Steel detailing is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of construction. Architects, contractors, and engineers frequently deal with RFIs (Requests for Information), but how do they impact steel detailers? In Episode 24 of What the RFI?, host Matt Brennan sits down with steel detailer Adam Williams to discuss RFIs from a sub-trade perspective. They explore how miscommunication, unclear drawings, and poor coordination can lead to costly delays—and how technology and collaboration can help mitigate these issues.
The Role of a Steel Detailer in Construction
Understanding the project hierarchy is essential for seeing where steel detailers fit:
Owner hires the General Contractor (GC) to oversee the project.
Architect serves as the Registered Professional, coordinating with the owner and consultants.
Structural Engineers and other specialists provide technical guidance.
Steel Detailers, working under the GC, translate architectural and structural drawings into fabrication and erection drawings.
Steel detailers ensure that steel components are manufactured and installed correctly. However, missing information in design drawings often forces them to issue RFIs, which can lead to project delays.
Common Challenges Faced by Steel Detailers
Adam shares his experiences with recurring issues in steel detailing, including:
Incomplete fabrication details: Design drawings frequently lack considerations for fabrication, erection, or shipping constraints.
Coordination gaps: Misalignment between architects, structural engineers, and GCs can create conflicts in drawings.
Unclear design intent: Missing dimensions and vague instructions result in RFIs that slow down the project timeline.
“The detailing profession needs more visibility and support.”
RFIs from the Steel Detailer’s Perspective
RFIs are necessary to clarify project details, but they also introduce delays and frustrations:
Common RFIs: Missing dimensions, unclear connections, and inconsistencies between drawings.
Slow responses: When RFIs remain unresolved, fabrication schedules suffer, affecting overall project timelines.
Worst-case scenarios: Adam shares an RFI horror story where unclear details led to costly rework and wasted time.
Workflow impacts: RFIs create bottlenecks in fabrication, procurement, and construction, adding complexity to the project.
Solutions for Better Collaboration in Construction
Matt and Adam discuss practical strategies to improve efficiency and reduce RFIs:
How Architects Can Help: Providing clearer drawings and coordinating better with steel detailers can minimize unnecessary RFIs.
The Role of BIM Software: Steel detailers use tools like Revit, Tekla, and Parabuild, but seamless integration with architects and engineers remains a challenge.
Early Engagement with Steel Detailers: Some projects bring in steel detailers during the Construction Documentation (CD) phase to prepare shop drawings before tendering. This approach reduces RFIs and improves workflow from design to fabrication.
“There's more than meets the eye when it comes to RFIs.”
Key Takeaways for Architects and Contractors
Steel detailing is vital to project success and should be integrated early in the process.
RFIs can cause costly project delays if not handled efficiently.
Improved communication between architects, engineers, and steel detailers leads to better project outcomes.
BIM and AI technologies can streamline workflows and reduce RFIs.
Engaging steel detailers early in the design phase can prevent many common issues.
Final Thoughts: Improving Construction Collaboration
Adam emphasizes the importance of teamwork in overcoming these challenges: “We all have to work better together. Let’s try to start eliminating surprises on-site.” By fostering a culture of collaboration and leveraging the latest technology, the construction industry can significantly reduce RFIs and enhance project efficiency.
Until next time, architects keep designing, and contractors keep making those drawings a reality!
The Importance of Construction Administration and Part3
In this episode, Matt Brennan joins the Deliberate Words podcast with Dave Stutzman and Steve Gantner to discuss his journey in the architectural industry, emphasizing the importance of specifications and construction administration (CA). He shares insights on the challenges faced in CA, the role of specifications in ensuring project success, and the potential of BIM and digital twins in modern architecture. The conversation highlights the need for architects to maintain control over project ...
Is AI coming for your job—or just your RFIs?
In this conversation, Matt Brennan explores the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) from its inception in the 1950s to its current applications in architecture and construction. He discusses the impact of AI tools on design, estimation, and construction administration, emphasizing the importance of using AI as an assistant rather than a crutch. The conversation also touches on the legacy of the Terminator series and its relevance to contemporary discussions about AI. In this conversatio...
The Specification Recipe for Construction Success
In this episode of What the RFI, host Matt Brennan sits down with construction specification experts Steve Gantner and Dave Stutzman to discuss the critical role of specifications in architecture and construction. They explore how clear, well-structured specs reduce RFIs (Requests for Information), prevent costly mistakes, and ensure project success. The discussion covers common challenges in specification writing, best practices like early involvement, the use of Uniformat, and the importanc...
Related Posts
The Importance of Construction Administration and Part3: Why Architects Need to Stay Involved
In the ever-evolving world of architecture and construction , one thing remains constant: the success of a project hinges on more than just...
The Specification Recipe for Construction Success
In the latest episode of What the RFI , host Matt Brennan dives deep into the critical role of Specifications in Construction with industry...
The Importance of Knowledge Sharing in the AEC Industry
In the ever-evolving Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) world, knowledge is the foundation upon which innovation and progres...