TECHNICAL TERMS

blueprint plan drawing

building information modeling (BIM) plans
computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) plumbing plan
construction drawings polyester film
details print
electrical plans print reading
elevations rendering
engineering copier schedules
floor plan sections
HVAC structural framing plans
interior elevations title sheet
interpretation transverse sections
longitudinal sections Uniform Drawing System (UDS)
mechanical plans vellum
orthographic projection visualization
pictorial drawing working drawings

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After completing this unit, you will be able to:
• Explain why drawings are important in the construction industry.
• Identify what is included in a set of construction drawings.
• Describe how drawings and prints are made.
• Handle prints properly.

Prints are sometimes referred to as working drawings

onstruction drawings are used to communicate

C the architectural and engineering design of a

construction project. Along with specifications,
construction drawings detail the building components,
or plans. The term plan also refers to a view that shows
the features of a building from directly above, such as
the floor plan, the site plan, or the foundation plan.
The terms print, drawing, and plan are used inter-
materials, and methods of construction. All persons
changeably throughout this text. This text will teach
involved in the planning, supplying, or constructing of
you how to read and interpret the technical information
a structure must be able to read construction drawings.
communicated on these drawings.
A print is a copy of a drawing. For many years, the
only type of reproduction used was the blueprint,
which consists of white lines on a blue background.
Today, the term blueprint is used interchangeably with
Construction Prints
print. Most prints have dark lines on a light background. Most drawings used in construction are created as ortho-
graphic drawings. Orthographic drawings are made
Copy ri ght Goodhea rt-W illcox Co., Inc. 3
4 Section 1 Introduction to Print Reading

using orthographic projection. Orthographic projection details, collectively called working drawings. Working
is a method in which different views of an object (a drawings are divided into sections according to the
building, for instance) are shown. Each view is taken types of construction being performed. A letter clas-
from a different reference point. These reference points sification identifies the drawings in each section. The
are selected so the views are perpendicular to one following letter classifications are specified in the
another. This allows all of the details of the structure or Uniform Drawing System (UDS), discussed later in this
project to be shown. Orthographic projection is discussed unit. The letter classifications in bold type are the ones
in more detail in Unit 5. most commonly used in building construction.
The orthographic views used in construction drawings • G-General. Project phasing, contractor staging
are the top, front, side, and back views. The top view is areas, schedules, fencing, photographs, code
called a plan drawing. Front, side, and back views are summary, symbol legends, and site maps.
called elevations. A view of the interior of the building
• H-Hazardous Materials. Handling, removal,
is called an interior elevation. Elevations are discussed
and storage of hazardous materials.
later in this unit.
Other views are used in addition to plan views • V-Survey/Mapping. Surveyed and digitized
and elevations to clarify construction of a building. A points and features.
view that shows the interior construction of a building • B-Geotechnical. User defined.
feature, such as a wall, is called a section. An enlarged • C-Civil. Structure removal, site clearing,
view of a section or a plan view is called a detail. excavation, site grading, roads, waterways,
Sections and details provide information that cannot sanitary and storm sewer, pavers, plot plans,
be clearly shown on other drawings and are discussed and details. (See Figure 1-3.)
later in this unit.
• L-Landscape. Landscaping, planting, site
Another type of drawing used in building projects
hardscapes, and irrigation.
is a pictorial drawing. A pictorial drawing is used to
help the viewer visualize the structure or the project in • S-Structural. Concrete, steel and wood
its entirety. This type of drawing is enhanced with trees, structure, and details. (See Figure 1-4.)
shrubs, shading, and other materials to make it appear • A-Architectural. Floor plans, elevations,
more realistic. A rendering is a pictorial drawing that finishes, building sections, schedules, and details.
shows what a structure will look like when the project (See Figures 1-5, 1-6, 1-7, 1-8, 1-9, and 1-10.)
is finished, Figure 1-1. Pictorial drawings typically do • I-Interiors. Interior demolition, furnishings,
not show any construction details and are primarily graphics, and interior design.
used for presentation purposes.
• Q-Equipment. Equipment installed inside and
outside of the building, such as athletic, bank,
Identifying Information in a Set of Prints dry cleaning, kitchen, medical, and playground
Small construction projects usually include all necessary equipment.
information on a single plan drawing, an elevation, and • F-Fire Protection. Fire alarm and suppression
a few details. Larger construction projects that are more systems.
complicated require many plans, elevations, sections, and
• P-Plumbing. Waste and water supply systems.

Sla v1111/Slmtterstock.com
Figure 1-1. A rendering shows how the finished structure will appear.
Copyright Goodheart-Wi llcox Co., Inc.
 Unit 1 Construction Drawing Organization 5

• D-Process. Process piping systems, equipment, • 6-Schedules and diagrams

and instrumentation. • 7-User defined
• M-Mechanical. Heating, ventilation, and • 8-User defined
cooling systems.
• 9-3Dviews
• E-Electrical. Power and lighting systems.
The next number identifies the sheet number. For
• W-Distributed Energy. Distributed energy example, using this system, sheet ClOl indicates a
systems and structures, such as electrical plan view drawing (1) in the civil drawings section (C)
substations. assigned sheet number 01. Sheet C102 indicates a plan
• T-Telecommunications. Audio and visual view drawing (1) in the civil drawings section (C) assigned
systems, security systems, and network cabling. sheet number 02, and so on. Sheet A202 indicates an
• R-Resource. Existing drawings, such as elevation (2) in the architectural drawings section (A)
architectural, structural, and real estate drawings. assigned sheet number 02.
Whether or not drawings in a set are identified
• X-Other Disciplines. User defined.
with a letter classification and numbered system, indi-
• Z-Contractor/Shop Drawings. Drawings made vidual drawings in a project are typically identified on
by subcontractors. Shop drawings are used by a title sheet. See Figure 1-2. Generally, the title sheet
the tradeworker to install the work and are provides a detailed list of drawings and other informa-
trade and supplier specific. For instance, when tion about the project. In the example shown, a detailed
fabricating reinforcing steel, the supplier will list identifies each drawing by sheet number and name.
make detailed diagrams for each portion of the This type of list may also identify the most recent issue
footing, walls, and columns to show how the date and revision information. This is helpful when
reinforcing steel is to be installed. These are identifying changes to drawings for change orders or
different from the structural engineer's design determining the scope of work related to an estimate,
drawings. This additional detail will help the proposal, and contract.
tradeworker install the reinforcing steel correctly. A title sheet also typically lists names of the profes-
• 0-0perations. User defined. sionals involved in the project, such as the architect,
Note that there is some crossover between letter landscape architect, structural engineer, mechanical
identifications. For example, all drawing content that engineer, electrical engineer, and owner of the project.
is part of the (C) Civil, (L) Landscape, and (G) Geotech- Other items included on title sheets include abbreviation
nical drawings could be on (C) Civil drawings. All lists, material and symbol legends, a rendering of the
drawing content that is part of the (P) Plumbing and (D) completed building, and a site map locating the project.
Process drawings could be on (P) Plumbing drawings.
This depends on the complexity of the building and Typical Prints
how much the information needs to be separated out Prints are usually arranged in the approximate order of
from other trades. construction. A set of prints consists of a title sheet and
general (G-1, G-2, etc.), civil engineering (C-1, C-2, etc.),
Additional Drawing Identification Methods structural engineering (S-1, S-2, etc.), architectural (A-1,
Although working drawings are typically identified A-2, etc.), electrical (E-1, E-2, etc.), mechanical (M-1,
using the letter classifications previously discussed, some M-2, etc.), and plumbing (P-1, P-2, etc.) prints.
architects and engineers employ a numbered system General (G) prints identify overall information about
without the use of letters. For example, each drawing a project. They show items such as project phasing,
in a project may be identified simply as Sheet n, where contractor staging areas for construction materials and
n represents the number assigned to the drawing. equipment, contractor parking, and project fencing.
When letter classifications are used, it is common to Civil engineering (C) prints include site plans and show
employ a sheet numbering system that uses a series of items such as utilities, easements, grading, landscaping,
numbers to identify the drawing type and sheet number. and site details. A typical site plan for a commercial
These numbers follow the letter classification. The first building is shown in Figure 1-3. The site plan can also
number following the letter classification identifies the include grade contour lines, walks, and driveways.
drawing type. This number is a single digit: Property lines, building setbacks, and utility locations
• 0-General are also shown.
Structural (S) prints include foundation plans and
• 1-Plans
above-grade framing plans. Structural prints show items
• 2-Elevations such as structural concrete and structural steel and the
• 3-Sections building support system. See Figure 1-4. Structural
• 4-Large-scale views prints include sections and details to show construction
• 5-Details requirements.
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
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For simple residential buildings, the foundation and Architectural (A) prints include floor plans, elevations,
basement plans are usually included on the same drawing. building sections, wall sections and detail sections, door
This plan is used to show the foundation walls, footings, and window schedules, and room finish schedules. In
piers, and fireplaces. residential construction, the architectural prints usually
make up the majority of working drawings.

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8 Section 1 Introduction to Print Reading

16K2 JO:STSU.NO.
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Figure 1-4. A partial structural steel floor framing plan for a commercial building. This type of drawing would be part of the
S series of prints (Structural prints).

The floor plan provides a great deal of information begin with the floor plans. The floor plans provide the
and acts as a reference for the location of additional overview needed to establish the visualization that will
enlarged plans, sections, elevations, and details, assist in future project interpretation.
Figure 1-5. The floor plan is actually a horizontal section Elevations depict the exterior features of the
view taken 42" to 48" above the floor looking down. The building, Figure 1-6. Usually, a minimum of four
section plane may be offset (change levels) if the building elevation drawings is needed to show the design of all
involves a split-level floor. The floor plan shows floor sides of the structure. More elevation views are required
finishes, walls, doors, stairways, fireplaces, built-in for unusual designs, such as internal courtyards, or
cabinets, and some mechanical equipment. Drawings angular buildings. Interior elevations of the building
for multistory buildings include a floor plan for each are used when additional interior wall surface detail
building level. When reviewing prints, most people is needed.

Copyright Goodheart-Wi llcox Co ., In c.

 Unit 1 Construction Drawing Organization 9

Sections are views showing the building as if it were and plan drawings. Sections taken through the narrow
cut apart, Figure 1-7. They show walls, stairs, and other width of an entire building are known as transverse
details not clearly shown in other drawings. Sections sections. Those through the long dimension are known
are usually drawn in larger scale than the elevations as longitudinal sections.

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10 Section 1 Introduction to Print Reading

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GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS

METAL SIDING - - - -

SPLIT FACED CMU WITH SMOOTH METAL GRAVEL

FACE TOP COURSE STOP/FASCIA

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8" FLUTED CMU BAND COURSE

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Figure 1-6. Elevation drawings. Elevations are part of the A series of prints (Architectural prints). A-This elevation shows
the exterior facade of a commercial building. Note the different materials that are defined on this drawing. B-An exterior
elevation drawing for a flower and garden center.

Details are required for complex building components useful information. Each item in the schedule is refer-
and unusual construction, such as an arch, a cornice, a enced on the plan and elevation drawings. Different
structural steel connection, or a retaining wall depicting types of schedules include door schedules, Figure 1-9,
how the architecture connects to the structure. Details window schedules, and lighting fixture schedules.
are drawn to a larger scale, such as 1" = 1'-0", to clearly Schedules are also used for other purposes, such as
describe the building components and features. See showing the materials required in each room of the
Figure 1-8. building. A schedule used for this purpose is called a
Schedules are lists of materials needed in the construc- room finish schedule, Figure 1-10. Almost all commercial
tion process. A schedule normally lists the item, an iden- buildings will have a room finish schedule.
tification mark, size, number required, and any other

Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co ., Inc.

 Un it 1 Construction Drawing Organization 11

-TE~NATE uLASS
RAl -COIT ILOOD
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Charles E. Smith, Arete 3 Ltd.

Figure 1-7. Sections indicate areas within a structure to better define how the building goes together. This section
illustrates the stair construction . A section of this kind would be found in the A series of prints (Architectural prints).

BULB SEAL
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Figure 1-8. As sections are enlarged, they become details indicating more close-up detailing of a particular portion of a
building. This kind of detail would be found in the A series of prints (Architectural prints).
Copyright Goodheart-Wi llcox Co. , Inc.
12 Section 1 Introduction to Print Reading

Sf-iELL BU IL D ING DOOR SCf-iEDULE

DOOR No. DOOR FRAME FIRE
REMARKS
0 TYPE SIZE H-llCK MATERIAL FINISl-I TYPE HATE RIAL FINISl-I DETAIL RATll'{l l-IARDWARE
IOOA A 6'-0'xl'-0' 13/4" AL/GLASS ENAM AL ENAM R CURTAIN WALL · SEE Sl-IEET A-6
121A B 3'-0'xl'-0' 13/4" l-IM PAINT A l-IM PAINT 3,4/A-16 B,1-111.NP,T
122A B 3'-0'xl'-0' 1314" HM PAINT B l-IM PAINT 3,4/A-16 c B,1-111.NP,T 11-10\JR
122B B 3'-0'xl'-0' 1314" l-IM PAINT A l-IM PAINT c B,C,1-1,T 1l-IOUR
121A B 3'-0'xl'-0' I 3/4" HM PAINT A HM PAINT 3NA-16 B,1-111.NP,T
121B c IO'-O'xl2'-0' I 314" STEEL PREF. STEEL PAINT l)/A-16 1-11 -LIFT 0.1-1. DOOR
121C c 9'-0'xl0'-0' I 3/4" STEEL PREF. STEEL PAINT l)/A-16 HI -LIFT 0.1-1. DOOR

1-1!1.' l-IOLLOW METAL, MTL.' METAL, PREF.' PREFINl51-1ED, WD.' WOOD, AL.' ALUMINUM, STN.' STAIN ~ VARNISl-I, GL.' GLASS, STL.,STEEL, B. ENAM.' BAKED ENAMEL FINISl-I

1-MRDWARE SOiEDULE
A LCN SERIES 1010 CLOSER <5 TAND ARD J 0 HARDWARE PROVIDED BY MAt-.lfACTURER
B LCN SERIE$ 1011 CLOSER nl.CJ P KEYED LOCK SET
C GL rNN JOl-lNSOI WALL STOP '60W Q REESE '3 llC SWEEP
E VOO DUPRIN SERIES '3'3 PANIC BAR R MAWFACTURER TO PROVIDE PU5H BAR, PULL HANDLE
F 2 PAIR BUTT Hll(',E McKINNEY 'T2114 H.C. CLOSER, THRESHOLD, WEATHER 5TRIPPI!(',, SWEEP,
& I lfi PAIR BUTT Hlt(JE McKWEY 'T2114 Tl-01B TU~ LOCK SET
H I lfi PAIR BUTT Hll(',E HEAVY DUTY McKll>NEY 'T4A3186
K HAGER '30S 3 lfi'x15' PU5H PLATE 5 SCHLAGE 5 5ERIE5 LATCH <MEDIU1 DUTY!
L HAGER '30S PU5H PL w/ '3& PULL T 5CHLAGE L SERIES LATCH <HEAVY DUTY J
M REESE '815A POL YPRENE WEATHER STRIP Six;&ES TED HARDWARE OR EQUAL
N REESE '5424A THRESHOLD
C/Jnrles E. Smit/J, Aretc' 3 Ltd.
Figure 1-9. This schedule contains the details and detail references for all the doors in the building . This kind of schedule
would be found in the A series of prints (Architectural prints).

ROOM F IN IS~ SC~EDULE

WALLS CL'G
ROOM No. ROOM NAME FLR BASE CL'G REMARKS
N E s w f-IT.
100 VESTIBULE QT vc PT GL PT GL ACT '3' -0" SURF MTD PEDIMAT
IOI WAITING CPT vc PT GL PT ACT '3' -0"
102 RECEPTION CPT v - PT PTtlUD ACT '3 '-0" -
103 OFFICE CPT v PT PT PT PT ACT '3' -0"
104 VP SALES CPT v PT PT PT PT ACT '3' -0"
1o:i CLASSROOM CPT v PT PT PT PT ACT '3'-0"
106 CONFERENCE CPT v PT PT PT PT ACT 9'-0"
-
101 OFFICE CPT v PT PT PT PT ACT 9'-0"
108 OFFICE CPT v PT PT PT PT ACT 9'-0"
10'3 CONT. OFFICE CPT v PT PT PT PT ACT '3' -0"
110 ADMIN. VP CPT v PT PT PT PT ACT 9'-0"
Ill OPEN OFFICE CPT v PT PT PT PT ACT '3'-0"
112 COMPUTER CPT v PT PT PT PT ACT '3' -0"
113 CONFERENCE CPT v PT PT PT PT ACT 9'-0"
QT = QUARRY TILE v =4" VINYL BASE BL =CONCRETE BLOCK
CT = CERAMIC TILE PT = PAINT CS = SEALED CONCRETE
CPT =CARPET OPEN = EXPOSED CONSTRUCTION DW = DRYWALL
VCT = VINYL COMPOSITE TILE ACT = 2x2 ACOJSTICAL CEILING TILE VC = VINYL COVE BASE
GL =GLASS VT = VINYL TILE
Charles E. Sm ith, AreU 3 Ltd.
Figure 1-10. A room finish schedule provides the builder with an easy way to find and understand the different materials
used within each room in the building . This kind of schedule would be found in the A series of prints (Architectural prints).

Copyright Good heart-Willcox Co., Inc.

 Unit 1 Construction Drawing Organization 13

CAREERS IN CONSTRUCTION
Construction Manager
A construction manager is an experienced
professional who manages and coordinates entire
construction projects. Usually, this responsibility
involves management of a construction management
team. The construction management team oversees
construction and scheduling, changes during
construction, and coordination between disciplines
and trades. The team also manages the budget
for the construction company and sometimes the
owner's budget.
A successful construction manager not only
manages the project, but also manages many people,
including subcontractors and material suppliers. The
size and complexity of the project determine the
number of individuals required for successful project
execution. In a typical project, other managers working
under the supervision of the construction manager
include a project engineer, a project estimator, a Rido/S!wtterstock.com
superintendent, and a foreman. The construction Construction managers are responsible for managing
manager is involved in all phases of construction entire building projects and coordinating the work of
from approval of the initial design concepts to others on the construction management team .
completion of the building .
Traditionally, construction managers came up degree programs. In many firms, candidates
through the building trades by becoming a skilled are required to have a bachelor's degree in
worker in a specific occupation , such as a carpenter, construction management as well as experience
plumber, electrician, or surveyor. Today, however, in the construction industry.
many colleges offer construction management

Schedules are usually included as part of a set of projects, riser diagrams and load calculations may also
working drawings. Door schedules frequently are be included. For smaller jobs and residential projects,
included on the plan drawings. Window schedules the electrical plan may appear on the architectural
generally appear on the elevation drawings. On larger floor plan.
projects, schedules are listed on their own sheet.
Structural framing plans may be included in a set Uniform Drawing System (UDS)
of plans for the framing of floors, the roof, and various The Uniform Drawing System (UDS) is a standard-
wall sections. Structural framing plans are part of the ization of drawing guidelines developed by the
Structural (S) prints.
Construction Specifications Institute (CSI). The UDS
The plumbing plan shows the hot and cold water consists of eight interrelated modules. These modules
system layout, the sewage disposal system, and plumbing contain standards, guidelines, and various tools for
fixture locations. For typical residential projects, organizing and presenting drawing information used
the entire plumbing plan is typically shown on one
in planning, designing, and constructing facilities.
drawing, and plumbing fixtures are often shown on the
architectural floor plan. For more complex structures, Module 01-0rawing Set Organization
separate plans for each system are used. Establishes set content and order, sheet identification,
The mechanical plans include heating, ventilating, and file naming for the set of construction drawings.
and air-conditioning (HVAC) plans. These plans show The sheet identification guidelines provide a standard
the location of mechanical equipment for heating and format based on letter classifications and a numbered
cooling systems and ductwork in the building. system, as discussed earlier in this unit.
The electrical plans show electrical wiring, fixtures, Module 02-Sheet Organization
and devices. The electrical plans include the lighting plan, Provides formats for sheets, including the sheet title
reflected ceiling plan, and panel schedules. On larger block and production data areas, along with their content.

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14 Section 1 Introduction to Print Reading

Module 03-Schedules
Standardizes schedule formats for consistency of
content and terminology used for construction drawings.
Module 04-Drafting Conventions
Standardizes conventions used in drawings, such
as drawing orientation, layout, symbols, material indi-
cations, line types, dimensioning standards, drawing
scales, diagramming, notations, and cross-referencing
systems.
Module 05-Terms and Abbreviations
Provides consistent spelling and terminology, stan-
dardizes abbreviations, and establishes common usage.
Module 06-Symbols
Addresses common symbols, classifications, graphic Hewlett-Packard Develop111e11t Company
representation, and organization as used in creating, Figure 1-11 . High-quality prints can be made from GADD
understanding, and fulfilling the intent of documents. drawings using a printing device such as this large-format
inkjet printer.
Module 07-Notations
Standardizes notation classification, use of notes,
notation format, notation components, and notation when needed. Drawings can be reduced or enlarged
terminology. Also addresses notation location and the when photocopied. For example, a large D-size (24" x 36')
linking of notations to specifications. drawing can be reduced to a smaller print for easier
handling.
Module 08-Code Conventions It is important to note that due to the nature of
Identifies types of general regulatory information copying machines and printing devices, prints may
that should appear on drawings, locates code-related not always be exact duplicates of the original drawing.
information in a set of drawings, and provides standard Slight enlargement or reduction may occur. Therefore,
graphic conventions. you should never scale a dimension from a print unless
The UDS is a standardized construction document you have verified that the drawing has, in fact, printed to
accepted throughout the building industry. It is one scale. This can be verified by scaling several dimensions
of the major publications included in the US National on the print to guarantee its accuracy.
CAD Standard.
Electronic Documentation Processes
Making Prints Developments in computer technology are changing
Most drawings today are created using computer- the way in which prints are accessed and used in the
aided design and drafting (CADD) systems. CADD field. Because most drawings today are created as elec-
software enables the architect or engineer to develop a tronic files using design software, they can be readily
design relatively quickly, and in a manner that allows exchanged between design teams and contractors. In
for changes to be made more easily. Prints of drawings some cases, electronic files are used in place of paper
created using CADD are generated on a plotter or other prints at the job site. Files can be stored on a local
printing device. See Figure 1-11.
Drawings made in CADD are created at full size.
When the drawing is plotted, the appropriate scale is Drawing Sheet Sizes
specified to fit the drawing on the selected sheet size.
Size Designation Size in Inches
Using a drawing scale is discussed in Unit 3. Typical
sheet sizes used for construction drawings are shown A 9 x 12
in Figure 1-12. B 12x18
Prior to the emergence of CADD, drawings were c 18 x24
created manually by hand, directly on paper. Drawings D 24 x 36
created this way were made on translucent paper (vellum
E 36 x48
or polyester film). Original drawings were kept in file
storage and prints were reproduced from the originals El 30 x42
using a large-format engineering copier (a photocopier E2 26 x38
designed to handle larger sizes of paper). E3 27 x 39
Some offices continue to keep original paper drawings Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
on file and use an engineering copier to make prints Figure 1-12. Typical drawing sheet sizes.

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 Unit 1 Construction Drawing Organization 15

network or an offsite server accessed using the Internet.

Many drawings today are kept in "cloud storage" on GREEN BUILDING
a cloud service network so that all parties involved in
design and construction can retrieve the most current Distributing Prints
information online. Drawings can be opened and viewed In traditional practice, construction drawings
on desktop monitors, laptops, and handheld devices prepared using GADD software are transferred
such as smartphones and tablets. In some projects, to paper in order to present plans to a client. To
the design and construction teams may use large- conserve paper and minimize printer use, think
format display tables to view prints. See Figure 1-13. carefully before making paper prints for distribu-
Computer-generated prints are typically saved to a tion. Construction drawings can be shared with
format that does not require the design software to other design teams and clients via e-mail or an
open files. A common format is the Adobe®portable online file sharing service.
document format (PDF).
Newer technologies are also impacting processes used
in design, construction, and building management. allows the designer and owner to evaluate realistic repre-
In traditional CADD processes, two-dimensional (2D) sentations of a building before it is built. In addition,
drawings are created to represent the different views all information and data related to the project, including
of a building. A newer practice is to design the building the drawing documentation, is linked to the 3D building
as a three-dimensional (3D) model using parametric model. When a change is made to the model, all of the
modeling software. Instead of creating a set of drawings drawing documentation and building data updates to
using traditional 2D CADD software, the designer uses reflect the change. This helps reduce design errors and
the 3D model to generate the drawing documentation simplifies change management processes traditionally
automatically. This approach is used in building informa- used to update prints. BIM also improves coordination
tion modeling. Building information modeling (BIM) between designers and contractors and helps prevent
is a process in which a 3D model provides a virtual conflicts in construction. Throughout the project, all
representation of a building and is used in design, parties involved in design, construction, and building
construction, and operation of the building. BIM offers management have access to the building data. This
a number of advantages to architectural designers and improves efficiency and helps reduce costs.
building contractors. Creating a 3D building model

Plzoto courtesy of iPlanTables

Figure 1-13. Th is wide-format display table has a large touchscreen monitor and is equipped with three smaller monitors for
additional display.
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16 Section 1 Introduction to Print Re ading

In commercial construction, BIM offers significant Interpretation is the ability to understand lines,
advantages to building owners. Once construction is symbols, dimensions, notes, and other information
completed, a BIM model can be used for facility on the working drawings. Each of these areas will be
management tasks such as scheduling maintenance, discussed in this textbook.
troubleshooting, and estimating energy costs. Instead
of referring to paper prints, maintenance managers use Handling Prints
the building model and facility management system Prints and related specification sheets are as important
to retrieve information. This is usually more efficient as the tools used to build a building. With proper care,
because the system can be searched for the necessary prints can be kept usable for a long period of time.
data. In addition, the information is usually more accurate There are several guidelines for handling prints:
because the building model is kept up-to-date by
engineers to reflect changes, such as new equipment • Never write on a print unless you are an
or building renovations. authorized professional to do so, such as an
estimator or a project engineer noting a revision
to the drawing.
Reading Prints
• Keep prints clean. Soiled prints are difficult to
Print reading is the gathering of information from prints
read and contribute to errors.
or a set of drawings. It involves two principal elements:
visualization and interpretation. Reading prints develops • Do not eat or drink near prints.
these abilities. The more experience you have, the • Fold or roll prints carefully. Rolling is best.
better your skill level. • Do not lay sharp tools or pointed objects on prints.
Visualization is the ability to create a mental image
• Keep prints out of direct sunlight except when
of a building or project from a set of working draw-
using them. Prints will fade and deteriorate if left
ings. A study of print reading principles and learning
in the sun.
to sketch will help you visualize construction draw-
ings and details. • When prints are not in use, store them in a clean,
dry place.

Copyright Goodheart-Wi llcox Co., Inc.

Write your answers in the spaces provided. 6. _ _ True or False? A rendering would show all
the details needed to build an office
1. _ _ Which is not a common type of drawing? building.
A. Mechanical plan 7. True or False? The locations of utilities are
B. Plumbing plan generally shown on the site plan.
C. Painting plan 8. _ _ True or False? Most construction drawings
D. Foundation plan are created using orthographic projection.
E. They are all common drawings. 9. _ _ True or False? Prints will not be damaged
if they are left out in direct sunlight for an
2. Under what conditions can the electrical
extended period.
plan be included on the floor plan?
10. _ _ True or False? Working drawing is another
A. When the building is a smaller job or a
term for print.
residential project
11. _ _ In a set of working drawings, under which
B. When print paper is scarce
drawing classification would the steel
C. When the architect is also an electrician framing b e found?
D. When a single company is doing all the A. Civil drawings
construction
B. Architectural drawings
E. There are no conditions when the
C. Plumbing drawings
electrical plan can be included on the
floor plan. D. Structural drawings
3. _ _ Which drawing would show the location E. Mechanical drawings
of a building fire suppression sprinkler 12. _ _ Which type of schedule would identify the
system? required floor material?
A. Electrical plan A. Door schedule
B. Foundation plan B. Room finish schedule
C. Site plan C. Column schedule
D. Plumbing plan D. Wall schedule
E. A building sprinkler system would not E. Floor schedule
be shown on any of these drawings. 13. _ _ True or False? When first opening a set of
4. _ _ Which occupation does not need to know drawings, you should review the floor
how to read construction prints? plans to visualize what the building is
A. Welder going to look like when it is finished.
B. Construction estimator 14. _ _ True or False? Drawings made in CADD are
C. Owner of a lighting store created at reduced size and plotted at the
appropriate scale.
D. Concrete supplier
15. _ _ When handling prints, when is it
E. All of these occupations require print acceptable to write on them?
reading.
A. When estimating the project cost
5. _ _ A list of materials included on a drawing is
called B. When noting the name of a supplier
C. When there is no other paper available
A.notes
B. an elevation D. It is always acceptable to write on p rints
as long as it is with a pencil.
C. a section
D. a schedule
E. None of the above.
Copyright Goodhea rt-Willcox Co., Inc. 17
18 Section 1 Introduction to Print Reading

16. What is the name of the sheet that identifies

individual drawings in a project?
A. Notes page
B. Table of contents
C. Title page
D. Drawing schedule
17. _ _ Where would it be possible to find the
ceiling height of a room in a building?
A. Room finish schedule
B. Door schedule
C. Exterior elevation
D. Structural column schedule
18. _ _ True or False? A detail is usually drawn to
a smaller scale than the related section or
plan view.
19. _ _ True or False? A printed drawing is always
printed to the exact scale of the original.
20. _ _ True or False? It is best to roll prints rather
than fold them.

Copyrigh t Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.