What the Check Covers
- Member sizes match the structural drawings — section, grade, and revision all confirmed
- Piece marks are unique and consistent with the BOM
- All required dimensions are shown — member length, hole locations, edge distances, cope depths
- Connection geometry is achievable — bolts accessible, wrench clearances adequate, weld access not blocked by flanges
- Weld symbols are complete — size, type, length, and AWS callout all present
- Material grades are shown on every member and every plate
- Drawing scale is readable — hole patterns and dimensions verifiable at the plotted scale
- Revision block matches the current revision and describes what changed
- Cross-references between drawing sheets are correct
Who Performs the Check
The most effective checking is done by someone who did not produce the drawing — self-review misses errors that a fresh reader catches immediately. On large projects, a senior detailer reviews the work of the production team. On smaller projects, the project manager performs the check. The check should be documented — a QA/QC log noting which drawings were checked, by whom, and on what date — so that if an error reaches the EOR, there is a record that a check was performed.
The Model vs. Drawing Comparison
One of the most important steps in the check is comparing the drawing against the model — not just reviewing the drawing in isolation. Dimensions on the drawing should match the model geometry; hole locations should match the model connection geometry; member lengths should match the model's cut list. A drawing that is internally consistent but disconnected from the model is a drawing that will cause problems when CNC files are run.