
Learn the fundamentals of structural steel detailing, including reading GAD drawings and fabricating drawings for beams and columns, with no prior experience required and hands-on practice.
Identify the key components of steel detailing: shop drawings, detailed drawings, and the bill of materials (BOM). Explain their roles in erection, fabrication, and material assembly.
Understand how site drawings convey the overall design intent and layout for a project, while shop drawings provide highly detailed fabrication and installation instructions for steel components.
Explore steel sections and profiles, including W, UB, UC, and I beams, channels, angles, and hollow sections. Learn standard designations and how drawings, symbols, and shop details translate in practice.
Learn welding symbols per aws a2.4-2020, including reference line, arrows, weld type icons, and location rules. Review common fillet and groove welds, dimensions, scale, and contour symbols.
Explore the top three steel detailing software, Advanced Steel, Tecla Structures, and STS-2, featuring parametric 3D modeling, automatic fabrication drawings, and CNC integration for Autodesk and Trimble workflow.
Explore anchor bolts and foundation plans, detailing layout, bolt types, dimensions, and tolerances to connect steel columns to concrete foundations with accuracy and coordination.
Explore the floor framing plan for steel detailing, including member layout, properties, elevations, openings, notes, and deliverables for plant and building structures, with load considerations.
The Fundamentals of Steel Detailing course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to the practice of steel detailing, combining both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Students will learn the basics of structural steel, including types, grades, and properties, and understand the role of steel members in building stability. The course emphasizes reading and interpreting drawings, with a focus on General Arrangement (GA) drawings, floor plans, elevations, sections, and details.
Participants will gain hands-on experience in detailing beams and columns, base plates, anchor bolts, gusset and stiffener plates, and bracing systems. The course also introduces 3D and isometric views to help students visualize structural layouts and connections. Attention is given to both local standards and international practices, such as AISC, ensuring students understand industry requirements and quality expectations.
Through exercises in producing accurate fabrication drawings, specifying materials, and checking for potential conflicts, students develop precision, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills. By the end of the course, learners will be able to create clear, accurate steel drawings, understand connection types, and communicate effectively with engineers, fabricators, and construction teams. This course lays a solid foundation for anyone pursuing a career in steel detailing or structural drafting. Great Structures Start with Great Details