Direct Answer
A complete shop drawing package includes: general notes sheet, anchor bolt plans, foundation plans (if steel), framing plans at each level, roof framing plans, structural elevations and sections, connection details, piece mark detail drawings for every unique member, miscellaneous steel details, and a complete bill of materials. Some packages also include a column schedule and erection sequence diagram.
Full Explanation
The general notes sheet must come first — it establishes codes, materials, and standards. Anchor bolt plans are issued first chronologically (before concrete). Framing and erection drawings give the big picture. Piece mark details are the fabrication documents. A well-organized package has a drawing index on the general notes sheet that allows anyone to quickly locate any drawing. Numbering conventions (S1.01, S1.02 for structural level 1; M1.01 for misc. level 1) help navigate large packages.
What This Means for Your Shop
Before accepting a shop drawing package as complete, verify it has a drawing index and that every piece mark on the erection drawings has a corresponding detail sheet. Incomplete packages are a common source of fabrication delays.
Common Mistakes
Accepting an incomplete package under schedule pressure and starting fabrication from partial drawings. Missing details always surface at the worst time — usually during erection.
Recommended Process
At IFC package receipt, run a completeness check: drawing index present? All erection drawing piece marks have detail sheets? BOM accounts for all members on erection drawings? Sign off on completeness before releasing to production.