S T A N D A R D S

An INDUSTRY STANDARD is the average by

which those in a particular field govern themselves. It is the
ordinary manner of doing things in that field and can serve
to establish different things in various legal settings.

INDUSTRY STANDARDS INDUSTRY STANDARDS are, in essence, criteria

within a particular field of business, and are generally the
According to Collins minimal accepted requirements followed by the members
Dictionary, is defined as of that industry.
being of the required
standard or norm in a In this way, it provides those in a legal setting with
particular area of an easier to define guideline for defining what is and is not
business. reasonable, even if the standard relates to a field that is
outside the ordinary knowledge of normal people.
 THE UNITED STATES NATIONAL CAD
STANDARD (NCS)
The United States National CAD Standard (NCS)
streamlines and simplifies the exchange of building design
and construction data from project development
CAD INDUSTRY throughout the life of a facility. It coordinates the efforts of
STANDARD the entire industry by classifying electronic building design
CAD industry standards data consistently allowing streamlined communication
help optimize the creation among owners and design and construction project teams.
and delivery of CAD Use of the NCS can reduce costs and produce greater
drawings made by efficiency in the design and construction process.
designers, architects and
other engineers.
The USNCS has a very concise manual for all
They can be implemented disciplines of drafting and does provide the necessary
in the working process of layering and naming conventions in a concise manual as
all design and engineering well as drawing templates.
professions, such as
architecture, construction,
land surveying, et cetera.
NOTE:
The United States National CAD Standard (NCS) version 6 is
comprised of the Foreword, Administration, AIA CAD Layer
Guidelines, Uniform Drawing System, BIM Implementation,
Plotting Guidelines and Appendixes.

Here, we have included the Uniform Drawing System, the

BIM Implementation and an introduction to BIM, and plotting
guidelines. The AIA CAD Layer is merged together with the
Uniform Drawing System as it possesses the same aspects in
layering or designation, and it would be redundant to separate
the topics.
UNITED STATES
NATIONAL CAD STANDARD

UNIFORM
DRAWING
SYSTEM
GUIDELINES
 STANDARD SHEET IDENTIFICATION
The sheet identification format is applicable to both
manual and CAD drawing production. It is consistent, yet
flexible enough for a wide range of project scopes. The
AIA CAD LAYER UDS sheet identification format depicted here includes the
GUIDELINES following components:
These guidelines discuss ❑ The discipline designator,
layer name format and
provide layer lists for over
consisting of one
twenty types of layers. alphabetical character and a
hyphen or two alphabetical
The Layer module includes characters.
new layers for distributed
energy, real estate, ❑ The sheet type designator,
surveying, architectural, consisting of one numerical
structural, fire protection, character
electrical, plumbing,
mechanical, and
telecommunications.
❑ The sheet sequence
number, consisting of two
numerical characters
 LEVEL 1 DISCIPLINE DESIGNATION
ABBREVIATION FULL DESCRIPTION
G General
DISCIPLINE H Hazardous Materials
DESIGNATION V Survey/Mapping
The discipline designator B Geotechnical
denotes the category of
subject matter contained C Civil
in the file or on the layer L Landscape
designated.
S Structural
A dash always follows the A Architectural
Level 1 discipline
designator. I Interiors
Q Equipment
A dash is not used when
the Level 2 discipline F Fire Protection
designator is used. P Plumbing
D Process
LEVEL 1 DISCIPLINE DESIGNATION
ABBREVIATION FULL DESCRIPTION For example, the electrical engineer
M Mechanical may be the designer for a telephone system.
E Electrical The drawings required may be included on the
E (Electrical) sheets along with the rest of the
W Distributed Energy drawings produced by that designer.
T Telecommunications
R Resource
If the level of detail demands it, the
electrical engineer may decide to segregate the
X Other Disciplines telephone system information onto sheets with
Z Contractor/Shop Drawings the Level 2 designator ET (Electrical
Telecommunications).
O Operations
 NUMBER FULL DESCRIPTION
0 General (symbols legend, notes, etc.)
1 Plans (horizontal views and combination Plan &
Profile)
SHEET TYPE 2 Elevations and Profiles (vertical views)
DESIGNATOR 3 Sections (sectional views, wall sections)
The sheet type designator
is a single numerical 4 Large-Scale Views (Scaled up reproductions of
character that identifies plans,
the sheet type. 5 Details
Sheet types may apply to 6 Schedules and Diagrams
all discipline designators. 7 User Defined (for types that do not fall in other
categories, including typical detail sheets)
It is not necessary to use
all the sheet types for a 8 User Defined (for types that do not fall in other
project or within a categories)
discipline. 9 3D Representations (isometrics, perspectives,
photographs)
 The first sheet of each series is numbered 01,
followed by 02 through 99. Sequence numbers need not be
sequential, to permit future insertion of sheets during design.
While many projects may not require more than a single digit,
standardization of a two-digit sequence number allows for
efficient electronic file sorting and facility management
databases.
SHEET SEQUENCE
NUMBER Additional drawings inserted in a set of drawings
The sheet sequence after a sheet identification organization has already been
number is a two-digit established can be identified with a suffix. This suffix may be
number that identifies comprised of three user-defined designators.
each sheet in a series of
the same discipline and
sheet type.

Sequence numbering
starts with 01. Sheet
number 00 is not
permitted.
 Occasionally an entire drawing must be altered and
reissued for supplementary work involving a change in
scope. When this occurs, a user-defined suffix character to
the sheet identifier may be introduced.
SUPPLEMENTAL Descriptors include R for revised issues of similar
DRAWINGS scope, X for complete changes, and A, B, C,… for phased
Small changes on a work where multiple versions of the same drawing are
drawing are normally expected. A dash always follows the sheet sequence number
accomplished with the use to separate it from the numbering for supplemental drawings.
of revision clouds and
numbers accompanied
with a brief description in
the revision block.
 MOCK UP SHEETS
It is made to assist in layout and drawing set
production. It serves as a miniature of each proposed
sheet.
Mock-up sheets
are normally 216 mm x
SHEET 279 mm (8-1/2 inches x
ORGANIZATION 11 inches) or 279 mm x
Provides format for 432 mm (11 inches x 17
sheets, which includes inches).
drawing, title block, and
production reference Scaling Factors
areas and their content. determine size of
drawing.
 PARTS OF SCHEDULE
❑ HEADING – title / main subject
❑ MARK COLUMN – First identifier column (May be
alphanumeric)
❑ ITEM DESCRIPTION COLUMN - name or identification
SCHEDULES of each item
Sets consistency in ❑ DISTINGUISHING FEATURE COLUMN/S - defining
format, terminology, and characteristics that specifically describe special information
content. related to the items contained in the schedule
❑ NOTES COLUMN – column for remarks
Additional guidelines
include how to "build" a
project schedule and an
organizational system
for identifying and filing
schedules.
 MOCK-UP DRAWING SET
Drawings (or sketches) usually reproduced at 1/4-size
representing all the project sheets required for a phase of the
construction drawings which can be CAD or Manual Drawing.

DRAFTING
CONVENTIONS
Addresses standard
conventions used in
drawings: orientation,
layout, symbols, material
indications, line types,
dimensions, drawing
scale, diagrams, notation,
and cross-referencing.
MOCK-UP DRAWING SET
The following items should be considered in preparing a mock-up drawing set:
❑ Establish minimum standard sheet size from largest unbroken plan footprint,
elevation, or section.
❑ Use standard sheet sizes as provided in Sheet Organization.
❑ Choose a scale factor for the mock-up set as directed by Sheet Organization.
❑ Develop a comprehensive list of scaled and non-scaled views to be added to
drawing sheets.
❑ Determine the extent of the participation of each of the various disciplines. Use
discipline designators: level one or level two designators as required.
❑ Assign scaled and non-scaled views to appropriate sheets based on Sheet
Organization and Drawing Set Organization.
❑ Review drawing categories to check for completeness.
TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
This is a list of standard terms and ORGANIZATION OF TERMS AND
abbreviations used in construction ABBREVIATIONS
documents that provides: ❑ It can be presented in two easily
❑ A consistent standard of accessible formats. The first format is
communication in construction in alphabetical order by term and the
documents. second in order by abbreviation.

❑ A searchable list of common terms ❑ Terms that should be avoided are also
and abbreviations used in the included with a listing of the preferred
construction industry. term in the "Notes" column. These
terms do not have an abbreviation
❑ Consistent spelling of terms and because they should not be used.
abbreviations.

❑ Notes on common use and non-

preferred terminology.
TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
GUIDELINES ❑ Show the source or a list of abbreviations
❑ Do not abbreviate words of five letters or on the General sheets. Two ways to
fewer, except in schedules. accomplish this are:
A schedule column heading may need an ▪ Reference the Terms and
abbreviation to reduce the size of the Abbreviations Module.
column and the overall size of the ▪ Include a selected list derived from
schedule. the Terms and Abbreviations Module.

❑ If any doubt or confusion exists about the

❑ Avoid the use of abbreviations with more
meaning of the abbreviation, do not use
than one meaning.
the abbreviation. Clarity must not be
Therefore, the context or the location sacrificed.
within the drawing set should make the
intended term obvious. However, if it
does not, spell out the term.
 SYMBOLS
FULL DESCRIPTION SYMBOL
Elevation indicator; fine
line, 4mm (5/32")
diameter with lines
extending 1mm (1/32")
SYMBOLS beyond circle.
Compiles a full range of
Hidden features line; thin
standard symbols used
line.
throughout the
construction industry. Property line; wide line, 5
mm (3/16") dash, 3 mm
Standard symbols ensure (1/8") space.
clear and concise Break; straight.
communication among
the lead designer, owner,
Elevation indicator,
contractor & consultants.
Exterior; 16 mm (5/8")
diameter.
 FULL DESCRIPTION SYMBOL
Elevation indicator,
Interior, Multiple view; 16
mm (5/8") diameter; for
two, three or four views
Elevation indicator,
Interior, Single view; 16
mm (5/8") diameter
Drawing block title.
 PURPOSE OF NOTES
Construction documents include both drawings and
specifications, which are meant to be complementary
documents.

DRAWINGS (graphic and textual information organized

on a two-dimensional surface for the purpose of conveying data
NOTATIONS about a specific portion of a project.)
Establishes guidelines for
the systematic presentation SPECIFICATIONS (Define the qualitative requirements
of textual information on
for products, materials, and workmanship on which the
drawings.
construction contract is based.
HISTORICAL PROGRESSION
These graphics used notes sparingly to identify building components and provide general
instruction while requiring the designing Architect or Engineer to provide supplemental
instruction in the field.

This “master builder” method of practice has changed rapidly over the years and today
has been replaced by the use of highly detailed and specific construction contract documents.

DRAWING BLOCKS - drawing modules containing graphic or textual information. A “keyed” note
consisted of an alphanumeric indicator symbol and leader line with a legend of those symbols and
the full text notes located elsewhere on the drawing sheet.

MASTER FORMAT - A master list of numbers and titles classified by work results or construction
practices that is primarily used to organize project manuals and detailed cost information, and
relate drawing notations to specifications.
 1. Identification of the applicable regulatory issues is an
integral part of the planning/ predesign and design phase
of the project.
When determining the viability of a project for a given
CODE site or site selection, the zoning ordinances and codes
CONVENTIONS must be reviewed to decide if the project complies with the
Establishes guidelines for local authority’s planning objectives for development.
consistency in identifying
necessary regulatory 2. The type of project may also impact design
information to be shown in
considerations. In fact, the project may be beyond the
the documents.
scope and enforceability of the local jurisdiction.
This is needed to facilitate Such projects often occur with the local jurisdiction
both the design process given the opportunity to be involved in the project, but with
and the permit application limited input. Ultimately, the applicable governing authority
process. sets the project regulations.
1. On the building side of the project , identification of the applicable code(s) and their
respective editions must occur as part of the design of the building. This applies to both new
construction and additions, alterations, and changes of occupancy relative to existing
buildings. Identifications of local amendments that affect the design is also important.

2. Identification of the applicable regulations may require a review of not only the applicable
regulations of the building department but other jurisdictions as well. Coordination among the
building department, fire department, water and departments that may affect the design.

3. The final goal in the development of construction documents is the completion of the
project coupled with the issuance of the certificate of occupancy (sometimes called the
Certificate of completion).
The issuance of the certificate of occupancy is the last stage of regulatory process. The
first stage in the regulatory process is identification and analysis of applicable regulations. The
second stage is implementation of applicable regulations into the construction documents.
These two stages lead to an application for permission to construct (referred as building
permit). One of the most critical, time- sensitive aspects of the process is reviewing the
construction documents for code compliance.
UNITED STATES

PLOTTING
NATIONAL CAD STANDARD

GUIDELINES
LINE WIDTH PLOTTING

PLOTTED LINE WIDTH

LINE THICKNESS
mm In
Extra fine 0.13 0.005
Fine 0.18 0.007
Thin 0.25 0.010
Medium 0.35 0.014
Wide 0.50 0.020
Extra Wide 0.70 0.028
XX Wide 1.00 0.039
XXX Wide 1.40 0.055
XXXX Wide 2.00 0.079
UNITED STATES

BIM
NATIONAL CAD STANDARD

OVERVIEW
 Many see Building Information Modelling as the
natural evolution of CAD. What BIM is not is a type of CAD
package. Instead, it’s a design methodology that you can use
independently of CAD.

BUILDING Two things lie at the heart of BIM: COLLABORATION

INFORMATION and SUSTAINABILITY.
MODELING
BIM is an intelligent 3D BIM allows you to bring all your designs, including CAD
model-based process that models, into a single database. Using the cloud, BIM provides
gives the architecture, access to this database to all project members. You’ll all work on
engineering, & construction the same models, which allows for quick changes as needed.
professionals the insight
When used correctly, BIM helps the entire team visualize the
and tools to more
efficiently plan, design, project.
construct, and manage
buildings and infrastructure
 In fact, this is one of the main benefits
of BIM in construction. The team can spot project
issues before construction even starts. That’s
because of the sustainability aspect of BIM.

The methodology allows you to design

every aspect of a building. In addition to the
building itself, BIM models feature electrical
wiring and other important aspects of design.
This creates a more realistic digital
representation of the final product.
BIM ADVANTAGES
❑ BIM offers a more complete representation of a building’s design.
It takes more than the building’s core components into account.

❑ A BIM model will allow you to prefabricate important components ahead of time.
You won’t have to adjust them based on the building design. Instead, such
components are part of the initial design.

❑ Resource tracking is a key component of BIM models.

You’ll be able to figure out how much of each resource you need during the design
stage. This improves the flow and efficiency of construction.

❑ BIM pulls your documents into a single database.

Several people can work on the same model and save it to the cloud. This allows for
instant updates, so you won’t waste time searching for documents when you need
to make changes.
BIM DISADVANTAGES
There are drawbacks to using BIM, some of which are related to the methodology’s
newness:
❑ Many in the architecture and engineering industries have not yet adopted BIM.
As a result, you may run into problems trying to use it with some partners. As time
goes on, this will become less of an issue. BIM has already grown as a concept
because firms are rapidly converting to the methodology.

❑ The newness of the methodology also means there is a lack of experts in BIM when
compared to CAD.
This becomes obvious in the extra training you must undertake to understand the
model. You may find it difficult to locate suitable professionals for your BIM training.

❑ You will need to spend a lot of money on new technology and software.
While the BIM methodology will pay back its initial outlay over time, you may find the
initial investment too large.
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https://www.nationalcadstandard.org/ncs6/pdfs/n https://academy.archistar.ai/a-comparison-
cs6_uds1.pdf between-cad-and-bim

https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/engli https://popcdn.azureedge.net/pdfs/POP_CAD_BMI
sh/industry-standard _Stndrds.pdf

https://www.hg.org/legal-articles/what-is-the- https://www.autodesk.com/solutions/bim
relevance-of-industry-standards-under-the-law-
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2C%20in%20essence,the%20members%20of%
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https://www.cadtobim.com/what-are-cad-
standards.html

https://www.nationalcadstandard.org/ncs5/pdfs/n
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