Steel detailing is a hugely important step in the construction process of any buildings or structures that have significant steel elements. Steel detailing is a complex process in which the precise dimensions and processes of steel elements are laid out, ensuring that steel fabricators and erectors can do their jobs accurately and that the steel structures we build today will be around for years to come.
It’s not surprising, then, that steel detailing is a field that is regulated by various standards across the world. Steel detailing standards are required to ensure that steel detailing meets the needs of the industry it’s completed for and covers every detail that might be necessary to ensure a safe and secure design.
What are steel detailing standards?
Steel detailing standards are standards for steel detailing drawings that are set by regional institutions and organisations. They tell a professional steel detailer what needs to be included in steel detailing drawings, including shop drawings, 3D models, and others. Steel detailing standards aren’t just a recommendation; it’s mandatory that steel detailers follow the standards of the location they’re working in to ensure that their design is precise and includes all details that will be needed before construction goes ahead.
Why do steel detailing standards differ around the world?
There are lots of reasons why steel detailing standards are different from one country to another, many of them environmental. The quality and stability of land are different in various parts of the world, and this, in turn, will affect key decisions in the construction process which need to be accounted for by a steel detailer when working on drawings.
Climate differences can also account for some of the disparities between standards, with some countries more at risk of extreme weather events, such as earthquakes, tornadoes, and heavy storms, all of which can mean tighter construction standards to ensure that structures and buildings have been designed with these events in mind.
It’s always important to ensure that you work with a steel detailer who has experience of your local region’s relevant steel detailing standards.
How can I look up the standards in my country?
Steel detailing standards in different countries are published by a number of official organisations whose job it is to regulate steel detailing and steel construction work in their country. For example, in the UK steel detailing standards are published by the British Constructional Steelwork Association (BCSA). Other European steel detailing standards are published by the Norwegian Steel Association, the European Confederation of Iron and Steel Industries, and the Swedish Institute of Steel Construction.
In the US, steel detailing is regulated by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) and the American Welding Society, while Asian standards are published by a number of organisations including the China Steel Construction Society.
The best way to find your local steel detailing standards is to look up your local steelwork associations or other regulatory bodies. Each of these organisations will have put together standards using expert knowledge both of steelwork and their country’s unique geography, resulting in standards that ensure steel detailing is always carried out properly.
Get in touch with us
At Restoric Design, we have years of experience drawing up accurate, effective steel detailing plans for clients across the UK, using both 2D and 3D models in our work to produce the best results, and always working in full compliance with UK steel detailing standards. To work with us, call us today and we’ll be happy to discuss your project and talk you through our professional steel detailing services.