Department of Civil Engineering

Uttara University
Uttara, Dhaka- 1230

*CE 2024
Computer Aided Drafting
(Lab Manual)

August, 2020
 Course Content

Course Code & Title: *CE 2024: Computer Aided Drafting

Course Credit: 1.50
Contact Hour: 3 hours/week

Introduction to computer usage; introduction to CAD packages and computer aided drafting:
drawing editing and dimensioning of simple objects; plan, elevations and sections of multi-storied
buildings; reinforcement details of beams, slabs, stairs etc; plan and section of septic tank; detailed
drawings of roof trusses; plans, elevations and sections of culverts, bridges and other hydraulic
structures; drawings of building services.

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 Preface

CAD stands for Computer Aided Drafting. Like all other technical fields, in drafting computer
have brought revolution. CAD has not only reduced the time spent for drafting to a fraction, of
that the same produced by hand drawings, but also any revisions in the drawing can be done
quickly without having to redraw everything. Moreover, different views, such as front view, side
views etc. can be easily created from the drawing. CAD is very important for engineers to produce
2D and 3D designs. This field demands high creativity level. Civil engineers use this software to
produce engaging piece of work. It improves productivity level. This lab manual intends to guide
the students to know the fundamental tools to create, modify and manage documentation
effectively through a skillful way.

The authors acknowledge AutoCAD User Guide and Ahsanullah University of Science and
Technology’s Computer Aided Drafting Lab Manual as the major source of the information
presented in this manual.

Checked By, Prepared By,

Md. Mobasshir Rashid
Tasnuba Binte Jamal
Adnan Sakib
Department of Civil Engineering
Uttara University

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 List of Abbreviations

CAD = Computer Aided Drafting

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 Table of Contents

Chapter No. Chapter Name Page No.

1 AutoCAD User Interface 1
2 Drawing, Editing and Dimensioning of 2
Objects
3 Plan, Elevation and Section of a Building 40
4 Reinforcing Detailing 42
5 Plan, Section and Elevation of Slab 46
Culvert
6 Plan, Elevation and Section of an 48
Underground Water Reservoir

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 Chapter 1
AutoCAD User Interface
1.1 2D User Interface (AutoCAD 2007)

Drop Down
Menu Standard Tool Style Tool
Bar Bar

Draw Tool Layer Tool

Bar Bar Properties Tool Bar

Modify Tool
Bar
Cursor
Axis
Command Bar

Coordinate Status Bar

s

Fig. 1.1: 2D User Interface

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 Chapter 2
Drawing, Editing and Dimensioning of Objects

2.1 General:

Drop-Down Menu: All options of AutoCAD can be accessed

from this menu.
Standard Tool Bar: Shows copy, cut, paste, save, zoom icons.
Style Tool Bar: Shows current text style, dimension style, table
style.
Layer Tool Bar: Shows current layer name.
Properties Tool Bar: Shows color, line type, line weight.
Draw Tool Bar: Shows line, rectangle, circle icons.
Modify Tool Bar: Shows modification icons.
Command Line: Shows activated command.

2.2 Frequently Asked Questions:

2.2.1 How to bring a toolbar on user interface?

➢ Right click on any toolbar (i.e. Draw).
➢ Select required toolbar (i.e. Dimension) from list (Shown
in the figure).
➢ Set the position of the toolbar (click at the double line
border and drag it).

2.2.2 How to Change workspace from 3D to 2D or vice versa?

➢ Press “Tools”.
➢ Select “Workplaces”.
➢ Select “3D modeling” or “AutoCAD classic”.

Fig. 2.1: List of all tool bar

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2.2.3 How to start and terminate commands in AutoCAD?

➢ Three ways to start a command (i.e. Line)

a) From Drop Down Menu (Draw > Line)
b) From Command line with short key (Type “l” in the command line and press “Enter”)
c) From Toolbar (Click on the line command icon on the draw toll bar)
➢ Press “Esc” button on keyboard to terminate any command.

2.2.4 How to start and complete a drawing?

➢ Set drawing unit (Format > Unit)
➢ Create text styles (Format > Text Style)
➢ Create dimension style (Format > Dimension Style)
➢ Create new layers (Format > Layer)
➢ Draw and modify objects (Use Draw and Modify toolbar or menu)
➢ Provide dimensions (Use dimension toolbar or menu)

2.2.5 How to save a file?

➢ Click “File” on Drop Down Menu bar
➢ Click “Save as”
➢ Select “Drive” to save
➢ Rename file name only (keep .dwg as
extension)
➢ Press “Save”

Or

➢ Press “Ctrl” + S
➢ Select “Drive” to save
➢ Rename file name only (keep .dwg as extension)
➢ Press “Save”

2.2.6 How to plot a file?

➢ Press “Ctrl” + P
➢ Select printer name / DWG to PDF.pc3 (Use “Printer name” to print and DWG to
PDF to publish as pdf)
➢ Select paper size
➢ Check “Fit to paper”
➢ Check “Center the Plot”
➢ Press “Preview”
➢ Press “Plot”

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 2.2.7. How to cancel the last command?
➢ Press “undo” button on
standard toolbar Or,
➢ Press “Ctrl” + “Z”

2.3 The X-Y Co-Ordinate System

2.3.1 The UCS Icon:

In the bottom left corner of the AutoCAD drawing window, a symbol like one shown in below
can be found. This is called the UCS (User Co-ordinate System) icon and it is there to remind
the user which is the X axis and which is the Y axis. In AutoCAD, there are two co-ordinate
systems:

➢ World Co-ordinate System: A fixed system.

➢ User Co-ordinate System: A movable system.

Fig. 2.2: X-Y Co-ordinate

2.3.2 Cartesian Co-ordinates:

Despite the fancy title, the Cartesian co-ordinate system is the standard co-ordinate system.
The position of a point can be described by the distance from the axes, X and Y. This results
in a simple point description using two numbers separated by a comma e.g. 34.897, 45.473.

Y Axis
34.897,45.473

X Axis

Fig. 2.3: Cartesian Co-ordinate System

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2.3.3 Polar Co-ordinate System:

Polar co-ordinates achieve the same result i.e. the description of the position of a point. The
main difference is that polar co-ordinates use one distance and one angle to describe the
position of a point rather than the two distances in the Cartesian system. The distance and angle
measured relative to an origin. This results in a point description which looks like this
34.897<30 where the first figure is the distance and the second is the angle.

Y axis
(35.8, 60)

X Axis

Fig. 2.4: Polar Co-Ordinate System

2.4 Object Selection:

Before the student starts to use AutoCAD commands, he/she must need to know something about
selecting objects. All of the modify commands require that the students makes one or more object
selections. AutoCAD has wide range of tools which are designed to help the student to select just the
object needed to complete the task.

2.4.1 Selecting Object by Picking

Perhaps the most obvious way to select an object is simply to pick it. To select an object, place the
pick-box over a part of the object and left click the mouse. When the object has been picked, it is
highlighted in a dashed line to show that it is part of the current selection and the command line
reports “1 found”.

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 Fig. 2.5: The Pickbox

2.4.2 Window Selection

The window option is invoked by typing W in response to the “select objects” prompt. Window
allows you to define a rectangle using two points in exactly the same way as the RECTANGLE
command. Once all objects which lie within the window will be selected.

Fig. 2.6: The Window selection box is shown as a rectangle with a solid line

2.4.3 Crossing Window Selection

The crossing window option is invoked by typing C at the “Select objects” prompt and is
variation of the Window command. The command sequence is exactly the same but objects are
selected which lie within the window and those which cross the window border.

Fig. 2.7: The Crossing Window selection box is shown as a rectangle with a broken line

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2.4.4 Selecting All Object:

The All option is invoked by typing ALL at the “Select objects” prompt. Student can use this
option to select all the objects in the drawing, no picking is required. Objects on Locked or
Frozen layers are not selected but objects on layers which are simply turned off are selected.

2.4.5 Using Previous Selection:

AutoCAD always remembers the last selection set you defined. This is very useful because
student may need to make a number of changes using different commands to the same group
of objects. In order to reselect the last selection, student can use the previous selection. The
previous option is invoked by typing P at the “Select objects” prompt.

2.4.6 Selecting the Last Object

Student can select the last object created by entering L at the “Select objects” prompt.

2.5 Units and Scales:

Among the most important concepts that newcomers to AutoCAD need to get to grips with
are those of drawing scale and units. One cannot start crating sensible drawings with AutoCAD
until they are familiar with scale, units and commands used to control them.
2.5.1 Units Control:
Command line: Type UN (units) and press Enter
Format menu: Units

Fig. 2.8: Drawing Unit Selection

2.5.2 Toolbar:
When student start the Units command, the first thing they see is the Drawing Units dialogue
box. The dialogue box is divided into four main sections.

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2.5.2.1 Length:
One can see from the dialogue box that there are five different linear unit types for them to
choose from, one of which is “Decimal”, the default. The table shows the effect of the different
unit settings on two drawing unit values to give an idea how various settings must be used along
with a brief description.
Table 1.1: The effect of different unit settings on two drawing unit values with description
Unit type 1.5 Drawing Units 1500 Drawing Units Description
Decimal 1.5000 1500.0000 Metric or SI units
Scientific 1.5000E+00 1.5000E+03 Decimal value raised
to a power
Engineering 0’-1.5000” 125’-0.0000” Feet and decimal
inches
Architectural 0’- 1 ½” 125’-0” Feet and fractional
inches
Fractional 1½“ 1500 Whole numbers and
fractions

2.5.2.2 Angles:
Looking at the Drawing Units dialogue box again, student will notice that there are also five
angular unit types. The default is decimal degrees, but there are other options. The table below
shows the effect of the different unit types on two angular unit values.

Table 1.2: The effect of different unit settings on two drawing angle values with description

Unit type 12.5 Angular units 180 Angular Units Description

Decimal Degrees 12.500 180.000 Metric units
Deg/Min/Sec 12d30’0” 180d0’0” Degrees, Minutes and
Seconds
Grads 13.889g 200.000g 400 grads= 360
Degrees
Radians .218r 3.142r 2 Pi radians= 360
Degrees
surveyor N77d30’0”E W Compass bearings

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 Fig. 2.9: Direction Control
AutoCAD also allows to control the direction in which angular units are measured and the
position of the start angle. AutoCAD starts with the zero angle at the 3 o’clock position (East)
with angles increasing in an anti-clockwise direction. This case may be changed for other
modes.
2.5.2.3 Drawing Units for Design Center Blocks: Allows to assign a specific unit to the
drawing so that when blocks are inserted via the AutoCAD Design Centre, they will
automatically be scaled.
2.5.2.4 Sample output: Gives a preview of the drawing units as they will be displayed using
the current settings.

2.6 Unit Precision:

The Drawing Units dialogue box can also be used to set the precision of linear and angular
units. By default, AutoCAD sets the linear unit precision to four places of decimal, so appear
in the form 0.0000. Angular unit precision is set to whole degrees only. To change the precision
with which linear and angular values are displayed, simply click the down arrow against the
appropriate drop-down list and select the number of decimal places required. The default
setting of four decimal places is usually adequate for linear units. It is, however, often necessary
to change the precision for angular units. Working in whole degrees does not usually give an
adequate level of detail for many drawing functions. However, student do not need to change
the precision of either linear or angular units unless they have a specific reason for doing so.

2.7 Zoom (Standard Tool Bar) (z):

i. Pan real time: Move display.
ii. Zoom real time: Increase or decrease display
size. (Use mouse scroll as alternative)
iii. Zoom window: Enlarge the part of the drawing
iv. Zoom previous: Returns to the last Zoom view.
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2.8 Status Bar:

2.8.1 ORTHO (Ortho mode)

Click on “ORTHO” button on Status bar or Press F8
Enforces to draw horizontal or vertical lines only

2.8.2 OSNAP (Object snap)

Click on “OSNAP” button on Status bar or Press F3
✓ Right click on “OSNAP” button on Status bar
✓ Press “Setting”
✓ Check desired object snap options
✓ Press “ok”
Helps to snap (grip) different points during drafting.

Fig. 2.10: Available snap options.

2.8.3 DYN (Dynamic Input)

Click on “DYN” button on Status bar or Press F12.
➢ Shows command line with cursor during execution of any command.

2.8.4 LWT (Line weight)

Click on “LWT” button on Status bar.
➢ Shows line thickness.

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2.9 Draw Toolbar

2.9.1 Line (l)

By picking two points:

i. Specify first point (click at any point)
ii. Specify next point (click at any point)

By direct distance entry

i. Specify first point (click at any point).
ii. Input length (type length of the line)
iii. Press “Tab” on the keyboard
iv. Input angle (type angle with the X axis)
v. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard

Horizontal or vertical line:

i. Specify first point (click at any point)

ii. Press “ORTHO” in status bar or press F8 on keyboard.
iii. Input length (type length of the line) [Keep the cursor appropriately]
iv. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard

2.9.2 Rectangle (rec):

By picking two points

i. Specify first corner point (click at any point)
ii. Specify other corner point (click at any point)
Or

By direct distance entry

i. Specify first corner point (click at any point)
ii. Input length along X (type length of the rectangle)
iii. Press “Tab” on keyboard
iv. Input width along Y (type width of the rectangle)
v. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard.

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2.9.3 Circle (c):

i. Specify center point (click at any point)

ii. Input radius of the circle (type radius of
the circle)
iii. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard
Or
i. Specify center point (click at
any point)
ii. Type d
iii. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard
iv. Input diameter of the circle (type diameter of
the circle)
v. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard

2.9.4 Arc (a):

To draw an arc three points on the arc are necessary. The choice of these points depends
on the user or availability of defined points. AutoCAD by default draw arc anticlockwise.
So, select start and end points properly to get the desired arc shape.

2.9.5 Donut (do):

i. Input inside diameter (generally

zero (0))
ii. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard
iii. Input outside diameter (choose a value based on your
drawing)
iv. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard
v. Specify center of donut (click at points where donuts are necessary)

2.9.6 Polygon (pol):

i. Input number of sides

ii. Specify center of polygon (click
at point)
iii. Select an option
✓ Inscribed in circle
✓ Circumscribed about circle
iv. Input radius of circle

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 Fig. 2.13: Polygon

2.9.7 Ellipse (el):

i. Specify first point of major axis (click at point)
ii. Specify endpoint of major axis (click at point)
iii. Input distance from the midpoint of the first axis to the endpoint of the minor axis

Fig. 2.14: Ellipse

2.9.8 Region (reg):

i. Select objects (lines intersect at end points are appropriate objects)
ii. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard

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 Appropriate Not appropriate
Fig. 2.15: Region
2.9.9 Hatch (h):
i. Use predefined type.
ii. Choose the desired pattern (i.e. concrete, brick etc).
iii. Choose angle (Change the orientation of the hatch lines but default is recommended).
iv. Input scale value (Large value lightens the hatch and small value densifies hatch).
v. Choose appropriate boundary selection option.
vi. Add pick points: Click at any point in a closed boundary (does not work if any gap
on the boundary).
vii. Add select objects: Select objects (objects may or may not create closed boundary.
viii. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard.
ix. Choose option.
x. Check “Associative” option to allow modification of hatch shape with the boundary
shape.
xi. Check “Create separate hatches” option to create separate hatches in case of multiple
boundary selection.
xii. Press “Preview”.
xiii. Observe hatch created.
xiv. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard.

Fig. 2.16: Hatch Properties Manager

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 Choice of boundary selection

“Add pick points” Or “Add select objects”

“Add select objects”

Fig. 2.17: Choosing Area to be Hatched

2.9.10 Text (t):

i. Draw small window

ii. Select text style and font (if necessary)
iii. Choose text height
iv. Write on the shaded box
v. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard to go next line (if necessary)
vi. Press “ok”

2.9.11 Block:

Fig. 2.18: A dining table as block

Insert block:

i. Browse (C:\Program Files \AutoCAD 2007 \Sample\Design center\

House designer)
ii. Check explode
iii. Press “ok”
iv. Specify insertion point for block (click at any point of
window) Zoom all to see blocks
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 Make Block:

i. Draw an object
ii. Define a name to the block
iii. Input base point (Press pick point and click at any point closer to the object)
Select object (select the desired object to make block)
iv. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard
v. Check “Convert to Block”
vi. Choose appropriate block unit Press “ok”
vii. Keep the file for further use as block

2.10 Modify Toolbar:

2.10.1 Offset (o):

i. Input offset distance (perpendicular distance between
parallel lines)
ii. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard
iii. Select object (only one line can be selected)
iv. Specify point on side to offset (select any side of the line)

2.10.2 Copy (co or cp):

i. Select object or objects
ii. Press enter ( ) on the
keyboard Specify the base
point
iii. Specify second point or input distance (horizontal or vertical or inclined)

2.10.3 Move (m):

i. Select object or objects
ii. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard
iii. Specify the base point
iv. Specify second point or input distance (horizontal or vertical or inclined)

2.10.4 Rotate (ro):

AutoCAD by default considers anticlockwise rotation as positive. So to rotate clockwise
one should assign negative angle.
i. Select object or objects
ii. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard
iii. Specify the base point
iv. Input angle (angle with X axis).

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2.10.5 Mirror (mi):
i. Select object or objects
ii. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard
iii. Specify first point of the mirror line
iv. Specify second point of the mirror line
v. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard

2.10.6 Extend (ex):

i. Select line or lines as boundary edge (Right click mouse to select all lines as
boundary edges and skip next step)
ii. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard
iii. Select end of the object or objects closer to boundary edge to extend.

2.10.7 Trim (tr):

i. Select line or lines as cutting edge (Right click mouse to select all lines as cutting
edges and skip next step).
ii. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard Select object or objects to trim.

2.10.8 Array (ar):

a. Rectangular array
i. Input number of row and column
ii. Input row and column offset (Offset means c/c distance of rows or columns)
Input angle of array (if necessary) (indicates the angle of row with positive x
axis)
iii. Select object
iv. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard Press “Preview”
v. Observe the array created
vi. If obtain desired array press “accept” otherwise press “Modify” and repeat
steps.
b. Polar array
i. Specify center point
ii. Choose appropriate method of array (i.e. choose any two parameters from total
no. of item, angle to fill and angle between item)
iii. Input parameter values
✓ Total no. of items: Input number of items to be considered as array element
✓ Angle between items: Input angle between array elements at center of the
circle.
iv. Check/uncheck rotate items as copied (allow/disallow the rotation of array
elements)
v. Select object
vi. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard Press “Preview”
vii. Observe the array created
viii. If obtain desired array press “accept” otherwise press “Modify” and repeat steps.

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2.10.9 Scale (sc):
i. Select object or objects
ii. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard Specify the base point
iii. Type scale factor (Greater than 1 to enlarge and less than 1 to shrink
proportionally)
iv. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard

2.10.10 Stretch (s):

i. Select object or objects (select only by crossing
window) Press enter ( ) on the keyboard
ii. Specify the base point
iii. Type distance (the distance of the base point
movement) Press enter ( ) on the keyboard

2.10.11 Fillet (f):

i. Type r (to input radius first)
ii. Press enter ( ) on the
keyboard
iii. Input radius
iv. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard
v. Select the first object (line)
vi. Select the second object (line)

Fig. 2.19: Filleting

2.10.12 Chamfer (cha):

i. Type d (to input distance first)
ii. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard

Chamfer distance
Input first chamfer distance
iii. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard
iv. Input second chamfer distance
v. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard
vi. Select the first object (line)
vii. Select the second object (line)

Fig. 2.20: Chamfering

2.10.13 Explode (x):
i. Select object
ii. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard

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 2.10.14 Match properties (ma):
i. Select source object
ii. Select destination object or objects

2.11 Format Tab

2.11.1 Unit:
i. Choose appropriate unit system as drawing unit
ii. Choose proper precision
iii. Choose insertion scale (Unit of any value inserted without unit (i.e. ft/inch/mm
etc.))

2.11.2 Text Style:

i. Press “New”
ii. Define style name
iii. Specify font name (i.e. Times New Roman)
iv. Choose a height
v. Press “Apply”
vi. Press “Close”

2.11.3 Dimension Style:

i. Press “New”
ii. Define new style name
iii. Press “continue”
iv. Press “Symbol and arrows” tab
v. Select first and second arrow head
vi. Press “Text” tab
vii. Choose text style
viii. Press “Fit” tab
ix. Set use overall scale of (Large value enlarges dimension text)
x. Press “Primary Unit” tab
xi. Choose unit format (Generally same as Drawing Unit)
xii. Choose proper precisions (Generally same as Drawing Unit)
xiii. Zero suppression (Don’t show 0’ or 0” etc)
xiv. Suffix (if necessary, to show something as suffix of the dimension text)
xv. Prefix (if necessary, to show something as prefix of the dimension text)
xvi. Scale factor (if necessary, to multiply dimensions with any value)
xvii. Press “ok”
xviii. Select dimension style created
xix. Press “Set Current”
xx. Press “Close”

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 2.11.4 Layer:
i. Press “New layer”
ii. Double click and rename “Layer Name”
iii. Click and choose color
iv. Click and choose line weight Click on line type
v. If new line type is needed press “Load”
vi. Choose a line type
vii. Press “ok”
viii. Select the loaded line type and press “ok”
ix. Repeat steps to create more layers
x. Press “ok”

2.12 Dimension Toolbar:

2.12.1 Linear:
i. Click at the first extension line origin
ii. Click at the second extension line origin
iii. Click to fix dimension line location

Dimension Line
Extension

Extension
Line

Line

Extension Extension
Line origin Line origin

Fig. 2.21: Dimension Line

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 Fig. 2.22: Linear Dimension

2.12.2 Aligned:
i. Click at first extension line origin
ii. Click at second extension line origin
iii. Click to fix dimension line location

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2.12.3 Continue
i. Continue from last dimension
ii. Click at only second extension line origin and so on
Or
Continue from any dimension
i. Types (to select a dimension)
ii. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard
iii. Select desired dimension
iv. Click at only second extension line origin and so on

2.12.4 Angle:
i. Select the first line Select the second line
ii. Click to fix dimension line (arc) location

2.12.5 Radius
i. Select circle
ii. Click to fix dimension line (leader) location

2.12.6 Diameter:
i. Select circle
ii. Click to fix dimension line (leader) location

2.12.7 Quick Leader:

i. Click at first leader point
ii. Click at next point of leader
iii. Click at next point of leader (if necessary)
iv. Input text width (default is ok)
v. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard
vi. Type first line of annotation text
vii. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard
viii. Type second line of annotation text (if necessary, otherwise skip)
ix. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard

2.12.8 Dimension Text Edit:

i. Select dimension
ii. Click at desired location to set dimension text

2.12.9 Dimension Edit:

i. Press “New”
ii. Select and delete “0”
iii. Type desired dimension with unit or text
iv. Press “ok”
v. Select dimension to be changed
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 vi. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard
Or,
i. Type “ddedit”
ii. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard
iii. Select existing dimension and delete
iv. Type desired dimension with unit or text
v. Press “ok”

2.13 Miscellaneous commands:

2.13.1 Polyline (pl):

i. Specify first point (click at any point)
ii. Specify next point (click at any point)
or
i. Specify first point (click at any point).
ii. Input length (type length of the line)
iii. Press “Tab” on the keyboard
iv. Input angle (type angle with the X axis)
v. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard

2.13.2 Multiline (ml):

i. Press “s” to input parallel line distance
ii. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard
iii. Press “j” to select zero (centerline)/top/bottom length
iv. Press “z” or “t” or “b”
v. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard
vi. Specify first point (click at any point)
vii. Input length (type length of the line)

2.13.3 Divide (div) [Draw > Point > Divide]:

i. Select object to divide
ii. Input number of segments
iii. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard

2.13.4 Measure (me) [Draw > Point > Measure]:

i. Select object to measure
ii. Input length of segments
iii. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard

2.13.5 Align (al)

i. Select objects
ii. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard
iii. Specify first source point
iv. Specify first destination point
v. Specify second source point
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 vi. Specify second destination point
vii. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard

2.13.6 Group (g):

a. Create group
i. Type group name
ii. Press “New”
iii. Select desired objects
iv. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard
v. Check “selectable”
vi. Press ok

b. Modify group
i. Select group name
ii. Pick desired edit option (remove or add objects or explode)
iii. Select desired objects
iv. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard
v. Press ok

2.13.7 Oops (oops):

i. Type “oops” in command bar
ii. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard

2.13.8 Wipeout (wipeout):

i. Type “wipeout” in the command bar
ii. Draw any shape to clean hatch pattern
iii. Press enter ( ) on the keyboard

Fig. 2.23: Wipeout

2.14 Important Control Keys:

Control Keys Result

CTRL+8 Launches calculator window
CTRL+A Select all
CTRL+N Create new drawing
CTRL+P Opens the plot dialogue box
CTRL+S Opens the save dialogue box
CTRL+Z Undo the last operation
CTRL+TAB Switches between open drawings
Esc Cancel command

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2.15 Object Properties:

Every AutoCAD, such as or a line or a circle has properties. Some properties such as color,
Line type and Layer are common to all objects. Some objects have properties which are
specific to themselves. Text, for example, is the only object type which has a style property.
In AutoCAD Release 14, the easiest way to control object properties is to use the object
Properties toolbar, illustrated below. This is one of AUTOCAD, s default toolbars and can
usually be found directly below the standard toolbar in the top left-hand corner of the
AUTOCAD window.

Take time to work through this tutorial, it is particularly important to get to grips with object
properties since it can make the difference between a really good AUTOCAD drawing and a
really terrible one. If you just need information quickly, use the Quick Find toolbar below to
go straight to the information you need or select a topic from the contents list above.

2.15.1 Layers:
Probably the most important object property to understand well is the layer property.
Experienced AutoCAD users use layer all the time and that is why the object properties
toolbar contains so many layer function. Good use of layer is the most important aspect of
good drawing practice.

The concept of layer is very important in AUTOCAD and the correct use of layer can make
your drawing much easier to work with. Basically, layers are the computer equivalent to
tracing overlays on a drawing board. However, layers are much more powerful because you
can have many layers in a single drawing and you can control the visibility, color and line
type of layers independently. This makes working with very complicated drawings much
more efficient. Layers are effectively a way of ordering your drawing. For example, you may
need to create a number of construction lines in a drawing which will not form a part of the
finished image. You could create a layer called “Construction” and use this for your
construction lines. When the drawing is completed, you could simply turn this layer off so
that it can’t be seen. The beauty is that you can could always turn this layer back on at some
future time if modifications to the drawing are required. Experienced AUTOCAD uses will
use layers to order their drawing by drawing components. For example, if you were creating
landscape master plan, you may have layers called “Trees’’ “Shrubs’’ “Path” etc. The main
reason for this, apart from it being a simple way to control the drawing, is that the different
drawing components may need to be printed in different colors with different line type and
with different line widths. Layers can be used to control the way objected are displayed on
the computer monitor and how they appear when they are printed.

Although you can have many layers in a drawing, you can only draw on one layer at a time.
The layer you are drawing on is said to be the current layer. The object properties toolbar
displays the current layer information. In the illustration above, you can see that layer “0’’ is
the current layer and that the color and line type are set ‘By layer’’.

When you start a new drawing, AUTOCAD has only one layer. This layer is special and is
called layer ‘0’’ (zero). layer 0 is special because you cannot change its name or delete it and
is has certain properties which we do not need to consider just now. By default, layer 0 is

25
assigned the color white (color number 7) and this “Continues” line type. Layer 0 is always
the current layer when start a new drawing, however, it is bad drawing practice to use layer
0 for normal drawing. The first thing you should do therefore, when you start a new
AUTOCAD is to create some new layers.

2.15.2 The layer command

LAYER (manages or LAYER and layer properties)

Command line: Type LA or LAYER(layer) and press
enter. Format menu: layer.........

Layers toolbar: pick Layer Properties Manager tool

Although AUTOCAD provides many shortcuts for working with layer, many of which will
be covered later, the layer command provides the most comprehensive control over layers
and layer operations. This command uses a dialogue box. The dialogue box is a tabbed
dialogue box and can be modified to show more or less details. This is quite nice because in
its simplified form it looks much less intimidation to beginners. The following sections
demonstrate how the layer command can used to perform many of the most layer operations.

Creating a New Layer

To create a new layer, click on in the layer toolbar, the Layer properties Manager
dialogue box, illustrated below, appears. This is a tabbed dialogue box and can be used to
control either layer properties depending upon which tab is selected. The layer tab is always
selected by default. Now click on the ‘New’’ button. A new layer called ‘layer’’ is
automatically created in the layer list below layer 0. As you can see from the illustration the
layer name is automatically highlighted for you so that you can give the layer a more
meaningful name. When you have entered an appropriate name, press key to complete the
operation. You have now created a new layer and given it a name. Notice that by default it
has been assigned the color white and the line type ‘Continues ‘.
There are a few restrictions to consider when you are naming layers. The most annoying is
that you cannot use spaces within layer names. So, for example, the layer name “Tree trunk”
is illegal, However, it is common practice to replace the space with either a hyphen or an
underscore, both of which are valid layer name character. So, the layer name “Tree trunk”
and “Tree trunk” are both acceptable. Some other special characters are also not allowed.
If you do use an illegal character, Auto CAD will alert you with the error message box
illustrated above. Notice that it very helpfully tells you which characters are legal. Basically,
if your stick with letters and numbers you won’t experience any problems. In addition to the
hyphen and underscore mentioned above, the dollar sign is the only other symbol allowed.

The only other restriction relating to layer names is the number of characters used. Layer
names can be between one and thirty-one character long. This should give you plenty of
scope to devise understandable and descriptive names for your layers. It is good drawing
practice to name your layer sensibly, bear in mind that other people may have to work with
drawing which you creator. If you enter a layer name longer that 31 characters, Auto CAD
will display the error message box.

2.15.3 Setting Color and Line type “ByLayer”:

Auto CAD two methods of setting the color and Line type of a drawing object. First of all,
color and Line type can be set ByLayer. In other words, and object will be displayed in their
26
 color and Line type of its layer. For example, if your draw a circle on a layer which your
have called “Details” and you have also set the color of Details to blue and the Line type to
dashed, then the circle will be display in a dashed blue line. When an object takes on the
properties of its layer, the color and Line type are said to be set “ByLayer.

The second method AutoCAD offers is to set the color and Line type by object. Setting
properties by object overrides those set ByLayer. In general, it is drawing practice to set color
and Line type properties ByLayer, this is more efficient and less confusing in the long- run.
For example, imagine that you have drawn hundreds of objects on the same layer and have
set their color to green. Later in the drawing process you decide that these objects should, in
fact, be yellow. In order to make the change you would have to use the Properties command
and select every one of the objects by picking them. By contrast, if you had set the objects
color ByLayer, you would only have to change the layer color from green to yellow and all
of the objects would change.

2.15.4 Setting the Color of Layer

It is often convenient to set the layer color when the layer is created. Although this can be
done at any time. The layer color can be changed as many times as you like. Each time it is
changed, any objects on that layer will change to the new color, providing their color is set
to “ByLayer” To set a layer color, open the Layer Properties Manager dialogue box, click on
and then click on the color icon in the layer list associate with the layer you want. Notice that
all layers have their own color icon and that this changes to display the layer color. Clicking
on the icon brings up Select Color dialogue box, shown on the right. You can select nay of
the 255 standard AutoCAD colors by picking on the color palette or by entering the color
name or number in the text edit box. When you have selected the color you want, click on
the “OK” button to set the color. AutoCAD uses only 255 color plus the drawing background
color, irrespective of the capability you video display.

Fig. 2.24: Selecting Line Color

Assigning different colors to your layers will make working with complex drawings much
easier. You will be able to see at a glance what a particular line represents. For example, your
construction lines may be on a layer called “Construction” and have the color yellow. This will
visually differentiate these lines from lines on other layers with different colors.

27
2.15.5 Setting the Line type of a Layer:
In the same way that you can assign a color to a layer you can also assign a Line type to a
layer. For example, you could have all the lines. To set a Line type to layer, click on and
then click on the current Line type name associated with your layer in the layer list. By default,
layer have the “Continuous” Line type. Clicking on the line type name brings up the Select
Line type dialogue box, shown on the bottom. You will notice that the “Continue” Line type
is the only one listed. That’s because all Line types, except “Continue” are stored in an external
file and have to be loaded before they can be used.

Fig. 2.25: Selecting Line Type

28
 2.15.6 Loading Line type:
To load a Line type, click on the “Load” button in the Select Linetypye dialogue box. The
Load of Reload Line type dialogue box appears and display list of the available Line types. Select
as many of the listed Line types as you wish and then click the OK button to return to the Select
Linetpye dialogue box.

Fig. 2.26: Loading Line Type

Selecting from list boxes works the same way in AutoCAD as it does in any other Windows
application. For example, if you wish to select a block Line types from the list at one time, select
the first Line type in the block, hold the shift key down on the keyboard and select the last Line
type in the block. All Line types in the block will be highlighted and you can click the “OK” button
to load them all one go. You can hold the Control (Ctrl) key down on the keyboard to make
multiple selections which aren’t adjacent in the list (see illustration above).

2.15.7 Changing Line weight of a Layer:

Command line: Type LA (layer) and press Enter ()
Format menu: Layer.......
Layers toolbar: pick Layer Properties Manager tool

Procedure:
Step1: Input Layer command (any one of above way) [A Layer Properties Manager box will
appear]
Step 2: Select a Layer
Step 3: In the Line weight column, click box on the line weight size of the layer to change
(Line weight box will appear)
Step4: Select any Line weight you want and click on Ok button (Line weight box will
disappear)
Step 5: Click on OK button again to terminate the command

2.15.8 Making a Layer the Current Layer:

Once you have created some layers you will want to start using them. As indicated above, you
can only draw on one layer at an item. In order to draw on a particulars layer you must first
29
make it the current layer. As usual with AutoCAD there are a number of alternatives. You
could, for example, use the Layer command, Layer. from the Format menu of from the
Layers toolbar. As you have seen previously, this command brings up the Layer Properties
Manager dialogue box. To set the current layer, select a layer name from the list and then click
on the “Current” button and then click the “OK” button to finish. The selected layer is now the
current layer and its properties are displayed on the Layer toolbar.

Most experienced Auto CAD users change the current so frequently that the method starts to
seem very long winded. It is much quicker and therefore more efficient to set the current layer
directly from the layers toolbar using the “Layer Control” drop down list. To set the current
layer, click on the down arrow next to the layer control window to reveal the layer list. Simply
click on the name of the layer you wish to make current. If the layer name is not visible because
the list is quite long, scroll down the list until you see it. The drop-down list only displays 10
layers at a time. As a beginner, you may feel that this is quite a lot but a complex and well-
structured drawing may have 50 or 100 layers.
There is an even quicker way to change the current layer providing you know which layer
objects are on. You can use the Make Object’s Layer Current command to set the current to the
layer of any picked object.

Option 1:
Command Line: Type LA (layer) and press Enter.
Format menu: Layer
Layers Toolbar: pick Layer Properties Manager tool.
Procedure:
Step 1: Input Layer command (any of the above way)
Step 2: Select a layer and click on Current button.
Step 3: Click on OK button to terminate the command.

Option 2:
Procedure:
Step 1: Select any object of the layer you want to make current (with-out any command)
Step 2: Click on the Make Object’s layer Current tool from the Layers toolbar.

Option 3:
Procedure:
Step 1: From the Layers toolbar, open the layer control drop down menu.

Step 2: Click on the layer’s name you want to make it current.

2.15.9 Sending Object from One Layer to Other Layer Procedure:

Step 1: select any object you want to transfer to other layer.
Step 2: From the Layers toolbar, open the layer control drop down menu.

Step 3: Click on the layer’s name where you want to transfer.

Step 4: Press Esc button.

2.15.10 Freezing and Thawing Layers:

Freezing and thawing layers works in exactly the same way as turning them on or off. By
30
freezing a layer, you can effectively instruct the AutoCAD to ignore the objects on that layer
when regenerating the drawing. Objects on freezing layers are not displayed or plotted.

2.15.11 Locking and Unlocking Layers:

Locking and unlocking layers work as for turning layers off and on and freezing and thawing
them. Simply click on lock button to toggle an unlocked layer so that it becomes locked and
click on unlock button to reverse the process.

2.15.12 Deleting a Layer:

To delete a layer, click the name of the layer to highlight it, click the “Delete” button and then
click “OK”.

2.15.13 Setting the Line-type Scale:

In many cases your line-types will display just as you want them. However, it is inevitable that
at some time you will need to change the scale at which yours line-types are displayed. By
default, the line-type scale is set to 1.0, this means that each line-type pattern will repeat every
1.0 drawing units. To make the pattern appear larger, change the scale to a larger number.
Setting the line-type scale to 5.0 for example causes the line type pattern to repeat every 5.0
drawing units so that the pattern will appear 5 times larger. Conversely, setting the scale to 0.2
drawing units which will make the pattern appear 5 times smaller. See the illustration below.

Fig. 2.27: Selecting Line Type Scale

2.16 Changing Object Properties

There will be occasions when an object properties will need to be changed. Say, for example,
you have drawn an object on the wrong layer. It’s much simpler to change the layer for that
object rather than to erase the object, set the current layer and draw it again. There are a number
of ways in which an objects properties can be changed but the most common method is to use
the Properties command. Remember that you cannot change the properties of the objects on
locked layers.

2.16.1 The Properties Command:

Command Line: Type PR or PROPERTIES and press Enter.
Modify Menu: Properties
Standard Toolbar: Pick Properties tool.

31
2.16.2 Editing with the Object Properties Toolbar:
Although editing object properties using the Properties command is easy enough, AutoCAD
introduces a new and more efficient way to modify the Layer, Color, and Line-type of an object.
By using the Object Properties Toolbar, the layer, color, line-type of an object or objects can
be modified directly, without the use of a command.

2.16.3 The Match Properties Command:

Another way to change the properties of an object or object is to match the properties of any
other object using the Match Properties command on the standard toolbar.
Command line: Type MATCHPROP (match properties) and press enter
Modify menu: Match Properties
Standard toolbar: pick Match Properties tool.

2.16.4 Command Sequence:

Command: MATCHPROP
Select a source object: (pick the object you wish to match)
Current active setting: Color Layer Ltscale Line weight THICKNESS PLOTESTYLE Text
DIM HATCH POLYLINE VIEWPORT.
Select destination object(S) of [setting]: (pick the objects to inherit properties)
Select destination objected (s) or [setting] (to terminate the command)

Once the command sequence has been completed, the destination object will inherits all of
the current active setting which are specific to that object type. You can control which
properties are matched and which are not by using the ‘setting’’ command line option.
Changing

2.16.5 Line weight or layer:

Command: menu type a layer and press Enter
Format menu: Layer
Layer toolbar: pick layer Properties Manager

Procedure:
Step: 1: Input Layer command (any one of the above way) [A Layer Properties Manager
box will appear)
Step 2: Select layer
Step 3: In the Line weight column, click on the line weight size of the layer to change
(Line weight) box will appear)
Step 4: Select any Line weight you want and click on OK button (Line weight box will
disappear)
Step 5: Click on OK button again to terminate the command.

32
2.17 Assignment
Draw the following diagrams using AutoCAD (follow the instructions where given):

1.

Use Line, Arc and Polygon.

2.

Use Line, Arc and Polygon.

3.

Use Line and Arc.

33
4.

Use Rectangle. Line and Offset.

5.

Use Copy (for donut), Hatch (for Concrete and Sand).

34
6.

Use Offset, Copy, Scale factor of Dimension Style.

35
7.

Use Center line.

36
8.

Use Block.
9.

Use Offset, Rectangular Array.

37
10.

Use Offset, Polar Array.

11.

Use Offset, Trim, Hatch (for brick).

12.

Use Hatch (Concrete)

38
 References

1. AutoCAD User-guide, 2007.

2. Department of Civil Engineering, Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology,
Computer Aided Drafting Sessional

39
 Chapter 3
Plan, Elevation and Section of a Building

3.1 General:
This chapter covers the application of AutoCAD as drawing tool of Civil engineering structures
specially Building plans, elevations and sections. In this chapter plan of a masonry building has
been presented first and elevation and section has been demonstrated based on that particular plan.
This will enable student to understand practical use of AutoCad in Civil engineering.

3.2 Assignment
1. Draw the following diagrams using AutoCAD

Fig. 3.1: Plan view of a residential Building

40
 Fig. 3.2: Front view of a residential Building

Fig. 3.3: Section 1-1

References

1. Department of Civil Engineering, Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology, Computer

Aided Drafting Sessional.

41
 Chapter 4
Reinforcement Detailing

4.1 General:
This chapter covers the application of AutoCad as a drawing tool of Civil engineering structures
specially foundation, reinforcement detailing of slab, beam and stair. This will enable student to
understand practical use of AutoCad in Civil engineering.

4.2 Assignment
1. Draw the following diagrams using AutoCAD.

Fig. 4.1: Wall footing and Column Footing

42
Fig. 4.2: Reinforcement details of roof slab

43
Fig. 4.3: Longitudinal and Cross section of beam

44
 Fig. 4.4: Reinforcement detailing of stair

References

1. Beam Reinforcement Detailing. Accessed on 03 August, 2020.

https://www.google.com/search?q=longitudinal+and+cross+section+of+beams
2. Department of Civil Engineering, Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology, Computer Aided
Drafting Sessional.
3. Roof Slab Reinforcement. Accessed on 03 August, 2020.
https://www.google.com/search?q=reinforcement+details+of+roof+slab

45
 Chapter 5
Plan, Section and Elevation of Slab Culvert

5.1 General:
From this Chapter Students will able to learn about different types of Culvert and they will be able to draw
the plan and Sectional Elevation View of Slab Culvert by using different tools of AutoCAD.

5.2 Assignment
1. Draw the following diagrams using AutoCAD

Fig. 5.1: Plan view of the Culvert

46
 Fig. 5.2: Section View of Culvert

References

1. Department of Civil Engineering, Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology, Computer

Aided Drafting Sessional.

47
 Chapter 6
Plan, Elevation and Section of an Underground Water Reservoir

6.1 General:
From this Chapter Students will able to learn about underground water reservoir body and they will
be able to draw the plan and Sectional Elevation View of Water Reservoir Body by using different
tools of AutoCAD.

6.2 Assignment
1. Draw the following diagrams using AutoCAD

Fig. 6.1: Plan view of underground water reservoir

48
 Fig. 6.2: Section A-A

References

1. Department of Civil Engineering, Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology, Computer

Aided Drafting Sessional.

49
 Appendix
Lab Report Format

1. All students must have a same colored printed cover page (A4 page, left 1-inch other
sides 0.5 inch). The design of cover page is provided with the lab manual. It can also
be hand written.

2. An index (A4 page, left 1-inch other sides 0.5 inch) is provided. It should be printed
and set after the cover page. Table may be filled up by pen during each submission after
that particular subject has been covered. It can also be hand written.

3. Each report must have a common top page. Only the experiment/report name and no.
and the date may be filled up by pen. A top page design is provided.

4. A4 papers have to be used for preparing the lab report.

50
 Department of Civil Engineering
Uttara University
Uttara, Dhaka- 1230

Course Code: *CE 2024

Course Title: Computer Aided Drafting

Course Teacher’s Name :

Designation :

Experiment No. :
Experiment Name :

Date of Performance :
Date of Submission :

Name :
ID :
Batch :
Semester :

……………………..
(Signature)
 Index
Name: ID:

Experiment Experiment Date of Date of Page No Evaluation Comments Signature

no. name Performance Submission by
Evaluator