Engineer of Record (EoR) Checklist for IDEA StatiCa Reports

When reviewing a connection design report, especially as the Engineer of Record (EoR), an effective approach makes the process far more efficient. 

In order to ensure you have correctly checked a report, the report can first be divided into two components, the inputs and the outputs. The inputs, in this case the boundary conditions, material, sections and loadings are essential in order to ensure correct results. The outputs, stress contours and component code checks, help ensure that the connection is passing and results reliable. The checklist can be divided into the following five checks:

1. Member boundary conditions (model type and force position)
2. Material and sections
3. Loads (LRFD or ASD)
4. Stress contour (Load path)
5. IDEA Code checks: plates, bolts, welds, detailing checks

1. Member boundary conditions: supports and force position

The chosen model type (the applied supports, respectively) are presented in the table and in the figure below. For example, the supported end of a continuous bearing member will have all six reactions listed, whereas the free end will have none. The calculation report also includes boundary conditions.

Support: Indicates which degrees of freedom are restrained for each member.

Forces in*: Position of force along the member's longitudinal axis.

The table also presents the position of the applied forces.

*Pro tip: this should be bolts or position if the member has shear load only

2. Materials, Cross-sections and plate thickness

Before evaluating results, confirm that the basic geometry, cross-sections and material properties match the project specifications.

Verify:

• All members and their cross-sections
• Material types for all members and plates
• Plate thicknesses

3. Loads (LRFD OR ASD)

The selected design method must align with project requirements. The governing code and method, LRFD or ASD, are shown on the first page of the report. Confirm:

Simplified loading vs loads in equilibrium

• Simplified loading = only maximum loads in the members are provided.
• Loads in equilibrium= EoR provided all forces in the joint, global analysis results, transfer loads, etc.

*Pro tip: Ask the designer to add the online viewer link to see the loads graphically on the members

4. Equivalent stress – load path

After verifying the inputs, the next step is evaluating the outputs.

Equivalent stress distribution provides insight into the load path. The goal is to confirm that forces flow logically from the connected members into plates, bolts, and welds.

During review, look for:

• Expected stress transfer patterns
• Unintended stress concentrations
• Areas of localized high demand

Strain Check

Strain visualization can further clarify connection behavior.

Typical ranges:

• Below approximately 0.1% → primarily elastic response
• Between 0.1% and 5% → localized plastic redistribution

*Pro tip: Ask the designer to add the deformed shape picture in the report

5. Steel components AISC code checks

Finally, review the component-level checks in accordance with the AISC requirements.

Confirm verification of:

• Plate checks
• Component checks: Bolts, welds, anchors
• Relevant detailing checks

The overall view  summarizes the status of the components' design using a traffic color system. This view makes easier to identify the 

Dividing the report into these five structured checks provides a clear review process, making connection verification faster and more reliable.

By confirming the boundary conditions, materials, and loads first, the model setup can be confirmed quickly. From there, reviewing the stress distribution and the code checks for plates, bolts, and welds provides a clear understanding of how the connection transfers forces.

With clear documentation of the analysis and design results, the report provides the Engineer of Record with the information needed to confidently review and approve the calculation package.