Steel Detailing Services USA — Tekla-Based Shop Drawings
We deliver AISC-compliant fabrication drawings, assembly sheets, and CNC data (.NC1) directly from coordinated 3D Tekla models with a 24-hour quote guarantee.
What are structural steel detailing services?
Structural steel detailing services involve translating a structural engineer's framing plans and connection designs into exact 3D models and individual 2D drawings. These shop drawings specify the precise length, cut profile, bolt-hole spacing, and welding instructions required for a steel fabricator to manufacture every beam, column, and truss.
By modeling in Tekla, we isolate clashes and discrepancies in anchor bolt positioning or member elevations before fabrication begins. This ensures that what reaches the job site fits together on the first lift, reducing costly field modifications and keeping your project schedule on track.
DETAILING DELIVERABLES INCLUDED
Fabrication Shop Drawings
Detailed member drawings showing every cut, weld prep, bolt hole, and material grade. Clean layouts ensuring your shop floor runs continuously.
Erection & Framing Plans
Coordinated erection drawings with clear piece marks, dimension clearances, and anchor bolt layouts to minimize crane idle times.
DSTV CNC Data (.NC1)
CNC files exported directly from the coordinated 3D model, automating beam lines and drill lines without manual programming errors.
Miscellaneous Steel Details
Detailing for complex stairs, handrails, guardrails, ladders, and secondary frames conforming to OSHA 1910.29 safety heights.
OUR 5-STEP STEEL DETAILING WORKFLOW
From contract drawings to coordinated, approved shop drawings, we manage the detailing workflow with complete transparency.
Input Intake
We receive structural framing plans, architectural grids, and connection schedules (PDF, DWG, RVT).
3D modeling
Our detailers construct a solid 3D member model in Tekla Structures, modeling every connection plate and bolt.
Clash & RFI Check
We run automatic collision checks and issue clear, coordinated RFIs to the EOR to resolve engineering gaps.
Drafting & Export
Once coordinated, we export fabrication shop drawings, erection plans, material lists, and CNC files.
QA Review & Issue
A senior detailing checker audits every drawing sheet against the design drawings before issuing IFC plans.
How do seismic requirements alter structural steel detailing?
Seismic detailing conforms to AISC 341 seismic design regulations. It specifies column splices, heavy moment-frame beam joints, and bracing connections to endure inelastic deformations under severe seismic loading. This requires detailing special weld preps, backing bars, access holes, and high-strength bolting zones to allow ductile energy dissipation rather than brittle structural failure.
Total Engineering Consultants' detailing team embeds AISC seismic requirements directly into our coordinated Tekla models. We calculate correct clearances, weld preps, and gusset sizes for moment connections (e.g. reduced beam section or "dogbone" details) and braced frames. This ensures that field-erected columns and beams in California and Pacific Coast regions conform to local structural seismic ordinances.
SERVING FABRICATORS IN 5 REGIONAL HUBS
We provide local structural detailing tailored to regional building codes and site loading parameters.
Total Engineering Consultants provides heavy industrial and commercial steel detailing for the Gulf Coast, coordinating wind-load framing and hurricane-resistant industrial trusses.
We serve midwest fabricators with precise erection drawings, coordinating frost-line baseplate details and heavy snow-load structural framing.
We deliver Tekla shop drawings conforming to NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) and high-density commercial site clearances.
Our team details Special Moment Frames (SMF) and boundary braces meeting California Building Code (CBC) seismic SDC D/E/F categories.
We support southeast fabricators with pre-engineered building (PEB) detailing, commercial low-rises, and warehouse framing shop drawings.
STEEL DETAILING FAQS
What is the standard turnaround time for steel shop drawings?
Standard structural packages are delivered within 5 to 10 business days depending on tonnage. We provide a preliminary anchor bolt plan and erection framing layout within 48 to 72 hours of project kick-off.
Are your steel detailing drawings AISC and OSHA compliant?
Yes. Every connection is detailed to AISC 360/303 standard specifications, and miscellaneous steel clearances conform to OSHA 1926 Subpart R steel erection safety guidelines.
What file formats do you deliver to fabricators?
We deliver PDF drawing sets, DWG/DXF files for CNC plate burners, DSTV (.NC1) data for automated drill and saw lines, and coordinated IFC 3D model files.
How do you handle structural design changes (revisions)?
Revisions are made directly in the central Tekla 3D model. Since drawings are linked dynamically to the model, all affected assembly sheets, piece marks, and bill of materials update automatically, keeping everything in sync.
Do you detail miscellaneous metals like stairs and handrails?
Yes, we have a dedicated team for miscellaneous steel, including egress stairwells, industrial ladders, cage guardrails, and decorative light structural steel, ensuring OSHA conformity.
Do you serve fabricators in High Seismic zones?
Yes. We provide certified seismic steel detailing conforming to AISC 341 and California building codes (CBC) for moment-frame connection clearances.
GET A BINDING TEKLA DETAILING QUOTE
Outsource your shop drawings to Total Engineering Consultants. Send your structural designs or models and receive a comprehensive pricing proposal within 24 hours.