ENGINEERING DOCUMENTATION / 01 FABRICATION DRAWINGS From approved design information to accurate, workshop-ready manufacturing instructions. PLATE + CONNECTION DETAIL https://www.steelconstructiondetailing.com/ 01 / OVERVIEW What fabrication drawings communicate A coordinated set of instructions that defines how individual components are manufactured. 01 Geometry & dimensions Member lengths, plate sizes, profiles, hole locations and tolerances. 02 Materials & processes Material grades, thicknesses, weld specifications, bolts and finishes. 03 Identification & traceability Piece marks, assembly references, revision status and quantity information. THE CORE PURPOSE Remove ambiguity before production starts—so every part can be made, checked and assembled against an agreed set of information. 02 https://www.steelconstructiondetailing.com/ 02 / DRAWING SET Common types of fabrication drawings Different drawing views serve different stages of shop production and inspection. 03 / 12 01 GENERAL ARRANGEMENT Shows the overall assembly, major dimensions, grids and relationship between components. 02 ASSEMBLY DRAWING Explains how individual parts fit together, with assembly marks and connection references. 03 PART / DETAIL DRAWING Defines the dimensions and features required to manufacture a single component. 04 NC / CNC OUTPUT Machine-readable data may be generated for compatible cutting, drilling or processing equipment. 03 https://www.steelconstructiondetailing.com/ 03 / CONTENT What a complete drawing should include The exact requirements depend on the project, material, fabrication method and governing specifications. 01 Identification Drawing number, title, piece mark, assembly mark and revision. 02 Dimensions Overall and local dimensions, hole coordinates, angles and relevant tolerances. 03 Material Material grade, section designation, plate thickness and quantity. 04 Connections Bolt size and grade, weld symbols, edge preparation and connection notes. 05 Finish Coating, galvanizing, surface preparation or other specified treatment. 06 References Related drawings, project notes, standards and inspection requirements. 04 https://www.steelconstructiondetailing.com/ 04 / PROCESS The fabrication drawing workflow A disciplined sequence keeps design intent, shop requirements and revisions aligned. 01 INPUT REVIEW Collect approved structural drawings, specifications and relevant schedules. 02 MODEL / DETAIL Develop component geometry and connection information using project- approved methods. 03 DRAWING PREPARATION Create assembly, part and arrangement drawings with consistent identification. 04 CHECK & APPROVE Verify dimensions, materials, connections, coordination and revision status. 05 ISSUE TO SHOP Release the controlled drawing package and associated production data. CONTROL POINT: Only the latest approved revision should be used for production. 05 https://www.steelconstructiondetailing.com/ 05 / DRAWING READABILITY Views, sections and annotations Use the right view to make each feature understandable without overloading the sheet. ILLUSTRATIVE COMPONENT VIEWS FRONT TOP Dimension lines and hole locations shown schematically Orthographic views Front, top and side views define the component from multiple directions. Sections & enlarged details Use cuts and detail views for hidden geometry, joints and complex interfaces. Notes & symbols Apply consistent dimensioning, weld symbols, leaders and drawing conventions. 06 https://www.steelconstructiondetailing.com/ 06 / CONNECTION INFORMATION Bolts, welds and connection details Connection callouts must be clear, coordinated and consistent with approved engineering requirements. 01 BOLTED CONNECTIONS Identify bolt diameter and grade, quantity, hole type, spacing, edge distance and installation notes. 02 WELDED CONNECTIONS Show weld type, size, length, location, extent and applicable welding symbols or notes. 03 BASE / EMBED DETAILS Coordinate base plates, anchor rods, templates, grout interfaces and foundation references. Always follow the project’s approved design documents and specified standards; detailers should not independently alter engineered connection requirements. 07 https://www.steelconstructiondetailing.com/ 07 / QUALITY Drawing checks before release A structured review catches omissions and inconsistencies before they reach the shop floor. ✓ Geometry Verify dimensions, orientation, levels, angles and member lengths. ✓ Connections Cross-check bolt and weld details against approved engineering information. ✓ Material data Confirm grades, section sizes, plate thicknesses and quantities. ✓ Coordination Check interfaces, clearances, access and fit-up between connected parts. ✓ Document control Confirm drawing number, revision, status, references and issue history. 08 https://www.steelconstructiondetailing.com/ 08 / DIGITAL PRODUCTION CAD, 3D models and machine data Digital tools can improve consistency when model information and drawing outputs are managed correctly. 01 2D CAD Precise drafting Plans, elevations, sections and detailed annotations. 02 3D MODEL Coordinated geometry Component relationships, assemblies and model-based review. 03 CNC / NC DATA Production interface Machine files generated where the software, machine and project workflow support them. The selected software and output formats should match the fabricator’s approved production process. 09 https://www.steelconstructiondetailing.com/ 09 / DOCUMENT CONTROL Coordination, revisions and issue management Clear document control prevents outdated information from being used during fabrication. REVIEW Resolve comments and record required changes. REVISE Update affected drawings and linked information. CHECK Re-verify dimensions, references and revision clouds. RELEASE Issue the approved revision and supersede prior copies. DRAWING STATUS FOR REVIEW FOR APPROVAL APPROVED FOR FABRICATION 10 https://www.steelconstructiondetailing.com/ 10 / PROJECT VALUE What well-prepared fabrication drawings improve The drawing package is a practical link between engineering, procurement, production and installation. 01 Clearer production Shop teams receive consistent component and assembly information. 02 Better material planning Schedules and piece marks support purchasing, cutting and tracking. 03 Fewer avoidable errors Early checks help expose missing details and coordination conflicts. 04 Smoother assembly Logical marks and connection references support fit-up and installation. Good drawings make the next manufacturing step easier to understand, verify and execute. 11 https://www.steelconstructiondetailing.com/ FABRICATION DRAWINGS TECHNICAL OVERVIEW Thank you Questions, clarifications and technical discussion DISCUSS YOUR DRAWING PACKAGE Scope • Standards • Deliverables • Review process https://www.steelconstructiondetailing.com/