Steel and Precast Detailing Services

Category: Steel Detailing Blog

This page show cases some of the Steel Detailing projectgs completed in Melbourne, Sydney, WA, Brisbane Tek1 has completed

  • TEK1’s Steel Detailing for Sydney Metro – Resolving Design Challenges – 7

    TEK1’s Steel Detailing for Sydney Metro – Resolving Design Challenges – 7

    In this blog, I’d like to share an issue we faced while detailing Platform Screen Door (PSD) support beams in a metro station project.

    Our scope was to provide structural beams to support the platform screen doors. The design also required stiffeners in these beams for structural strength.

    The Issue We Identified

    Before placing the stiffeners as per the design, we reviewed how the door frames would connect to the beams. During this check, we realized that the stiffeners could clash with the door frame supports.

    As expected, when we reviewed the door frame support details, the clash became clear.

    We raised this issue with the relevant team, and they advised us to modify the stiffener size so it would not interfere with the door frame supports.

    As detailers, we shouldn’t just place elements exactly as shown in the design. We must also think about how other components will connect and function.

    This is especially important when our steel supports secondary steel, equipment, or framing systems. A little extra attention during detailing can prevent major issues during installation.

  • The Importance of Bolt Placement and Edge Distance in Detailing

    The Importance of Bolt Placement and Edge Distance in Detailing


    Detailers must exercise caution when working with bolts and edge distances, as these are common areas for errors in structural detailing. In this blog, I’ll share my experience with a bolt edge distance issue and how it was resolved.


    The Scenario


    In a recent project, the design required a UB (Universal Beam) to sit on a 200mm-thick concrete wall, secured with M20 chemset bolts.

    Upon review, it became clear this setup wasn’t feasible:

    • Anchor Distance: M20 bolts require a minimum anchor distance of 120mm.
    • Edge Distance: A minimum edge distance of 80mm is necessary.

    Additionally, the beam wasn’t centered on the wall, further complicating the bolt placement.


    The Proposed Solution

    To address the issue, I proposed welding plates to the bottom of the beam. This adjustment allowed the beam to be bolted to the side of the wall rather than its top.


    The Engineer’s Feedback


    After reviewing the proposal, the engineer suggested a simpler solution: using a single row of bolts instead of two. This change eliminated the edge distance problem.Engineer mentioned that one row of bolt is enough for this beam.

    In this project, the engineer did not accept our proposal, as they determined that the beam does not require that level of support. However, as detailers, it is our responsibility to highlight the issue and propose suitable solutions.

  • Locknut anchor bolt guide

    Locknut anchor bolt guide

    Why Locknuts Are the Unsung Heroes of Anchor Bolt Integrity

    Anchor bolts are the literal foundation of structural stability. They secure steel columns, heavy machinery, and critical structural components to concrete foundations, resisting uplift, shear, and dynamic forces.

    But even the strongest anchor bolt is only as reliable as its ability to stay tight.

    In industrial environments where vibration, movement, and thermal cycling are constant, relying on a standard nut alone is often not enough. This is where locknuts become a non-negotiable component of anchor bolt assemblies.

    The Hidden Risk: Vibration-Induced Loosening

    When we think about structural failures, we often imagine snapped steel or crumbling concrete. However, one of the most common—and preventable—failure points is vibration-induced loosening. Enter the locknut – the small but mighty component that ensures your anchor bolts stay steadfast.

    The Mechanics of Loosening

    Standard nuts rely on the friction between the bolt threads and the nut threads, maintained by the tension (clamp load) of the bolt. However, two main factors can compromise this:

    Thermal Expansion: Fluctuating temperatures cause the bolt and the fixture to expand and contract, periodically reducing the clamp load.

    Vibration: Constant motion from machinery or wind loads can cause minute “slips” in the threads.

    What is a Locknut and Why Does it Matter for Anchor Bolts?

    A locknut is a specialized fastening device designed to resist loosening when subjected to vibration and torque. Unlike standard nuts, which rely solely on friction created by initial tension, locknuts incorporate various mechanisms to maintain their grip, even when external forces try to reduce that tension.

    Conclusion

    Don’t let a $2.00 part jeopardize a $200,000 project. Using high-quality locknuts on your anchor bolts ensures longevity, reduces maintenance costs, and—most importantly—guarantees structural safety.

  • Avoiding Errors In Updating Modified Drawings

    Avoiding Errors In Updating Modified Drawings

    When the model is amended after issuing the first set of drawings, the affected assembly drawings will appear as “Parts Modified” after numbering is completed. While updating such drawings, certain considerations are important to ensure effective and quick detailing.

    1. Freeze Option

    When Freeze is OFF, Tekla automatically updates dimensions according to the movement of parts. While this may seem convenient, the decision to turn Freeze ON or OFF depends on the nature of the amendment.

    • If no new members are added to the assembly and only existing parts are moved, it is recommended to keep Freeze OFF, as Tekla will correctly update the dimensions.
    • If new parts are added to the assembly and Freeze is turned OFF, Tekla will automatically generate additional dimensions for the new members and may also alter existing dimensions. This can result in extra work to restore the original dimensioning arrangement.

    Guideline:

    • When no new parts are added, turn Freeze OFF.
    • When new parts are added, turn Freeze ON.

    2. Snapshot Option

    Among the drawings marked as “Parts Modified,” not all drawings necessarily contain actual changes. Some assembly drawings may appear as modified because they share common connection components with other assemblies that were amended.

    In such cases, the drawing may not have any visible changes and may only require an open-and-close action. However, there is a risk that certain dimensions may be automatically deleted or altered by Tekla during the update.

    To avoid missing dimensions or unintended changes, the Snapshot option is highly useful. It allows detailers to compare the drawing before and after the update. By reviewing the differences, any unnecessary or unintended modifications can be identified and corrected, thereby minimizing the risk of errors.

  • Ringwood Fire Station

    Ringwood Fire Station

  • Muswellbrook Tafe

    Muswellbrook Tafe

    The Stage 3 Works at Muswellbrook TAFE, located on Maitland Street, NSW, represent a significant milestone in the campus’s ongoing development and modernization.

    The new development comprises a storage warehouse, a curved amenities area, and multiple classrooms housed within a large integrated structure. The project involved a complex structural steel framework designed to support diverse functional spaces under one roof.

    A key challenge during this stage was coordination with the mechanical services contractor, as several ducts and ventilation systems initially clashed with the structural steel members. Through collaborative design reviews, practical solutions were agreed upon—relocating steel members at certain locations and adjusting duct routes at others—to achieve optimal constructability without compromising structural integrity or service performance.

  • How to Scope your project, and why?

    Why scope?

    • To define an outcome, and to define a problem.
    • To give clients certain on what they’re getting: price, quality and timeline.
    • To sell yourself as capable to do the job.
    • To fix resources. Everything costs time, money and skill. You will need to allocate resources to get the outcome.

    Scope must be white listed in.

    • If you don’t white list something IN, then new items will CREEP in. This is called “scope creep”. If this happens, and you are being constrained by resources, this means you haven’t accounted for it in the above step(s). Perhaps the entire job needs to be de-scoped.
    • Without a scope, you are handing over a blank cheque. DON”T DO THIS. Clients want people to make a good margin.
    • White-listing also forces everyone to be clear on what they want.

    Clear Unambiguous Objective:

    • If you can’t quantify it, then you have a problem.
    • Scoping will help the client to be satisfied, which is the ultimate objective.

    Summary:

    • Scoping allows you to make resourcing decisions to meet an outcome.
    • Gives you happy clients.

  • Design Guide for Galvanizers for Design Guide for Hot Dip Galvanizing – best practice venting and draining.

    Design Guide for Hot Dip Galvanizing - best practice venting and draining
    Design Guide for Hot Dip Galvanizing – best practice venting and draining

    This document outlines the design guide for detailers to provide venting and draining holes for galvanizing.

  • Difference Between TEKLA “Export IFC” and IFC4

    Difference Between TEKLA “Export IFC” and IFC4

    When we export models from TEKLA Structures, we mainly see two options:

    • Export IFC (this mostly means IFC2x3 format)
    • IFC4 Export

    Both formats serve the same purpose—model interoperability—but they work differently, support different levels of data, and offer different quality of geometry.

    In this blog, we explore the key differences, benefits, and when to use each format.

    1. What is “Export IFC” (IFC2x3)?

    This is the old IFC format used by most companies for many years.

    Key points

    • Works in almost all BIM software
    • Shows Geometry is basic and sometimes rough
    • Limited property information
    • The File size is Bigger

    Best For

    ✔ General coordination
    ✔ Clients who request IFC2x3
    ✔ Old software compatibility

    2. What is “IFC4 Export”?

    This is the newer and more advanced format.

    Key Points

    • Geometry looks cleaner and smoother
    • Curved members (Hollow sections, pipes, elbows, etc.) look perfect
    • More detailed data (bolts, welds, assemblies)
    • Smaller file size in many cases
    • Better for new BIM tools

    Best For

    ✔ Modern BIM tools
    ✔ Better visual quality
    ✔ Detailed model sharing

    3. Quick Comparison

    FeatureIFC2x3 (Export IFC)IFC4
    GeometryBasic (Rough)Smooth & Accurate
    Curved ShapesApproximatePerfect & Precise
    File SizeLargerSmaller
    CompatibilityVery HighMedium
    Details LimitedMore Detailed
    convert IFC object to Steel MemberWork wellCan’t convert

    4. Which One Should You Use?

    • Use Export IFC (IFC2x3) if the client asks for it or if compatibility is important.
    • Use IFC4 if you want cleaner geometry and more detailed information.

    5. Final Summary

    • IFC2x3 (Export IFC) → Best for compatibility
    • IFC4 → Best for quality and smooth geometry

    If your client or BIM Execution Plan (BEP) does not specify the format, use IFC4 for best geometry