How to Be Structural Steel Detailer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aug 6, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Structural steel detailers play an important role in the construction industry. They are responsible for creating detailed drawings of the structural steel components necessary for a project. This includes creating shop drawings, fabrication drawings, and erection drawings to ensure that the project is built according to the design specifications.

Their work also ensures that the steel components are fabricated properly with the right materials and techniques. The detailer must also verify that the components are compatible with the structural requirements of the project. Without their expertise, projects would not be built according to plan, and structural safety could be compromised.

Steps How to Become

Acquire a High School Diploma or GED. The first step to becoming a Structural Steel Detailer is to obtain a high school diploma or GED. This is the minimum educational requirement for the job and will help you prepare for the detailed work that you will be doing in this field.
Consider Attending a Technical School. Many prospective Structural Steel Detailers choose to attend a technical school or community college in order to receive specialized training in this field. This type of program will typically provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this line of work.
Obtain an Internship. An internship is a great way to gain hands-on experience in this field. Many steel fabricators and engineering firms offer internships that allow prospective Structural Steel Detailers to learn from experienced professionals.
Get Certified. Certifications are not required for this job, but they can be beneficial for employers who are looking to hire qualified individuals. The American Institute of Steel Construction offers a certification program for Structural Steel Detailers.
Pursue Professional Development. Once you have obtained employment as a Structural Steel Detailer, it is important to stay on top of current trends and technologies. Participating in professional development seminars and classes can help you stay up-to-date and increase your marketability as a professional in this field.

In order to become a skilled and capable structural steel detailer, one must have a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of structural engineering, such as principles of engineering, steel construction and design, and knowledge of the tools and techniques used in detailing. Additionally, one must possess excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as strong communication and interpersonal skills to be able to effectively collaborate and communicate with team members. In addition, strong computer skills are essential for success as a structural steel detailer, as most of the work is done using computer-aided design (CAD) software. With these skills and knowledge, a successful structural steel detailer can create accurate and detailed drawings of the structures they are working on, resulting in efficient, effective, and safe construction projects.

You may want to check Structural Engineer Technician, Structural Design Technician, and Structural Technician for alternative.

Job Description

Provide detailed drawings of structural steel elements for construction projects.
Create accurate shop drawings for fabrication and erection of steel structures.
Utilize software to create 3D models and renderings of structural steel elements.
Develop accurate bill of materials and material takeoffs for steel elements.
Interface with engineers to ensure structural steel plans are in compliance with international building codes and standards.
Estimate material costs and labor expenses associated with fabrication and erection of steel structures.
Analyze field conditions and create detailed drawings to fit existing structures.
Coordinate with other trades to ensure structural steel plans match up with other elements.
Communicate with field personnel to ensure accuracy of drawings and plans.
Generate reports to document changes made to structural steel details during the project process.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of construction and engineering principles
Knowledge of structural steel detailing tools and software
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings
Ability to work with minimal supervision
Ability to work as part of a team
Ability to plan, organize and prioritize tasks
Attention to detail
Good communication skills
Excellent problem-solving skills
Ability to meet deadlines
Good customer service skills
Knowledge of safety regulations in the steel industry

Having a strong knowledge of structural steel detailing is essential for any structural steel detailer. It involves understanding the various processes involved in interpreting engineering drawings and calculating the correct dimensions, angles, and other critical factors that contribute to the successful construction of a structure. The detailer must also have the ability to identify and analyze potential problems before they become an issue on the construction site.

the detailer must be able to communicate effectively with engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure that the project runs as smoothly as possible. the success of a structural steel detailer relies on their knowledge of the industry and their ability to effectively collaborate with all parties involved.

Structural Project Manager, Structural Integrity Engineer, and Structural Steel Estimator are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What do you know about the structural steel detailing process?
Describe your experience working with CAD software to create detailed drawings.
How do you ensure accuracy in your work?
What techniques do you use to stay organized and productive?
How do you handle difficult requests from clients?
What challenges have you faced while detailing structural steel projects?
What safety precautions do you take when detailing structural steel?
What experience do you have using the latest software for structural steel detailing?
How would you handle a situation where a client requests changes to an already completed drawing?
Describe a project that you completed that you are particularly proud of.

Common Tools in Industry

CAD Software. Computer Aided Design software used to create 2D and 3D structural models. (eg: Autodesk AutoCAD)
Steel Connection Design Software. Software used to design and analyze steel connections and determine the best connection types. (eg: SCIA Engineer)
Steel Detailing Software. Software used to create shop drawings and fabrication drawings for structural steel elements. (eg: Tekla Structures)
SDS/2 Detailing Software. Software used to create detailed drawings of structural steel elements, including listing of material sizes and quantities. (eg: SDS/2 Detailing)
BIM Software. Building Information Modeling software used to create 3D models of building structures. (eg: Autodesk Revit)
CNC Programming Software. Software used to generate NC code for computer numerical control machines for the automatic production of structural steel elements. (eg: GibbsCAM)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC)
American Welding Society (AWS)
Structural Engineers Association of Texas (SEAoT)
Structural Engineers Association of California (SEAOC)
National Council of Structural Engineers Associations (NCSEA)
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers (IABSOIWR)
Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA)
European Association of Structural Steelwork (EASS)
International Institute of Welding (IIW)

We also have Structural Analyst, Structural Welding Inspector, and Structural Concrete Inspector jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Fabrication Drawings. Drawings used to indicate the size and shape of metal components used in the construction of structural steel.
Weld Symbols. Symbols used on fabrication drawings to indicate the type and size of welding required for a particular joint.
Shop Drawings. Drawings used to communicate the size and shape of steel components to fabricators and erectors.
Connection Design. The process of designing the connections between structural steel members.
Construction Bid Documents. Documents used in the bidding process for construction projects, which often contain shop drawings, material lists, and other information related to the project.
Structural Steel Members. The individual pieces of steel used to construct a steel structure. This often includes beams, columns, girders, and joists.
Steel Framing. The process of assembling steel members into a three-dimensional structure.
Steel Erection. The process of erecting a steel structure, often involving the use of a crane or other lifting device.
CNC Machines. Computer numerically controlled machines used to fabricate structural steel components with precision.
CAD Software. Computer-aided design software used to create fabrication drawings and shop drawings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Structural Steel Detailer? A1: A Structural Steel Detailer is a professional who produces drawings and documents that detail the fabrication and erection of structural steel components. The detailer must have knowledge of structural steel design, engineering principles and fabrication techniques. Q2: What types of skills are required to be a Structural Steel Detailer? A2: Structural Steel Detailers require a wide range of skills, including the ability to interpret Structural Steel Fabrication Drawings, knowledge of structural steel design principles, understanding of fabrication techniques, and proficiency with computer-aided design (CAD) software. Q3: How long does it take to become a Structural Steel Detailer? A3: Becoming a Structural Steel Detailer typically takes two to five years of experience in the field, depending on the level of detailer needed. During this time, the detailer will need to learn the principles of structural steel design, fabrication, and erection. Q4: What are the benefits of becoming a Structural Steel Detailer? A4: Becoming a Structural Steel Detailer offers a rewarding career that combines creativity, problem solving, and technical know-how. As a detailer, you will have the opportunity to work with some of the most advanced structural steel designs in the world. Additionally, you will have the potential for advancement within the structural engineering field. Q5: What kind of salary can a Structural Steel Detailer expect? A5: Structural Steel Detailers typically earn an average salary of $50,000 - $70,000 per year. Salary can vary based on experience, location, and company size.

Web Resources

Structural Drafter | Steel Detailer Career Services | UNLV careerlaunch.unlv.edu
Structural Detailer Elevate Experiences | Illinois Tech elevate.iit.edu
(PDF) STEEL-DETAILING-GUIDE-Sample-Version.pdf - Academia.edu www.academia.edu