Question 1

What information do I need to send Tectonix for a detailing estimate?

Accepted Answer

Send us your structural drawings (SD or CD set), project specifications (Division 05), and any addenda. The more complete the document set, the more accurate our scope review and pricing. A tonnage estimate and bid due date are also helpful so we can confirm our schedule availability.

Question 2

How quickly can I get a detailing quote?

Accepted Answer

For straightforward commercial structural projects we typically turn around a scope review and preliminary pricing within 24–48 business hours of receiving a reasonably complete document set. Complex industrial, heavy plate, or multi-trade coordination scopes may require additional review time.

Question 3

Do you charge for estimates or scope reviews?

Accepted Answer

No. We review your plans and specifications at no cost and provide preliminary pricing based on the scope. We only charge when we begin production work under a signed contract.

Question 4

How do detailers typically price structural steel detailing?

Accepted Answer

Most detailers price on a per-ton basis, a per-drawing basis, or as a lump-sum fee. The appropriate method depends on project complexity, connection design responsibility, and the deliverable set required. Tectonix reviews each project individually to provide pricing that reflects the actual scope.

Question 5

What factors drive the cost of a detailing package up or down?

Accepted Answer

Connection complexity is the biggest driver — moment frames, heavy plate connections, and non-standard geometry take significantly more time than simple shear-tab framing. Miscellaneous steel scope, BIM coordination requirements, project phasing, and the number of revision cycles also affect cost.

Question 6

Can you detail projects I'm bidding that I may not win?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can review scope and provide preliminary pricing for bid purposes. If you are awarded the project, we can begin production quickly with the information already gathered. If you don't win, there is no charge for the preliminary review.

Question 7

Do you provide material takeoffs for estimating?

Accepted Answer

We can provide preliminary material quantity estimates based on the structural documents. Accurate fabrication-level takeoffs are produced after the 3D model is developed, which is part of the standard detailing workflow.

Question 8

What is the typical price range for structural steel detailing?

Accepted Answer

Detailing fees vary widely — from roughly $8 to $30+ per ton depending on connection complexity, project type, and deliverable requirements. Simple warehouse framing sits toward the lower end; complex industrial, multi-story moment frames, or heavy plate structures are at the higher end. Miscellaneous steel is typically priced separately and at higher per-ton rates.

Question 9

What is included in a structural steel shop drawing package?

Accepted Answer

A complete shop drawing package includes individual piece mark drawings (single-piece drawings showing all dimensions, holes, welds, and material specifications), assembly drawings showing how pieces connect, and an anchor bolt plan. The package provides fabrication shops with all information needed to cut, drill, and weld steel without referencing the structural drawings.

Question 10

What drawing standards do you follow for shop drawings?

Accepted Answer

Tectonix follows AISC standards including the Code of Standard Practice, AISC 360 (Specification for Structural Steel Buildings), and project-specific requirements in Division 05 of the specifications. We also follow NSBA and AASHTO standards for bridge work when applicable.

Question 11

What software do you use to produce shop drawings?

Accepted Answer

Our primary platform is Tekla Structures for 3D modeling and drawing extraction. We can also produce drawings in AutoCAD when required by the fabricator or when the project scope does not warrant full 3D modeling.

Question 12

What format are shop drawings delivered in?

Accepted Answer

Standard delivery is PDF for submission and review. We also provide native Tekla model files and DWG/DXF files upon request. CNC output files (NC1/DSTV, XML, DXF for plate processing) are provided separately as part of the CNC deliverable package.

Question 13

How are shop drawings organized — by piece mark or by assembly?

Accepted Answer

Best practice, and what Tectonix produces by default, is a drawing set organized by piece mark (single-piece drawings) plus a set of assembly or erection drawings. The fabricator uses piece mark drawings on the shop floor; the erector uses assembly drawings in the field.

Question 14

Do your shop drawings include weld symbols?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All required welds are shown with AWS-standard weld symbols, including weld process, size, length, and any special requirements called out in the structural specifications. CJP welds, PJP welds, fillet welds, and backing bar requirements are all clearly detailed.

Question 15

How do you handle shop drawing submittals to the engineer of record?

Accepted Answer

We produce the drawings in submittable format (PDF, organized by mark or submittal package) and transmit them to you. Most fabricators prefer to submit directly to the EOR under their own cover letter. We track submittal status and incorporate engineer comments in the revision cycle.

Question 16

What happens when the engineer stamps drawings 'Revise and Resubmit'?

Accepted Answer

We review the engineer's markups, incorporate required changes into the model and drawings, update revision clouds, and reissue the affected drawings. Revision tracking is maintained throughout the project so the fabrication team always knows the current approved revision.

Question 17

Can you match our shop's existing drawing format or title block?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can configure Tectonix drawing templates to match your shop's standard title block, border format, and layout conventions. This keeps submittals and shop-floor documents consistent with what your team is used to.

Question 18

What is a 'For Construction' release and when does it happen?

Accepted Answer

A For Construction (FC) release occurs after the engineer has approved or approved-as-noted the submittal package and the fabricator authorizes production to begin. Tectonix tracks approval status and issues FC packages upon your authorization so material ordering and shop production can start.

Question 19

What is the difference between a shop drawing and an erection drawing?

Accepted Answer

Shop drawings focus on individual piece fabrication — dimensions, holes, welds, and material for a single member. Erection drawings show how assembled pieces fit together in the structure — elevation views, plan views, piece marks in their installed locations, and connection sequences for the erector.

Question 20

What information is typically shown on erection drawings?

Accepted Answer

Erection drawings show framing plan views at each floor or roof level, elevation views of braced or moment frames, column schedules, anchor bolt plans, erection sequences where required, and piece mark callouts in their final installed location. Bolt patterns, weld sequences, and field splice details are also included.

Question 21

Do erection drawings get submitted to the engineer of record for approval?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Erection drawings are part of the standard submittal package that goes to the EOR. Field splices, moment connection details, and any geometry that affects the structural system require engineer review and approval before fabrication.

Question 22

Do you produce erection sequencing drawings for complex projects?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for projects where erection sequence affects stability, connection access, or construction loading, we can produce phased erection drawings that show the sequence of steel placement. This is common on industrial, high-rise, and complex truss or long-span projects.

Question 23

Can erection drawings be used for crane pick planning?

Accepted Answer

Erection drawings show piece marks, approximate member weights (from the model), and connection locations — all information the ironworker foreman uses for lift planning. We can also produce piece weight schedules and load charts from the Tekla model on request.

Question 24

How do erection drawings relate to the anchor bolt plan?

Accepted Answer

The anchor bolt plan is a specific type of erection drawing showing column base plate locations, anchor bolt patterns, bolt diameter and spacing, and embed depths. It is typically one of the first drawings released so the concrete contractor can set anchors before steel arrives.

Question 25

What information is included in a column schedule?

Accepted Answer

A column schedule is a table or drawing that summarizes each column's size, length, splices, base plate, and orientation. It allows the erector to quickly verify material at the jobsite and confirms that column orientation marks (north marks) are correctly applied before the iron goes in the air.

Question 26

What is a match mark and when is it used on erection drawings?

Accepted Answer

Match marks are symbols placed on mating surfaces of field splices or complex assemblies to show how pieces align during erection. They are particularly important for moment splices, truss chords, and curved or asymmetric members where orientation is not obvious from the piece geometry alone.

Question 27

What BIM deliverables can Tectonix produce?

Accepted Answer

We produce IFC files, Navisworks NWC/NWD files, and Revit-compatible exports from our Tekla model. These files are used in the GC's federated BIM environment for clash detection and coordination with other trades.

Question 28

What Tekla model export formats do you support?

Accepted Answer

Tekla Structures can export IFC (2x3 and 4), DWG/DXF, DGN, CIS/2, SDNF, SAT, and direct Navisworks cache (NWC) files. The appropriate format depends on the GC's coordination platform and the project BEP requirements.

Question 29

What is the difference between IFC and Navisworks for BIM coordination?

Accepted Answer

IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) is an open, platform-neutral format that preserves object data and is used in open BIM workflows. Navisworks NWC/NWD files are Autodesk-specific and commonly used for clash detection in Navisworks Manage. Both can be produced from our Tekla model.

Question 30

Can you participate in BIM coordination meetings?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our U.S. project managers can join web-based BIM coordination meetings, review clash reports, and coordinate resolution directly with the GC and other trade detailers. This is one of the advantages of our U.S.-managed model — you get a responsive participant, not an overnight email chain.

Question 31

What Level of Development (LOD) does your Tekla model support?

Accepted Answer

Our standard structural steel model is produced at LOD 300–350, which includes accurate geometry, size, shape, location, and fabrication-level connection information. LOD 400 with full fabrication data is available for projects requiring it.

Question 32

Can you coordinate steel clashes with mechanical, electrical, and plumbing trades?

Accepted Answer

We can export our model for coordination and review clash reports produced by the GC's BIM coordinator. Resolving structural clashes typically requires EOR input; we track open coordination items and communicate resolution back to the model.

Question 33

What is a BEP (BIM Execution Plan) and how does it affect detailing?

Accepted Answer

A BEP defines the project's BIM requirements — LOD expectations, file formats, coordinate systems, naming conventions, and submission schedule. We review BEP requirements early in the project so our Tekla model setup aligns from the start, avoiding costly rework.

Question 34

Can you provide a federated model for owner review?

Accepted Answer

We can provide our steel model as a component of a federated model for owner or design team review. The GC typically manages the federation of all discipline models; we supply the steel component in the agreed format.

Question 35

Why do most high-quality structural steel detailers use Tekla Structures?

Accepted Answer

Tekla Structures is the industry-standard 3D modeling platform for structural steel detailing. It produces highly accurate, constructible models from which shop drawings, erection drawings, CNC data, and BIM exports are all extracted — eliminating the manual errors common in 2D drafting workflows.

Question 36

What version of Tekla Structures do you use?

Accepted Answer

We maintain current licensing for the latest release of Tekla Structures and update our environment regularly. We can work in earlier versions when a project requires compatibility with a client's or fabricator's existing model environment.

Question 37

Can you open and modify an existing Tekla model I started?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can take over, extend, or complete an existing Tekla model. We review the existing model setup, numbering series, templates, and drawing configurations before beginning work to ensure continuity.

Question 38

Can you work in a model with a custom Tekla environment or component library?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can load and work within custom Tekla environments, including shop-specific components, custom connection catalogs, and project-specific templates. Provide the environment files and we will configure our setup accordingly.

Question 39

What is multi-user (shared) modeling in Tekla and do you support it?

Accepted Answer

Tekla's multi-user functionality allows multiple detailers to work in the same model simultaneously, with each user working in their assigned zone or discipline. We support multi-user setups for large projects requiring parallel modeling from multiple detailers.

Question 40

Can Tekla export CNC data directly to our fabrication equipment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tekla produces NC1/DSTV files for drill lines and beam processors, DXF files for plasma and laser table cutters, and XML files compatible with most modern plate processing equipment. This eliminates manual programming and reduces data-entry errors in the shop.

Question 41

What is Tekla's clash checking capability?

Accepted Answer

Tekla includes built-in clash checking (physical interference detection) within the steel model. This catches bolts through flanges, members intersecting without connections, and geometry conflicts before drawings are issued. We run clash checks as part of our QA process.

Question 42

Can Tekla models be used for structural analysis?

Accepted Answer

Tekla models can be exported to structural analysis software (STAAD, RISA, RAM, SAP2000) via industry-standard formats. However, the Tekla detailing model is a fabrication model, not an analysis model — the engineer of record typically maintains a separate analysis model.

Question 43

What types of miscellaneous steel do you detail?

Accepted Answer

We detail stairs (pan stairs, plate stairs, ship's ladders), handrail and guardrail systems, ladders, mezzanines, grating and floor plate supports, equipment platforms, overhead bridge crane runways, canopies, screen walls, and embed plates. Miscellaneous steel often requires more coordination intensity per ton than heavy structural.

Question 44

Why is miscellaneous steel harder to detail than primary structural?

Accepted Answer

Miscellaneous steel involves dozens or hundreds of individual fabricated pieces with complex geometry, field-fit conditions, and coordination with architectural finishes, mechanical penetrations, and existing structures. Each piece is often unique, unlike the repetition found in primary structural framing.

Question 45

Do you detail handrail and guardrail systems to IBC/OSHA standards?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Guardrail systems are detailed to meet IBC Chapter 10 requirements (minimum 42-inch height, 200-lb concentrated load, infill spacing) and OSHA 1910/1926 where applicable for industrial facilities. We coordinate with the EOR or delegated design engineer for railing design loads.

Question 46

Can you detail monumental or custom architectural stairs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Architectural stair detailing — curved stringers, cantilevered treads, open-riser conditions, and complex geometric forms — is within our capability. These projects benefit greatly from 3D modeling in Tekla to verify geometry before fabrication.

Question 47

How do you handle embeds and anchor plates coordinated with concrete?

Accepted Answer

Embed and anchor plate drawings are developed from the structural drawings and coordinated with the concrete formwork sequence. We produce individual embed drawings with plan location, elevation, orientation, and welded stud or reinforcement information for the concrete contractor.

Question 48

Can you detail grating and floor plate framing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We detail the support framing (floor beams, grating supports, and trim angles) and can produce grating layout plans showing panel sizes, orientation, and bearing conditions. Actual grating panel fabrication is typically supplied by specialty grating manufacturers.

Question 49

Do you detail bridge crane runway systems?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Overhead bridge crane runway systems — including runway beams, rail clips, end stops, column brackets, and tie beams — are within our scope. We coordinate with the crane manufacturer's drawings for rail size, wheel spacing, and load data.

Question 50

Do you detail industrial structural steel projects?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Industrial projects — petrochemical, power generation, food processing, manufacturing, data centers, and distribution facilities — are a significant part of our work. Industrial detailing often involves heavy plate, complex connections, tight coordination with equipment vendors, and elevated safety requirements.

Question 51

How does industrial detailing differ from commercial building detailing?

Accepted Answer

Industrial detailing typically involves heavier members, more complex connections (heavy moment connections, large gusset plates), coordination with process equipment and piping, platform and access systems integrated with the structural frame, and higher-consequence QA/QC requirements.

Question 52

Can you work on AISC Category STD, SSL, or CSL certified fabricator projects?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We understand the documentation and QA requirements associated with AISC certification categories and can produce drawings and material documentation that meet the requirements for Standard, Sophisticated, and Complex Steel Structures.

Question 53

Do you detail projects with seismic Special Moment Frames or EBF systems?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Seismic lateral systems — SMF, IMF, OMF, EBF, SCBF, and OCBF — are within our scope. These systems have prescriptive connection geometry requirements, protected zone restrictions, and documentation requirements under AISC 341 that we address in the detailing.

Question 54

How do you coordinate with equipment vendors on industrial projects?

Accepted Answer

We review vendor drawings for base plate geometry, anchor bolt patterns, nozzle loads, and access clearances, then coordinate conflicts with the structural model. The U.S. project manager manages vendor drawing receipt and tracks open coordination items through resolution.

Question 55

Can you detail pipe rack structures and process platform systems?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pipe rack structures with framing bents, cross bracing, and expansion joints, as well as process platforms with integrated access stairs, ladders, grating, and handrail systems, are within our detailing capability.

Question 56

Do you work on projects requiring U.S.-only document control?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For government, military, or highly secure projects that require all work and document control to remain in the United States, we can execute the complete detailing package from our U.S. office with no international file transfer.

Question 57

How long does structural steel detailing take?

Accepted Answer

Duration depends on project size, complexity, and document completeness at kickoff. A straightforward 500-ton commercial building might take 6–10 weeks to a first submittal. A 2,000-ton industrial project with extensive miscellaneous steel could take 4–6 months. We provide a project-specific schedule at the start.

Question 58

What is the critical path for starting steel detailing?

Accepted Answer

The critical path starts with approved or 'issued for detailing' structural drawings from the engineer of record, signed contracts, and complete project specifications. We cannot finalize connection designs or anchor bolt plans without approved structural documents.

Question 59

Can you accelerate the detailing schedule if I have a hard fab start date?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can prioritize anchor bolt plans and critical path members first to allow fabrication to begin while the balance of the package is completed. Early release strategies, phased submissions, and additional personnel allocation are all options we discuss at project kickoff.

Question 60

How does the two-shift workflow affect my project schedule?

Accepted Answer

Because our Philippines team advances appropriate production tasks overnight, projects with tight deadlines can achieve faster throughput than a single-shift U.S.-only shop. Structural production tasks — detailing, scrubbing, and dimensioning — advance during overnight hours under our established procedures.

Question 61

What happens to my schedule if the engineer issues a major revision?

Accepted Answer

Major revision scope is assessed immediately upon receipt. We identify affected members and connections, estimate the revision hours, and provide a revised schedule. We distinguish between additive changes (new scope) and substitutive changes (replacing existing work) to evaluate impact accurately.

Question 62

Do you provide weekly schedule updates?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our U.S. project managers provide regular schedule status updates — typically weekly or at agreed-upon milestones — showing planned vs. actual progress, drawing release status, and any open items affecting the schedule.

Question 63

Can detailing work begin before all structural drawings are finalized?

Accepted Answer

In some cases, yes — with appropriate risk acknowledgment. We can begin modeling from design development drawings with the understanding that revisions will be required. This approach is sometimes used on fast-track projects to compress the overall schedule, but carries revision risk.

Question 64

How does a phased drawing release strategy work?

Accepted Answer

A phased release strategy prioritizes critical-path members — typically anchor bolt plans, columns, and primary girders at lower floors — for early submittal and fabrication authorization. The balance of the package is submitted in subsequent phases, allowing the shop to begin cutting steel while the remaining drawings are completed.

Structural Steel Detailing FAQ

Estimating & Bidding

Shop Drawings

Erection Drawings

BIM Coordination

Tekla Structures

Miscellaneous Steel

Industrial Steel Projects

Scheduling & Deadlines

RFIs & Change Orders

Connection Design & Development

QA/QC & Checking

Working with Tectonix

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