From Design to Fabrication
Structural detailing is the translation layer between engineering design and physical construction. A design calculation tells you that a W14×68 column is adequate; a shop drawing tells the fabricator its exact length, connection hole locations, weld preparation requirements, camber, and piece mark. Without precise detailing, even correctly designed structures fail to be built correctly — or efficiently.
Sixteens Consultancy Services provides structural detailing as a fully integrated service: we use the same structural model that produced the design to generate the detailing geometry, ensuring dimensional consistency between the analysis model and the fabrication drawings. This eliminates the coordination errors that arise when detailing is performed by a separate party working from PDF drawings.
Shop Drawings
Shop drawings are the primary fabrication documents for structural steel. They show every individual piece — columns, beams, braces, plates, and assemblies — with all dimensions, hole locations, weld sizes, material grades, surface finishes, and piece marks required for fabrication and erection. Our shop drawings comply with AISC Code of Standard Practice requirements for completeness and follow the conventions expected by fabricators across North America, the Middle East, and Asia.
Each shop drawing set includes:
- Anchor bolt setting plans with exact bolt patterns and projection dimensions
- Column base plate details with anchor rod holes and grout pocket specifications
- Beam and column details with connection configurations, cope dimensions, and weld preparations
- Brace and gusset plate assemblies with all cut angles and weld details
- Erection drawings showing member orientation, temporary bracing locations, and erection sequence notes
- Bill of materials for steel ordering and fabrication planning
BIM Modelling with Autodesk Revit
Building Information Modelling (BIM) provides a 3D parametric model that contains both geometric and non-geometric information about every structural element. Revit structural models enable clash detection with architectural and MEP models, automated quantity take-offs, and consistent drawing generation across plan, section, elevation, and detail views.
Our Revit structural models are developed at LOD 300 (Level of Development) for design coordination and can be developed to LOD 350 for construction-level detailing on request. Models are delivered in Revit native format (.rvt) and IFC format for interoperability with other BIM authoring tools used by the project team.
AutoCAD 2D Drawings
For projects where BIM is not required, or for individual detail sheets within a larger project, we produce 2D structural drawings in AutoCAD. AutoCAD drawings are provided in DWG format, structured with industry-standard layer conventions (AIA or project-specific), with external reference (XREF) coordination for architectural base plans where applicable.
AutoCAD detailing is particularly efficient for connection details, typical details sheets, and as-built documentation where the geometry is well-defined and the priority is clarity of representation over parametric intelligence.
Tekla Structures Steel Detailing
Tekla Structures is the industry-leading platform for structural steel detailing, particularly for fabrication shops that use computer-numerically controlled (CNC) machinery. Tekla models feed directly into CNC cutting, drilling, and welding machinery, eliminating manual re-entry of dimensions and reducing fabrication errors to near zero.
Our Tekla detailing service produces fully detailed 3D steel models with automatic generation of shop drawings, erection drawings, and NC files. We coordinate with fabricators on their preferred Tekla version and model structure to ensure smooth file handoff and minimal rework at the factory.
Coordination with Fabricators
Effective structural detailing requires ongoing dialogue with the fabricator. We engage directly with fabrication shops to understand their preferred connection configurations, standard material stock, welding capabilities, and delivery sequence. This information shapes details that are not only structurally correct but practically efficient to fabricate — reducing fabricator RFIs, shortening lead times, and controlling construction cost.
On international projects, we adapt to local fabrication norms: metric dimensions and SI units for European and Asian projects, imperial dimensions and ASTM material designations for North American and Middle Eastern projects.
All detailing work is coordinated against the structural design calculations. Dimension, material grade, and weld size are traceable to the design model — not independently decided at the detailing stage.
As-Built Documentation
As-built drawings record the structure as actually built, incorporating all field changes, substitutions, and RFI resolutions. They are required for facility management, future modification permits, and insurance documentation. We update base drawings with field markup information and issue revised as-built sets in both CAD and PDF format.