, braces, steel beams, joists, columns, handrails, stairs and metallic decking.

Structure steel detail is extremely important in different construction and manufacturing businesses such as marine, naval, plants, ship building, construction of buildings and the other such structures. Anything which is quite big to require structure steel would even need detail work. Further, it also combines the input of the professionals such as contractors, fabricators, engineers, etc. Since the detailer is not the one who is responsible for integrity or the design of the steel member, the structural engineer and the architect needs to review the detailing work before it’s even released.

When does the process start?

The process of structural steel detail generally belongs to 2 type of drawings i.e. erection drawing and shop drawing. Erection drawing helps in showing the users the right way and the site for placing the fabricated steel components. They often comprise of details and information along with the specifications about different processes which are involved such as welding, bolting, adding in the wedge anchors, etc.

On the contrary, shop drawing is used for pinpointing the requirements to fabricate each and every steel member. They are used mainly by the steel fabricators for making the steel members. The detail work shows the required material, the specifications, the size, dimensions as well as other relayed information.

Structural steel detail has to be absolutely correct as well as accurate. It needs to comply with the protocols as well as standards which are made by different institutions. It is generally created with the help of computers, with the CAD or draft applications such as AutoCAD. These days, you may even use the 3D modelling system for these shop drawings.

Tilt up Panel Detailing or structural steel detail is a very complex yet an important process. The detail needs to have all necessary skills for creating the drawings including drafting, logic, geometry, visualisation, communication skills, etc. for pulling it off in a timely manner and accurately. You even to also have general knowledge of engineering and working knowledge about the process of steel fabrication. In the USA, most of the steel detailers learn these techniques by themselves or they have the most basic certificate which touches the CAD operation. There are also a couple of institutions which provide degree program in this disciple of structural steel detail. Due to this, it has become extremely difficult to have staff which is productive and cheap and is also capable of handling the steel detail work regularly. However, there are a number of companies which provide expert structural steel detail work which is reliable as well as cheap.
The companies prefer hiring people who have a knowledge about this.