Connection Design Standards: Clarifying Roles and Responsibilities

The AISC Code of Standard Practice (CoSP) provides essential guidelines for structural steel construction, in which defines clear standards for connection design. Section 3.1.2 of the CoSP outlines the roles and responsibilities of the Engineer of Record (EoR), Steel Detailer, and Connection Engineer, ensuring that connection design is communicated effectively and executed efficiently. Here’s an overview of the three connection design scenarios defined in the CoSP:

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The Three Options for Connection Design

1. EoR Provides Complete Connection Design‍

In this approach, the EoR includes all necessary connection details in the construction documents. This ensures the Steel Detailer can accurately detail the project without requiring additional input from a specialty structural engineer hired by the fabricator.

2. EoR Allows the Detailer to Choose Connection Details

When sufficient tables, details, and schematic information are provided in the construction documents, an experienced Steel Detailer can select the appropriate connection configurations without performing structural calculations. This approach eliminates the need for a professional engineer during the preparation of shop drawings.

3. EoR Requires a Specialty Connection Engineer to Design Connections

In this scenario, the fabricator hires a professional engineer to design the connections. The CoSP requires the fabricator to submit “substantiating connection information,” including calculations, plans, and details. Additionally, the fabricator’s engineer must confirm in writing that the shop drawings incorporate their design. This process ensures accountability and alignment among all parties.

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Key Provisions for All Scenarios

The CoSP emphasizes that, regardless of the chosen connection design approach, the EoR must provide sufficient information in the construction documents to define the project scope. This includes specifying elements such as column stiffeners, web doubler plates, and web stiffeners. Even when the fabricator is responsible for connection design, the EoR must ensure the construction documents contain enough detail to facilitate accurate project bidding and execution.

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Why Connection Design Standards Matter

The CoSP’s connection design standards are designed to reduce ambiguity, improve collaboration, and clearly define the responsibilities of each party involved in structural steel construction. By adhering to these guidelines, projects can achieve greater efficiency, accuracy, and consistency.

If you have questions about connection design or need guidance on implementing these standards, our team is here to assist.