Structural design documents can be broadly grouped into 2 categories - drawings and calculations. Both are equally important in ensuring a building’s ability to carry its design loads, and both undergo scrutiny during permitting.

Once construction gets underway, however, drawings assume a more critical role. Calculations help engineers determine which structural members and connections are best-suited in a given project. Through calculations, engineers can figure out the strength, stiffness, size, and layout of these elements.

Drawings are the language engineers use to convey a project’s design requirements to contractors. They show the types of members and connections, their locations, and how they interface.

The clarity of structural drawings, as well as the level of detail they contain directly impact a contractor’s ability to read and understand what they should be building.

Quality drawings reduce permitting revision cycles, help contractors arrive at an accurate estimate, and lessen the risk of Requests for Information (RFIs) and change orders during construction.