Role of Tekla Structures and SDS2

Tekla Structures and SDS2 are widely used in structural steel detailing workflows.

These platforms allow structural steel components to be represented within detailed 3D models and can support the generation of fabrication documentation.

For projects involving complex framing, the combination of primary member design and detailed 3D modeling can help identify geometric conflicts before fabrication begins.

Model-based coordination can also support the preparation of assembly drawings, erection drawings, and individual part information.

At Gridsglobal, our steel detailing workflow can integrate engineering information with 3D modeling and fabrication documentation to support different project requirements.

How Does Primary Member Design Support Fabricators?

Fabricators need reliable information to manufacture and assemble structural steel components.

Shop drawings must communicate member dimensions, material specifications, connection information, hole locations, plates, welds, and other fabrication requirements.

When the primary members have been properly coordinated, the detailing process can maintain consistency between the structural design and fabrication documentation.

This is particularly important for large industrial facilities, warehouses, commercial buildings, and other steel-framed structures where numerous components must work together.

Importance of Design-to-Detail Coordination

A major advantage of integrating primary member design with detailing is improved communication between structural engineering and fabrication teams.

Changes to a beam size, column position, framing elevation, or connection arrangement can affect multiple components.

If these changes are not reflected consistently throughout the model and drawings, fabrication problems may occur.

A coordinated workflow allows design changes to be reviewed within the structural model and incorporated into the relevant fabrication documentation.

How Gridsglobal Supports Steel Detailing Projects

Gridsglobal provides structural steel detailing services for fabrication and construction projects.

Our workflow can support primary member modeling, secondary steel coordination, connection detailing, 3D structural modeling, shop drawing preparation, and drawing quality checks.

For projects requiring detailed fabrication documentation, our team focuses on maintaining coordination between structural information, 3D models, and drawing outputs.

This approach helps create a structured workflow from engineering data through to fabrication documentation.

Conclusion

Steel primary member design provides a technical foundation for accurate shop drawing preparation. Correct member sizing, structural geometry, load-path considerations, stability requirements, material specifications, and connection coordination all influence the quality of fabrication documentation.

From a technical detailing perspective, the primary structural model should maintain consistency between member properties, coordinates, elevations, connection geometry, and fabrication requirements.

Model-based coordination through platforms such as Tekla Structures and SDS2 can further support clash identification, connection development, assembly modeling, and drawing generation.

For steel fabrication projects, integrating primary structural member design, 3D steel detailing, connection coordination, and shop drawing preparation creates a more controlled design-to-fabrication workflow.

Gridsglobal supports this process through structural steel detailing and fabrication documentation services designed around project-specific engineering and detailing requirements.