Fast – accurate – and cost-effective steel structure construction is what every investor desires. However, in reality, many projects face cost overruns, delays, or even have to be dismantled and reassembled... simply because of seemingly minor errors in design drawings or a lack of technical coordination.
With extensive hands-on experience in designing, supervising, and constructing hundreds of steel structure projects, CMC Architects has gathered many valuable lessons. In this article, we share the most common mistakes — and how to effectively prevent them right from the design stage.
⚠️ Error 1: Lack of Coordination Between Architectural, Structural, and MEP Drawings
❌ In reality:
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Steel columns overlap with plumbing lines
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Floor slabs installed only to find air ducts clashing
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Base plates lack space for installation due to floor level changes
👉 This is an extremely common issue when disciplines fail to coordinate closely from the start.
✅ Prevention tips:
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Use BIM 3D for multidisciplinary coordination
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Hold interdisciplinary technical meetings early in the design stage
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Check for conflicts in the coordination model to detect issues before construction
🧠 Note: Fixing a conflict in drawings may take a few hours — but on site, it could cost tens of millions of VND.
⚠️ Error 2: Connection Dimension Deviations – Misaligned Assembly
❌ In reality:
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Anchor bolts are misplaced
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Bolt holes on base plates are off-center or incorrect size
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Columns and beams don’t fit, requiring on-site welding adjustments
👉 Common causes include:
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Insufficient design details
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Lack of accurate shop-drawing documentation
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2D drawings fail to represent the full three-dimensional space
✅ Prevention tips:
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Develop detailed erection drawings (shop-drawings)
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Build 3D models and carefully check each connection point
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Thoroughly review drawings before fabrication – ensure all dimensions match actual conditions
🎯 Remember: Once fabricated incorrectly, steel cannot be reused.
⚠️ Error 3: Using the Wrong Type of Steel or Unverified Materials
❌ In reality:
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Using untreated (black) steel for outdoor structures, causing rust
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Installing the wrong bolt grade, compromising structural safety
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Mixing different materials, making quality inspection difficult
👉 This is a serious mistake that can affect the building’s lifespan and safety.
✅ Prevention tips:
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Clearly specify material types and technical standards in the design drawings
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Attach detailed material specifications
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Verify material quality certificates from suppliers
🔍 A drawing lacking details = A project full of risks.
⚠️ Error 4: Incomplete Set of Erection Drawings
❌ In reality:
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No step-by-step erection guide provided
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Minor components such as plates, stiffeners, and braces are not clearly detailed
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Construction teams must “guess,” leading to errors and inconsistencies
👉 Lack of detailed construction drawings can lead to poor technical quality and wasted manpower.
✅ Prevention tips:
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Develop full, detailed, and clear shop drawings
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Coordinate closely with the construction team to verify feasibility
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Simulate the erection process with a 3D animation if necessary
📌 “A beautiful design drawing means nothing without a clear construction drawing.”
⚠️ Error 5: Not Updating Drawings According to Actual Site Conditions
❌ In reality:
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Site changes occur but drawings remain outdated
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Teams continue working based on outdated information
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Causing misalignments in beams/columns and difficulty connecting with other systems
✅ Prevention tips:
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Maintain a drawing version management system
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Clearly label “last updated version” and remove outdated files
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Assign one person to manage and coordinate all design information
💡 The more stakeholders involved → the tighter your drawing management must be.
🏗️ CMC Architects – Structured design and coordination for smooth and efficient construction
We understand that every drawing error becomes a “hidden cost” during construction.
That’s why at CMC Architects, every steel structure design is:
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Coordinated across disciplines using BIM
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Detailed down to each component – connection – material
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Reviewed and tested for constructability with 3D models
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Accompanied by our engineering team throughout construction to minimize errors
💬 Are you struggling with technical drawing coordination?
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Preparing a steel structure design but unsure where to start?
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Facing site issues caused by drawing errors?
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Looking for a design team with both experience and practical insight?
📩 Contact CMC Architects today for 1:1 consultation and receive a demo of our coordinated steel design package!
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✅ Download our free resource: “Checklist of 10 Common Steel Construction Mistakes & How to Avoid Them” at cmcarchitects.com
✅ Share this article with engineers, contractors, and investors working on steel structure projects
✅ Register for a free consultation with CMC Architects’ dedicated design & coordination team
