Engineering & Design
PEB Engineering Deliverables: Drawings and Calculations
PEB engineering deliverables are the documents a pre-engineered building supplier issues to describe, justify and build the structure. They typically include approval drawings, anchor bolt plans with reactions, design calculations, shop drawings, erection drawings, a bill of materials and, increasingly, a 3D model in an open format such as IFC.
Key facts
- Approval drawings let the owner confirm layout, dimensions and loads before fabrication.
- Anchor bolt plans and reactions are needed early for foundation design.
- Calculations demonstrate compliance with the governing code for the authority.
- Erection drawings guide assembly with part marks matching the shipped pieces.
- An IFC model allows coordination with architects, services and BIM platforms.
Approval drawings and why they matter
Approval drawings are the first formal engineering issue. They show the building outline, frame lines, elevations, openings, roof and wall systems, accessories and the design loads assumed. The owner, architect and consultants review them to confirm that the building matches the project requirements.
Changes are cheapest at this stage. Once drawings are approved and fabrication starts, modifications can affect material orders, production and delivery dates.
Anchor bolt plans and reactions
The anchor bolt plan shows each column location, base plate, anchor bolt pattern, projection and grid dimensions. It is accompanied by reactions for each column under the relevant load cases or combinations.
This package is often required before the rest of the design is complete, because foundations are built while steel is fabricated. The foundation engineer uses the reactions and the contractor uses the plan to set bolts.
Design calculations and code compliance
Design calculations document the loads, load combinations, analysis, member checks and connection checks. They state the design code and edition, material grades and serviceability criteria.
Requirements for review and sealing differ by jurisdiction. In the United States and Canada calculations and drawings are commonly sealed by a professional engineer licensed in the state or province. In Australia and New Zealand, documentation is prepared for the building approval process, and in Europe, design documentation supports the execution specification required by EN 1090. In many US projects, metal building suppliers also issue a letter of design certification summarizing the design basis.
Shop drawings, erection drawings and bill of materials
Shop drawings detail every fabricated part with dimensions, plate sizes, holes, welds and finishes for the factory. Erection drawings show where each marked part goes, the bolt sizes at each connection, bracing positions and sheeting layouts.
The bill of materials lists every piece, bundle and fastener that ships, so the site team can check deliveries against the drawings. Clear part marking ties the documents to the physical steel.
IFC models and digital coordination
A 3D model exported in the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) format lets project teams view the steel building alongside architectural, structural and services models in common BIM software. Clashes with ducts, sprinklers or cranes can be identified before fabrication.
The IFC model reflects the design geometry and member identities. It supports coordination and quantity checks but does not replace the sealed drawings and calculations, which remain the legal design documents. All deliverables are confirmed by the project engineer to the governing code.
Deliverables to request in your contract
- Approval drawings with design loads clearly stated.
- Anchor bolt plan and reactions, with the date needed for foundations.
- Sealed calculations if the authority requires them.
- Erection drawings and bill of materials in a stated format.
- IFC model and the level of detail expected.
- Operation and maintenance information for the envelope and accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I receive the anchor bolt plan?
It is usually issued soon after the building layout is approved, because foundations must be built before steel arrives. The exact timing should be agreed in the project schedule.
Are PEB calculations accepted by building authorities?
Yes, when they are prepared to the code the authority has adopted and sealed or certified as the jurisdiction requires. Authorities may request additional information or review comments.
Can I use the IFC model for construction?
The IFC model is ideal for coordination and visualization, but construction should follow the issued erection and shop drawings. If there is any conflict, the approved drawings govern.
Engineering content is general guidance. Every World Steel building is designed by qualified engineers to the code and loads of the project.
