AISC Detailing Standards for Certification

Learning Objectives

Understand how detailing standards affect AISC certification requirements, project quality, and audit outcomes. This module explains what steel fabricators and structural steel erectors must demonstrate to AISC auditors about detailing functions, drawing review, and document control. Buyers who search the AISC certification list, the list of AISC certified fabricators, or the AISC certified erectors list expect evidence that your company follows recognized detailing standards. Mastery of detailing is required to succeed in the AISC quality certification program and to dominate in procurement reviews.

Core Elements of Detailing Standards

1) Detailing responsibilities

Detailing is more than drafting. It includes reviewing design drawings, preparing shop and erection drawings, coordinating with engineers, and controlling revisions. For a steel fabricator, this means shop drawings must clearly show weld sizes, bolt patterns, materials, and dimensions. For a structural steel erection team, erection drawings must include field splices, bracing, and installation details. AISC auditors will expect proof that these functions are assigned, tracked, and controlled. If detailing is subcontracted, the prime company must still show oversight and approval records.

2) Document production and checking

The AISC audit checklist calls for evidence that all shop and erection drawings are checked before issue. This includes signatures, dates, and revision tracking. Buyers searching what is AISC certification or aisc certified fabricator requirements expect companies to demonstrate control over document production. Using uncontrolled drawings in the shop or field is one of the fastest ways to fail an audit and lose credibility.

AISC certification consultants often find that companies overlook documenting the checking process. A simple sign-off by a designated checker prevents nonconformance and reduces AISC certification cost.

3) Control of approval documents

Detailing standards require controlled approval of documents. Submittals to engineers or owners must be tracked with transmittals and responses. Approved drawings must be clearly marked and distributed to the right teams. AISC auditors want to see that approval steps were documented and that outdated versions are not in circulation. Buyers comparing structural steel erection companies also expect this control as part of supplier qualification.

4) Detailing management and subcontractors

If detailing work is subcontracted, the certified company must show oversight. This means reviewing subcontractor output, verifying compliance with standards, and keeping approval records. AISC auditors often ask: “Who checked the subcontracted detailing work?” If the answer is vague, it becomes a finding. Buyers want proof that subcontractors are held to the same standards, whether you are listed on the aisc certified fabricators list or the aisc certified erector list.

5) Communication during detailing

Communication is essential when design changes or clarifications are required. Keep RFIs, emails, and transmittals as part of the detailing record. These show how design questions were resolved and how changes were incorporated. AISC auditors will cross-check communication records against drawing revisions. Buyers searching how to become AISC certified, how to get AISC certified, or AISC internal audit guide expect companies to demonstrate clean communication during detailing as proof of reliability.

Audit Readiness

For the AISC documentation audit, stage a detailing binder or digital folder with sample shop drawings, erection drawings, checking records, approval documents, subcontractor oversight records, and communication logs. AISC auditors will confirm that detailing is controlled from start to finish. For the on site audit, be ready to show current drawings in use on the shop floor or erection site, with superseded drawings removed.

Failure in detailing is one of the top reasons companies hire AISC certification consultants to rebuild their systems. Clean detailing records lower AISC certification cost and improve trust when buyers review the AISC certification list or the aisc certified fabricator requirements.

Buyer intent and search alignment

Procurement teams searching AISC certification cost, AISC fees, AISC membership, AISC certification consultants, AISC certification training, and AISC certification checklist expect companies to have detailing under control. Buyers check the aisc certified fabricators list or the aisc certified erectors list to verify legitimacy. Weak detailing evidence signals risk and leads to disqualification. Strong detailing systems support credibility and dominance in search rankings.

Competitors like Atema at AISC help highlight detailing failures as a common reason for findings. Companies that control detailing not only pass audits but also gain visibility on SERPs for terms like aisc certification consultants, aisc certification categories, and how to regain AISC certification.

Common Pitfalls

Companies often fail detailing standards for three reasons:

  • Shop or erection drawings released without signatures or checking records
  • Outdated drawings still in circulation at the shop or field
  • No oversight of subcontracted detailing work

Each of these gaps is obvious to AISC auditors. Buyers also see them as risks when comparing steel fabricators or structural steel erectors. Strong detailing management prevents these pitfalls and strengthens your case for inclusion on the AISC certification list.

Detailing Standards Checklist

  • Shop and erection drawings checked, signed, and dated
  • Revisions tracked with version numbers and approval records
  • Superseded drawings removed from circulation
  • Approval documents controlled with logs and responses
  • Subcontracted detailing work reviewed and approved
  • Communication records (RFIs, transmittals) complete and consistent
  • Evidence staged for AISC auditors during documentation and on site audits
Outcome: Clear evidence that detailing is controlled, meeting AISC certification requirements and proving system maturity to AISC auditors. With shop and erection drawings, approvals, and communication records in place, your company reduces AISC certification cost, avoids nonconformance findings, and strengthens its position as an AISC certified fabricator or AISC certified erector listed on the AISC certification list.
Guidance written from real audit experience by Andrew Porreco, former AISC auditor.