For a steel fabrication project to be successful, it must be accurately planned out. A detailed design drawing can make all the difference to your construction project, helping you to set expectations of the structure, stick to timelines and project budgets, reduce waste, and much more.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the importance of the design phase, the key role it plays in the steel fabrication process, and real life examples of how Carver has brought a detailed design drawing to life.
What is the design phase?
Steel fabrication projects are large-scale and often complex. To ensure the end-to-end process is safe and results in a successful, accurate structure, meticulous planning is crucial. This is where architectural drawings come in.
The design phase takes place in the beginning stages of the project. After consulting with fabricators about the scope and specific needs of the project, cost estimates and site surveys take place, then a detailed design can be drawn up. This is to ensure that there’s minimal errors, full understanding of the project requirements and knowledge of materials used to assist with the design.
With this information, design engineers will design comprehensive, detailed drawings that accurately represent the product, structure, or system. The design must be done in this way to allow an engineer to streamline the assembly process, and leave no room for error during the construction phase.
Design drawings must:
- Include all relevant and accurate dimensions
- Specify every connection
- Outline all material requirements
- Fulfil all project specifications
- Meet load capacities
- Adhere to all relevant standards
At Carver, we work with detail designers who use computer aided design (CAD) software to create digital 2D and 3D design drawings. This produces a detailed, intricate, photo-realistic rendering of the project.
Once detailed drawings are completed, reviewed and approved by clients, then we can begin the fabrication process.
The value of detailed design
The design phase is a crucial part of steel fabrication because of the variety of benefits it boasts to the project’s work and end result.
Proactive problem solving
Firstly, detailed designs are great for providing a clearer view and visualisation of the structure. Usually, this will be the first representation of the project, and will help engineers to see what they’ll be working with, and what to expect.
Having this clear view so early on in the project also allows for identifying any potential challenges in the project. On a 3D CAD model, you can easily spot any errors with connections, missing or inaccurate measurements, poor constructability and incorrect placements.
Identifying these mistakes at this design stage means they can be rectified before fabrication begins, and minimises the need for physical rework during construction. This can reduce risk to people working on-site and help the project stick to its budget.
Project management control
A great thing about the design phase is that it provides much more control of the overall project. A detailed drawing allows engineers and the construction team to streamline processes, coordinating resources and operations efficiently.
Design drawings could also provide better control over the project’s budget. A visualisation of the structure provides an overall scope and representation of materials, ensuring the project remains within budget. Seeing any excess materials on the design drawing can also help to reduce waste, contributing to saved costs.
Saving time and money
Perhaps one of the most important aspects of the detailed design is that it helps to reduce time spent on installation and construction. With a clearly and accurately mapped out representation of the structure, project teams can see what they are working towards and what the end result should look like.
This will help to minimise unnecessary or repeated work, and prevent additional costs.
Carver’s detailed designs brought to life
At Carver, we’re passionate about seeing construction projects through from concept to completion. We work with detailing companies who design 2D and 3D CAD models for our steel fabrication manufacturing.
Let’s see how these design drawings have helped to bring steel fabrication projects to life throughout the UK.
Peddimore Footbridge – Minworth, Birmingham
At an impressive 60 metres long, 6.5 metres wide and 20 metres high at the arch’s peak, spanning the busy A38 in North Birmingham, Peddimore Footbridge was a huge project to say the least. This scale meant it was imperative that the structure was carefully planned out in the initial stages of the project.
This footbridge was completed within a three-week road closure embargo during the Commonwealth Games in 2022. This tight deadline meant that there was no room for errors or re-works during installation.
Our design drawing had to accommodate this. Accurate measurements, clear specifications of where key components had to be connected, and a meticulously detailed visual of the footbridge was created by the designers.
After the design phase was approved, we upscaled to full production and assisted with the pre-installation and delivery of the structure. We completed pre-assembly, trial erections, and quality checks at our Doncaster facility before transporting sections of the bridge down to Minworth.
As you can see, Peddimore Footbridge was executed successfully and accurately in line with the detailed drawing. The CAD drawing provided everything that the project team needed to complete the installation without any mistakes or second-guessing.
Today, the footbridge is still structurally intact and stands strong for safe pedestrian access and improved connectivity.
Biggleswade Station – Biggleswade, Bedfordshire
Aiming for project completion in December 2025, we will deliver an upgraded train station in Biggleswade in the county of Bedfordshire. We’ve been working with Story Contracting for Network Rail, with assistance on-site from Loca Construction.
The main purpose of the project is to create a more modern and accessible route for passengers between platforms. To meet this aim, the planning and design phase for this construction project had to be rigorously carried out.
To accommodate all passengers – including those with wheelchairs, heavy luggage, pushchairs, and limited mobility – our detail designers were tasked with providing a solution. The structure should provide an accessible passenger upgrade that’s structurally sound, and constructed with minimal railway disruption.
The design drawing outlines two new lifts, a modern footbridge, two staircases and a ramp. This successfully meets the project’s requirements by providing many step-free, accessible routes for all passengers.
In the initial stages of the project, we focused on careful project planning to ensure that fabrication, inspections, and installation were completed on time. This has included the completed fabrication of two 11-metre tall, 9.5-tonne lift shafts at our Doncaster facility. All elements (including the stairs, landings, spans, and ramps) have also been successfully installed during possession hours to minimise disruption.
We’re well on track for a successful structure completion at the end of 2025 that’s a true embodiment of the detailed drawing.
The blueprint for success
The design phase plays a crucial role in steel fabrication manufacturing. Providing a clear and accurate visualisation of the structure ahead of construction work being carried out can help to minimise risks and extra costs, reduce time spent on the project, and spot any errors ahead of physical work.
Detailed designs are invaluable for accurate and successful steel fabrication. This phase has made a huge difference in many construction projects, from staircases to transport bridges.
Ready to get started on planning your project? At Carver, we work with detail designers who are committed to creating a detailed CAD design, completely tailored to your needs and accurate to help you complete a successful structure.
Enquire now to share your ideas and get started on your design phase with Carver.
