Custom steel structure fabrication follows a complete technical process: design and shop drawings, steel selection, cutting and welding in the shop, corrosion protection and on-site erection. Well coordinated, it makes it possible to build warehouses, industrial sheds, walkways or roofs faster, more precisely and more durably than many traditional solutions, which is key in Panama’s humid climate.
This content is part of the ConstructHUBS Digital Magazine, within our editorial line dedicated to civil and structural engineering.
The guide is based on the experience of Servicios Industriales RB, a Panamanian company specializing in steel structure fabrication, certified welding, warehouse erection, industrial painting and plant maintenance.
You can also read the version published in the June 2026 issue of ConstructHUBS magazine (in Spanish).
A custom solution for every use
Fabricating an industrial warehouse is not the same as a manufacturing plant, a walkway, a roof or a support for heavy equipment. Everything starts with understanding the structure’s end use; from there, dimensions, loads, steel type, connections, finishes, corrosion protection and erection method are defined.
From design to erection: the process
- Design and planning: with CAD, Tekla, Revit or BIM models, fabrication drawings (shop drawings) and construction details are developed.
- Steel selection: based on mechanical strength, gauge, structural behavior and exposure.
- Shop fabrication: cutting, machining, welding, assembly and surface treatment. Precision here avoids adjustments on site.
- Erection: transport and installation with cranes, lifting equipment and specialized personnel.
An example of the level of detail this stage requires is the steel detailing for SMP Office, with 116.77 tons of steel.
Advantages of steel in construction
- High strength under large loads and stresses.
- Speed: because fabrication happens in the shop, field erection is faster and more controlled.
- Flexibility: it allows custom designs and future expansions with minimal disruption.
- Durability: with anticorrosive coatings, it performs well in humid tropical climates.
Most common applications
Logistics warehouses, manufacturing plants, industrial sheds, platforms, bridges, walkways, shopping centers, offices, roofs and equipment supports. Also in energy projects: solar panel structures, power plants and storage solutions.
Prefabrication and quality control
Producing in the shop gives more control over quality, timing and precision, and reduces dependence on weather and interference on site. BIM models make coordination and traceability of each piece easier. Added to this are weld inspections, non-destructive testing, dimensional checks and safety protocols during erection. “Quality should not be checked only at the end. It must be controlled at every stage.”
Frequently asked questions
What are shop drawings?
Fabrication drawings with the dimensions, connections and details needed to manufacture each piece of the structure.
How is steel protected from corrosion in Panama?
With surface treatment and anticorrosive coatings defined according to the structure’s exposure.
Why is a steel structure faster to build?
Because much of it is fabricated in the shop in parallel, and only erected on site.
