Construction Drawings And How To Read Them

By Author: Kimberly Smith
Total Articles: 69
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Construction Drawings are blueprints created to aid a builder in construction. After an architect has finalized a design and details of other engineering elements have been concluded, Architectural Drawings, Mechanical Drawings and Electrical Drawings, along with Structural Drawings and Plumbing Plans are combined to create the set of Construction Drawings. These Drawings enable the builder to plan the Construction in tandem with tradesmen. Construction Drawings provide dimension and specific details in appropriate scale for easy understanding of the builders and laborers. Error in such drawings can hamper workflow and cause time deficiency and effect cost of production.

A set of Construction Drawings will vary according to the type of structure, size of building and the amount of specific construction details required for explaining the building construction.

1. Title Sheet/Cover Sheet - The first sheet of Construction Drawings gives an index of drawings and project information — about the building, architects, engineers, builder, zoning information —Sections and Elevations of the building are also included.

2. ...
... Site Plan – This is an aerial view of the building to be constructed in its site surroundings. It shows the location of the building along with external building dimensions, and boundary of the site. Sometimes landscape features are also shown.

3. Floor Plans – These are Drawings of different floor levels with measurements and location of doors and windows. Divisions are shown in coordination with other fixtures to show room partitions.

4. Roof Plan - Created in coordination with Floor Plans, the Roof Plan is the uppermost level or covering of the building with roof framing, measurement of roof fixtures, drainage, etc.

5. Exterior/Interior Elevation - Exterior Elevation gives front, rear and side views of the building complete with external dimensions of walls, roof, doors, and windows. Vertical dimensions of the building are specified. Interior Elevation gives vertical measurements of the room, i.e. walls, doors, windows, built-ins and other standard fixtures.

6. Sections - View of a building cut vertically through the structure to explain measurements and details of walls, floors, roofs.

7. Foundation Plan - Foundation plan provides measurement and details of the structural work to be done below the ground level to facilitate construction of the building.

8. Electrical/Plumbing Drawings – Electrical Drawings show dimensions and placement of electrical lines in a building along with wiring details, location of switch panels, electrical fixtures, etc. Plumbing Drawings are technical Drawings that show the arrangement of the piping system for water supply and drainage.

9. Specifications - This is a list of details typical to a customized building provided either in the construction drawings or as a separate document giving details about the type of materials and finishes for floor, walls and ceilings, in-built furniture, fixtures.

10. 3D Views – Construction Drawings often provide a detailed virtual 3D model of the building giving a clear view of the building after construction and put together on the basis of the various drawings, dimensions and specifications.

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