Steel project documentation: Which type of structural steel drawing provides all dimensions and details necessary for shop fabrication (hole sizes, weld sizes, cuts, and assembly information)?

Introduction / Context:
Engineering and fabrication teams rely on different drawing sets. Design drawings convey intent and performance criteria, while shop drawings translate that intent into precise, fabricable instructions for the manufacturer.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• A structural steel project is moving from design to fabrication.
• Information needed includes exact member cuts, hole patterns, weld sizes, and piece marks.
• Drawings must be sufficient to manufacture components without ambiguity.

Concept / Approach:
Shop drawings are prepared by fabricators or detailers and include complete dimensions, tolerances, material specifications, weld symbols, and bill of materials for each piece. They differ from design drawings, which typically show framing plans, member sizes, loads, and general notes but not all fabrication details.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Review a typical submittal: shop drawings bear piece marks and match lists that the shop uses to cut, drill, and weld members.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Design drawings: Insufficient for direct fabrication; they express intent and governing requirements.
• Weldment drawings: A generic term used in manufacturing; in structural steel, the formal deliverable is the shop drawing set.
• Application drawings: Not a standard term in structural fabrication.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing erection drawings (field assembly) with shop drawings (fabrication). Both exist but serve different phases.

Final Answer:
Shop drawings