Table of contents
- What Are Tekla Shop Drawings?
- Key Features of Tekla Shop Drawings
- Why Are Shop Drawings Important?
- How Tekla Automates the Drawing Process
- How Engineers Use Tekla Shop Drawings
- How Fabricators Use Tekla Shop Drawings
- Real-World Benefits of Tekla Shop Drawings
- Common Questions About Tekla Shop Drawings
- Tekla Shop Drawing Services for Structural Steel Fabrication and BIM Coordination
Structural steel projects demand an extraordinary level of precision, coordination, and communication. Tekla Structures, one of the most powerful Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools for structural design and detailing, plays a key role in streamlining these efforts. At the heart of its workflow are Tekla shop drawings — detailed, fabrication-ready documents that serve as the blueprint for turning 3D models into real-world steel structures.
In this guide, we will unpack what Tekla shop drawings are, why they matter, and how engineers, detailers, and fabricators use them across the lifecycle of a steel construction project.
What Are Tekla Shop Drawings?
Tekla shop drawings are highly detailed 2D documents automatically generated from 3D Tekla models. These drawings represent every individual component of a steel structure — such as beams, columns, plates, bolts, and welds — with fabrication-specific instructions. They are essential for steel fabricators, welders, and on-site assembly crews to correctly manufacture and assemble each part.
Unlike generic CAD drawings, Tekla shop drawings are tightly linked to the 3D model. Any changes in the model automatically reflect in the drawings, ensuring consistency and reducing manual errors.
Key Features of Tekla Shop Drawings
- Part Drawings: Individual steel components with dimensions, cut lengths, notches, bolt holes, and weld locations.
- Assembly Drawings: Illustrates how multiple parts are joined to form structural assemblies like trusses or beam-column joints.
- General Arrangement (GA) Drawings: Overall structure views with grids, sections, and installation references.
- Welding Symbols and Notes: Standard-compliant instructions embedded directly into the drawings.
- BOM (Bill of Materials): Detailed parts list with specifications, weights, and quantities.
- Automatic Revision Control: Automatically tracks changes and updates drawings with revision history.
Why Are Shop Drawings Important?
Shop drawings are the final output before fabrication. They clearly define:
- Where to cut each steel member
- Where to drill or punch bolt holes
- How to weld or bolt parts together
- How assemblies fit into the overall structure
This accuracy prevents costly errors, minimizes waste, and boosts fabrication and construction speed.
How Tekla Automates the Drawing Process
- 3D Model Creation: Detailers build a full steel model including all parts and connections.
- Drawing Templates: Standardized templates are applied for consistency.
- Drawing Generation: Part, assembly, and GA drawings are created automatically.
- Live Updates: Any model change updates linked drawings, with change tracking.
How Engineers Use Tekla Shop Drawings
- Design Verification: Ensure detailing matches structural intent.
- Review and Approval: Validate drawings for safety and compliance.
- Clash Detection: Resolve conflicts with other disciplines using GA drawings.
How Fabricators Use Tekla Shop Drawings
- Prepare Material: Cut and shape based on exact specifications.
- Assemble Components: Use weld/bolt details for accurate assembly.
- Streamline Workflow: Reduce rework and ensure traceability.
- Plan Production: Use BOMs for material ordering and scheduling.
Real-World Benefits of Tekla Shop Drawings
- Reduced Errors: Linked model and drawings reduce inconsistencies.
- Faster Fabrication: Clear weld and cut instructions save time.
- Improved Coordination: One source of truth for all stakeholders.
- Regulatory Compliance: Support for AISC, Eurocode, IS codes.
- Digital Fabrication Ready: Files integrate with CNC and ERP tools.
Common Questions About Tekla Shop Drawings
1. Can Tekla shop drawings be exported to PDF or DWG?
Yes. They can be shared or printed in various formats.
2. Do shop drawings include material specifications?
Yes. BOMs detail material grade, size, weight, and more.
3. What happens when the model changes?
Drawings update automatically with revision logs maintained.
4. Are Tekla shop drawings suitable for complex structures?
Absolutely. Tekla handles complex geometry and large assemblies effectively.
Tekla Shop Drawing Services for Structural Steel Fabrication and BIM Coordination
For engineers and fabricators working in structural steel, Tekla shop drawings are essential for delivering precision-built steel structures. These detailed, fabrication-ready documents streamline coordination between engineers, detailers, and workshop teams.
Whether you need custom steel shop drawings for complex trusses, assembly drawings for connection detailing, or automated BOMs for fabrication planning, our Tekla detailing experts can help. We specialize in:
- Tekla shop drawings for industrial, commercial, and infrastructure projects
- Detailing services aligned with AISC, Eurocode, and IS codes
- 3D BIM coordination and constructability analysis
- Offshore detailing support for cost-effective project delivery
Explore our Tekla shop drawings services or contact us for a consultation tailored to your project.
