What Is Steel Detailing? Understanding Its Role In Structural Projects

By Author: Maria
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Steel plays a major role in how modern buildings come together. Behind every beam and column placed on site, there’s a lot of careful planning that happens long before fabrication begins. One of the most critical steps in that process is steel detailing.

Steel detailing services help translate engineering and architectural drawings into precise instructions for fabrication and installation. They’re an essential part of delivering safe, cost-effective structures. When done right, they reduce delays, prevent errors, and improve coordination between teams. Let’s take a closer look at what goes into this work and why it matters so much.

What is Steel Detailing?

Steel detailing services involve producing highly detailed drawings and 3D models for structural steel fabrication and construction. These drawings are created based on the architect’s design and the engineer’s structural calculations. The goal is to provide steel fabricators and construction teams with everything they need to manufacture and place steel components accurately.

There are two major types of deliverables involved:

- ...
... Shop drawings, which give the fabrication team exact instructions for cutting, welding, and assembling each steel part
- Erection drawings, which guide the installation teams on how to place steel members on site
Detailers work closely with architectural and structural documents to make sure everything aligns correctly. The information in these drawings includes material specs, dimensions, connection details, bolt and hole placements, welding information, and part numbering, all of which must meet industry standards and local building codes.

Traditionally, these drawings were done by hand using drafting tools and calculators. That method required extreme focus and hours of manual effort for even small changes. Then came CAD tools, which made drafting faster but still involved a lot of manual data entry.

Now, most Steel detailing services use 3D modelling software like Tekla Structures. This technology allows the detailer to create a full digital model of the structure before generating shop and erection drawings. These models are intelligent, and they contain all the metadata, geometry, and connection details needed for downstream tasks.

Tools like Tekla also come with features that speed things up. For example, the Autoconnection function allows standard steel connections to be added automatically based on predefined rules. This saves time, cuts down on repetition, and helps reduce human error.

The Structural Steel Detailing Process

Steel detailing services follow a methodical process. Every step is focused on clarity, precision, and alignment with the broader project goals. Let’s walk through how a typical detailing workflow takes shape.

1. Understanding Project RequirementsThe process starts with a full review of project specifications, structural drawings, and design intent. This gives the detailing team a clear picture of the scope, scale, and unique challenges. It’s also where they begin spotting areas that might need closer coordination later on.

2. Creating 2D and 3D DrawingsNext comes the modelling phase. Using tools like Tekla Structures, Advance Steel, or AutoCAD, detailers build the framework digitally. Every column, beam, brace, and connection is added with exact dimensions and placement. This model serves as the foundation for everything that follows.

3. Developing Shop DrawingsFrom the 3D model, shop drawings are generated. These are what fabricators use to cut, weld, and assemble steel parts. They contain detailed instructions on materials, bolt placements, weld types, and more. The goal here is to make fabrication as straightforward as possible, reducing guesswork on the shop floor.

4. Defining Material SpecificationsEvery steel member in the model is tagged with specs — grade, size, coatings, and connections. This helps ensure that what’s fabricated will meet the structural and performance requirements set by the engineer and expected by the client.

5. Collaborating with the Project TeamSteel detailing services rely on close coordination with architects, structural engineers, and contractors. Regular checks are done to confirm that the detailing work supports the larger design and doesn’t create unexpected conflicts on-site. Early detection of mismatches here can prevent costly rework later.

6. Managing Revisions and UpdatesConstruction projects evolve. New information, site conditions, or design changes often show up midway. Detailers play a key role in managing those changes and keeping the model and drawings current. Good revision control avoids confusion and helps maintain momentum on-site.

Types of Structural Steel Detailing

Steel detailing services cover a wide range of outputs. These vary based on project complexity and the level of detail required. Here are some of the most common types:

General Arrangement Drawings (GAD)These offer a bird’s eye view of the structure. GADs show how major elements like beams, columns, and bracing are laid out and connected. These drawings are used early in planning and are often referenced throughout the project.

Shop DrawingsShop drawings give fabricators all the information they need to manufacture steel parts. These drawings include exact measurements, steel grades, hole patterns, and welding instructions. A good shop drawing saves time and avoids errors in fabrication.

Connection DesignConnections are the glue of any steel structure. Connection design involves specifying how one steel member links to another — whether by bolting or welding — and confirming that it meets load-bearing requirements. Getting this right is critical for both safety and stability.

Steel Reinforcement DetailingThough it’s more common in concrete works, reinforcement detailing can also be part of mixed-material projects. This involves designing how rebars are placed, bent, spaced, and anchored inside concrete elements that interact with steel frames.

Erection DrawingsThese are the field team's go-to instructions. Erection drawings guide the placement of steel members on-site, ensuring that everything fits together without delay. These drawings also help detect possible clashes and improve communication between trades during construction.

Tools That Power Modern Steel detailing services

- Tekla StructuresTekla is a go-to for most detailing firms. It helps build highly detailed 3D models and lets teams extract shop drawings, material lists, and connection details directly from the model. Its clash-checking and auto connection features save time and reduce errors.
- Advance SteelDesigned specifically for structural steel detailing, Advance Steel brings automation into the mix. It works well with Revit and makes collaboration easier across teams. For projects that demand fast turnaround and parametric connections, this one’s a reliable choice.
- AutoCADStill widely used, especially for 2D drafts, AutoCAD holds its own in the detailing space. It may not match Tekla or Advance Steel when it comes to advanced modelling, but for basic layouts and drafting tasks, it continues to be a solid tool.
- RevitRevit is strong in BIM-driven workflows and works well on projects where multiple disciplines come together. It allows smart modelling and good visualisation, though it often requires skilled users to manage its complexity.
- SolidWorksBest known in the mechanical design world, SolidWorks is sometimes used for converting older paper drawings into 3D CAD models. It’s easy to learn and good for small-scale structural components but not always preferred for full steel structures.
Each software comes with its own strengths. The best results come from choosing tools based on project needs, budget, and skill availability.

Why More Firms Are Outsourcing Steel detailing services

Investing in all this software, training your team, and managing licenses can quickly add up. That’s why more construction firms now outsource their steel detailing work to trusted service providers.

- Cost and time savings
- Scalability based on project needs
- Consistent quality and accuracy
- Fewer errors and reduced delays
- Allows internal teams to focus on core tasks
Wrapping It Up

Steel detailing is about making sure everything fits perfectly, works safely, and can be built without surprises.

If you're looking to improve how you handle steel detailing, reach out to Stridely Solutions’ Structural Detailing Services. With our hands-on experience, updated tools, and a team that knows the ins and outs of steel detailing services, we can help keep your projects on track and within budget. Contact us today.

For more information please visit https://www.stridelysolutions.com/services/bim-automation/tekla/