Guide · By Alex McCann, Managing Director
Who Designs Steel Connections? Engineer vs Detailer Explained
Connections are design. They’re the responsibility of the project’s structural engineer, or an engineer engaged for that purpose. The detailer models and draws connections from that design and raises RFIs where information is missing or conflicting. Agree who designs what before detailing starts.
01 / Roles
The roles at a glance
A general picture of who usually does what. Arrangements vary by contract, so check what yours says.
| Role | Typical responsibility |
|---|---|
| Structural engineer | Designs the structure, provides design forces, and designs or approves the connections. |
| Fabricator | Fabricates the steel. May engage its own engineer to design connections. |
| Detailer | Models, details and draws to the design, and raises RFIs where information is missing or conflicting. |
| Builder | Coordinates the project and manages the contracts between the parties. |
02 / Gaps
What happens when connections aren’t fully designed
Sometimes the engineer’s drawings don’t show every connection. Common ways to close the gap:
- The project engineer completes the connection design
- The engineer reviews and approves standard connections proposed by the detailer
- A separate connection engineer is engaged
Whichever option is used, it should be agreed in writing before detailing proceeds.
03 / Checklist
What to agree in writing before detailing starts
- Who designs the connections
- Whether design forces are provided
- The standard connection approach
- Who approves shop drawings
- The RFI process and response times
- How assumptions and holds are handled
- How scope changes (variations) are flagged
04 / RDM
How RDM handles connections
Design questions always go to the client or engineer. We only propose simple fixes for them to accept.
When requested, or to speed things up, we propose connections for the engineer to review and approve. This is not certified connection design – the design decision stays with the engineer.
- A tracked RFI register for every job
- A holds and assumptions register, cleared before drawings are issued for construction
- Drawings prepared to Australian Standards
Read more about RFI management and design coordination and our structural steel shop drawings.
05 / Approval
Shop drawing approval is not design sign-off
Reviewing or approving shop drawings is generally a check that the drawings reflect the design intent. Whether it also amounts to approval of the design depends on the contract, which is where review and approval responsibilities are set.
If it isn’t clear who is responsible for what, raise it with your engineer and builder early. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
Related reading: erection drawings vs shop drawings and local vs offshore steel detailing.
06 / FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Q01Who designs steel connections?
The structural engineer for the project, or an engineer engaged to design them. Arrangements vary by contract, so confirm it in writing.
Q02Does a steel detailer design connections?
A detailer models and draws connections from the engineer’s design and raises RFIs where information is missing. At RDM, we can propose connections when requested, or to speed things up, for the engineer to review and approve. We don’t provide certified connection design.
Q03What if the engineer’s drawings don’t show connection details?
Raise an RFI and agree who will design them before detailing proceeds.
Q04How does RDM handle design questions?
Design questions always go to the client or engineer. We only propose simple fixes for them to accept.
Q05What should be agreed before detailing starts?
Who designs connections, whether design forces are provided, who approves shop drawings, and how RFIs and variations are handled.
Q06Is approving shop drawings the same as approving the design?
Not necessarily. Review and approval responsibilities are set by the contract.
Q07Are RDM’s drawings to Australian Standards?
Yes. Drawings are prepared to Australian Standards, working to AS 4100 and AS/NZS 1554 as they apply to the project.
07 / Quote
Request a quote
Agree connection responsibility with your engineer and builder early, then send your drawings and scope to info@rdmdrafting.com.au. Turnaround times are provided with every quote.