Steel Detailer and Shop Drawings for the Fabricator
Introduction
The success of any steel project depends not just on design but on clear, fabrication-ready shop drawings. This is where the role of a steel detailer becomes critical. Steel detailers create the precise documentation that fabricators need to cut, weld, drill, and assemble steel components with accuracy.
In Saudi Arabia, where large-scale factories, malls, warehouses, and cold storage facilities dominate the construction scene, having reliable steel detailers and shop drawings for the fabricator ensures projects are delivered faster, safer, and with fewer errors.
Who is a Steel Detailer?
A steel detailer is a specialized professional who converts structural engineering and architectural designs into detailed shop drawings and fabrication plans. Their work is the blueprint for fabricators who transform raw steel into beams, columns, and assemblies.
They handle:
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General arrangement (GA) drawings
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Connection detailing (bolts, welds, plates, stiffeners)
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Fabrication drawings (single-part and assembly)
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Erection drawings for site teams
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CNC/NC files for automated cutting and drilling
Why Shop Drawings are Crucial for Fabricators
Fabricators need shop drawings to:
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Ensure Accuracy – Every beam, column, and plate has exact cut lengths, hole locations, and weld specifications.
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Reduce Waste – Optimized nesting and cutting reduce steel wastage.
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Save Time – CNC-ready files eliminate guesswork in workshops.
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Guarantee Safety – Correct connections prevent failure during erection.
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Support Compliance – Shop drawings follow standards like AISC, AWS, Eurocode, and Saudi Building Code (SBC).
The Steel Detailing Process
Step 1: Collecting Inputs
Structural designs, architectural drawings, and MEP coordination are the starting points.
Step 2: General Arrangement Drawings
GA drawings map the steel frame layout with grids, elevations, and sections.
Step 3: Connection Detailing
Detailers specify bolts, welds, plates, gussets, and splices for every joint.
Step 4: Fabrication Drawings
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Piece marks for each member
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Hole tables and weld symbols
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Surface treatment and coating notes
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CNC files for machine cutting and drilling
Step 5: Erection Drawings
Guidance for site crews including lifting points, bolt-up sequences, and temporary bracing.
Step 6: As-Built Updates
Final drawings reflecting changes during construction for client handover.
DTC’s Role as Steel Detailer and Contractor
At DTC General Contracting, we don’t just build structures—we also provide end-to-end steel detailing services. Our in-house detailing teams use Tekla Structures and BIM tools to create accurate shop drawings, clash-free models, and CNC-ready files for fabricators.
This integrated approach ensures:
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Fabricators get clear, buildable drawings.
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Erection teams receive safe and sequenced erection plans.
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Clients save time and cost through reduced errors.
Real Project Examples from DTC
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Kameyat Specialties Factory – Dammam
DTC delivered full design-build with steel detailing, enabling efficient fabrication and assembly of industrial structures. -
Al Saif Cold Storage Warehouses – Dammam
Fabrication drawings included insulated steel details and HVAC coordination, ensuring airtight performance. -
AMC Factory – Dammam
At 136,000 m², this project required standardized detailing for repetitive bays to speed up fabrication. -
Tiypa Mall – Al Khobar
Complex roof steel shop drawings supported fast-track mall construction. -
Bayfront – Al Khobar
Architectural steel detailing included plaza roofs, amphitheater framing, and corrosion protection schedules for marine exposure.
Benefits of Working with DTC for Steel Detailing
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Integrated Workflow – From detailing to fabrication to erection.
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Local Knowledge – Experienced with Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Al Khobar projects.
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Advanced Technology – Tekla BIM models, clash detection, CNC files.
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Proven Track Record – Over 70 successful projects across Saudi Arabia.
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Compliance Ready – Drawings meet SBC and Civil Defense requirements.
Conclusion
The work of a steel detailer and the accuracy of shop drawings for fabricators directly impact project speed, cost, and safety. In Saudi Arabia’s fast-growing construction sector, choosing an experienced partner like DTC ensures your project has fabrication-ready, erection-safe, and code-compliant steel drawings from the start.
Call to Action
Looking for expert steel detailers and shop drawings for your fabricators?
Trust DTC to deliver precision and efficiency for your next project.
📞 +966 566 41 1325
📧 info@dtc.sa
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