Engineering Drawing Practice
Engineering Drawing Practice
Engineering Drawing Practice
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY
INDUSTRIAL CENTRE
TABLE OF CONTENT
1. Introduction
3. Drawing to scale
5. Graphic conventions
6. Orthographic projection
8. Construction drawings
8.1 Site plans
8.2 Location floor plans
8.3 Location sections
8.4 Location elevations
8.5 Assembly drawings
8.6 Component drawings
8.7 Structure engineering drawings
8.8 Service drawings
8.9 Freehand drawings
10. Exercises
1 INTRODUCTION
❖ Construction drawing is a means of showing in a graphical form the shape, size and position
of a building on a site, together with the composition of the materials used and the way the
building is to be constructed or put together. The information on construction drawings has to
be presented in a precise, unambiguous way so that it can be understood by anyone with a
knowledge of draughtsmanship and construction.
❖ It should be borne in mind that the contractor’s staff using the drawings on a construction site
often work under difficult circumstances, and the quality and clarity of the drawings should
reflect this fact.
❖ The term ‘construction drawing’ includes not only drawings produced by architects, which
generally make up the majority of the drawings for a building project, but also structural
drawings which are the province of structural engineers, and building engineering services
drawings which are commonly prepared by building services engineers.
GETTING STARTED
❖ At this stage you should have the following equipment to assist you.
☛ Drafting tape
☛ Two technical pens, one for drawing lines 0.3mm thick and the other for
drawing lines 0.7mm thick.
☛ A soft eraser
☛ A 300 mm long scale which includes scales of 1:100, 1:200, 1:5 and 1:50.
☛ A 45° fixed set-square and a 30°/60° degree fixed set-square - longest side
to be about 230mm.
ConstDrawing_2000.doc 1
A0
A1
A2
A3
A4
1180 x 840
840 x 590
590 x 420
420 x 295
295 x 210
❖ You can use a tee-square to draw horizontal lines; press the stock of the tee-square against the
left hand edge of the board and allow it to slide up and down until the blade is in the required
position. The pencil should be held against the ruling edge of the tee-square blade (Fig. 2.2).
A2
Head Working edge
Blade
Fig. 2.2 Check contact of T-square head with drawing board edge.
❖ You will need to use your set-squares for drawing vertical and sloping lines. Move the
straight edge/tee-square to the required position. Place the set-square on the tee-square with
its base on the top edge of the blade, and the vertical edge in the required position (Fig. 2.3).
ConstDrawing_2000.doc 2
Fig. 2.3 Use Set-squares with T-square
❖ All construction lines should be drawn first, followed by all final lines.
❖ Now that the drawing paper is fixed to the board and you have some general information
about drawing lines, the first operation is to draw the border and title panel.
❖ The border should be drawn around the four edges of the paper 10mm wide. Initially just
draw the construction lines for the border.
❖ Form the title block by drawing a construction line 40mm up from the bottom border line.
Add the short vertical and horizontal lines.
DRAWING RECTANGLES
❖ Begin by drawing the construction lines for the 4 rectangles on the bottom left hand corner of
the sheet. For each rectangle first draw two horizontal lines about 30mm apart and about
75mm long. Join the ends of the horizontal lines by drawing two vertical lines about 60 mm
apart forming a rectangle 60x30 mm.
❖ The final lines should be 0.4-0.5 mm thick. The vertical and horizontal lines should either
exactly meet at the corners.
❖ Draw the construction lines for the 3 circles & 3 quadrants in the top right hand corner of the
drawing. First draw the horizontal and vertical axes lines for each circle. Then draw the circle.
If you are using a compass to draw the circles, the compass point should be carefully placed
on the precise spot where the horizontal and vertical axes cross. Then draw the circle as a
curved construction line. If you are using a circle template, you will need to relate the axes
marks on the template with the axes drawn on your drawing sheet.
❖ Lines vary in thickness and form according to their purpose and importance.
❖ Construction lines have already been mentioned. They are setting-out or guide lines, and they
should be drawn as light as possible. They are generally covered over by stronger final lines.
❖ Thick active lines are continuous, and used to indicate important parts of structures such as the
outside and inside faces of walls; the faces of reinforced concrete members and ground levels.
❖ Thin active lines are continuous, and used to show items drawn as plan views (as opposed to
sectional plans) and as elevations; also to define less important items shown in section.
❖ Hidden lines are broken lines, and can be either thick or thin depending on their important.
They show work which is not visible - e.g. the position of beams on a floor plan.
❖ Centre lines are thin chain dotted lines and are used as the name implies, to show the centre of
things - e.g. the centre of a beam.
ConstDrawing_2000.doc 3
❖ Break lines are thin continuous lines with a zig zag in them to show a break in the continuity
of the line or view.
❖ Drain and other underground pipe lines may be shown by a thick chain line or a thick
continuous or broken line. In the case of underground drains, arrowheads are often added to
show the direction of flow.
❖ Dimension lines and projectors may be shown in thin lines with arrows heads.
❖ A section is a view of a building or object obtained by making an imaginary cut through it.
Sometimes called a section plane, it shows the position where the imaginary cut is made. The
line itself is a chain dotted line, with the line terminated by arrows which point in the direction
of the viewing.
TH IC K A C TIV E LIN ES
definin g m ain outlines of structures
in section
TH IN A C TIV E LIN ES
definin g outlines in p lan
and elevation
32
33
34
14
30
1 : 10
up
21
28
20
19
18
17
16
22
15
27
26
24
25
23
3 DRAWING TO SCALE
INTRODUCTION
ConstDrawing_2000.doc 4
❖ It is not generally feasible to draw buildings, or parts of buildings, to their actual size. Instead
they are drawn in proportion to the actual measurement of the object. This proportion is
known as the scale of the drawing. Common scales are 1:1, 1:5, 1:10, 1:20, 1:50, 1:100, 1:200,
1:500, 1:1000, 1:1250, 1:2500, 1: 10000. If the scale is 1:5, the object is drawn a fifth of its
actual size; in other words the object is five times larger than shown on the drawing. If the
drawing is 1:10, the object is drawn a tenth of its actual size, and so on.
❖ A 1:50 and 1:100 scale can be used for the floor plan of a building, both in architectural and
structural layouts.
❖ A 1:200 scale can be used for the floor plan of a large building, or the site plan of a small
building project.
INTRODUCTION
❖ One of the most important stages in producing a construction drawing is the lettering and
dimensioning of the drawing. Every drawing needs a title, and often subtitles are required. In
addition in order to make the drawing easier to understand and more useful to the builder and
others, descriptive notes and dimensions will generally be required. Freehand lettering is the
cheapest way of annotating drawings and is generally the quickest method.
❖ The two main groups of letters are ‘CAPITAL LETTERS’ and ‘lower-case letters’. the use of
lower-case letters is generally restricted to notes, but capital letters can be used for both notes
and titles. It is easier to produce legible capital letters than lower-case letters, it is suggested
that initially you use only capital letters on your drawings. It is important that all letters be
formed between guide lines. A lower and upper guide line should be drawn as lightly as
possible so that you can just see them. Drawing them takes a little extra effort but is worth the
trouble.
EXAMPLE OF LETTERS AND NUMBERALS
A BCDEF
Top guideline
Middle guideline
H
Bottom guideline
0.7 H
GH I J K LM
N OP QR S T
U V WX Y Z
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 0
ConstDrawing_2000.doc 5
Fig. 4.1 Sample of Lettering
DIMENSIONING
❖ It is important that all drawings are fully dimensioned, so that the builder and others know the
required size of every part of the building. It is sensible however not to duplicate dimensions,
as this makes the drawing unnecessarily crowded.
❖ Dimension lines should be unbroken lines. They can be terminated at their ends by open
arrowheads, solid arrowheads, oblique strokes, dots or circles.
❖ Thin lines called projection lines, or projectors, should extend from about 2 mm away from
the part of the object being dimensioned to just beyond the dimension line termination.
❖ If any dimension is not drawn to scale, the letters “NTS” (not to scale) should be written after
the dimension.
HORIZONTAL DIMENSIONS
❖ Horizontal dimensions should, where possible, be indicated on plans rather than on elevations.
Where feasible dimension lines should be located outside the building or object rather than
inside it.
D IM E N S IO N
L IN E S
200
O pen
A rro w h e a d
200
S o lid
A rro w h e a d
200
O b liq u e
S tro k e
200
70 65 65
D im e n s io n s
70 135 200
R u n n in g
D im e n s io n s
ConstDrawing_2000.doc 6
VERTICAL DIMENSIONS
❖ Vertical dimensions should, where possible, be indicated on sections rather than on elevations.
All vertical dimensions of a building should relate to a site datum. The site datum is a fixed
vertical level on the site, and for convenience is often set at the ground floor level of the
building under construction.
DIMENSIONING BY LEVELS
❖ Different members of the building team tend to follow different practices regarding the
measuring points for vertical dimensions. The client is concerned with clear storey heights i.e.
the dimension between the finished floor level and the finished ceiling levels. Architects will
invariably give the finished floor level (FFL) on their drawings. Site staff work initially to the
structural floor level (SFL). Structural engineers need to know the structural floor level (SFL),
and their vertical dimensions will generally be measured from SFL to SFL.
ORIENTATION OF PLANS
❖ North points are generally shown on key plans, site plans, block plans and sometimes floor
plans, to indicate the position of north relative to the site or building. The point of the arrow
should be drawn to face north.
DATUM , LEVEL SYM BOLS
N orth point
SSL FFL
FFL
123
Level on sections
C eiling height on plans and elevations
5 GRAPHIC CONVENTIONS
INTRODUCTION
❖ Construction drawings are a means of communication between the various members of the
building team, and it is important that they employ a common graphical language. It helps to
achieve this if agreed standards are followed in respect of lines, hatching and symbols, etc.
REPRESENTATION OF MATERIALS
❖ In sectional views of a building, the parts of the structure which are cut by section plane may
be hatched to indicate the nature of the materials used. Common examples of hatching for
construction materials.
ConstDrawing_2000.doc 7
MATERIAL SYMBOLS IN SECTION
Brickwork Blockwork
Concrete Plaster/Render
Timber-planed Subsoil
DOORS
❖ There are standard ways of indicating on plans the opening methods for doors-i.e. whether
they are swing doors or sliding doors-and the direction in which they open.
D O OR SYM BO LS
S in g le le a v e s S i n g le le a v e s
op en in g 9 0 o p e n in g 1 8 0
T w o le a v e s e a c h S tr a ig h t s lid in g
o p e n in g 9 0
WINDOWS
❖ The opening methods for windows are generally indicated on the elevations.
ConstDrawing_2000.doc 8
WINDOW SYMBOLS IN HORIZONTAL SECTION
SYMBOLS
❖ There are wide range of standard graphic symbols available to indicate the position of various
components, and related information. Some common examples are given below, but reference
needs to be made to BS 1192 for full details of the recommendations for symbols and other
graphic conventions.
Switched Circuit
Socket outlet
socket outlet on plan
Non-reture
Pipe valve Meter
pipe valve
Seat Sink
References:
BS 1192 Part 1 and 3: 1987
ConstDrawing_2000.doc 9
6 ORTHOGRAPHIC PROJECTION
INTRODUCTION
❖ Buildings, and the materials and components of which buildings are constructed, are three
dimensional. That is to say they have length, width and height. It is possible to draw a picture
of a building or object to show these three dimensions. Generally however in construction
drawing the method used to describe buildings or objects pictorially is called orthographic
projection. This method uses views termed plans, elevations and sections, which have only
two dimensions.
❖ To explain why they are so called, you may place the two boxes together as shown. It can be
seen that one systems falls neatly in the first quadrant and the other in the third quadrant (Fig.
6.1).
VERTICAL PLANE
END VIEW
HORIZONTAL PLANE
W
VIE
ION
VAT
LE
TE
RN
FO
ConstDrawing_2000.doc 10
PROJECTION SYMBOLS
❖ In order to indicate the angle of projection to be used, the symbols has to be printed on the
drawing (Fig.6.2). Examples of Orthographic Projection are shown in Fig 6.3.
d 1.25d d
Projection Symbol
30
First angle
Third angle
Projection symbol proportions
Plan
SECTIONAL VIEWS
❖ Objects with little interior detail can be represented satisfactorily in orthographic projection
by exterior views, the interior construction being shown by hidden detail lines : When the
interior detail is more complicated, then the hidden detail lines may be confusing and difficult
to interpret correctly. In such cases the draughtsman imagines the object to be cut by a plane,
and assumes the part of the object between his eye and the plane to be removed. This exposes
the interior detail which can then be shown by full lines instead of hidden detail lines. The
position of the cutting plane is selected by the draughtsman to show the interior of the object
to the best advantage. For an object which has internal details that are not on one line, a
staggered section may be appropriate. When a revolved section of an object is required, it may
be drawn directly on the part under consideration.
ConstDrawing_2000.doc 11
Front elevation Section side elevation
Section plan
❖ The example below shows the offset cutting plane of the staircase, this practice should be
continued to the top landing; each step should be drawn but once. The top landing will look
much as it would with a normal cutting plane. The view down the stairwell would show the
down flight as it would normally appear in the stairwell. The limit line shows where the
stairs break between floor plans in the same location on the plans of each floor. Double limit
lines are used to separate the up half from the down half where they meet in plan.
4 FOURTH FLOOR
3
2ND & 3RD FLOOR
2
2
1
1
FIRST FLOOR
ConstDrawing_2000.doc 12
7 PICTORIAL VIEWS (3D)
❖ Isometric projection is a method of showing three faces of an object on one drawing (Fig. 7.1).
The word isometric means ‘equal measure’ and the basis of isometric projection is that three
lines defining the three faces or planes produce three equal angles of 120 degrees and the
sides are shortened to 82% of their true length (Fig. 7.2). which shows, in isometric view, a
solid concrete building block and a hollow concrete building block. Isometric projection is
achieved in practice by drawing all vertical lines as vertical, and all horizontal lines at 30
degrees to the horizontal, sloping either to the right or left.
20
20
10 0 60 120
20 20
44 0 120
20
1 20
215
20
120
o
o
120
120
o
30° 30°
50
82% OF THE 40
ORIGINAL SIZE Natural scale
x
30
x
50 45
20 x
40
x
Isometric scale
30
10
20 30
x
10
x
R R R
C C
R
Fig. 7.2 Comparison of Isometric Projection and Isometric Drawing & Construction of
Isometric Circle
ConstDrawing_2000.doc 13
❖ It is normal practice to make the measurements on isometric drawings to the same scale as
used for plans, elevations and sections. This is not mathematically correct however, and
slightly distorts the appearance of the plan view. It is possible to produce an accurate
isometric drawing by using a special scale, but consideration of this aspect is inappropriate to
an introductory book on construction drawing.
❖ An isometric projection is found by constructing a view that shows the diagonal of a cube as a
point. An isometric drawing is not a true projection since the dimensions are drawn true size
rather than reduced in size as in projection. By using the isometric drawing instead of the
isometric projection, pictorials can be measured using standard scales, the only difference
being the 18% increase in size (Fig. 7.2).
❖ The four-center ellipse method can be used to construct an approximate ellipse in isometric by
using four arcs that are drawn with a compass. The four-centre ellipse is drawn by blocking in
the orthographic view of the circle with a square that is tangent to the circle at four points.
This square is drawn in isometric as a rhombus. The four centres are found by constructing
perpendiculars to the sides of the rhombus at the midpoints of the sides (step 1 to 3).
ConstDrawing_2000.doc 14
7.3 Perspective Projection
❖ A perspective is a view that is normally seen by the eye or camera, and is the most realistic
form of pictorial. All parallel lines converge at infinite vanishing points as they receded from
the observe. There are three basis types of perspectives are: one-point, two-point, three-point,
depending on the number of vanishing points used in their construction (see Fig. 7.4).
❖ One-point perspective: The one-point perspective has one surface of the object that is parallel
to the picture plane: therefore it is true shape. The other sides vanish to a single point on the
horizon called a vanishing point.
❖ Two-point perspective: A two-point perspective is a pictorial that is positioned with two sides
at an angle to the picture plane; this requires two vanishing points. All horizontal lines
converge at the vanishing points, but vertical lines remain vertical and have no vanishing
point.
❖ Three-point perspective: The three-point perspective utilizes three vanishing points since the
object is positioned so that all sides of it are at an angle with the picture plane. The three-point
perspective is used in drawing larger objects such as buildings.
VP VP VP VP
Hor Hor Hor
VP
THREE POINTS
❖ Abbreviation:
PP= Picture Plane is the plane on which the perspective is projected. It appears as an edge in
the top view.
SP= Station Point is the location of the observer’s eye in the plan view. The front view of the
station point will always lie on the horizon.
CV= Center of Vision is a point that lies on the picture plane in the top view and on the
horizon in the front view. In both cases, it is on the line from the station point that is
perpendicular to the picture plane.
VP= Vanishing Point is all vanish line (VL) Converge at infinite vanishing points as they
recede from the observer.
ConstDrawing_2000.doc 15
Hor.= Horizon or Eye level is a horizontal line in the front view that represents an infinite
horizontal, such as the surface of the ocean.
GL= Ground Level is an infinite horizontal line in the front view that passes through the base
of the object being drawn.
❖ Different views can be obtained by changing the relationship between the horizontal and the
ground line (Fig. 7.5). An aerial view will be obtained when the horizon is placed above the
object in the front view. When the ground line and the horizon coincide in the front view, a
ground-level view will be obtained. This would give the view that would be seen if your eye
was looking from the ground. A general view is one where the horizon is placed above the
ground line and through the object, usually at a height equal to the height of a person.
VP VP
VP VP
GL GL
7.4 Oblique
Projection
ConstDrawing_2000.doc 16
ZE
SI
FULL SCALE E
LL
AL
SC
FU
LF
HA
0 0 0 0
VARIES 0--90 0
VARIES 0--90
30
0
30
TRUE SIZE
CABINET PROJECTION
CAVALIER PROJECTION
LE
CA
LS
UL
T OF
LF
HA
0 0
0
VARIES 0--90
30
TRUE SIZE
GENERAL OBLIQUE
ConstDrawing_2000.doc 17
8 CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS
INTRODUCTION
❖ A site plan is a location drawing, and like most plans is a view looking downwards. It supplies
a bird’s eye view of the shape, size and layout of the entire site.
PURPOSE
GRIDS
❖ The use of grids to which sizes and locations of building components may be related, is
helpful in preparation of all types of drawings and particularly so when modular coordination
is applied to design and construction.
❖ Grid rotations should be used as appropriate for each form of grid. Most common grid
rotation is using letters to define the lines on axis and numerals to define the lines on the other
axis.
INTRODUCTION
❖ Floor plans are generally the most useful, and the most used of the location drawings. They
are really sectional plans because they show the view obtained by cutting horizontally through
a building at some point above the floor level. It is assumed that you move away the top part
of the building and look down at the plan of the remaining bottom part. This plan view will
not only illustrate the arrangement of the rooms and spaces and their shapes, but will also
show the thickness of all the external and internal walls.
❖ The level at which you cut horizontally through a building is commonly assumed to be 1metre
above the floor level. This has the advantage of passing through most of the windows and
doors, which means that dimensions giving the positions of all openings can be given. An
example of a floor plan is shown on Fig. 8.1.
ConstDrawing_2000.doc 18
6600
N
A D2
W4 W3
800
16 Risers
1200
up
KITCHEN
W2
900
S.F.L.
+5.650
1100
4100
D5
DINING
1350
All ext. walls
200 thick
BATHROOM
1900
W1
900
A LIVING D4
A
750
9100
W5 4100 2100
9100
900
1300
D1
950
100
D6 D3
900
All int. walls
100 thick
W9
900
4100
BEDROOM 2 BEDROOM 1
3100
2300 3800
1650
B W6 W7 W8
1350 900 600 900 600 900 1350
6600
1 ELEVN 2
PURPOSE
❖ Thick lines should be used to define the inside and outside faces of external walls, and both
faces of the internal partitions.
❖ Where cavity walls form part of the construction the cavity may be indicated by thin lines, but
it is suggested you omit this detail on the 1:50 floor plan.
❖ Hatching is often used, particularly on larger scale plans. Where floor plans show existing
walls, they are often filled in solid.
ConstDrawing_2000.doc 19
WINDOWS
❖ Windows will be positioned laterally on the floor plans. Their positions within the wall
thickness will be shown on the assembly drawings if these are provided. However, where the
scale of the floor plan is 1:50 or larger, it is sensible to locate the windows in approximately
their correct positions relative to the wall faces.
DOORS
❖ At each door position it should be made clear which way the door is hung.
OTHER ITEMS
❖ Sanitary fittings, cupboards and other fittings should be shown in outline on floor plans. It is
important however not to repeat information which is given on other drawing, such as
assembly and component drawings. If too much information is provided, the drawing will
become confusing and difficult to read.
❖ A name should be given to each room or space. On large projects room numbers will also be
provided.
❖ The most important thing is that the lettering should be easy to read.
8.3 SECTIONS
INTRODUCTION
❖ A section is a view of a building or object obtained by making an imaginary cut through it.
The term section is mainly used where the cut is made in a vertical direction, and this is so in
the case of location sections.
❖ A vertical section through a building will show details of the construction of the foundations,
walls, floors, roof and other parts. The number of sections required of a building will depend
on its size and complexity. Generally there will be at least two sections - one of these will be a
cross section, across the width of the building. The other will be a longitudinal section, along
the length of the building. Sections are intended to help the builder construct the building, so
the exact position of the section should be chosen to show as much construction as possible.
PURPOSE
❖ The purpose of a location section is to (a) give a vertical view of the building; and (b) provide
overall vertical dimensions and levels.
ConstDrawing_2000.doc 20
WALLS AND PARTITIONS
❖ Thick lines should be used to define the inside and outside faces of external walls, and both
faces of the internal partitions.
❖ Where cavity walls form part of the construction the cavity is often indicated by thin lines.
❖ Thick lines should also be used to define the faces of other structural elements, such as
foundations and beams, when these are viewed in section.
U.Roof
200
2835
ROOFING
(detail ref. to
100-110
other dwg.)
1200
45 FALL
R/F
125
25 THICK 1:3
250
2675
1050
150
S.F.L.
150
+5.650 G/F
Earth
D.P.C. ON 150
750
THICK HARDCORE
400
BLINDING
1000 1000
50
8.4 ELEVATIONS
INTRODUCTION
ConstDrawing_2000.doc 21
❖ An elevation is a view you get if you look in a horizontal direction at the vertical side, or face,
of a building or object. When drawing an elevation you need to take the horizontal
dimensions from the plans and the vertical dimensions from the sections. An example of a
elevation is shown in Fig. 8.3.
PURPOSE
❖ The purpose of a location elevation is to (a) show the external faces of the building; and (b)
locate the door and window openings and other features of the building.
Dia. 25 PVC
Drain Pipe U.Roof
2835
1445
R/F
75-80
2675
50x230 CERAMIC
WALL TILE
1/F
100
2675
25-30
150
S.F.L.
+5.650 G/F
Elevation of House
INTRODUCTION
ConstDrawing_2000.doc 22
❖ On some smaller projects it may not be necessary to produce assembly drawings, as the
assembly information can be given on the location drawings, particularly when they are drawn
to a scale of 1:50.
PURPOSE
☛ show the arrangement where two elements meet each other - e.g. the junction
between a wall and a roof, and between a column and a wall
200
125
min.150
2 0 x 2 0 re c e s s 3 8 th .c o n c .ro o f tile
FALL 2 5 th .1 :3 c /s s c re e d
w / g .i.m e s h re i n f.
5 0 th .t h e r m a l
in s u la tio n b o a rd
2 5 x 2 5 1 :3 c /s
c o r n e r fille t 2 0 th .a s p h a lt c o a t
a s p h a lt m a t
125
m in .2 5 th .1 :3 c /s s c re e d
la id in fa lls
d ia .2 5 g r o o v e
100
R o o fin g D e ta il
INTRODUCTION
❖ A component drawing provides detailed information about the nature and manufacture of a
specific item incorporated in a building. This is in contrast to an assembly drawing which
shows several parts, or a location drawing which provides general information. Components
include things such as skirting and lintels, as well as larger items manufactured off-site, such
as windows and kitchen cupboards.
ConstDrawing_2000.doc 23
PURPOSE
❖ The purpose of a component drawing is to (a) show the nature, shape, assembly method and
further details of components, required by the manufacturer and others; and (b) provide
additional information which cannot be conveniently given on location or assembly drawings.
45dp.timber core
4x45dp.lock
blocking
3th.plywood facing
to both sides
12th.teak lipping
to all edges
DOOR D1,D2&D5
INTRODUCTION
❖ Structural engineering drawings help those, whose job it is to fabricate, erect, supervise and
integrate the structural engineering work. The different needs and priorities of these people
influence the method of providing, the information, which will sometimes vary from
architectural drawing techniques previously discussed. Some of the implications are
mentioned below.
❖ Structural engineers and structural engineering technicians produce drawings for a wide range
of structural methods, including structural steelworks, reinforced concrete using in situ,
precast and prestressed concrete, structural brickwork and blockwork, and structural timber
work.
STRUCTURAL DETAILING
❖ The process of preparing working drawings for structural engineering work is generally
referred to as structural detailing. The general principle followed is to break down the total
structure into individual elements such as columns, beams, floor slabs etc., and then to detail
each element in turn.
ConstDrawing_2000.doc 24
STRUCTURAL STEELWORKS
❖ The three main groups of drawings for illustrating steelwork structures are general
arrangement drawings, fixing details, and details of individual members.
❖ General arrangement drawings include steel framing plans, elevations and sections. Fig. 8.6
is an example of a steelworks floor framing plan. Steel framing plans indicate the positions
and sizes of beams at a specific floor or roof level, together with the positions and sizes of
columns. Elevations and sections will show columns and beams as well as additional
members such as wind bracing.
❖ A common system is to mark the horizontal grid lines on the steel framing plans with
numbers-1, 2, 3 etc. -and the vertical grid lines with letters- A, B, C etc.
❖ This system enables each member to be identified. Columns are given a mark related to the
grid intersections on the plans. Thus the top left hand column is given the mark of A1
because it is located where grid lines A and 1 intersect. The marks for the beams are a
combination of the floor reference and the grid line letter and number. For example in Fig. 8.6
the horizontal beam in the top left hand corner is marked as C-1A. The letter C indicates it is a
second floor beam; the figure 1 denotes that the beam is located at grid line 1; and the letter A
denotes that it begins at grid line A.
ConstDrawing_2000.doc 25
1 2 3 4
4000 4000 4000
406x178x67kg UB
(C-1A)
(C-2A)
(C-3A)
(C-4A)
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
5000
(C-1B)
(C-2B)
(C-3B)
(C-4B)
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
5000
(C-1C)
(C-2C)
(C-3C)
(C-4C)
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
5000
(C-1D)
(C-2D)
(C-3D)
(C-4D)
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
5000
FIXING METHODS
❖ Fixing details provide information on the fixing of members to each other, or to different parts
of the structure. Examples are the fixing of a column to a foundation, a connection between a
beam and a column, the connection of one beam to another beam, and the splicing of similar
members to each other. Fig. 8.7 is an example of a fixing detail showing the connection
between a steel column and a concrete base.
ConstDrawing_2000.doc 26
3 0 5 x 3 0 5 U n iv e rs a l c o lu m n
150mm concrete
encasting shown
by broken line
fillet weld
s te e l le v e llin g w e d g e s
grout
removable bolt
bores of plastic R .C . fo u n d a tio n
form, p.v.c. tube,
etc.
h o ld in g d o w n b o lts g ro u te d
afte r fin a l le v e llin g
1 0 0 x 1 0 0 p la te w a s h e rs
R e in fo rce m e n t b a r
❖ The various steel members -universal beams, universal columns, rolled joists, rolled channels,
tees and angles- are fixed together by welding or bolting, either in the workshop (shop
connections) or on the construction site (site connections). Fig. 8.8 is an example of details of
connections.
2/100X75X10
grade 50
2/100X75X10
grade 50
❖ The two main groups of drawings for illustrating reinforced concrete structures are general
arrangement drawings, reinforcement drawings.
❖ General arrangement drawings are floor plans, roof plans, sections and elevations, drawn to a
small scale and providing an overall view of the work. They supply the setting out dimensions,
the positions and sometimes the sizes of all the members. Fig. 8.9 is an example of a small
plan of a typical floor showing slab thickness and reinforcement, beam serial numbers and
ConstDrawing_2000.doc 27
sizes. A reference grid is provided similar to that previously described for a structural steel
building.
❖ Reinforcement drawings of beam are drawn to a larger scale and give detailed information
about the reinforcement (Fig. 8.10). There is no excuse for ambiguity, and it is essential that
all drawings are easy to read, and cannot be misunderstood.
N
A B C
1/A-B 1/B-C
50x300 450x300
150 150
450x300
450x300
450x300
B/1-2
C/1-2
A/1-2
4000
2/A-B 2/B-C
450x300 450x300
2
150
450x300
450x300
3/A-B 3/B-C
A/2-3
1500
C/2-3
450x300 450x300
4000 3500
A B C
1
21T10-10-200T1 18T10-11-200T1
A A
21T10-1-200B1
21T10-1-200B1
21T10-3-200B2 18T10-4-200B2
21T10-12-200T1 18T10-13-200T1
2
21T10-5-200B2 18T10-6-200B2
10 7 8 7 11
3 4
1 1
ConstDrawing_2000.doc 28
1 2 2T20-8
3
4000 3500
1 2 3
150
150
150
5 5 6 6 7 7
450
450
450
9 9 10
1 1 11 2 222 33 3
REINFORCEMENT IDENTIFICATION
☛ T1/B1-reinforcement near the top and bottom face of the concrete respectively.
❖ The meaning of the notations given to the reinforcement (Fig. 8.9 and Fig. 8.10).
☛ 21T10-10-200T1, this means that there are 21 bars, which are of high tensile steel,
with a diameter of 10 mm, and an bar mark of 10. The bars are spaced 200 mm apart
and placed near the top face of the concrete.
☛ Links 18T10-9-200, this means that there are 18 stirrups, which are high yield bars,
of diameter 10 mm and bar marked as 9.
ConstDrawing_2000.doc 29
8.8 SERVICE DRAWINGS
❖ In this introduction to construction drawing a few simple examples are given of below ground
drainage, water supplies and electrical installations for domestic buildings.
USE OF GRIDS
❖ In projects where a structural grid is used, the services elements should be related to this grid.
In other cases the plant and equipment will be shown on services drawings in relation to a
modular grid.
GENERAL LAYOUTS
❖ Copy negatives (transparent copies) of the architect's 1:100 location drawings are often used
by the building services engineers and technicians to show the general layout of the pipe work,
ductwork, trunking, cables etc. It is advisable to obtain these copy negatives from the architect
at an early stage before too much detail is added. However, where this procedure is adopted, it
is important that later revisions to the architect's drawings are taken into account on the copy
negative.
❖ A simple example of a general layout is shown on Fig. 8.10 which is a wiring layout for
lighting in a bungalow.
ConstDrawing_2000.doc 30
❖ As the scales of general layouts and plant room area drawings are comparatively small,
additional detailed information on individual items is also required. This additional
information is given on details of specific services items.
KITCHEN
DINNING
BATHROOM
LIVING
BEDROOM 2 BEDROOM 1
❖ Freehand or sketch drawings are used for a variety of purposes. They may record or explain
the appearance and construction of an existing building, or sketch in outline a designer's ideas
for a proposed structure. Often freehand drawings will be used as preliminary constructional
details, or to clarify on-site details which have not been made clear by the production
drawings issued to the contractor. Freehand drawings may also be used as presentation
ConstDrawing_2000.doc 31
drawings. This type will need to be of a high standard and will often incorporate advanced
drawing techniques, including perspective drawing, shadow projection and rendering.
DRAWING TECHNIQUES
❖ Sometimes architects and other design team members will need to produce immediate
information. The information must be precise and accurate, but can conveniently be provided
in the form of freehand sketch drawings.
1. Draw everything first as fight construction lines, and only firm in the lines when you
are satisfied that everything is drawn accurately and in proportion.
2. Where feasible, divide what you are drawing into a number of simple geometrical
shapes.
3. If what you are drawing is symmetrical, draw in the axes.
4. Draw in the main geometrical shapes first. Then add the detail.
5. Draw horizontal lines from left to right, unless you are left handed, in which case
you will probably find it easier to draw them from right to left. If the line to be
drawn is a long one, you can draw it as a continuous line made up of a series of
shorter fines about 50 mm long.
6. Draw vertical lines from top to bottom.
7. Ensure that lines which are at right angles to each other are drawn as exact right
angles.
8. In the case of circles first draw the axes, and mark the points on the axes where the
circle is meant to cross.
ConstDrawing_2000.doc 32
9.500 9.300
13000
7000 5500 2000
9.700 9.700
EXISTING PROPOSED
HEDGE HOUSE
9000
F.F.L. 10.000
9.850 9.850
COSSLES
8000
PROPSED TREE
10.300 10.400
1000
❖ The traditional architectural design process consists of the following seven phases:
❖ While CAD does not change the phases of architectural design nor the goals of each phase, it
definitely changes the users approach and movement within those phases.
❖ As part of this early phase, information is entered on the setbacks and notes on planning, and
because of CAD layering capabilities, it is easy and efficient to let the drawing warehouse
information. The information in a “layer” - that is, a set of information, such as all the survey
points or site electrical information - can be displayed or set aside - hidden - much as you
might pick up first one and then another file of specifications elaborated in a hand - drawn
design.
ConstDrawing_2000.doc 33
❖ With CAD, entered information is always available and is never lost. CAD drawings are
additive, that is, they aren’t created from scratch each time, which had always carried the risk
of losing crucial information. CAD design studies are therefore easy to make. You can save a
drawing and then experiment with options for windows and roofs by making several studies
and then moving ahead with the design you choose. If you later decide to reopen the solution,
you can call up the saved original version and begin again from that point.
❖ Architects often use CAD perspective geometry as the background for hand-drawn
perspectives, saving hours of boring, repetitive, labor-intensive layout work. It easily and
quickly provides ample views so that you can pick the best viewpoint location. Rendering and
animation software absorbs the geometry to realistically render and animate your design.
❖ The drawing data can now serve as the basis for the automatic generation of the specifications,
resulting in faster and more accurate specifications. The bidding phase is likewise eased by
CAD applications. Now you can automatically export information from the CAD drawings
into estimation software.
❖ During construction, the architects’ and engineers’ drawings are used as the basis for “as
built” drawings, which property owners then use as the foundation for their facilities
management program.
DRAWING MANAGEMENT
❖ Drawing management deals with the assignment of layer names; with drawing names,
drawing storage, revision procedures, and the mixing of hand drawing with CAD on the same
sheet; with plotting; and with networking workstations (See figure 9.1). The following is a
broad overview of drawing management.
ConstDrawing_2000.doc 34
Printer
Linking to
Other Consultants, Server
Workgroups &
Domains
Plotter
Ethermet
Plotter
Computer
Stand Alone
Computer
Fig. 9.1 Computer Aided Drafting Systems (Network linked externally and internally)
ConstDrawing_2000.doc 35
LAYER NAMES
❖ If you are ever at a meeting of CAD experts and energy is dragging, just mention “layer
names” and you will instantly provoke a lively discussion. To understand why, note that CAD
allows drawing elements, such as lines, walls, doors, notes, fixtures, trees, and so on, to each
be placed on unique “layers”. This feature is powerful because it lets you dissect the drawing
at any time to create background drawings, just as surgical texts offer many different
drawings of the human body, each showing the elaboration of a full system - or layer - such as
musculature, lymph nodes, skin, and bones.
DRAWING NAMES
❖ The name you give a drawing is a crucial tool for software users, so it must be though out
carefully or you will quickly create a frustrating mess. At first, most CAD users name their
drawings to reflect the actual drawing, but you only have eight alphanumeric spaces for the
name, so additions become the rule, not the exception.
HARDWARE
❖ PC hardware has advanced in processing speed several times over. With the rapid
development of processing speed, PC becomes adequate for commercial CAD purpose. The
computer is a warehouse for information. The more information that may be stored and
accessed easily, the more useful the computing tool. Both the RAM and hard-disk storage
have been increased, it facilitates manipulation and storage of complicated graphic data.
SOFTWARE
❖ The advances on software will be even more remarkable than the advances in hardware. CAD
software will continue to fall into two main categories: the graphic engine software -
AutoCAD, Microstation etc., The next generations of graphic engine software will continue to
get faster and faster. The software will give you multiple views on the screen, created from
the 3D geometry of the drawing. Changes you make to one drawing in a set will be reflected
throughout the entire set of drawings. You’ll be able to work on drawings of multiple scales
side by side on one sheet. Mass, volume, areas, and other geometric information will be
instantly available.
❖ As the process moves along, information will be added and modified but will continue to be
found in a consistent location. The master database will include all the information about the
project, including the program, code information, architectural and engineering drawings, and
all the statistics contained within the drawings, analysis results, manufacturers’ data,
specifications, and estimates. The master database will be interactive so that as you change
one bit of information, either graphically or alphanumerically.
ConstDrawing_2000.doc 36
ConstDrawing_2000.doc 37
References :
ConstDrawing_2000.doc 38
10. EXERCISES
ConstDrawing_2000.doc 39