shop drawing connection details

[marmon]

Normally i do not create shop drawings, but we are working on some small platforms made from c5 x6.4 channel, which will require them. There is coped and butt joints, involved which are all welded. Does someone have an example on the proper procedure for calling out and detailing connections? ie. ab1 ab2 etc. Can i call them whatever i want? Also what other shop drawing standards should i know about?

 

[htfptm]

I'm going to hazard a guess (correct me if I'm wrong) that you are working on some platforms where full strength connections are not required, and as such there could be a tendency to over engineer and over detail.

A typical weld detail for each joint type would suffice if you feel the project warrants it. On C5 the difference between welded toes with a stitched web and 100% is another inch or so of weld.

Extra callouts in plain english never hurt. Pointing out that a joint is coped and is typical of that joint orientation makes things clear.

Finally (again I'm assuming you aren't building the observation platform on the Burj Dubai) if you don't know all the appropriate drafting standards, draw it the best you can and explain to the fabricator what you want. You'll probably be more than satisfied with the results.

 

[marmon]

Yes, it can be easily over-engineered, but like you said this thing is so small there won't be much wasted time. The shop drawings are more of a formality than anything. Its just I've never done them properly (for a client), although i do construction drawings regularly. I normally add enough details as needed as they only go as far as the shop floor I'm working at, where I can speak with the welders directly. I just want them to look professional, and also would like to learn how to do this correctly. I was thinking of even adding a cut-list?

 

[htfptm]

The best teacher is repetition. Drafting is like any other language where learning the rules is just the beginning.

The only option you might have for a shortcut is to find a similar drawing from which you can hijack the details.

...but then again, that's not a photocopy of the Mona Lisa hanging in the Louvre.

Good luck!

 

[marmon]

Its hard to learn here as i am the only one. Somedays it has its advantages, but it makes it hard to pick up on anything new. I am also pretty remote for any courses. I'll look around some more and maybe try to find a book.
Thanks

 

[larsacious]

marmon,

Go to the AISC website and order the "Detailing for Steel Construction 3rd Edition." This is an excellent resource for creating steel shop drawings and it includes example shop drawings.