Structural Steelwork Detail And Arrangement Drawing Techniques Training

Objectives:
• Understand the role of structural steelwork detailers and arrangers in construction
• Identify key industry standards (SANS, SAQA, ISO) governing steelwork drawings
• Recognize different types of steel sections and their applications
• Explain the importance of accuracy and clarity in technical drawings

Topics:
• Overview of structural steelwork in building and civil engineering
• Introduction to relevant standards: SANS 10163, SANS 10029, ISO 129
• Types of structural steel sections: I-beams, channels, angles, hollow sections
• Basic drawing conventions: line types, scales, dimensioning
• Drawing layout: title blocks, revision tables, parts lists
• Introduction to Bill of Materials (BOM)

Objectives:
• Interpret general arrangement drawings and detail drawings
• Identify common symbols and abbreviations used in steelwork
• Understand welding symbols and bolt specifications
• Read dimensioning and tolerances correctly

Topics:
• General arrangement (GA) drawings: plan, elevation, section views
• Detail drawings: connection details, base plates, stiffeners
• Symbol library: structural, welding, surface finish, datum
• Weld symbols per SANS 10163 and ISO 2553
• Bolt types, grades, and hole sizes
• Dimensioning rules: chain, baseline, ordinate
• Tolerances and fit-up allowances

Objectives:
• Apply manual drafting techniques to produce simple steel connections
• Draw to scale with proper line weights and hatching
• Annotate drawings with dimensions, notes, and symbols

Topics:
• Drafting tools: T-square, set squares, compass, scales
• Line weights and types: visible, hidden, centre, cutting plane
• Hatching patterns for steel sections
• Drawing a simple beam-to-column connection manually
• Dimensioning practice: linear, angular, radial
• Adding notes and welding symbols

Objectives:
• Navigate a CAD interface and set up a drawing template
• Create basic 2D geometry (lines, arcs, polylines) for steel sections
• Use layers and properties to organize drawing elements

Topics:
• CAD software overview (AutoCAD, DraftSight, or similar)
• Setting up drawing units, limits, and grid
• Basic draw commands: line, polyline, circle, rectangle, offset
• Modify commands: trim, extend, move, copy, rotate
• Layer management: naming conventions, colours, line types
• Creating and inserting blocks for standard sections

Objectives:
• Produce a CAD detail of a simple bolted connection
• Apply correct dimensioning and annotation styles
• Insert standard steel section blocks from a library

Topics:
• Creating a bolted end-plate connection detail
• Using dynamic blocks for bolts, nuts, washers
• Dimensioning with linear, aligned, and angular dimensions
• Adding multileaders for weld symbols and notes
• Creating and managing text styles
• Plotting and scaling for output

Objectives:
• Detail various beam-to-column connections (shear, moment)
• Apply welding symbols and bolt callouts correctly
• Incorporate stiffeners and gusset plates as required

Topics:
• Types of beam-to-column connections: simple, rigid, semi-rigid
• Shear tab (fin plate) connection details
• End-plate moment connection details
• Welding symbols for fillet and groove welds
• Stiffener placement and detailing
• Gusset plates for bracing connections

Objectives:
• Design and detail column base plates with holding-down bolts
• Understand grouting requirements and base plate stiffeners
• Produce a base plate detail drawing

Topics:
• Column base plate types: pinned, fixed, moment-resisting
• Anchor bolt types, grades, and embedment details
• Base plate dimensions: thickness, plan size, stiffeners
• Grout pocket and shear key details
• Erection aids: levelling nuts, shims
• Detailing of base plate with stiffeners

Objectives:
• Detail cross-bracing, chevron bracing, and truss connections
• Apply gusset plate design and bolt/weld patterns
• Understand eccentricity and load paths

Topics:
• Types of bracing: X-bracing, V-bracing, K-bracing
• Truss configurations: Warren, Pratt, Howe
• Gusset plate geometry and connection detailing
• Bolt group design: edge distances, spacing
• Welding of bracing members to gussets
• Clearance and fit-up considerations

Objectives:
• Detail steel staircases, handrails, and access platforms
• Apply safety standards and dimensional requirements
• Produce a platform layout with grating and supports

Topics:
• Staircase components: stringers, treads, risers, landings
• Handrail and guardrail standards (SANS 10400)
• Platform framing: beams, joists, chequer plate/grating
• Connection details for handrails to structure
• Dimensioning of rise, going, and headroom
• Welding and bolting of platform components

Objectives:
• Create a general arrangement drawing showing steelwork layout
• Coordinate with architectural and structural grids
• Present column lines, beam locations, and bracing positions

Topics:
• GA drawing purpose: overall structural layout
• Setting up grid lines and column centres
• Placing beams, columns, and bracing on plan
• Elevation views: showing vertical members and connections
• Dimensioning strategy for GA drawings
• Key plans and section cuts

Objectives:
• Add section cuts and detail callouts to GA drawings
• Create detailed sections showing connections and clearances
• Coordinate between GA and detail drawings

Topics:
• Section lines and arrows on GA drawings
• Creating detailed cross-sections through connections
• Showing clearances, edge distances, and bolt projections
• Referencing detail drawings from GA
• Parts list and material take-off from GA
• Revision control and issue management

Objectives:
• Generate a steelwork schedule from GA and detail drawings
• Create a Bill of Materials with quantities, lengths, and weights
• Apply material coding and marking for fabrication

Topics:
• Steelwork schedule format: member mark, section, length, quantity
• Weight calculation per member and total
• BOM structure: main members, connections, fasteners
• Material coding for cutting lists
• Marking and tagging for shop and site
• Integration with detailing software

Objectives:
• Navigate a 3D modelling environment for steel structures
• Create simple 3D steel members and connections
• Understand the benefits of 3D for clash detection and fabrication

Topics:
• 3D modelling software overview (Tekla, Revit, or similar)
• Setting up a 3D model: grids, levels, coordinate system
• Creating columns, beams, and braces in 3D
• Basic connection modelling: bolted and welded
• Viewing and navigation: orbit, zoom, section boxes
• Exporting 2D views from 3D model

Objectives:
• Model complex connections in 3D (moment connections, splices)
• Apply parametric connection components
• Generate 2D details from 3D models

Topics:
• Parametric connection components: end plates, stiffeners
• Modelling a moment connection with haunches
• Column splices and beam splices
• Creating 3D assemblies and sub-assemblies
• Generating shop drawings from 3D views
• Clash detection basics

Objectives:
• Produce fabrication-ready shop drawings from 3D models
• Include all dimensions, welds, bolts, and surface treatment
• Understand fabrication tolerances and sequence

Topics:
• Shop drawing content: single-part drawings, assembly drawings
• Dimensioning for fabrication: overall, hole centres, bevels
• Weld symbols and welding procedure specifications
• Surface preparation and painting requirements
• Marking and numbering for fabrication
• Quality control checks on drawings

Objectives:
• Create erection drawings for site installation sequence
• Show temporary supports, lifting points, and site welds
• Coordinate with civil and architectural interfaces

Topics:
• Erection drawing purpose: sequence, lifting, temporary works
• Showing lifting lugs and lifting points
• Site bolting and welding details
• Interface with concrete foundations and embedded plates
• Clearance for erection tolerances
• Safety notes and erection sequence

Objectives:
• Apply checking procedures for steelwork drawings
• Identify common errors in dimensions, symbols, and coordination
• Understand QA/QC documentation requirements

Topics:
• Drawing checking checklist: dimensions, symbols, notes
• Common errors: missing dimensions, wrong weld symbols
• Interdisciplinary coordination checks
• QA/QC documentation: drawing register, revision history
• Non-conformance reports and corrective actions
• Approval workflow and sign-off

Objectives:
• Detail curved steel members and plate girders
• Apply stiffener and connection details for non-prismatic sections
• Understand fabrication challenges for complex geometry

Topics:
• Curved steel beams: rolling, bending, and detailing
• Plate girder design and detailing: web stiffeners, flange splices
• Haunched beams and tapered sections
• Complex connections: skewed, sloped, and eccentric
• Fabrication limitations: bending radii, welding access
• 3D modelling of complex geometry

Objectives:
• Apply all skills to produce a partial steelwork detailing package
• Work from a structural model or architectural layout
• Produce GA drawings, connection details, and schedules

Topics:
• Project brief: small steel-framed building or mezzanine
• Setting up model and drawing templates
• Producing GA plan and elevation views
• Detailing typical connections (beam-column, base plates)
• Creating steelwork schedule and BOM
• Review and self-check against checklist

Objectives:
• Finalize the steelwork detailing package
• Present and review drawings with instructor feedback
• Consolidate learning and identify areas for further development

Topics:
• Completing remaining details and schedules
• Plotting and exporting final drawings (PDF, DWG)
• Peer review and instructor feedback session
• Common pitfalls and best practices
• Career pathways and continuing professional development
• Course evaluation and closing