Steel Detailing Process
The steel detailing process is the critical bridge between structural engineering design and on-site steel erection. It transforms concepts into precise shop drawings, fabrication instructions, and erection plans that steel fabricators and contractors can rely on.
In Saudi Arabia, where projects range from mega malls in Al Khobar to industrial factories in Dammam, accurate detailing ensures safety, compliance, and speed of construction.
Step 1: Design Inputs and Coordination
The process begins with collecting structural design drawings, architectural models, and MEP coordination inputs. These serve as the foundation for creating steel detailing documents.
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Structural loads and member sizes (from engineers)
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Architectural clearances and aesthetics
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MEP penetrations, hangers, and interfaces
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Civil foundation and anchor-bolt plans
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Step 2: General Arrangement (GA) Drawings
GA drawings are the “map” of the steel structure. They show:
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Column grid layouts
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Beam framing plans
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Elevations and sections
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Base plates and anchor bolts
These drawings ensure all stakeholders agree on the overall geometry before diving into detailed work.
Step 3: Connection Detailing
Every joint matters. Connection detailing specifies how beams, columns, and braces come together:
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Bolted connections (with bolt grades and tightening methods)
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Welded joints (symbols, sizes, and lengths)
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Bracing and splice details
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Fireproofing and corrosion protection notes
Step 4: Fabrication Drawings
Fabrication drawings (single part and assembly) are delivered to the workshop. They include:
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Dimensions, cuts, copes, and holes
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Piece marks for tracking
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Material specifications
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Surface treatment and coating details
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NC/DSTV files for CNC machines
This ensures error-free production of beams, columns, trusses, and plates.
Step 5: Erection Drawings
Erection drawings guide site crews in assembling the steel structure:
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Member positioning and orientation
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Bolting and welding sequences
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Temporary bracing and lifting points
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Survey benchmarks and tolerances
Clear erection plans help prevent accidents and speed up installation.
Step 6: Quality Assurance & Review
Every drawing is reviewed against codes like AISC, AWS, Eurocode, and Saudi Building Code (SBC). Quality checks include:
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Clash detection with BIM tools
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RFI resolution with engineers/architects
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Revision control for drawing updates
Step 7: Final Handover & As-Builts
Once construction is complete, as-built drawings are prepared to reflect any site modifications. These become part of the facility’s operation and maintenance manuals.
DTC’s Expertise in Steel Detailing
At DTC General Contracting, our detailing teams deliver clash-free, fabrication-ready, and code-compliant drawings for industrial and commercial projects.
Examples include:
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Kameyat Specialties Factory – Dammam – Complete design-build with integrated steel detailing.
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Al Saif Cold Storage Warehouses – Dammam – Specialized detailing for insulated steel and HVAC coordination.
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AMC Factory – Dammam – Large-scale factory with repetitive detailing for fast erection.
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Tiypa Mall – Al Khobar – Long-span roof steel detailing integrated with architectural features.
Why the Steel Detailing Process Matters
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Prevents fabrication errors and costly rework.
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Reduces on-site clashes with MEP and architectural elements.
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Improves safety during erection.
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Speeds up project delivery in fast-track Saudi construction markets.
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Call to Action
Looking for expert steel detailing services in Saudi Arabia?
DTC provides end-to-end design, shop drawings, fabrication, and erection support for your next factory, warehouse, or mall.
📧 Email: info@dtc.sa
📞 Phone: +966 566 41 1325
🌐 Website: www.dtc.sa
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