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Industry Basics6 min readDecember 10, 2026

What Should Be Included in a Steel Detailing Quality Control Checklist?

A quality control checklist is only useful if it is actually used — systematically, on every drawing, before it is issued. The items on the checklist are not arbitrary; each one represents a category of error that has reached a shop floor, a fabrication machine, or an EOR's desk and caused real cost. Here is a comprehensive checklist for structural steel shop drawings.

Document and Title Block Checks

  • Project name and number match the contract documents
  • Drawing number is unique and follows the project numbering convention
  • Drawing title accurately describes the content
  • Revision letter and date are current in the title block
  • Revision description explains what changed — not just 'per EOR comments'
  • Scale is correct for the content (1:10 for details, 1:20 for plans)
  • North arrow shown where applicable

Structural and Dimensional Checks

  • Member section sizes match the approved structural drawings
  • Material grades are shown on every primary member and every plate
  • All member lengths are shown — to the appropriate precision for the member type
  • All hole groups are shown with row/column spacing and edge distances
  • Cope dimensions are shown — depth, length, and corner radius
  • All welds are shown with complete AWS symbols — size, type, length, and side of joint
  • Bolt callouts include diameter, grade, and installation method
  • Field vs. shop welds and bolts are clearly distinguished
  • Erection bolts (used for temporary fit-up) are identified if applicable

Connection and Coordination Checks

  • Connection type matches the structural drawing or approved connection design
  • Wrench clearance is achievable for all bolt locations — minimum 1" clearance per AISC
  • Weld access holes are shown where required for flange welds
  • Continuity plates and doubler plates shown where required by the structural drawings
  • Erection aids (tabs, lugs, clip plates for temporary fit) shown and labeled
  • Cross-references to other drawing sheets are correct and exist
  • BOM quantities on the drawing match the model BOM
QA checklistshop drawing checkquality controlsteel detailingweld symbols

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