Introduction: Understanding the Role of Construction Drawings
In structural steel projects, accurate communication is critical. Drawings serve as the language that connects design intent, fabrication, and field execution. Among the most commonly used documents are General Arrangement (GA) drawings and Fabrication drawings. While both originate from the same Tekla Structures model, they serve very different functions. This blog dives deep into the distinctions between these two drawing types and how each supports a different phase of the steel construct...
What Are Tekla GA (General Arrangement) Drawings?
General Arrangement (GA) drawings represent the overall layout of a structure. These are typically 2D plans, elevations, and sections extracted from the 3D Tekla model. GA drawings showcase spatial relationships, component positions, levels, grids, and reference information. They help communicate how different steel members fit together and interact with other disciplines like MEP and architecture.
What Are Fabrication (Shop) Drawings?
Fabrication drawings, also known as shop drawings, are highly detailed documents used by steel fabricators. These drawings show each component in isolation, including dimensions, material specifications, welding symbols, cut lengths, hole details, and more. They are generated from the Tekla model and serve as direct instructions to manufacture steel parts in a workshop.
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Purpose & Use Case Comparison
| Aspect | GA Drawings | Fabrication Drawings |
|---|---|---|
| Main Purpose | Coordination & Layout | Manufacturing & Assembly |
| Audience | Engineers, Architects, Site Teams | Fabricators, Detailers, QA Teams |
| Content Focus | Structural layout and spatial design | Part-specific manufacturing details |
Key Elements of GA vs. Fabrication Drawings
- GA Drawings: Levels, grids, structural framing, section markers, references to other drawings
- Fabrication Drawings: Bolt holes, cut lengths, bevels, weld callouts, material callouts, part numbers
Who Uses GA Drawings vs. Fabrication Drawings?
GA drawings are shared widely—consultants, project managers, site engineers, and local authorities may all reference them. Fabrication drawings are more specialized and are primarily used in the workshop. Understanding who needs what drawing helps reduce confusion and ensures each stakeholder gets the right level of detail.
Level of Detail and Information Contained
Fabrication drawings are far more detailed than GA drawings. GA drawings omit specific fabrication info to stay clear and readable. This level-of-detail distinction is crucial for ensuring clarity. Trying to combine both into one drawing often results in information overload.
How Tekla Structures Handles Both Drawing Types
Tekla Structures allows you to define drawing templates and styles for both GA and fabrication purposes. The model remains the single source of truth, but outputs are tailored for the end user. This eliminates duplication and keeps all drawings synchronized with the latest model changes.
Project Lifecycle Stage: When Each Drawing Is Used
- GA Drawings: Used during design approval, coordination, and site setup.
- Fabrication Drawings: Used after design is finalized—during shop detailing, material procurement, and fabrication.
Common Misconceptions and Overlaps
One common misconception is that fabrication drawings can replace GA drawings. However, this isn’t practical. GA drawings provide the "big picture," while fabrication drawings zoom into the micro details. Another myth is that GA drawings are simpler—when in fact, they require careful layout planning for clarity and coordination.
Visual Examples and Annotation Differences
Annotations in GA drawings include grid labels, section marks, and elevation notes. Fabrication drawings use part marks, weld symbols, and bolt callouts. The visual styling is also different—GA drawings often prioritize layout clarity, while fabrication drawings are more dimension-dense and packed with technical details.
Coordination and Communication: Which Drawing Does What?
GA drawings are ideal for interdisciplinary coordination. They help HVAC, electrical, and civil teams understand the steel layout. Fabrication drawings, on the other hand, are internal to steel teams and ensure components are fabricated with precision. Using both effectively streamlines communication and reduces RFIs.
How These Drawings Affect Site Execution and Fabrication Quality
Accurate GA drawings ensure proper sequencing and prevent on-site clashes. Fabrication drawings ensure components arrive on site correctly made and ready for assembly. Both directly impact construction speed, quality, and budget adherence.
Final Review and Approval: GA vs. Fabrication Focus
Clients and consultants often review and sign off GA drawings. Fabrication drawings may be approved by structural engineers or shop supervisors. Both need a robust review process to prevent mistakes from propagating downstream.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Drawing for the Right Purpose
While GA and fabrication drawings stem from the same Tekla model, their roles are distinct. GA drawings support planning and coordination; fabrication drawings ensure precision and buildability. A successful steel project uses both, in the right way, at the right time. With Tekla Structures, generating and managing these drawing types becomes seamless and highly efficient—empowering teams to collaborate better and build smarter.
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