Steel structure design: coordinating disciplines

Use one current design baseline

Projects involve many people and documentation evolves over time. Agree a shared location for approved files and a revision naming system. The contractor needs to know which version is released for fabrication and which is for coordination only.

Coordinate interfaces between disciplines

Openings, suspended services, cladding and equipment may affect structural solutions. Other disciplines should provide this information to the designer early enough. Keep a list of open coordination items with an owner and a decision deadline.

Manage changes after approval

A drawing change may affect purchased material, fabricated components and the delivery plan. Assess its scope and schedule implications before implementation. Confirmation needs to reach all affected teams, not only the document author.

• Identify document status and revision.
• Assign responsibility for coordination items.
• Confirm the impact of changes before fabrication.