From Blueprints to Business Systems: Automating Engineering Workflows Beyond the Construction Site

Engineering Discipline in Design: The Role of AISC 360

The Specification for Structural Steel Buildings (ANSI/AISC 360) represents the consolidated steel design standard, integrating Allowable Stress Design (ASD) and Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD). It defines member sizing, bolt and weld capacities, structural stability, fatigue, and inspection procedures. 

Recent updates brought:

• Enhanced member strength provisions (Chapters D-H) via ANSI/AISC 360‑22.
• Greater clarity on inspection procedures in Chapter N.
• Defined support for T‑shaped member analyses under both 360‑10 and 360‑22 editions.

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Implementation via Engineering Software: SDC Verifier

SDC Verifier, structural verification and analysis software, stands central in automating AISC 360 compliance. This software works independently and integrates seamlessly with major FEA platforms (ANSYS, Femap, Simcenter 3D). It supports ASD 1989, 360‑10, and 360‑22, including checks for member strength, bolt/weld capacity, stability, and T‑section behavior.

Key features include:

• Automated load combinations, unity ratio checks, buckling analysis, and bolt interaction reporting.
• Includes built-in checks for flexural and axial capacity of T-sections, aligned with Appendix F and Chapter E of AISC 360-22.
• Pre-built quality control workflows signaling required inspection levels per Chapter N.
• Detailed exportable reports, graphs, and visualization tools (e.g., unity ratio heat maps).

(SDC Verifier Model)

Field Workflow: Applying AISC 360

Modeling and Load Setup

Engineers start by creating or importing a structural model into software like SDC Verifier, ANSYS, Femap, or Simcenter 3D. They apply different types of loads - such as dead, live, wind, and seismic - based on ASCE 7. These loads are combined using factors defined by the code. AISC 360 then uses these load combinations to check the structure using either LRFD or ASD.

Member Checks

The software calculates internal forces and uses them to check each structural member. In LRFD, the strength of each member must be greater than the factored load. In ASD, the stress must stay below allowable limits. Members are checked for things like tension, compression, bending, shear, and their combinations, along with deflection and stability.

Connection Design

Welded and bolted connections are designed using AISC Chapter J rules. Special rules apply for hollow or boxed shapes (Chapter K). In seismic areas, the design must also meet AISC 341 for extra detailing and often use AISC 358 connections that are pre-approved for better performance during earthquakes.

Quality Assurance and Inspection

AISC Chapter N covers how to inspect the structure. Important parts need full inspections, while less critical ones may be checked randomly. Clear documentation, traceability, and proper inspection logs help ensure quality during construction.

Embedding AISC 360 into your verification software enables traceable, repeatable design across projects of any scale.

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What About the Rest of the Workflow?

While structural codes like AISC 360 standardize and automate design decisions, many engineering firms still rely on paper forms, spreadsheets, or disconnected tools for operational tasks like:

• Submittal approvals
• Bid evaluations
• Inspection logs and QA/QC documentation
• Field reports and site photographs
• Invoice and purchase order processing

These manual processes create bottlenecks, lost documents, and inconsistent data - leading tocostly delays, audit risks, and rework. It’s not unlike misaligned bolts in a structural connection: one weak point can compromise the integrity of the entire system. Just as engineers trust design standards to prevent failure in the field, firms need equally robust digital workflows to support operations behind the scenes.

Automation in Engineering Firms is Vital

Engineering logic emphasizes traceability, consistency, and compliance. That same philosophy is the foundation of intelligent document process automation.

Real-World Examples:

• PO Approvals: Just like load combinations must be validated, purchase orders should flow through automated approval chains with clear digital records.
• Field Documentation: Replace manual entry with mobile OCR - engineers can snap a photo of a delivery receipt, inspection tag, or site note, which is automatically routed to the right system.
• Bid Packages and RFIs: Auto-categorized, routed, and archived with metadata tags - ensuring project managers always have access to the latest version.
• QA/QC Logs: Digital checklists with timestamped entries and automated reminders for inspectors - mirroring Chapter N’s emphasis on structured inspection.

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Why Engineering and Construction Firms Need Workflow Automation

Digitizing document workflows creates operational resilience that mirrors structural resilience. Benefits include:

1. Speed - Faster approvals, fewer manual touchpoints
2. Accuracy - Reduced errors in data entry and documentation
3. Compliance - Easy audit trails for standards, contracts, and inspections
4. Integration - Sync with ERP systems like SAP, Acumatica, and NetSuite
5. Visibility - Centralized access to all documentation, anytime, anywhere

Conclusion: Design Smarter, Operate Smarter

Just as AISC 360 defines how to build structures that won’t collapse under stress, engineering firms need internal workflows that can stand up to deadlines, audits, and project complexity.

Bringing structure to your document-driven processes ensures operational efficiency from the blueprint phase to project closeout.

Ready to bring AISC 360 into your digital workflow? Learn how SDC Verifier automates AISC 360 checks for your next steel design project.