Welding is a fundamental part of steel construction, but correct performance at the steel fabricator’s shop and the project site requires effective communication of what’s expected. Following are some common mistaken assumptions on structural drawings regarding welding symbols. While most engineers are aware of the American Welding Society’s (AWS) D1.1, Structural Welding Code – Steel, many may not be aware that AWS produces a formal standard for welding symbols: A2.4 – Standard Symbols for Welding, Brazing, and Nondestructive Examination (Figure 1). When in doubt, this thoroughly illustrated reference is an excellent resource.

Part 3

In the previous two installments (STRUCTURE December 2021, January 2022), I reviewed seven bad habits I have seen from structural engineers around the country over the years while performing delegated connection design for the fabricators of their projects. Here, I offer my final three observations.

Part 2

In the first installment of this discussion (STRUCTURE, December 2021), I looked at 3 examples of bad habits in contract documents that can cause problems later for fabricators. This month, I offer an additional four examples.

Part 1

Delegated design of steel connections and stairs for various steel fabricators has occupied most of my last ten years at the structural engineering firm I represent. I have seen contract documents from structural engineers and architects from all over the country, from sole proprietors working out of their houses to some of the most well-known design firms with a worldwide presence. With that said, I am often asked by exasperated fabricators or freelance detailers about contract documents that just do not make any sense to them. Sometimes, I am even offered work because the contract documents are so confusing that the fabricator mistakenly thinks design is being delegated to them. Thus, I sometimes serve as an interpreter first before serving as an engineer, followed by a stint as an unofficial defense attorney of our profession when the cause of the confusion becomes apparent.