The Licensing Requirement
In all U.S. jurisdictions, engineering calculations for structures must be signed and sealed by a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) registered in the state where the project is located. A steel detailer — even a highly experienced one — cannot sign calculations unless they hold a PE license in the applicable state. Detailing is a technical discipline; engineering is a licensed profession. The two often overlap in practice, but the legal distinction is absolute.
What Detailers Can Do vs. What Engineers Must Do
A steel detailer can: prepare connection geometry and dimensions; draft connection details per a PE's design; produce shop drawings from an engineer's connection design; review connection designs for constructability and shop compatibility; and flag connections that appear under-capacity based on experience. A PE must: perform and sign the capacity calculation; accept engineering liability for the connection design; and coordinate with the EOR on any non-standard connection.
How to Arrange for PE-Stamped Calculations
When PE-stamped connection calculations are required, there are three options: (1) the EOR designs all connections and the detailer details them — no separate calculations required; (2) the fabricator engages a connection engineer directly, separate from the detailer; or (3) the detailer firm employs or partners with a PE who provides stamped calculations as part of the detailing service. At Tectonix, our U.S. project managers can coordinate with the appropriate engineering resources and advise on the most practical option for your project structure.
State Licensure and Multi-State Project Considerations
PE licensure is state-specific in the United States. A PE stamping connection calculations must hold an active license in the state where the project is located — not just any state. On projects in multiple states, the connection engineer must be licensed in each state or obtain temporary licensure through the relevant state board. Most state engineering boards offer a comity or endorsement process for licensed PEs seeking licensure in additional states; many also participate in the NCEES record program that simplifies multi-state applications. Fabricators working on projects in unfamiliar states should confirm the connection engineer's licensure before the calculations are submitted — an unlicensed stamp is invalid and will be rejected by the EOR and the AHJ.
What a Complete PE-Stamped Calculation Package Includes
A professionally prepared connection calculation package submitted with shop drawings should include more than just hand-checked capacity numbers. A complete package contains: a project identification cover sheet with the PE's contact information and license number; a summary table of connection types, governing loads, and required vs. provided capacities; individual calculations for each connection type showing the load path, governing limit state (bolt shear, bearing, weld capacity, block shear, net section), and compliance with AISC 360 Chapter J; sketches of the connection geometry referenced in the calculations; and the PE's signature, seal, and the date. Calculations submitted as informal spreadsheets without a cover sheet, connection identification, or PE seal are typically returned as incomplete by the EOR on first review.
Seismic Frame Connections and PE Scope Limitations
For connections in seismic-force-resisting systems (SFRS) — Special Moment Frames (SMF), Intermediate Moment Frames (IMF), Special Concentrically Braced Frames (SCBF), and others defined in AISC 341 — the calculation requirements are substantially more complex than for gravity connections. AISC 358 prequalified connections require specific geometry that cannot be substituted without qualification testing; the PE must demonstrate compliance with every geometric requirement of the applicable prequalified connection type. Panel zone requirements, continuity plate demands, and protected zone restrictions must all be addressed. A PE providing calculations for seismic connections must have specific experience with AISC 341 and 358 requirements — general structural engineering experience without seismic connection specialization is insufficient.
Timeline Implications of PE-Stamped Calculations
Adding PE-stamped connection calculations to the submittal package extends the timeline compared to a drawings-only submittal. The calculation preparation typically adds 1 to 3 weeks to the first submission, depending on the number of connection types and the complexity of any seismic or non-standard connections. The EOR's review of calculations takes additional time beyond drawing review — EOR contracts typically allow additional review time when calculations are included. For fast-track projects, the calculation scope should be established at kickoff so the connection engineer can begin preliminary calculations while model detailing is in progress, rather than waiting for drawings to be complete before beginning calculations.