Form Deck Drawing Checklist for Shop Review

A rigorous shop drawing review is the first line of defense against field errors, costly rework, and structural non-conformance on any commercial or industrial project. This checklist is designed for structural engineers, shop reviewers, and detailers who need a systematic, practical reference when reviewing form deck submittals — covering everything from sheet layout and material specifications to connections, camber, and contractor coordination. Use it to ensure every drawing that leaves the review desk is complete, accurate, and construction-ready. For a deeper dive into deck detailing principles, visit Consac's Deck Blog Library.

Deck Design Oct 22, 2026 0 13 Add to Reading List

Form Deck Drawing Checklist for Shop Review

Shop Drawing Review Process

Pre-Review Setup & Submittal Completeness

Before marking a single line, confirm the submittal package itself is complete. Incomplete submittals should be returned without review to avoid wasted effort and miscommunication downstream.

Cover Sheet & Transmittal

• Transmittal letter present with project name, address, and submittal number

• Revision number and date clearly identified on all sheets

• Stamp and signature of the responsible detailer or engineer of record (EOR)

• Reference to applicable contract documents and specification section

• (typically 05 31 00 — Steel Decking)

Drawing Index & Sheet Count

• Drawing index lists all sheets included in the submittal

• Sheet count matches the index — no missing or duplicate sheets

• Plan views, sections, details, and notes are all accounted for

• Erection sequence drawings included if required by contract

Reference Documents Verified

• Structural drawings referenced are the correct revision level

• Geotechnical or special inspection requirements noted if applicable

• Applicable codes cited: IBC edition, AISC 360, SDI standards (ANSI/SDI C-2017 for composite, ANSI/SDI NC-2017 for non-composite form deck)

• Project specification section cross-referenced on the cover sheet

A well-organized submittal package signals a competent fabricator and dramatically reduces back-and-forth during review. Confirm all referenced structural sheets are the issued-for-construction (IFC) set — reviewing shop drawings against superseded structural drawings is a common and avoidable mistake.

Confirm completeness before review. An incomplete submittal should be returned rather than reviewed.

Material Specifications & Deck Profile Verification

Deck Profile & Gauge

Deck profile type confirmed: 1.5", 2", 3", or project-specific rib height

Deck gauge (gage) matches specification — typically 20, 18, 16, or 22 ga for form deck

Profile designation cross-checked against SDI or manufacturer catalog (e.g., 3NR, 2NR, WR form deck)

Flute width, rib spacing, and overall sheet width confirmed against structural drawings

Section modulus and moment of inertia values match the engineer's design assumptions

Steel Material Properties

Base steel grade: ASTM A1008 SS Grade 33 minimum (or Grade 40/50 if specified)

Galvanizing requirements: G60 or G90 coating per ASTM A653 confirmed

Paint or primer finish specified where galvanizing is not required

Mill certifications or certified test reports (CTRs) required by spec — confirm submittal includes them

Verify no substitution of grade or coating without EOR approval

Manufacturer Data

Manufacturer's published load tables included and match the specified profile/gauge

ICC ESR or other evaluation report referenced where required

Product data sheet and SDS (Safety Data Sheet) included if specified

Material substitutions — even seemingly minor ones like a gauge change from 20 to 22 — can alter the deck's structural performance, particularly under construction loads. Any deviation from the specified material must be accompanied by a formal substitution request reviewed and approved by the EOR before the shop drawing is stamped.

For a broader look at how deck selection affects structural system performance, see Consac's Joist and Deck resource hub.

Form Deck Shop Drawings

Plan Layout, Span Direction &
Framing Coordination

The plan view is the heart of any form deck shop drawing. It must clearly communicate deck orientation, sheet layout, and all conditions that affect placement and performance in the field.

Plan requirement 01

Span Direction

Deck span direction arrows shown clearly on all plan areas. Span direction must be consistent with the structural drawing framing plan, with single-span versus double-span (continuous) conditions identified and change-of-direction transitions detailed and coordinated with support framing.

Arrows on all plan areas

Match structural framing plan

Single vs. continuous spans identified

Direction changes coordinated

Sheet Layout & Coverage

Sheet layout (plan grid) drawn to scale or clearly dimensioned. Sheet widths and lengths noted—standard sheets vs. cut sheets distinguished. Coverage widths per sheet shown; lapping patterns at sidelaps and endlaps indicated. No unexplained gaps, overlaps, or unresolved framing conditions.

Scaled grid

Plan layout drawn to scale or clearly dimensioned.

Sheet sizes

Standard and cut sheets clearly distinguished.

Coverage

Coverage widths per sheet shown.

Laps

Sidelap and endlap patterns indicated.

Plan requirement 03

Support Framing Match

All support beams, joists, and bearing walls shown on shop drawing match structural framing plan. Deck bearing length at supports confirmed—minimum 1.5" on steel, 3" on concrete/CMU. Cantilever conditions, if any, clearly shown and within allowable limits. Framing elevations consistent—no deck running into mismatched elevations without detail.

Minimum bearing

1.5"

On steel supports

On concrete / CMU

Openings & Penetrations

All openings shown with correct dimensions and location coordinates. Reinforcing (header framing, angle trim) around openings detailed. MEP penetrations coordinated with mechanical/electrical drawings where applicable. Opening locations do not conflict with shear stud or fastener patterns.

Dimensions

Correct sizes and location coordinates.

Reinforcing

Header framing and angle trim detailed.

MEP coordination

Aligned with mechanical and electrical drawings.

Conflict check

No conflicts with shear stud or fastener patterns.

Coordination standard

No unexplained gaps, overlaps, or unresolved framing conditions.

A clear plan view communicates deck orientation, sheet layout, and every field condition before installation begins.

Steel Deck Detailing Checklist

Connections, Fasteners & Attachments

Proper deck fastening, edge detailing, diaphragm connectivity, and deflection coordination are critical to the performance of any steel deck system. Every connection and attachment detail must be clearly documented, coordinated, and verified prior to fabrication and installation.

Deck-to-Support Attachments

Puddle weld size and pattern specified (typically 5/8" diameter, minimum E70XX electrodes).
Weld spacing at supports shown per SDI or EOR requirements, distinguishing interior and perimeter zones.
Power-actuated fastener (PAF) type, spacing, and manufacturer specified where permitted.
Hilti, Simpson, or equivalent product data referenced when PAF systems are used.
Weld washers required for 22 ga or lighter deck verified on drawings.

Sidelap Fasteners

Sidelap connection type specified: #10 screws, button punching, or welds.
Sidelap fastener spacing identified, typically maximum 36" o.c. unless diaphragm requirements dictate otherwise.
Diaphragm fastener pattern verified against structural diaphragm calculations.
Field and perimeter fastening requirements coordinated with design documents.

Edge Conditions & Closures

Edge angles, pour stops, and closure plates detailed at all slab perimeter conditions.
Concrete edge form height matches total slab thickness, including steps and offsets.
Closure strips shown where flutes terminate perpendicular to slab edges.
Rib closures detailed at bearing ends where deck ribs remain open to concrete placement.
Edge angle sizes and support framing attachment methods clearly specified.

Camber & Deflection Notes

Pre-cambered beams identified on the plan and incorporated into deck layout geometry.
Ponding analysis verified when spans exceed L/240 deflection criteria under wet concrete loading.
Construction load limitations noted where required by the Engineer of Record.
Deflection-sensitive conditions coordinated with slab, equipment, and architectural requirements.

Diaphragm Coordination Requirement

Diaphragm-critical projects require a fastener pattern that directly reflects the shear-transfer design intent. Always cross-check shop drawing fastener schedules against the Engineer of Record's diaphragm calculations. A generic “standard pattern” may not provide sufficient shear capacity, collector force transfer, or perimeter zone performance for the specific project conditions.

Production Detailing Reminder

Connections and fasteners are not secondary drafting information. They define diaphragm performance, load transfer mechanisms, construction sequencing, and long-term structural reliability. Every weld pattern, fastener spacing, closure condition, and deflection note must be coordinated with the structural design documents, diaphragm calculations, manufacturer recommendations, and deck detailing standards before release for fabrication.

Shop Drawing Review Process

Final Review: Notes, Compliance & Approval Actions

The final stage of review focuses on general notes, code compliance statements, and the formal disposition of the submittal. Every mark you make on the drawings becomes part of the project record — accuracy and clarity here protect the engineer, the contractor, and the owner.

General Notes Review

Confirm that general notes do not contradict the structural drawings or project specifications. Notes referencing SDI standards, weld procedures, and erection tolerances should align with the contract documents. Contractor-added notes that modify scope or relieve responsibility should be flagged and returned for clarification. All abbreviations must be defined in the legend.

Code Compliance Statements

Verify the drawing set references the correct IBC edition and local amendments. SDI standard designations (ANSI/SDI C-2017 or NC-2017) must be current. If the project involves a Special Inspection program, confirm that deck welding is listed as an inspectable item and that the special inspector has been notified of the welding procedures called out on the drawings. OSHA fall protection and construction loading notes should be present where required.

Reviewer Disposition & Markup

Apply one of the standard disposition stamps: Approved, Approved as Noted, Revise and Resubmit, or Rejected. All markups must be legible, dated, and initialed. Cloud all revised areas clearly.

Return one stamped set to the contractor and retain a copy in the project file.

For Revise and Resubmit, list each required correction in a numbered comment log — do not rely on drawing markups alone. Visit Consac's full blog library for additional checklists and technical resources covering the full structural steel workflow.