Triton College CADD Standards Manual: Architecture Interior Design Construction Management

Triton College
CADD Standards Manual

Architecture
Interior Design
Construction Management
August, 2005
Triton College
CADD Standards Manual
Table of Contents
Chapter Contents Page
1. General CADD Recommendations 1-5

2. Standard Layer Names , colors, linetypes, and lineweight 6-14
3. Text Standards 15
4. How to Create a Text Style 16-17
5. Entering Text Using the DTEXT Command 18
6. Table of Text Sizes 19
7. Entering Text Using the MTEXT Command 20
8. Changing Text 21
9. Dimensioning Standards 22
10. How to Create a Dimension Style 23-28
11. Entering Dimensions 29
12. Editing Dimensions 29-30
13. Personal Profiles 31-33
14. Drawing Scale 34-36
15. Lineweight 37
16. Linetypes 37
17. Drawing Titles and North Arrows 38
18. Sheet Titles and Sheet Numbering 39-41
19. Issues Date Format 42
20. Drawing Revision Format 43
21. Items to Show on the Drawing Title Sheet 44
22. Material Symbols 45
23. Site Symbols 46
24. Architectural Symbols 47-48
25. Mechanical Symbols 49
26. Electrical Power Symbols 50
27. Electrical Lighting Symbols 51
28. Items to Show on the Site Plan 52-53
29. Items to Show on the Basement Plan 54
30. Items to Show on Floor Plans 55-56
31. Doors in Plan 57
32. Windows in Plan 58
33. Stairs and Fireplace in Plan 59
34. Room Finish Schedule 60
35. Door Schedule 61
36. Door Types (for Door Schedule) 62
37. Window Schedule 63
38. Items to Show on Roof Plan 64
39. Items to Show on the Reflected Ceiling Plans 65
40. Items to Show on the Exterior Elevations 66
41. Doors in Elevation 67
42. Windows in Elevation 68
43. Items to Show on the Interior Elevations 69
44. Items to Show in the Wall Sections 70
45. Items to Show in Details 71
46. CSI Format For Organization of Specifications and Materials 72
47. Terms Commonly Used 73-102
48. Green (Sustainable) Products and Systems 103-106
Triton College CADD Standards Manual - August, 2005 Page 1
General CADD Recommendations:
These CADD Standards are based on AutoCAD 2006.
1. Drawings must always be created and edited on the network file server (the
M:\ drive at Triton College). Use the Folder called “Architecture Interior
Design and Construction Management” and create a new folder for yourself
within that folder using your last name. Do not use the C: hard drive
because it is automatically erased when the computer is rebooted, which
may occur if the computer freezes (this does happen from time to time). Do
not use your USB plug-in drive, because then you do not have any backup
in case you lose it or it becomes damaged. The network is much more
reliable and is faster. Besides, you need to get used to working on a
network environment, which is used in most offices.
2. While drawing in AutoCAD, you must use the "save" command
approximately every ten minutes to be sure that you have your file
continuously updated to the network drive.
3. At end of the editing session or end of each day, save the drawing to the
network file server one last time and exit AutoCAD. Copy the drawing file
from the file server to your own USB plug-in drive. If the network drive fails,
or the drawing file is corrupt for some reason, copy the duplicate copy you
made on your plug-in drive back to your folder on the M: drive. Do not save
your files on the C: drive, because it is erased whenever the computer is
rebooted and automatically every day after the studio is closed.
4. AutoCAD can be set to automatically save your work periodically. It will save
the current drawing to a special file called Drawing1_1_1_****.SV$ (or
something like that name, but it will always have a filename extension of
SV$). This is another fail-safe device, in addition to the *.BAK file described
above. To use this file, open the folder, find the SV$ file, rename it to a
.DWG filename extension, and double click to open it. Note that SV$ files
are saved by default to the folder:
M:\_Architecture\AutoCAD Autosave Files
To save your drawing automatically in the form of an SV$ file to

M:\_Architecture\AutoCAD Autosave Files every 10 minutes, at the
Command: prompt, type: savetime <RET> 10 <RET>
5. Never assume that either the network drive or any fixed or removable plug-
in drives are error-free. You can never have too many backups.
6. In general, do not set a current color or linetype to anything other than
"BYLAYER". Also do not CHANGE the color or linetype of an entity to
anything other than "BYLAYER". There might be some exceptions to this in
certain pieces of equipment, millwork, or furniture, but they should be very
rare.
7. Draw in a locked viewport, rather than in pure Model Space, so that

dimensions, notes and symbols (which are drawn in Paper Space) can be
seen while you work.
8. Always plot your drawing in a Layout (Paper Space).
9. Show at least five visibly distinct lineweights in your drawing for visual
clarity. Walls in plan have the thickest lineweight, then windows and doors,
then notes, then objects on the floor in plan or wall in elevation, then far-
away objects, then dimensions, and then hatch patterns (poché), which are
the thinnest lines.
10. When selecting objects to edit, if those objects do not show on the screen
they will not get picked, even if their layers were just thawed: Turn ON or
THAW all layers, then "regen" to get those objects to appear on the screen
so they can be picked.
11. Always THAW all layers prior to WBlocking to another file -- FROZEN layers
will be purged during the WBlock. Also, layers with no entities on them,
blocks which are not inserted and unused dimension and text styles will also
be purged.
12. Always turn ON and THAW all layers that you want to plot prior to plotting --
OFF or FROZEN layers will not be plotted. To quickly turn ON and THAW
all layers, type the following:
LA<RET>ON<RET>*<RET>T<RET>*<RET>REGENALL<RET>.
13. Always zoom to extents prior to plotting, to make sure there are no "stray"
lines outside of the area you think is the extents of the drawing. This will
also REGEN the drawing to allow fill and text to be shown.
14. The "Undo Back" command will only undo back to the last time drawing was
plotted while in drawing editor.
15. To avoid plotting a Viewport entity (the rectangular box around a viewport),
change its layer to DEFPOINTS. If the DEFPOINTS layer does not exist on
your drawing, you may make it and Change the Viewport entity to be on it.
AutoCAD automatically creates a layer called DEFPOINTS when you draw
your first dimension line. AutoCAD places points on this layer which are the
Origin points for the dimension line. The DEFPOINTS layer has the peculiar
characteristic that you will be able to see it (if ON and Thawed) but it never
plots.
16. A hatch pattern is a "pseudo-block" and has some block-like characteristics.
For instance, a hatch pattern is made up of many lines but is considered
one entity by AutoCAD. An exploded hatch pattern will "float" down to the
"0" layer. Do not explode hatch patterns. You will get too many individual
lines in the drawing as a result, and it will be difficult to edit them later.
17. Dimensions are also "pseudo-blocks" and they have some block-like
characteristics. For instance, a dimension is made up of 3 lines, 2 solids, 2
points, and a text entity, but is considered one entity by AutoCAD. An
exploded dimension will "float" down to the "0" layer. Do not explode
dimensions. An exploded dimension will no longer be associative, so if the
geometry of your drawing changes, the dimensions will not record the true
measured sizes. You will no longer be able to use the "Dim" "Update"
command to change sizes of dimensions, either, if you decide to change

your plot scale.
18. Place dimensions in Paper space on the A-ANNO-DIM layer. Be sure to set
the variable DIMASSOC to 2, to make them associative and reach into the
Model Space drawing to find the origins of the dimensions.
19. Place notes and drawing titles in Paper Space on the A-ANNO-NOTE layer.
20. Place "Keys" or "Targets" (like door numbers and section or elevation
marks) in Paper Space (in the Layout). Most targets are 3/16" radius circles.
Make sure that you move them if you move the drawing.
21. Make sure that units are set correctly:
a. Type UNITS<RET>
b. Set "Length Type" to "Architectural"
c. Set "Length Precision" to 1/32"
d. Set "Angle Type" to "Decimal Degrees"
e. Set Angle Precision" to 0.00 Click "OK" button
22. Set the following AutoCAD variables to their correct values:
a. Type MIRRTEXT <RET> 0 <RET>. This will make text "right reading"
even if it is mirrored using the "mirror" command.
b. Type FILLETRAD <RET> 0 <RET> This will make fillet radius zero to
start with. (If you change this during the course of making the
drawing, be sure to change it back to zero, otherwise you may try to
cleanup line intersections using the fillet command and find that the
cleaned up intersections will have a radius.)
c. Type VIEWRES <RET> <RET> 20000 <RET> This will make circles
and arcs appear smooth. (The default value is 200 which makes
circles look like octagons on the screen)
d. Type UCSICON<RET>ON<RET> This will turn the UCS icon on
(make it visible).
e. Type UCSICON <RET> OR <RET> This will place the "User
Coordinate System" (UCS) icon at the drawing or UCS "origin" point
(0,0,0).
f. Type UCSICON <RET>P<RET> then select the radio button next to
the 2D UCS Icon Style in the dialogue box that will appear. This is a
much more informational icon style.
g. Type REGENAUTO<RET>ON<RET> This will eliminate that
annoying AutoCAD Alert box asking, "About to regen -- proceed"
whenever you zoom to extents or into a small area.
h. Type VISRETAIN<RET>1<RET> This will permit you to keep the
layer visibility in the xref the way you have it set in the xref, rather
than the host drawing.
i. Type DIMASSOC<RET>2<RET> This will permit associative
dimensioning in paper space which will attach dimensions to their
model space entities.
j. Type UCSFOLLOW<RET> 0<RET> This will prevent AutoCAD from
automatically switching to the current plan view when you create a
new User Coordinate System switch to one that is already made.
23. Set the Status Bar at the bottom of the screen to the following (buttons that
have been pushed in are turned on):
a. Turn on:
i. GRID
ii. POLAR
iii. OSNAP
iv. MODEL
b. Turn Off:
i. SNAP
ii. ORTHO (this will automatically be turned off if POLAR is
turned on)
iii. OTRACK
iv. DYN
v. LWT
24. Set the following OSNAP functions: Right click on the word OSNAP in the
Status Bar and select “Settings…”
a. Endpoint
b. Midpoint
c. Center
d. Node
e. Quadrant
f. Intersection
g. Perpendicular
h. Nearest
25. Set the following POLAR functions: Right click on the word POLAR in the
Status Bar and select “Settings…”
a. Change Increment angle to 45 degrees
b. In the “Polar Angle measurement” area, select the radio button
“Absolute”
26. When you begin a new drawing, you should start it using the Triton
Template that has all the variables properly set, text and dimension styles
created, and has a title block in the Layout. The Template to use is called
“Triton D” which means that it is plotted at 24” x 36” size on the large
plotter. To start a new drawing select the “QNEW” Icon that looks like a
blank white sheet of paper with the upper right corner dog-eared. You may
also use the pull down menu “File New” - it will take you to the “Select
Template” dialogue box, so you will need to select a template that you want
to use. If, for some reason, you do not want to select a template, pick the
down arrow to the right of the “Open” button in the lower right hand corner of
the dialogue box, and select “Open with no template – Imperial.” This will
permit you to set up the drawing the way you want.
27. Palettes and Toolbars settings:
a. The “Draw” and “Modify” toolbars are useful to have displayed
docked at the left side of the drawing.
b. The “Standard” toolbar should be docked at the top of the drawing.
c. The “3D Orbit” toolbar should be docked to the immediate right of the
“Standard” toolbar.
d. The “Shade” toolbar should be docked to the right of the “3D Orbit”
toolbar.
e. The “Layer” toolbar should be docked immediately under the
“Standard” toolbar.
f. The “Properties” toolbar should be docked to the right of the “Layer”
toolbar.
g. The “Dimension” toolbar should be docked under the “Layer” toolbar.
h. Always have the “Properties” palette floating on the right side of the
drawing for easy access. It can “Auto-hide, which means that it can
be closed up with only the Properties Palette bar showing on the
screen. If the Properties Palette is not visible at all, you can turn it on
by selecting the pull-down menu “Tools” and then select “Properties.”
i. Optionally, you may also want to keep the “Tool Palettes” palette
displayed. To display it select the pull-down menu “Tools” and then
select “Tool Palettes Window.”
28. To make a viewport current that lies on top of another viewport, use
<CTRL>R to toggle from one viewport to another (It is the only way to do
this).
29. To find the distance between 2 parallel lines, select from the "Tools" Pull-
down menu, "Inquiry," then "Distance." (or type DI <RET>). Then OSNAP
NEArest to one line, then OSNAP PERpendicular to the other.
30. To draw a line through the center point of an arc or circle but stop it at the
edge of the arc or circle, draw a line from a point and when prompted for a
To Point: OSNAP PERpendicular and pick the arc or circle.
31. When hiding lines using the HIDE command, polylines, filed Donuts and
Solid fills will not be shown, even in plan. It will appear as if fill is turned off.
Also, viewports in which "Shade Plot" has been turned to "Hidden" will not
plot fill for polylines or donuts or solids. To allow solid fills to be seen in a
viewport, shade the viewport in model space and set "Shade Plot" in the
Plot dialogue box to "As Displayed." You could also create two overlapping
viewports, one containing the hidden line model and the other containing
only the solid fills, dimensions and notes. Turn on "hideplot" in the viewport
containing the hidden line model and leave it off in the viewport that
contains the other entities. To prevent double plotting of entities, you may
want to freeze layers containing the hidden line model in the second
viewport.
Standard Layer Names, Colors, Linetypes and Lineweights

These names are based on CAD Layer Guidelines, Second Edition, Michael K.
Schley, ed., published in 1997 by the American Institute of Architects in
Washington, D.C. I have assigned colors, linetypes, and lineweights. These layers
are already created for you in the Template Drawing “Triton D”.
Layer Objects to Be Drawn Color Linetype Lineweight Plot

on this Layer Style:
“Style1,”
unless
noted
otherwise
A-ANNO- Information on sheet Cyan Continuous .3500 mm

BORD border
A-ANNO- Dimensions Magenta Continuous .1500 mm

DIMS
A-ANNO- Notes Cyan Continuous .3500 mm

NOTE
A-ANNO- Symbols, Keys and Cyan Continuous .3500 mm

SYMB Targets (Such as Door
Numbers, Window
Numbers, Furniture
Numbers, Equipment
Numbers, Toilet
Accessory Numbers)
A-ANNO- Viewports Cyan Continuous .1000 mm (Non-

VPRT plotting)
A-AREA Area Calculations, 60 Continuous .1000 mm

Hatch Patterns, and
Numbers
A-CEIL Ceiling Information 10 Continuous .1000 mm

(Soffits, Holes,
Skylights, Ceiling Grid)

“Style1,”
unless
noted
otherwise
A-DOOR Doors and Door Blue Continuous .2500 mm

Frames in Plan or
Elevation (But Not
Swing Arcs or
Elevation Swing
Indications of Doors)
A-DOOR- Windows in Doors Green Continuous .2500 mm

GLAZ
A-DOOR- Swing Arcs or 30 Hidden2 .1000 mm

SWNG Elevation Swing
Indications of Doors
A-DOOR-ID Door Number Symbols Cyan Continuous .3500 mm
A-ELEV Elevation Drawings, blue Continuous .2000 mm

Interior or Exterior
A-ELEV- Hatch Patterns for 30 Continuous .0500 mm

PATT Elevations
A-ELEV- Elevation Outline yellow Continuous .5000 mm

OTLN
A-FLOR Any Information red Continuous .2500 mm

Relating to Floors
Which Would Not Be
Shown on Another
Layer, Such as Holes
in Floors, Edges of
Slabs, Guardrails
Around Floor
Openings, or Curbs

“Style1,”
unless
noted
otherwise
A-FLOR- Appliances: 30 Continuous .2000 mm

APPL Refrigerators, Ovens,
Stoves, and Any Fixed
Element Which
Requires a Plumbing
or Electrical
Connection to Make
Operate
A-FLOR- Equipment Number cyan Continuous .3500 mm

APPL-ID Symbol
A-FLOR-ID Room Numbers cyan Continuous .3500 mm
A-FLOR- Stairs and Ladders in red Continuous .2500 mm

STRS Plan or Elevation
A-FLOR- Stair Handrails in Plan green Continuous .2000 mm

STRS-RAIL or Elevation
A-FLOR- Direction Arrows and cyan Continuous .1500 mm

STRS- Break Lines for Stairs
AROW
A-FLOR- Risers of Stairs Should green Continuous .1500 mm

STRS-RISE Be on a Separate
Layer So That They
Can Be Turned off on a
Reflected Ceiling Plan
A-FLOR- Toilet Partitions, Doors, green, Continuous .2500 mm

TPTN Door Swings but door
swing
should
be color
30
A-FLOR- Elevators Cars in Plan green Continuous .2500 mm

ELEV

“Style1,”
unless
noted
otherwise
A-FLOR- Ramps in Plan or green Continuous .2500 mm

RAMP Elevation
A-FLOR- Ramp Handrails in green Continuous .2000 mm

RAMP-RAIL Plan or Elevation
A-FLOR- Direction Arrows and cyan Continuous .1500 mm

RAMP- Break Lines For
AROW Ramps
A-FLOR- Toilet Accessories green Continuous .2000 mm

ACCS
A-FURN Furniture magenta Continuous .2000 mm
A-FURN-ID Furniture Numbers cyan Continuous .3500 mm
A-FURN- Interior Plants 60 Continuous .2000 mm

PLNT
A-FURN- Furniture Finish 30 Continuous .0500 mm

PATT Patterns
A-GLAZ Windows blue Continuous .2500 mm
A-GLAZ-ID Window Number cyan Continuous .3500 mm
A-ROOF Roof, Gutters, red Continuous .2500 mm

Skylights
A-ROOF- Hatch Patterns for 30 Continuous .0500 mm

PATT Roofs
A-SECT Sections red Continuous .3500 mm
A-SECT- Material Hidden in 30 hidden2 .1500 mm

HIDD Section
A-SECT- Material Cut by Section yellow Continuous .5000 mm

MCUT

“Style1,”
unless
noted
otherwise
A-SECT- Material Beyond 60 Continuous .1500 mm

MBND Section cut
A-SECT- Hatch Patterns of 30 Continuous .0500 mm

PATT Section
A-WALL Walls yellow Continuous .7000 mm
A-WALL- Wall Hatch Pattern 30 Continuous .0000 mm

PATT (Poché)
A-WALL- Door and Window 30 Continuous .2500 mm

HEAD Headers
A-WALL- Door and window sills 30 Continuous .2500 mm

SILL
A-FIGS People green Continuous .1500 mm
C-PKNG- Cars green Continuous .1500 mm

CARS
C-PKNG- Parking Lot Striping 30 Continuous .0500 mm

STRP
C-PROP Property Lines Magenta Phantom2 .3500 mm
C-COMM- Site communication 140 Dashed .3500 mm

UNDR lines underground
C-COMM- Site communication 140 Continuous .3500 mm

OVHD lines above ground
C-COMM Site communication 140 Continuous .3500 mm

poles and any other
object above ground
C-WATR- Site Water Lines 140 Center2 .3500 mm

UNDR Underground Piping

“Style1,”
unless
noted
otherwise
C-WATR Site Water Meter and 140 Continuous .3500 mm

any object above
ground
C-NGAS- Site Gas Lines 140 Center .3500 mm

C-NGAS Site Gas Meter and 140 Continuous .3500 mm

any object above
ground
C-STRM- Site Storm Sewer 140 Dashed .3500 mm

UNDR Lines Underground
Piping
C-STRM Site Storm Sewer 140 Continuous .3500 mm

Manholes
C-FIRE- Site Fire Protection 140 Center2 .3500 mm

UNDR Lines Underground
Piping
C-FIRE Site Fire Hydrants, 140 Continuous .3500 mm

pumps, and any object
above ground
C-SSWR- Sanitary Sewer Lines 140 Dashed .3500 mm

C-SSWR Sanitary Sewer 140 Continuous .3500 mm

Manholes
C-ROAD- Curbs 10 Continuous .2000 mm

CURB
C-WALK Sidewalks 10 Continuous .2000 mm
C-TOPO Proposed Contours 35 Continuous .2500 mm


“Style1,”
unless
noted
otherwise
C-TOPO- Contours, to Be 60 Hidden .1500 mm

DEMO Changed
C-TOPO- Contours, Existing to 35 Continuous .1500 mm

EXST Remain
E-COMM Telephone red Continuous .3500 mm

Receptacles
E-CTRL Control Systems red Continuous .1500 mm
E-LITE Lighting 30 Continuous .2500 mm
E-LITE- Emergency Lighting 30 Continuous .2500 mm

EMER
E-LITE-ID Light Identification cyan Continuous .3500 mm
E-LITE- Light Switch red Continuous .2500 mm

SWIT
E-POWR Electrical Power, red Continuous .2500 mm

Receptacles
E-POWR- Power Panels red Continuous .2500 mm

PANL
L-PLNT Landscape Materials 40 Continuous .2500 mm
L-PLNT- Trees - Existing to 40 Continuous .1000 mm

TREE- Remain
EXST
L-PLNT- Trees - to be removed 60 Continuous .1000 mm

TREE-
DEMO
L-PLNT- Trees - New 40 Continuous .3000 mm

TREE-
NEWW

“Style1,”
unless
noted
otherwise
L-SITE- Fences yellow Continuous .1500 mm

FNCE
M-HVAC HVAC System, blue Continuous .2500 mm

Ductwork, Equipment
M-HVAC- HVAC Ceiling Diffusers 30 Continuous .2500 mm

CDFF
M-HVAC- HVAC Wall and Other 30 Continuous .2500 mm

ODFF Diffusers
P-FIXT Plumbing Fixtures Green Continuous .2000 mm
P-FIXT-ID Plumbing Fixture Cyan Continuous .3500 mm

Identification
S-BEAM Structural Beams (Any Red Continuous .2500 mm

Material)
S-BEAM- Structural Beams 30 Hidden2 .1000 mm

HIDD Hidden Elements
S-COLS Structural Columns Yellow Continuous .3500 mm

(Any Material)
S-COLS- Structural Columns 30 Hidden2 .1000 mm

S-JOIST Structural Joists (Any Magenta Continuous .3500 mm

Material)
S-JOIST- Structural Joists 30 Hidden2 .1000 mm

S-FNDN Structural Foundation Yellow Continuous .4000 mm
S-FNDN- Structural Foundation 30 Hidden2 .1000 mm


“Style1,”
unless
noted
otherwise
S-METL Miscellaneous Metal Magenta Continuous .3500 mm

Shapes & Plates
S-METL- Miscellaneous Metal, 30 Hidden2 .1000 mm

HIDD Hidden Lines
S-DECK Metal Deck Magenta Continuous .2000 mm
S-GRID Structural Column Grid 20 Center2 .2500 mm
S-GRID-ID Structural Column Grid 20 Continuous .3500 mm

Bubbles and Numbers
Text Standards:
Text is always necessary in a drawing to tell the contractor in words what he or she
is looking at in order to construct the building. There are a few rules to remember:
1. Text should always be drawn in the Layout (Paper Space).

2. Text is entered from the keyboard using either the "DTEXT" or the “MTEXT”
command.
3. Do not use abbreviations.
4. Do not use a period after a line of text.
5. Text lines should always be neatly organized on the sheet.
6. Multiple lines of text should be left justified.
7. If text refers to a graphic object, there should be a “callout” arrow from the
text to the object, like this:
A “callout” is a leader line with text at its end. Leader lines are entered by using
the LE command. Under this command there is a default variable that needs to
be changed. This is changed in the “Triton D” template, but if you do not use
the template and need to change it, type LE<RET><RET> Select the “Leader
Line and Arrow” tab. Under the “Angle constraints” section, change the “Second
segment” to “Horizontal.” Click OK. <ESC>
To create a callout, type LE<RET>, select the point where the arrow will be
located, select the second point <RET><RET> enter the text, select OK on the
“Text Formatting” dialogue box.
How to Create a Text Style:

The Triton D template has these text styles already created and the “Standard”
style set as the current style.
But if you were not to use a Template drawing, you would need to create text
styles that look good. To create a new text style, click on the word ”Format" from
the pull-down menu, then "Text Style..." The “Text Style” dialogue box will appear
on the screen:
Text styles consist of the following six variables which will need to be set:
A "Style Name" for the style, which is any name that you want to give it. Use a
single work with no spaces.
A "Font Name" - this is a selection of one of several letter font designs which come
with AutoCAD and your other Microsoft-compatible programs.
A "Height" for the style - always make this 0 (i.e., "zero") Never, change it from
zero.
A "Width Factor" - this is set to the value 1 by default, but you can horizontally
stretch out the width of the letters by setting this number to any number greater
than 1, or you can skinny down the width by setting this value to any positive
number less than one. Try to set this variable to various numbers in the dialogue
box to observe instantly how the width would make your style look.
An "Oblique Angle" - this is set to the value of 0 by default. It is the angle of the
vertical strokes of the letters. If you assign a positive value of some angle other
than 0, the vertical strokes will angle toward the right at their tops. If you assign a
negative value of some angle other than 0, the vertical strokes will angle toward
the left at their tops. This is a way of creating an "Italics" type style.
The so-called "Effects", or, as it is sometimes called the "Generation" of the text.
The "Normal" generation is writing the text from left to right. You may check the
boxes which create an "Upside Down, "Backwards,” or "Vertical" type effect. Note
that some fonts will not allow a Vertical effect generation.
The default text style is called "Standard" and by default makes use of a very boxy
and ugly looking lettering font design called the "TXT" font. A "font" is a set of
designs for all the letters of the alphabet, all numbers, and all symbols on the
keyboard. For instance, the font in which this text is printed is called the "Arial"
font. It is one of the most popular designs for lettering used for printed books. I
usually use the AutoCAD "romans" style for most notes and titles. To use a nicer
font, pull down the list of available fonts under the "Font Name" section in the
dialogue box.
Nota Bene: Do not set any value for the box after the word "BigFont" This is only
to be used with Asian language (Japanese or Chinese) “Kanji” calligraphy
alphabets which have more characters than the Latin alphabet which we use.
Text Styles to Create:
Style Name Font Name Height Width Factor Oblique Angle

Standard (use this text romans.shx 0 1 0
style for all text except
for dimensions and
sheet titles)
Dimensions (use for romans.shx 0 .75 0

dimension numbers)
Title (use for drawing arial 0 1 0
titles)
Freehand (use as an stylus 0 1 0
alternate to the
“Standard” style if you
want a hand-lettered
look)
Freehand Dimensions stylus 0 .75 0
(use for dimension
numbers if you are
using the “Freehand”
style for notes)
Entering Text using the DTEXT command:

The easiest way to enter text into the drawing is to use the “DTEXT” command
(Dtext stands for “Dynamic text” because you can dynamically see it appear as you
type it, which you could not do in the earlier “Text” command - the rudimentary
“Text” command is still available to you if you really want to go back to an earlier
time – or how about just getting a pencil and a straight edge). Select the word
"Draw" from the pull-down menu, then "Text," then "Single Line Text" from the Pull-
down menu (or type DT<RET>). You will then be prompted for a <Start point>.
Pick the point where the lower left hand corner of the text string will be located.
With the DTEXT command, each single line of text is one entity, although several
lines may be typed sequentially.
Once you have selected a "Start point" location, you will then be asked how high
you want to make the lettering. You should always enter text in the Layout (Paper
Space). In that case, all notes in the drawing should be are 3/32” high. However,
if you are somewhat old-fashioned and are placing notes in a drawing in Model
Space drawing, the height you make the letters will depend on the scale at which
you want to plot the drawing. By default, the preset text height is always the last
height which you used in the drawing, or, if no text has been drawn yet, the default
height will be 3/16" high (which, wouldn’t you just know it, is too small for Model
Space text, and too large for Paper Space text). The table below lists
recommended sizes for text for each plot scale.
After you have typed in a height for the lettering, then a <RET>, you will be asked
for a "rotation angle." That means the angle of the text baseline measured from a
horizontal line drawn toward the east. Normally it would be 0, which is the default,
and which gives text reading from left to right, horizontally. You may accept the
default by hitting a carriage return on the keyboard.
You should not use too many variations of size of lettering you use on your
drawings. Consistency and minimization of lettering variation is preferable. Text
should be drawn on the A-ANNO-NOTE layer.
Table of Text Sizes to be used when entering text in “Model Space” – Note that
entering text in Model Space is not recommended.
Table of Text Sizes in Model Space:
Architectural Drawing Scales:

Height of
Height of Height of
Scale of Plotted More
Plot Scale Standard Drawing Title
Drawing Important
Note Text Text
Note Text
1/16"=1'-0" 192 16 24 48
3/32"=1'-0" 128 12 18 36
1/8"=1'-0" 96 8 12 24
3/16"=1'-0" 64 6 9 18
1/4"=1'-0" 48 4 6 12
3/8"=1'-0" 32 3 4.5 9
1/2"=1'-0" 24 2 3 6
3/4"=1'-0" 16 1.33 2 4
1"=1'-0" 12 1 1.5 3
1 1/2" = 1'-0" 8 0.67 1 2
3"=1'-0" 4 0.33 0.5 1
Half Size 2 0.167 0.25 0.5
Full Size 1 3/32 1/8 1/4
Engineering Drawing Scales:

Height of Height of
Scale of Plotted Plot Scale Height of
Important Drawing Title
Drawing Factor Note Text
Note Text Text
1"=10'-0" 120 12 15 30
1"=20'-0" 240 24 30 60
1"=30'-0" 360 36 45 90
1"=40'-0" 480 45 60 120
1"=50'-0" 600 60 75 150
1"=60'-0" 720 68 90 180
1"=100'-0" 1200 120 150 300
1"=500'-0" 6000 600 750 1500
Entering Text using the MTEXT Command:

Another more sophisticated and flexible way to enter multiple lines of text into the
drawing is to use the "MTEXT" command (Mtext stands for “multi-line text”).
Select the word "Draw" from the pull-down menu, then "Text," then "Multiline Text"
- or type MT<RET>. You will then be prompted to "Specify First Corner." Pick
the point where the upper left-hand corner of a text box will be located. Then pick
a lower right corner of the defining text box. This is an imaginary border within
which your text will be confined. With MTEXT, the entire paragraph of text that you
type will be a single entity in AutoCAD. Once you have defined the text box area,
the "Edit Mtext" dialogue box appears on the screen. This is where you will type in
your text. You can set the height by clicking in the "Height:" box in this dialogue
box and typing the height (in inches) you want the text to be, and then hitting a
<RET> key. This should be done before you type in the text in the box. You can
import Microsoft Word text files by copying it to the clipboard (<Ctrl>C) and then
pasting it within the text box (<Ctrl> V); or, click on the down arrow on the right side
of the “Text Formatting” box and select “Import Text….” item. Browse for the text
file that you want to import into the dialogue box.
Once you have text in the text box, you have full editing capability. You can
highlight letters or words and cut and paste them into different places in the
dialogue box. You can delete letters or words. You can even format portions of
the typed text by applying different fonts to highlighted text, change their color,
change their case, underline them, or Italicize them.
If you have fractions in the text, like 3/4, you can stack the 3 on top of the 4 by
highlighting the fraction and right-clicking and selecting “stack.” To make the
stacking look better with a diagonal line between the numerator and the
denominator of the fraction, highlight the stacked fraction a second time and right
click again. You will now see a command line called “Stack Properties.” Click on
it. Under the “Appearance” area of the dialogue box, select “Fraction, Diagonal”
from the “Style” pulldown on this dialogue box, Then click on the “AutoStack
Properties” button. Check “Enable AutoStacking” and “Remove leading blank.”
Select the radio button “Convert to a diagonal fraction.” Check “Don’t show this
dialogue again, always use these settings.” When you have finished composing
your text, click the "OK" button.
Changing Text:
Text changes are frequent during the process of making a drawing. If you want to
change one line of type to new wording or add text to a line or paragraph, simply
double-click on the text to change.
If it is DTEXT, a single line dialogue box will appear. Change the letters in this line.
If it is MTEXT, the “Text Formatting” dialogue box will appear with the text in it -
change what you want and then select OK on the dialogue box. You can change
style, height, color, etc. in the “Text Formatting” dialogue box.
To change the appearance of all text entered in the same text style throughout the
drawing, simply change the definition of that text "style" by selecting from the pull-
down menu "Format" then "Text Style..." and then change one of the six variables:
Font Name, Height, Effects, Width Factor, and/or Oblique Angle then pick the
"Apply" button, and then the "Close" button. You may have to regen the drawing to
see the change.
Dimensioning standards:
Dimensions are necessary for the contractor to construct the building. There are a
few rules to remember:
1. Dimensions should be drawn in the Layout (Paper Space)

2. Only dimension an object once, do not repeat its dimension on more than
one drawing or sheet. This leads to errors.
3. Dimensions less than 12” are shown in inches only, such as 8 ½” Do not
show this as 0’-8 ½” Zero feet is not expressed in standard architectural
dimensioning.
4. Dimensions equal to or greater than 12” are always shown in both feet and
inches with a dash separating the feet from the inches, such as 1’-0” or 12’-
6”
5. Round off dimensions to the nearest 1/8” – for instance a dimension of 6
13/16” would not be used, instead it would be rounded to 6 ¾” or 6 7/8”
6. Horizontal dimensions are always placed above a horizontal dimension line
and read from left to right
7. Vertical dimensions are always placed to the left of a vertical dimension line
and are always read from the right side of the sheet.
8. If an object is placed on a center line of another object use a CL dimension
symbol.
9. If an object is placed at equal dimensions along a line, use the symbol EQ
rather than an actual number.
10. Use the bare minimum number of dimensions from which the contractor can
build the building, but do not leave any out.
How to Create a Dimensioning Style:

The Triton D template has dimensioning styles already created and the “1” style
set as the current style.
But if you were not to use a Template drawing with dimensioning styles already
created, you would need to create dimensioning styles that look good. To create a
new dimensioning style, click on the word ”Format" from the pull-down menu, then
"Dimension Style..." The “Dimension Style Manager” dialogue box will appear on
the screen:
Pick "Format" from the pull-down menu

Pick "Dimension Style..." (this brings up the “Dimension Style Manager” dialogue
box).
Click on the word "STANDARD" in the "Name:" box.

Click on the "New" button.
On the "New Style Name" line, type in a name for the dimension "style" you want
to create. Type in 1 for the name of the new dimension style.
Pick the "Continue" button.
Click on the “Symbols and Arrows” tab first

In the "Arrowheads" portion of this dialogue box, select "Architectural tick"
Change leader arrowhead to "Right angle"
Change arrow size to 3/32
Click on the “Lines” tab

Set “Extend beyond ticks” to 3/32
Set “Baseline spacing” to 0
Set “Extend beyond dim lines” to 3/32
Set “Offset from origin” to 1/32
Click on the “Primary Units” tab

In the “Lineal dimensions” section set “Unit format” to Architectural, “Precision” to
0’-0 1/8”, “Fraction format” to Diagonal, and “Round off” to 0
In the “Zero suppression” section, check “0 feet” but uncheck “0 inches”
In the “Angular dimensions” section, set “Units format” to “Decimal degrees” and
“Precision” to 0.00
Click on the “Text” tab

In the “Text appearance” section, set text style to “Dimensions” (Note that this
assumes that you have created a text style called “Dimensions” as explained in the
“Text” chapter above)
Set the text height to 3/32
Set the “Fraction height scale” to 0.75
In the “Text placement” section, select “Above” for vertical placement and
“Centered” for horizontal text placement
Set “Offset from dim line” to 1/32
In the “Text alignment” section, click on the radio button “Aligned with dimension
line”
Click on the “Fit” tab

In the “Fit options” section, click on the radio button “Always keep text between ext
lines”
In the “Text placement” section, click on the radio button “Over dimension line
without leader”
In the “Scale for dimension features” section, select the radio button “Scale
dimensions to layout”
In the "Fine Tuning" section of this dialogue box, check the box "Draw dim line
between ext lines"
Select “OK”
Select “Set Current”
Select “Close”
Entering Dimensions:
Turn on the "Dimension" tool bar - right-click on any other tool bar and select the
"Dimension" tool bar. This has all the tools to create dimensions on it.
Set variable DIMASSOC = 2 (in Command” prompt area, type in DIMASSOC

<RET> 2 <RET>)
Set the current layer to "A-ANNO-DIMS"
Select one of the Layout tabs at the bottom of the drawing (This will set the space
to "Paper” space)
From the dimension tool bar select the "Linear Dimension" icon.
Snap to one of the endpoints of the line, then the other end point of the same line –
(alternatively, hit a <RET> and select the line itself - AutoCAD will automatically
find its endpoints)
Select a point through which the dimension line will pass
Done
To continue with a string of dimensions to the next endpoint, select the "Continue
Dimension" icon
Continue picking endpoints
When done with the string, hit two <RET><RET> keys
Editing Dimensions:
If you want to edit text on a dimension, click on it and the "Modify Properties"
window will display its properties. Click on the plus sign to the left of the word
"Text". In the slot to the right of the "Text Override" type in the text you want to
display on the dimension.
To display text with the measured dimension, type the text and then <>. The "<>"
will display as the measured dimension. If you want to have multiple lines of text,
type \P where you want to start a new line. Note that the P must be in upper case.
Using grips to change location of dimension lines, dimension text,

and extension line origin points:
If you select a dimension string at the Command: prompt, five grips will be placed
on the dimension string, one at the insertion point of the text (at its center), one at
each end of the dimension line where it crosses the extension lines, and one at the
origin point of each extension line. You can make any of these grips "hot" and drag
them to another location.
To change the length of a dimension line, make one of the grips at the extension
line origin hot and move it parallel to the dimension line. The dimension text will
always be automatically updated to read whatever the new length is.
To change the location of a dimension line itself, make one of the grips hot on the
dimension line and drag it to a new location.
To change the location of the dimension text (this is a common requirement), make
the grip on the dimension text hot and drag it to a new location. Note that if you
drag it to a location which is near to or on the dimension line itself, a break will
automatically be placed in the dimension line to allow for the text to be able to be
read without interference from the dimension line crossing through it.
If you move an object in model space, or pan or zoom the drawing, dimensions
might not always update themselves. If that happens, Switch to the Layout
(paperspace) right click on one or more dimensions, and select “Update.”
Nota bene: you cannot dimension AEC walls in a Paper Space Layout. You can
only dimension objects with “geometry” in a Paper Space Layout such as lines,
polylines, blocks, arcs and circles. If you want to dimension AEC walls, you have to
do it in model space. In this case, you will need to create a set of model space
dimension styles, which have the following “Overall scale:” To set the scale, create
a New dimension style and under the “Fit” tab, type in one the following numbers in
the “Scale for dimensions features” section of the Dimension dialogue box. Select
the radio button “Use overall scale of.”
1/16" = 1'-0": 192

3/32" = 1'-0": 128
1/8" = 1'-0": 96
3/16" = 1'-0": 64
1/4" = 1'-0": 48
3/8" = 1'-0": 32
1/2" = 1'-0": 24
3/4" = 1'-0": 16
1" = 1'-0": 12
1 1/2" = 1'-0": 8
3" = 1'-0" 4
Half size: 2
Full size: 1
1" = 1000'-0": 12000
1" = 500'-0": 6000
1" = 200'-0": 2400
1" = 100'-0": 1200
1" = 50'-0": 600
1" = 20'-0": 240
1" = 10'-0": 120
Personal Profiles:
A "profile" is a personalized file (*.ARG) that contains information about how you
want the screen to look and where you store your drawings while you are working
in AutoCAD. The file can be loaded when you begin an AutoCAD session which
will restore your personal profile settings.
How to create a personal Profile:
1. Right-click in Command: Line & select "Options..." from right-click menu.
2. Click on the "Files" Tab.

a. Click on the + sign to the left of "Support File Search Path" on the list.
This will open the list of folders which are on the path of searching for
files that will be inserted or externally referenced into the drawing.
You can add your folder - select the "Browse" button and find your
folder on the M:\ drive. The "Move Up" button will allow you to
reposition the folders to make the ones at the top of the list be
searched first - therefore if you have the same file name in two
folders, the one in the folder at the top of the list will be found first.
b. Click on the + sign to the left of the "Automatic Save File Location."
Click on the "Browse" button and browse for the folder where you
want to save your temporary save files. An automatic save will have
the filename extension of ___.SV$ which is created automatically by
AutoCAD and by default is saved to the folder C:\Documents and
Settings\AT150\Local Settings\Temp\. These files are automatically
deleted after you turn the computer off and on again, so it would be
better to save them to your folder on the network drive (folder
M:\_Architecture\Autocad Autosave Files). Then you can keep them
and always go back to them later.
c. Click on the + sign to the left of the "Template Settings" on the list.
Then click on the + sign to the left of the "Drawing Template File
Location." Click the Browse button and find the folder where your
TEMPLATE DRAWING file is located.
d. Click on the + sign to the left of “Default Template File Name for
QNEW” Click on the “Browse” button and browse for the preferred
template file, which is at M:\_Architecture\Template AutoCAD\Triton
D.dwt.
3. Click on the "Display" tab.

a. Click on the "Colors..." button. Select "Layout Tabs Background
(paper). Pick Black for the color. Click Apply and Close button.
b. Under the section labeled "Layout Elements" uncheck "Display
printable area " and "Display paper background"
c. Slide "Crosshair size" bar to 100%
d. Note that most of the choices on the right side of this tab "Display
resolution" and "Display performance" have an AutoCAD blue icon to
the left side of the choices. This means that you can change these
variables for this session, but the permanent values are contained
within the drawing you are working with. Therefore, you should make
these changes in your TEMPLATE DRAWING, not in the PROFILE.
e. Uncheck “Create viewport in new layouts.”
4. Click on the "Open and Save" tab.

a. Under the section labeled "File safety precautions" change the
Automatic Save to 10 minutes between saves. This will create an
automatic save with the filename extension of ___.SV$ which is
created automatically by AutoCAD at 10 minute intervals and saved
to your folder that you set in step 2 above.
b. Under the File Open section, check box labeled "Display full path in
title."
5. Click on the "Plot and Publish" tab.

a. Under the section "Default plot settings for new drawings" select the
radio button "Use last successful plot settings."
b. Click on "Plot Style Table Settings..." button in lower right hand
corner. Select the radio button "Use named plot styles." Select the
“MONOCHROME.STB” plot style from "Default plot style table" drop-
down list. Click OK.
6. Click on the "User Preferences" tab.

a. Under the "Windows Standard Behavior" section, check box labeled
"Shortcut menus in drawing area." Click the button "Right-Click
Customization" and check box labeled "Turn on time-sensitive right
click:"
b. Under the “Associative Dimensioning Field,” click on “Make new
dimensions associative”
c. Click on the “Hidden Line Settings” button in the lower left hand
corner of the dialogue box. Check “Display intersections.” Chick OK.
d. Click on the “Edit Scale List” in the lower right corner. Delete all of the
metric scales (such as 1:10, etc.) and the scales 1/64” = 1’-0” and
1/32” = 1’-0”. Rename the scale 6” = 1’-0” to HALF SIZE. Rename
the scale 1’-0” = 1’-0” to FULL SIZE. Add the following engineering
scales:
i. 1” = 10’-0” (1 paper inch = 120 drawing inches)
ii. 1” = 20’-0” (1 paper inch = 240 drawing inches)
iii. 1” = 30’-0” (1 paper inch = 360 drawing inches)
iv. 1” = 40’-0” (1 paper inch = 480 drawing inches)
v. 1” = 50’-0” (1 paper inch = 600 drawing inches)
vi. 1” = 100’-0” (1 paper inch = 1200 drawing inches)
vii. 1” = 200’-0” (1 paper inch = 2400 drawing inches)
viii. 1” = 500’-0” (1 paper inch = 6000 drawing inches)
7. Click on the "Drafting" tab.

a. Under the "AutoSnap Settings" section, check boxes labeled
"Marker," "Display Autosnap Tooltip," and "Display Autosnap
Aperture box."
8. Click on the "Profiles" tab.

a. Select the "Add to List..." button. Type in a profile name that you want
to create in the "Add Profile" dialogue box. Type in a description. The
name of that new profile will appear in the "Available Profiles" list.
b. Click on the newly added profile on the list and select the button "Set
Current." This will make your new profile the current one.
c. Select the "Export…" button. Browse for your folder on the M:\ drive
and type in the name you want to give to your profile. It should be the
same name you gave it when you added it to the list of available
profiles (although it does not have to be). AutoCAD will automatically
append the filename extension *.ARG to whatever name you give it
when you export it. The purpose of exporting the profile is to be able
to use it at another computer and at a future drawing session.
9. When you want to use this profile again in the future, right-click in Command
Line and select "Options..." Select the "Profiles" tab. Select the "Import"
button and find your profile (the .ARG file). Double-click on its name. This
will insert the name of the profile in the "Import Profile" dialogue box. Select
"Apply and Close" button. The imported profile name will now appear in the
"Available Profiles" list. Click on it and then click the Set Current" button.
Click OK.
Drawing Scale:
There are twelve architectural scales that are normally used for drawings:
3/32” = 1’-0”
3/16” = 1’-0”
1/8” = 1’-0” (for commercial building plans, elevations and building sections)
¼” = 1’-0” (for house plans, elevations, and building sections)
½” = 1’-0” (for kitchen and bath plans and elevations)
1” = 1’-0” (for millwork details)
3/8” = 1’-0”
¾” = 1’-0” (for wall sections)
1 ½” = 1’-0” (for building details)
3” = 1’-0” (also called “quarter size”)
Half size (for details)
Full size (for details)
There are ten scales that are normally used for site plans and civil engineering
drawings:
1” = 10’-0”
1” = 20’-0”
1” = 30’-0”
1” = 40’-0”
1” = 50’-0”
1” = 60’-0”
1” = 100’-0”
1” = 200’-0”
1” = 500’-0”
1” = 1000’-0”
Drawings in Model Space are always drawn full size, but they can be plotted in a
Layout to one of the standard scales. There are two ways to set a plot scale in a
layout:
Method 1 – Zooming to a Plot Scale Factor in a Viewport (example

for ¼” = 1’-0” scale):
1. Switch to the Layout Tab.
2. Double click inside the Viewport you want to scale.
3. Zoom to extents by clicking the mouse wheel twice
4. Type Z<RET>C<RET>
5. Pick a point in the viewport with the left button of the mouse which you want to
be the center of the drawing.
6. Type 1/48XP<RET>
7. For other scales, use the following plot scale factors:
Plotted Scale of Drawing Model Space Zoom Scale Factor

1/64" = 1'-0" 1/768XP
1/32" = 1'-0" 1/384XP
1/16" = 1'-0" 1/192XP
3/32" = 1'-0" 1/128XP
1/8" = 1'-0" 1/96XP
3/16" = 1'-0" 1/64XP
1/4" = 1'-0" 1/48XP
3/8" = 1'-0" 1/32XP
1/2" = 1'-0" 1/24XP
3/4" = 1'-0" 1/16XP
1" = 1'-0" 1/12XP
1 1/2" = 1'-0" 1/8XP
3" = 1'-0" 1/4XP
Half Size 1/2XP
Full Size 1XP
1" = 1000'-0" 1/12000XP
1" = 500'-0" 1/6000XP
1" = 400'-0" 1/4800XP
1" = 200'-0" 1/2400XP
1" = 100'-0" 1/1200XP
1" = 80'-0" 1/960XP
1" = 60'-0" 1/720XP
1" = 50'-0" 1/600XP
1" = 40'-0" 1/480XP
1" = 30'-0" 1/360XP
1" = 20'-0" 1/240XP
1" = 10'-0" 1/120XP
You can pan the drawing within the viewport to get it centered properly, but do not
zoom or you will inadvertently change the plot scale factor. Once you are happy
with where the object is within the viewport, lock it so you don’t disturb it. To lock
the viewport, first double click outside of the viewport. This will put you back into
Paper Space. Click on the viewport border, then right-click. This will bring up the
cursor (context sensitive) menu. Select “Display Locked,” then “Yes.” From now
on, you can work within the viewport by double-clicking inside of it. It is usually
more convenient to work in Model Space inside of a viewport (the “Layout” tab),
rather than in “pure” Model Space (the “Model” tab).
Method 2 – Scaling a Viewport (example for ¼” = 1’-0” scale):

2. Click on the viewport border.
3. On the “Properties” Palette, slide down until you find “Standard Scale” Select
the scale from the pull-down list that you want the viewport to be set to.
4. Double click inside the viewport and pan it so that the part of the drawing you
want centered is centered.
5. Double click outside of the viewport.
6. Click on the viewport border, then right-click. This will bring up the cursor
(context sensitive) menu. Select “Display Locked,” then “Yes.”
7. Lock the Viewport: Select “Yes” after the “Display Locked” item on the
Properties Palette. From now on, you can work within the viewport by double-
clicking inside of it. It is always best to work inside of the viewport
Method 3 – Using the Viewport toolbar:

2. Select the layer A-ANNO-VPRT
3. Turn on the “Viewport” toolbar: Place your cursor over one of the existing
toolbars and right-click; check the toolbar name “Viewports.”
4. Select the “Single Viewport” icon (second from left on the toolbar).
5. Pick a point for the lower left corner of the viewport, then the upper right corner.
6. Click on the viewport (on the edge of the rectangle).
7. Select the drop-down arrow on the right side of the toolbar. This will reveal a
list of scales. Pick the scale you want from this list.
Lineweight
Your drawings must exhibit a variety of line weights in every drawing as below from
lightest to darkest
1. Texture and material lines, poché

2. Object lines (edge of surface, change of plane)
3. Lettering
4. Profile lines (cut through walls, doors, and windows in plan and section,
edge of any surface which is adjoined by "air" in elevations and roof plans)
5. Base lines (line at ground in elevations and sections)
Linetypes
Solid lines: use for all visible objects
_____________________ “continuous” linetype
Dashed lines: use for hidden objects or objects that are above the cutting
plane
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ “hidden” linetype
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ “hidden2” linetype
___ ___ ___ ___ ___ “hiddenx2” linetype
Long dash – short dash – long dash: use for column and beam and object
centerlines
____ _ ____ _ ____ _ ____ “center2” linetype
Long dash – two short dashes – long dash: use for property lines
_____ _ _ _____ _ _ _____ “phantom2” linetype

Drawing Titles and North Arrows

Every drawing on a drawing sheet must have the following information centered
under the drawing:
• Capitol letter to identify the drawing – start in the upper left corner of the
drawing with the letter A and continue horizontally across. The next drawing to
the right will be lettered drawing B. After the top line is filled, move to the next
line below. The first drawing on that line will be the next letter in sequence.
• Name of the drawing
• Scale
• North arrow for plans
Sheet Titles And Sheet Numbering
Typical Drawing Sheet
Lower right hand corner of drawing sheet

showing the drawing number
The following standards for sheet numbering comes from “The Uniform Drawing
System” published by the Construction Specifications System Institute (CSI) in
1997 and incorporated into the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS)
United States National CAD Standard, 2005.
1. All drawings must be assigned a sheet number. The sheet number should
appear in the lower right corner of the drawing.
2. The first letter of a sheet number indicates the discipline name. Immediately
after this is a three-digit number indicating the type of drawing and its
sequence in the set. Thus, a typical drawing sheet number would look like
this: A101. This would be the first architectural plan, usually the site plan or
the basement floor plan. Sheets should be numbered consecutively within a
series from 01 to 99.
3. Sheets are bound into “sets” and should be organized in the following
sequence of disciplines:
C = Civil (earthworks, cut and fill, retaining walls, ponds,

parking lots, streets, sidewalks, sewer and water outside of
building, electrical power and lighting and
telecommunications outside of building)
L = Landscape (topsoil, trees, shrubs, turf, ground cover,
brick or stone paving benches, usually only outside of
building)
A = Architectural
S = Structural
M = Mechanical (Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning)
P = Plumbing (inside building)
Q=Equipment (freezers, refrigerators, etc. - pre-
manufactured items that are built-in and need to be
connected to water, sewer, electricity or gas)
F = Fire Protection (fire sprinklers, standpipes, fire
extinguishers)
E = Electrical (power and lighting)
T = Telecommunications (telephone, CCTV, cable TV,
wired computer network, intercom, sound, security and
other low-voltage equipment)
I = Interior Furnishings (furniture, sometimes carpet, and
built-in custom or standard millwork and cabinets)
4. Drawings within a discipline are numbered sequentially with three-digit

numbers according with the following system:
100 series: site plans, floor plans, and reflected ceiling

plans, selective demolition plans – starting with A101,
which is usually the site plan.
200 series: exterior elevations – starting with A201
300 series: building sections – starting with A301
400 series: large scale "blown up" plans, elevations and

wall sections – starting with A401
500 series: details and interior elevations – starting with

A501
600 series: schedules (such as room finish schedules,

door schedules, window schedules) and diagrams
(plumbing riser diagrams, single line electrical diagrams) -
on small projects, schedules and diagrams can be included
on the plan sheets - starting with A601
“Issues” Date Format

From time to time, a drawing may be “issued.” For instance, it could be sent to the
Owner for review, sent to the building department for a permit, sent to bidders for
bidding, sent to the contractor for construction, or sent to the contractor to obtain a
price for a proposed revision. Whenever an issue is made, a record copy must be
made of the drawing at that stage of its development for future reference if a
dispute develops about what was included on the drawing at that point in time.
The date of the issue is placed in the “Issues and Revisions” block in the upper
right hand corner of the individual drawing. Only drawings that have been issued
for a specific purpose will receive a date as shown below. Thus not every drawing
in the set will have identical information in this block.
Upper right hand corner of drawing sheet:

Issues and Revisions Block
Drawing Revision Format

Drawings are revised frequently. If a drawing is revised after it is issued for
construction, the part that is changed must be “clouded” with a black grease pencil
on the back of the drawing (so the cloud can be easily erased when it is revised
again), a small triangle with a number in it is placed next to each cloud. The
number corresponds to the revision number for that sheet, and it is noted in the
“Issues and Revisions” block with a date after it. The triangles with numbers in
them remain on the drawing throughout its life to memorialize the approximate
location of each revision, however, only the last revision’s “clouds” remain on the
drawing. See the example below and above. Not every sheet in the set will have
the same revision dates but may have the same revision numbers, for instance, if
the plan is changed on August 1, but the elevations are not changed until October
15, the plan revisions are clouded given the revision number 1 (and dated 1 AUG
2005). When the elevations are changed, those changes are clouded and are also
given the revision number 1 (and dated 15 OCT 2005). Thus every sheet has its
own sequence of revision numbers possibly with different dates.
If a drawing is revised prior to when it is issued for construction, there is usually no

need to “cloud” and number the changes. If a drawing is changed during the
bidding period, it is not clouded but it is dated and the date recorded in the “Issues
and Revisions” block as per the following example: “24 JUL 2005 Addendum No.
2”
Example of a revised drawing that has been “clouded” indicating location of

revision and given a revision number in a small triangle
Elements to show in each type of drawing:

Title Sheet
Name and address of project

General Notes
Index of drawings
Material symbols
Legend of symbols
Perspective rendering of building (optional)
Note that abbreviations are not normally used in CADD drawings,

with exception of the following:
Do not use periods after abbreviations:
@: At (the rate of)

∅: Diameter
B/: Bottom of
BOT: Bottom
CFM: Cubic Feet per Minute
DN: Down
EQ: Equal
F: Farenheit
GSF: Gross Square Feet
HVAC: Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning
L: Angle
LF: Linear Feet
NIC: Not in Contract
NSF: Net Square Feet
OC: On Center
PSF: Pounds per Square Foot
PSI: Pounds per Square Inch
SF: Square Feet
T/: Top of
TYP: Typical
UNO: Unless Noted Otherwise
W/:With
Items to Show on the Site Plan (usually at a scale 1” = 20’-0”)
Property lines with dimensions and angles
Building setback lines with dimensions and angles
Easements with dimensions and angles
North arrow showing true north and “plan” north
Note that plan north should always be up throughout the drawing

set – never change the north orientation of any plan in the set for
convenience – it is very confusing
If the plan is very long in the north-south direction, it may fit the
sheet better by rotating north so that it is to the left
Location of the bench mark and its elevation

The “bench mark” is the location from which all vertical elevations
are measured – it is usually the top of a fire hydrant in the vicinity or
the top of a street curb.
Outline of the building (s)
Elevation of the first floor with relation to the bench mark

First floor elevation is usually set at 0’-0” for convenience
Topographic contours
Existing
Cut and fill
New
Stoops
Streets
Existing
Removed
New
Sidewalks
Existing
Removed
New
Driveways
Parking lots
Curb cuts
Retaining walls
Walls
Fences
Exterior steps
Slopes of hard surfaces
Air conditioner condensing unit
Trees and large shrubs

Existing
Removed
New
Manholes
Catch basins
Yard drain inlets
Fire hydrants
Yard sprinkler locations
Power poles
Street lights
Signs
Lawn drain tiles
Drainage ditches
Site utilities
Sewer, Water, Gas, Power, Telephone, Cable TV, Water Meter,
Gas meter, Power meter
Items to Show on the Basement Plan (usually at a scale 1/4” = 1’-0” or for large
buildings, or 1/8” = 1’-0”)
Foundation walls
Footings (show with dashed lines)
Stoop arms (show with dashed lines)
Steel beams supporting floor structure above (show with centerlines)
Steel columns
Column footings (show with dashed lines)
Interior partition walls and doors
Stairs
Furnace
Furnace flue
Hot water heater

Hot water heater flue
Power panel board
Floor drains
Sump pump location
Windows
Window wells
Escape window
Dimensions
Schedules:
Room Finish Schedule
Door Schedule
Window Schedule
Items to Show on the Floor Plans (usually at a scale 1/4” = 1’-0” or for large
buildings, 1/8” = 1’-0”)
Walls in plan
Walls are cut 3’-0” above floor
Overhead objects
Hidden objects
Receptacles
Power
Telephone
Cable TV
Network wiring
Hose bibs
Floor registers
Doors
Swing doors
Single
Pair
Bifold doors
Pocket doors
Bipass doors
Double-acting doors
Windows
Double hung windows
Casement windows
Awning windows
Hopper windows
Sliding windows
Pivoting windows
Fixed windows
Stairs
Minimum width:
36” for one and two family dwellings or where serving an
occupant load of 50 or less
44” for all other stairs
Handrails:
On at least one side for one and two family dwellings
On both sides for all other stairs
Minimum Headroom: 6’-8” clear

Minimum riser height:
7 ¾” for one and two family dwellings
7” for all other buildings
Maximum tread width:
10” for one and two family dwellings
11” for all other buildings
Maximum height between landings: 12’-0”
Show direction of each stair with an arrow that points in the upward
or downward direction – label arrows UP or DN
Show thicker interior walls where plumbing riser sewer or vent pipes are
located (usually 2x6 walls instead of 2x4)
Fireplaces
Kitchen cabinets and appliances
Plumbing fixtures
Fireplace
Hearth
Flue
Heating registers
Slope of garage floor slab
Area drains
Basement window wells and drains
Downspouts
Splashblocks
Dimensions
Overall dimension
Face of finished walls
Centerlines of doors
Centerlines of windows
Schedules:
Room Finish Schedule
Door Schedule
Window Schedule
ROOM FINISH SCHEDULE
LEVEL ROOM NUMBER ROOM NAME FLOOR BASE WALL CEILING CEILING HT REMARKS
BASEMENT B01 STORAGE CONC EXP EXP EXP 7'-0"
B02 FURNACE RM CONC EXP DW DW 7'-0" TYPE "X"

DRYWALL
1ST FLOOR 101 VESTIBULE VCT WOOD - S&S DWP DWP 10'-6"
102 LIVING ROOM WOOD WOOD - S&S DWP DWP 9'-0" SEE
ELEVATIONS
103 STUDY WOOD WOOD - S&S DWP DWP VARIES "CATHEDRAL"

CEILING
104 KITCHEN SHEET VINYL WOOD - PTD DWP DWP 9'-0"
105 CLOSET #1 SHEET VINYL WOOD - PTD DWP DWP 10'-6"
106 STAIR ` CPT WOOD - S&S DWP DWP VARIES
2ND FLOOR 201 HALL CPT WOOD - S&S DWP DWP 8'-0"
202 BEDROOM #1 CPT WOOD - S&S DWP DWP 8'-0"
203 BATHROOM CT CT DWP DWP 8'-0"
ROOM FINISH ABBREVIATIONS: EXP: EXPOSED CONSTRUCTION

CONC: CONCRETE, SEALED SHEET VINYL: SHEET VINYL FLOORING OVER ½” PLYWOOD UNDERLAYMENT
CPT: CARPET VCT: VINYL COMPOSITION TILE OVER ½” PLYWOOD UNDERLAYMENT
CT: CERAMIC TILE WOOD: STRIP RED OAK, SANDED, STAINED & SEALED
DW: DRYWALL, UNPAINTED WOOD-S&S: RED OAK TRIM, STAINED & SEALED
DWP: DRYWALL, PAINTED
DOOR SCHEDULE
DOOR SIZE DOOR MATERIAL FRAME MATERIAL HARDWARE LABEL REMARKS
LEVEL TYPE
NO
DB01 3'-0" x 6'-8" x 1 3/4" A HM-P HM-P SET 1

BASEMENT
DB02 3'-0" x 6'-8" x 1 3/4" A WDSC-P WD-P SET 2
DB03 3'-0" x 6'-8" x 1 3/4" A WDSC-P WD-P SET 2
D101 3'-0" x 6'-8" x 1 3/4" B WDSC-P/GL-T WD-P PREHUNG MARVIN

FIRST
DOOR 3080
FLOOR
W/GLASS
LITE GL-T
D102 PR 3'-0" x 6'-8" x 1 3/4" D WDPAN-SS WD-SS SET 3
D103 3'-0" x 6'-8" x 1 3/4" C WDPAN-SS WD-SS SET 4
D104 E WD-SS SET 5

BIFOLD 2'-6" x 6'-8" x 1 3/8" WDHC-SS
D201 3'-0" x 6'-8" x 1 3/4" C WDPAN-P WD-P SET 5

SECOND
FLOOR
C WDPAN-P WD-P SET 5
D202 3'-0" x 6'-8" x 1 3/4"
F WDPAN-P WD-P
D203 PR BIFOLD 2'-6" x 6'-8" x 1 3/8" SET 5
WDPAN-P WD-P SET7

D204 3'-0" x 6'-8" x 1 3/4" C
DOOR SCHEDULE ABBREVIATIONS: WDSC-SS: SOLID CORE WOOD, STAINED & SEALED
GL-T: TEMPERED GLASS WDHC-P: HOLLOW CORE WOOD, PAINTED
HM-P: HOLLOW METAL, PAINTED WDHC-SS: HOLLOW CORE WOOD, STAINED & SEALED
WD-P: POPLAR OR BIRCH WOOD, PAINTED WDPAN-P: PANELLED WOOD, PAINTED
WD-SS: RED OAK, STAINED & SEALED WDPAN-SS: PANELLED WOOD, STAINED & SEALED
WDSC-P: SOLID CORE WOOD, PAINTED
WINDOW SCHEDULE
LEVEL WINDOW FRAME SIZE (W X H) WINDOW OPERATION MANUFACTURER’S REMARKS
NO. MATERIAL NUMBER
BASEMENT WB01 3'-0" X 3’-0" WD-P HOPPER H-3030
WB02 3'-0" X 3’-0" WD-P HOPPER H-3030
WB03 3'-0" X 4’-6”" WD-P SLIDING S-3046 ESCAPE WINDOW
FIRST W101 PR 3'-0" X 5’-0” WD-P CASEMENT C-3050

FLOOR
W102 PR 3'-0" X 5’-0” WDPAN-SS CASEMENT C-3050
SECOND W201 3'-0" X 3’-6” WDPAN-P FIXED F-3036 GL-T

FLOOR
W202 3'-0" X 5’-0” WDPAN-P DOUBLE- D-3050

HUNG
WINDOW SCHEDULE ABBREVIATIONS:

GL-T: TEMPERED GLASS
WD-P: WOOD, PAINTED
WD-SS: WOOD, STAINED & SEALED
Items to Show on Roof Plan (usually at a scale 1/4” = 1’-0” or for large buildings, 1/8”
= 1’-0”)
Slopes
Materials
Gutters and downspouts
Parapets
Skylights
Dimensions
Operation
Items to Show on the Reflected Ceiling Plans (usually at a scale 1/4” = 1’-0”, or for
large buildings, 1/8” = 1’-0”)
Lights
Switches and conduit runs
Ceiling tile pattern
Identification of ceiling changes of plane
Heads of doors
Door swings
Items to Show on the Exterior Elevations (usually at a scale 1/4” = 1’-0”, or for large
buildings, 1/8” = 1’-0”)
Doors
Show hinge side with dashed lines
Windows
Show hinge side on casements, awnings, hoppers and pivoting
windows
Show arrows depicting double hung, single hung, and sliding sash
direction
Show the letter F for fixed glazing
Wall materials
Roofing materials
Change of plane
Light fixtures
Hose bibs
Mailboxes
House numbers
Vertical dimensioning
Floor elevation levels

Items to Show on the Interior Elevations (usually at a scale of 1/4” = 1’-0”)
Doors
Show hinge side
Baseboard
Moldings
Chair rail
Crown molding
Plate rail
Wainscotting
Millwork
Light fixtures
Vertical dimensioning
Items to Show in the Wall Sections (usually at a scale of 3/4” = 1’-0”)
Vertical dimensions
Floor elevation marks
Materials
Sheathing
Exterior finish
Interior finish
Insulation – show minimum R-value
Floor deck
Finish flooring
Baseboard
Wall moldings
Roof sheathing
Roof underlayment
Roofing
Roof ventilation
Structural information
Foundation and footing
Wall structure
Floor joists
Ceiling joists
Roof rafters
Bridging
Reinforcing bars in foundation walls
Drainage bed of gravel under concrete floor slab
Vapor retarder under concrete floor slab
Welded wire fabric mesh reinforcing in concrete floor slab
Dampproofing
Items to Show in the Details (various large scales)
Plan and Section of a fireplace (1 ½” = 1’-0”)
Riser and tread of a stair (1 ½” = 1’-0”)
Section detail of a lintel above a window or other opening

(3” = 1’-0”)
Section and plan of cabinets (1” = 1’-0”)
Threshold detail (1 ½” = 1’-0”)
Column cladding (3” = 1’-0”)

CSI (“Construction Specifications Institute”) Format for Organization of

Specifications and Materials:
Division 1: General Requirements

Division 2: Existing Conditions
Division 3: Concrete
Division 4: Masonry
Division 5: Metals
Division 6: Wood, Plastics and Composites
Division 7: Thermal and Moisture Protection
Division 8: Openings
Division 9: Finishes (interior finishes)
Division 10: Specialties (for example, signs, toilet accessories)
Division 11: Equipment (for example, kitchen equipment)
Division 12: Furnishings
Division 13: Special Construction (for example, greenhouses)
Division 14: Conveying Equipment (elevators, escalators, lifts)
Division 21: Fire Suppression
Division 22: Plumbing
Division 23: Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning
Division 26: Electrical
Division 27: Communications
Division 28: Electronic Safety and Security
Division 31: Earthwork
Division 32: Exterior Improvements
Division 33: Utilities
Terms Commonly used in Architecture, Interior

Design, and Construction Management
ACCESS PANEL - A small metal or wood door flush with a wall or ceiling surface
which provides a closure over a valve or other operable device which is recessed
into the wall or located above a ceiling. The access door may be keyed and
lockable.
ACCESS FLOOR - Removable metal or concrete floor panels about 18" to 24"
square which are supported on short steel pedestals so that wiring and ductwork
may be installed, changed and maintained below the floor. The raised floor may be
carpeted or tiled to create a finished floor surface.
ACOUSTICAL TILE, ACOUSTICAL PANEL - A ceiling or wall tile finishing material

with an inherent property to absorb sound; usually made of mineral, fiber or
insulated metal materials. Not "Acoustic Tile" or "Acoustical Board."
ACRYLIC (PAINT), ACRYLIC LATEX - A paint composed of acrylic resins, thinned

with water.
ADDENDUM - Written or graphic instruments issued prior to the execution of the

Contract which modify or interpret the bidding documents, including Drawings and
Specifications, by additions, deletions, clarifications or corrections. Addenda will
become part of the Contract Documents when the Construction Contract is
executed; (plural form: "Addenda").
ADHESIVE - A sticky substance to bond one material to another. Use the term
"Adhere" instead of "Glue." Do not use "Glue," "Cement," or Mastic."
ADMIXTURE - A chemical which is added to concrete to accelerate or retard the

setting process or to create air bubbles in the concrete, called "accelerators," or -
air entraining agents."
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS - Published public notice soliciting bids for a

construction project. Most frequently used to conform to legal requirements
pertaining to projects to be constructed under public authority, and usually published
on newspapers of general circulation in those districts from which the public funds
are derived.
AGGREGATE - Any of various hard, inert materials, like sand, gravel, crushed
stone, or pebbles added to cement to make concrete, mortar, or plaster.
AGREEMENT
(1) A legally enforceable promise or promises between two or among several
persons.
(2) On a construction project, the document stating the essential terms of the
Construction Contract which incorporate by reference the other Contract
Documents.
(3) The document setting forth the terms of the Contract between the Architect and a
consultant.
AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM - The process of treating air for simultaneous control
of temperature, humidity, cleanliness, and distribution.
ALKYD (PAINT) – A type of paint composed of a chemically synthesized, alkyd

derived base, thinned with mineral spirits. This is the contemporary version of
traditional "oil" based paints.
ALTERATION - A planned or executed change to an existing building, short of

complete demolition of the building. See also DEMOLITION and SELECTIVE
DEMOLITION.
ALTERNATE - Mechanism used in Bid Documents to seek separate bids for a

different design than the "Base Bid" design. May be "Additive" or "Deductive"
alternates.
APPROVE - The term "approved," where used in conjunction with the Architect's
action on the Contractor's submittal, applications, and requests, is limited to the
Architect's duties and responsibilities as stated in General and Supplementary
Conditions.
APRON
(1) A finish strip applied below the stool of a window to cover the rough plaster or dry
wall edge.
(2) A paved or hard packed area abutting a garage door or other opening.
AREAWAY - An uncovered space next to the fountain walls of a building, for

entrance of light and air to the basement.
ARRIS - Sharp edge of a finished member.
AS-BUILT DRAWING - A drawing or print marked by the Contractor to show actual

conditions of a project as constructed after construction.
ASHLAR - A rectangular pattern of stone used in a wall.
ASPHALTIC CONCRETE - This is the proper term used for paving for roads and
driveways. Not "Asphalt" or "Bituminous" Concrete.
ASTRAGAL - A small molding attached to one or both meeting stiles of

a double door, used to provide a tight, draft - free fit.
AWARD - The acceptance of a bid or negotiated proposal by an owner.
BACKFILL - The material (earth, gravel, or sand) used for refilling around a
foundation wall.
BACKUP - The inner portion of a masonry wall, usually finished with face brick,
stone ashlar, stucco, or other decorative or protective veneer on the outside.
BALUSTER - Any of a number of closely spaced vertical supports for a railing or

balustrade.
BATT INSULATION - A preformed section of flexible fiberglass or mineral wool

insulation with or without a vapor barrier covering on one side (either Kraft paper or
aluminum foil) sized to fit snugly in a framed cavity between studs or joists.
BATTEN - A narrow strip of wood or metal used to cover vertical joints between
boards or panels.
BAY - An opening in a wall; a horizontal area division of a building, usually defined

as the space between two columns or piers.
BEAM - A horizontal load - supporting member of a building which directly supports

a floor; may be of wood steel, or concrete; transmits load horizontally to vertical
columns or bearing walls. Normally beams are larger and are spaced further apart
than "joist."
BEARING WALL - A wall which supports any vertical load in a building (such as
floors, roofs, joist, beams or girder) as well as its own weight.
BEARING - The area of contact between a structural member (beam, girder, footing)
and its underlying support (column, bearing wall, load bearing ground).
BELT - A horizontal course of decorative stone or brick exposed to the exterior face
and encircling a masonry building.
BEVELED WOOD SIDING - Horizontal wood boards of varying widths, (usually 4",
6", 8", or 10") with lower edge thicker than upper edge.
BID - A complete and signed proposal to do the construction work or designated

portion thereof for the dollar amount stated in the bid.
BIDDER - One who submits a bid for a prime contract with the Owner,
as distinct from a sub - bidder who submits a bid to another bidder. Technically, a
bidder is not a contractor on a specific project until a contract exists between him
and the Owner.
BIDDING DOCUMENTS - The advertisement or invitation to bid, instructions to

Bidders, the bid form the drawings, the specifications, and any Addenda issued prior
to receipt of bids.
BLANKET INSULATION - Roll type fiberglass insulation for installation over

ceilings or on wall surfaces either laid flat or secured with impaling pins.
BOARD FOOT - A unit of measure represented by a board nominally one foot long,
one foot wide and one inch thick, or 144 cubic inches.
BOARD MEASURE - A system of cubic measurement for lumber; the basic unit is a
board foot.
BOND - The arrangement of bricks in certain overlapping patterns to give the

finished structural unit additional strength and to allow the individual elements to act
together as a cohesive, integrated unit. Commonly used bonds are Running,
Common, English, and Flemish bonds.
BORROWED LITE - An interior window between rooms which allows light from one
room to enter another - use instead “glazed opening."
BRACE - A structural member which reinforces a column, beam, or truss.
BRACKET - A horizontally projecting support for an overhanging weight such as

cornice.
BRIDGING - A method of bracing wood or steel floor joists by providing lateral

members between the joists. Cross - bridging forms an "x" shape between joists.
The purpose of bridging is to distribute loading to several joists.
BUDGET - The sum established by the Owner as available for the entire Project,
including the construction budget, land costs, equipment costs, financing costs,
compensation for professional services, contingency allowance, and other similar
established or estimated costs.
BUILDING PERMIT - A permit issued by a village, town, city, county, state or

federal governmental authority allowing construction of a project in accordance with
approved Drawings and Specifications.
BUILDING TYPE - A classification of a building according to principal activities or

uses for which it was constructed, such as housing, jail, shopping center. This is not
the same as an "occupancy type" of building codes.
BUILT - UP ROOFING - roofing system used on relatively flat surfaces - hot

asphalt or coal tar pitch mopped on with three to four plies of roofing felts. May be
smooth surfaced, painted with fibrated aluminum paint, or graveled on top.
BUTT JOINT - The cut ends of sheet or boards placed adjacent to one another with
no overlap.
BUTTRESS - An external structure usually brick or stone, built against a wall to

support or reinforce it.
BY OWNER - The term "by Owner" means that work shown or described in the
contract documents and labeled with this designation is not included in the General
Contractor's contract, but will be completed under a separate contract with another
contractor by the Owner. Coordination and scheduling of the work thus described
shall be the responsibility of the General Contractor.
BY OTHERS - The term "by others" means that work shown or described in the
contract documents and labeled with this designation is not included in the specific
sub-trade's contract, but will be required to be done within the General Contractor's
contract.
CAISSON - A deep foundation type which is constructed by boring a large diameter

hole in the ground and filling it with concrete.
CAMBER - A slight upward arching given to a beam, girder, or truss to prevent

sagging due to weight.
CANT STRIP - A slanted or angled board laid at roof - wall intersection or in back of
a parapet, to transition from horizontal to vertical for a roof membrane.
CANTILEVER - A structural member projecting horizontally well beyond its vertical

support.
CASE WALL - A partition to enclose mechanical and plumbing systems.
CASEMENT - A type of window having a sash with hinges on one side allowing the
window to open. Most contemporary casement windows swing outward.
CASING - The exposed trim molding, around a door or window; may be either flat or
molded.
CASING BEAD - A plaster stop - do not use for gypsum wallboard trim.
CAULK - An archaic term meaning to fill small cracks with a linseed oil and whiting
compound called "caulk" which is not very flexible and will not provide a water tight
joint - - use the term "seal" or "sealant" instead.
CEMENT - Portland Cement for use in concrete, grout, mortar, cement plaster and
stucco.
CEMENT PLASTER - Material made from Portland cement sand and water for use
on exterior walls and soffits, and on high use interior surfaces or in high humidity
interior spaces. "Stucco" is cement plaster.
CERTIFICATION FOR PAYMENT - A signed statement from the Architect to the

Owner confirming the amount of money due the Contractor for Work accomplished
and/or materials and equipment suitably stored.
CHALKBOARD - Do not use the term "Blackboard" which is archaic since

contemporary chalkboards are not normally black.
CHAMFER - To bevel or round off a right angle corner.
CHANGE ORDER - A written order to the Contractor signed by the Contractor,

Owner, and the Architect, issued after the execution of the Contract, authorizing a
Change in the Work or an adjustment in the Contract Sum or the Contract Time. The
Contract Sum and the Contract Time may be changed only by Change Order.
CHIPBOARD - Incorrect term - use the term "particle board" or OSB (“Oriented
Strand Board”) instead.
CLERESTORY WINDOW - A window or series of windows in a wall above the eye

line, for lighting and/or ventilation of the building.
CMU - Concrete Masonry Unit - Do not use "Cement Block" or "Cinder Block."
CODES - Regulations, ordinances or statutory requirements of a village, town, city,

county, state, or federal government relating to building construction, adopted and
administered for the protection of the public health, safety, and welfare.
COLUMN - A vertical load - carrying structural member supporting horizontal

members (beams, girders, etc.).
COMPLETE - The term "complete" means all surfaces or areas of a construction

item.
CONCRETE - A mixture of Portland cement, large and small aggregate, water and
admixture.
CONDUCTOR - See "down spout".
CONDUIT - A protective metal tube for electric wiring.
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS - The term "Construction Documents" means the

Scope of Work list and reference drawings contained within the Volume by that
name.
CONSTRUCTION JOINT - A joint in concrete flatwork or walls which is necessary

for stopping the pour for the day - do not use "cold joint."
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT - The combined operations for the

authorization, purchasing, supervision, accomplishment, and acceptance of a
construction project.
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS - Working Drawings and Specifications.
CONSULTANT - An individual or organization engaged by the Owner or Architect

to render professional consulting services, supplementing the Architect's services.
Types of consultants could be Engineers, acoustical, energy, or cost consultants.
CONTRACT DOCUMENTS - The term "Contract Documents" means all of the

documents which make up the Contract between Owner and Contractor, including
the Contract itself, the General and Special Conditions, the Technical Specifications,
the Construction Documents (Scope of Work and Drawings), all Addenda issued
prior to signing of the Contract and Change Orders issued by the Owner and agreed
to by the Contractor after the signing of the Contract.
CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION - The duties and responsibilities of the Architect

during the Construction Phase, which includes observation of construction, checking
shop drawings, and approving pay requests.
CONTRACT DOCUMENTS - The Owner - Contractor Agreement, the Conditions of

the Contract (General, Supplementary and other Conditions), the Drawings, the
Specifications, and all addenda issued prior to execution of the contract.
CONTRACTOR - In construction terminology, the person or organization

responsible for performing the Construction Work and identified as such in the
Owner - Contractor Agreement.
CONTROL JOINT - A groove which is formed, sawed, or tooled in a concrete or

masonry structure to regulate the location and the amount of cracking and
separation resulting from the dimensional change of different parts of the structure,
thereby avoiding the development of high stresses.
COPING - Top of a parapet, usually stone or metal, to prevent water from getting
into the parapet.
COR - TEN - Proprietary name for a brand of weathering steel made by the Inland
Steel Company - use the generic term "weathering steel" instead.
CORBEL - Masonry which is stepped out from each course to project from a wall.
CORNICE - A horizontal molding along the top of the wall or ceiling.
COURSE - A continuous horizontal layer of masonry.
CRAWL SPACE - An unfinished, accessible space below the first floor, generally
less than full story height, but at least 1' - 6" high clear under the joists or beams.
CRICKET - A small saddle on a roof used to divert water around a chimney or

other small projection (see saddle).
CRIPPLE - A short supplemental wall framing member used between the door or
window header (or window sill) and sill plate.
CURB
(1) The stone or concrete edging of a side walk or paved street;
(2) The raised edge of a floor or well opening.
CURTAIN WALL - An exterior wall which encloses but does not support the
structural frame of the building.
DAMPPROOFING - An impermeable coat or coats of asphalt brushed or sprayed

on the foundation basement wall to prevent the passage of moisture.
DATUM - A reference elevation to which other elevations are measured.
DEAD LOAD - The part of the total building load contributed by the structural
building elements and materials.
DEFLECTION - The displacement in a structural member that occurs when a load

is applied to the structure.
DELETE - To take something out of the building or contract - do not confuse with
"omit" which means not to install something in the first place.
DEMISING WALL - An interior wall or partition used to sub - divide tenant spaces
from one another.
DEMOLITION - Removal of an entire building - see also "alteration" and "selective

demolition."
DETAIL - A drawing, at a larger scale, of a part of another drawing, indicating in

detail the design, location, composition and correlation of the elements and materials
shown. (Usually referring to a plan detail.)
DIRECTED - Terms such as "directed," "requested," "authorized," "selected,"

"approved," "required," and "permitted" mean "directed by the Architect," "requested
by the Architect," and similar phrases.
DIVISION (OF THE SPECIFICATIONS) - One of the organizational subdivisions

used in the specifications and in construction information filing. The divisions
applicable to buildings are as follows:
Division 1: General Requirements

Division 2: Existing Conditions
Division 3: Concrete
Division 4: Masonry
Division 5: Metals
Division 6: Wood, Plastics and Composites
Division 7: Thermal and Moisture Protection
Division 8: Openings
Division 9: Finishes (interior finishes)
Division 10: Specialties (for example, signs, toilet accessories)
Division 11: Equipment (for example, kitchen equipment)
Division 12: Furnishings
Division 13: Special Construction (for example, greenhouses)
Division 14: Conveying Equipment (elevators, escalators, lifts)
Division 21: Fire Suppression
Division 22: Plumbing
Division 23: Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning
Division 26: Electrical
Division 27: Communications
Division 28: Electronic Safety and Security
Division 31: Earthwork
Division 32: Exterior Improvements
Division 33: Utilities
DOUBLE HUNG WINDOW - A type of window containing two movable sash

sections which slide open vertically.
DOWNSPOUT - A pipe to carry rainwater from the gutter or roof to the ground or the
sewer - can be sheet metal, plastic, or other type of piping material.
DRAWING – one of the sheets of the construction documents - do not use "print,"
"blueprint," or "sheet"
DRIP - A projecting part of a sill or cornice that sheds rain water and protects
structural parts below.
DRYWALL - Gypsum board for interior wall and ceiling finish material. The preferred
generic term is “Gyp Board.”
DUCT - A rectangular or round sheet metal or fiberglass pipe used to convey warm
or cooled air.
DUMBWAITER - an elevator too small for a person - used for vertically transporting
food, mail, dishes, trays, etc.
EAVES - The lower or outer edge of a roof which overhangs the side wall of a
building.
ELASTOMERIC - A material which is inherently rubbery for sealants, flashings, and

waterproof membranes.
ELEVATION
(1) A drawing of the front, side, or rear of the building drawn to sale.
(2) The height above surface of the earth or the vertical distance from a given
reference elevation.
ENGLISH BASEMENT - A basement with half its height above grade level.
EVACUATION - The removal of earth from its natural position, or the depression
resulting from the removal of earth.
EXPANSION JOINT - A joint in concrete, masonry, or metal designed for movement

- expansion and contraction - not a "control joint," or "construction joint."
EXPANSION SHIELD - a drilled-in lead shaft, into which a bolt is screwed,

expanding the shaft tight against the hole - used for anchoring materials onto
concrete or masonry surfaces.
FACADE - The front of a building.
FACE BRICK - A good grade of brick used to finished the exterior of building walls.
FASCIA
(1) Any relatively broad flat vertical surface like that on the outside of a cornice.
(2) A finishing board used to conceal rafter ends.
FEASIBILITY STUDY - A detailed investigation and analysis conducted to determine

the financial, economic, technical or other advisability of a proposed project.
FEE - A term used to denote payment for a professional service, (not including
compensation for reimbursable expenses, such as travel, long distance telephone
calls, photo copy, printing or mailing).
FELT PAPER - Archaic term - an asphalt-impregnated sheet used as a covering

for wall sheathing or used for plys of built - up roofing, usually weighing 15 lbs. per
100 square feet - use the term "building paper" for use over wall sheathing, and
"ply" for roofing felts.
FENESTRATION - The design and disposition or arrangement of windows or other

openings in a building wall.
FIBERBOARD - A building board of wood or other plant fibers compressed and

bonded into a sheet, usually 4'-0" x 8'-0" x 1/2" thick.
FIBERGLASS - Fine spun filaments of glass made into a yarn, used in blankets as
insulation; or it may by added to gypsum or concrete products to increase tensile
strength. It was invented in 1938 by Russell Games Slayter of Owens-Corning as a
material to be used as insulation, and is marketed by OCF Company as “Fiberglas”
It is sometimes called generically "glass fiber insulation."
FILL - Soil, gravel, or sand used to equalize or raise the surface of the earth.
FINISHED FLOOR - The top or wearing surface of a floor system, of hardwood,

vinyl, terrazzo, or ceramic tile.
FIRE RESISTANCE - The ability of a wall or floor assembly to maintain structural

stability and act as an effective barrier to the transmission of heat for a stipulated
period of time. Fire Resistance is measured in hours, such as 1hr, 2hr, 3hr, or 4hr.
FIRE STOPPING - Solid wood members placed between studs to retard the spread
of flame within the framing cavity.
FIREPROOFING - The use of incombustible materials to protect steel structured

membrane of a building so it can withstand a fire without losing structural integrity,
for a stipulated period of time. Fireproofing is measured in hours, such as 1 hr, 2hr,
3hr, or 4hr.
FLAKE BOARD - use the term "particle board" instead.
FLAME SPREAD CLASSIFICATION - A standard measurement of the relative

surface burning characteristics of a building material when tested in accordance with
ASTM standard E 84. Classes are A, B, or C.
FLASHING - The strips of sheet metal, copper, lead, or tin used to cover and protect
structural angles and joints, to prevent water seepage or leaks.
FLOAT FINISH - The surface of concrete finished by a continuous spreading of the

material with a flat board.
FLUE - The duct or open space within a chimney through which combustion gasses
and smoke are allowed to escape.
FOOTING - The projecting course at the base of a foundation wall which distributes
the building load over a wider area of the soil.
FOYER - The entrance hall of a house or other building type.
FURNISH - The term "furnish" is used to mean "supply and deliver to the Project
site, ready for unloading, unpacking, assembly, installation, and similar operations."
If a person “furnishes” a product, it does not imply that that same person would
install it. Use the term “PROVIDE” if you want a person to both furnish and install a
product.
FURRING - The strips of wood or metal applied to wall or other surface to make it
plumb or true to line, which will provide a fastening surface for a finish covering - -
be more precise by using the terms "wood furring" or "metal furring."
FURRING CHANNEL - cold rolled steel channel for suspension of plaster or drywall
ceilings - usually 3/4" or 1/2" deep.
GABLE - The triangular-shaped wall at the end of a building between the slopes of a
roof.
GAGE - Same as the term "gauge” - measure of the thickness of metal.
GAMBREL ROOF - A ridged roof, with sides having two pitches or slopes.
GENERAL CONTRACT
(1) Under the single contract system, the Contract between the Owner and the
Contractor for construction of the entire Work.
(2) Under the separate contract system, that Contract between the Owner and a
Contractor for construction of architectural and structural Work.
GENERAL CONDITIONS OF THE CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION - That

written part of the Contract Documents which sets forth many of the rights,
responsibilities and relationships of the parties involved.
GIRDER - A Horizontal load-carrying member of a building which supports a beam

or beams.
GIRT - A secondary horizontal framing member extending between columns or

studs to stiffen the framing system; also to provide support for the siding or
sheathing.
GLAZED OPENING - glass window in an interior wall or partition - do not use the
term "window," "vision panel," "light," "lite," or "borrowed light."
GRADE BEAM - A horizontal load-bearing foundation member but end - supported

on piles, piers, or caissons like a standard beam; not ground-supported like a
foundation wall.
GRADE - Level of the earth's surface.
GREEN – Process of selection of materials and systems that use materials that are
made from renewable resources, are affordable and contain low amounts of
embodied energy.
GRILLAGE - A system of beams, laid crosswise to form a foundation to evenly

distribute the load.
GROSS AREA - The total enclosed floor area of all floors of a building measured
from the outside surface of the exterior walls.
GROUNDS - The strips of wood or metal placed around a wall opening to establish
the finished plane for plaster finish.
GROUT - A thin, fluid mortar mixture of Portland cement, fine aggregate and water
used to fill small joints and cavities in masonry work - do not use mortar in place of
grout.
GUARD RAIL - A protective railing around an open raised platform.
GYP BOARD - A prefabricated sheet used in drywall construction made of gypsum

covered with paper which can be painted, or wall-papered – sometimes the term
"drywall" is used.
GYPSUM WALLBOARD – Gyp Board or Drywall.
HANDRAIL - Single railing on wall at stair – not to be confused with the term "guard
rail" which is a protective barrier at the edge of an opening.
HANGER - Any suspended structural member to which other members are attached.
HARDBOARD - manufactured flat wood panel used for interior finish material - do
not use the terms "Masonite," or "pressed board."
HARDWOOD - wood obtained from deciduous trees, mainly used for finished wood
trim, doors, panels, and furniture. It implies no specific wood species and could be
oak, birch, ash, poplar, teak, mahogany, butternut, etc.
HEAD ROOM - The distance between the top of a finished floor or stair nosing and
the lowest part of the ceiling above.
HEADER - In masonry, a brick laid across the thickness of a wall with one end
toward the face of wall. In carpentry, a wood beam set at right angles to joists at a
floor opening to provide a support for joist which are interrupted by the opening.
HEARTH - The floor of a fire place, and the projection of noncombustible flooring
material in front of the fireplace.
HIP ROOF - A room whose four sides slope to a common point or to ridge; has no
gabled ends.
HOISTWAY - shaft for elevators and dumbwaiters.
HOLLOW METAL - break-formed sheet metal used for doors, windows and frames.
HVAC - Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning
IN KIND - The term "in kind" means of the same type, size, material, etc. as the
existing item.
INDICATED - The term "indicated" refers to graphic representations, notes, or

schedules on the Drawings, other paragraphs or schedules in the Specifications,
and similar requirements in the Contract Documents. Where terms such as
"shown," "noted," "scheduled” and "specified" are used, it is to help the reader locate
the reference; no limitation on location is intended.
INSTALL - The term "install" is used to describe operations at project site including
the actual "unloading, unpacking, assembly, erection, placing, anchoring, applying,
working to dimension, finishing, curing, protecting, cleaning, and similar operations."
INSTALLER - An "Installer" is the Contractor or an entity engaged by the

Contractor, either as an employee, subcontractor, or sub - subcontractor, for
performance of a particular construction activity, including installation, erection,
application, and similar operations.
INSULATION - Any material used to slow down the transfer of heat.

IRON – The most abundant metal in the universe and the most abundant element
(symbol Fe) making up the earth (34.6%). The large amount of iron in the earth is
thought to contribute toward its magnetic field. Iron is not normally found in a free
state, but must be extracted from iron ore, which is found in great quantities in the
Lake Superior region of the United States. Iron is not normally used by itself in
construction, but iron ore is alloyed with other elements and used for making steel
and the following:
CAST IRON: It is used for ornamental iron work by pouring molten iron into a
mold. It is very brittle. It has high carbon content, more than 2%, and 1% to
3% silicon.
WROUGHT IRON: It is used for fences, grilles and other ornamental

purposes in buildings. It is tough, malleable, ductile, and easily welded. It is
the purest form of commercial iron containing very small carbon content. It is
made in small pots into which iron ore is poured and covered with a thin layer
of charcoal. Air is blown onto the charcoal after lighting it on fire. The heat
produced melts the iron ore and adds only a small amount of carbon to the
iron.
MILD STEEL: It is used in structural steel products, stainless steel and mesh.
It is neither extremely brittle nor ductile. Discovered in 1856 in an attempt to
mass produce wrought iron, it is the most common form of steel. It contains
medium carbon content - up to 0.8%.
STEEL: A metal alloy of iron and carbon, containing up to 2.1% carbon. It has
a much higher tensile strength (36,000 psi) than iron but is more brittle.
HIGH STRENGTH STEEL: Used for structural steel which are subject to
extremely high loads or long spans. Contains less than 1% carbon and other
added metals.
STAINLESS STEEL: Steel that contains more than 10% chromium. Used in
objects in buildings that you do not want to corrode, such as exterior exposed
metals or food service equipment.
JACK RAFTER - The diagonal sloping ridge rafter of a hip roof.
JALOUSIES - Adjustable glass louvers in doors or windows to regulate light and air
or exclude rain.
JAMB - The side framing or finish of a doorway or window.

JOINT FILLER - Material which fills the entire depth of a joint and in itself does not
form a waterproof joint - may be topped with sealant to provide water tightness.
JOIST - A horizontal closely spaced framing member supporting a floor or ceiling.
KERF - A narrow slot cut in to the face of a material such as wood or metal.
KEYSTONE - The central topmost stone or brick of an arch.
KING POST - The vertical member at the center of a triangular truss.
KNEE - A brace placed diagonally at the center of a triangular truss.
LALLY COLUMN - A steel pipe column which is encased in light-weight concrete

and another steel jacket on the outside to create a prefabricated fire-rated steel
column. The term has come to be a generic term for any steel pipe column, but this
is improper usage. True “Lally” columns are a proprietary (patented) product
invented in1933 by the Dean Lally Company in Chicago. Their name for this type of
fireproofed column is the “Fire-Trol Column.”
LATH - Strips of wood (in older existing construction) or expanded metal used as
base for plaster walls.
LATTICE - Any openwork panel of crossed strips, rods, or bars of wood or metal,
used as a screen.
LEADER – An archaic term for "down spout."
LIEN - See "mechanic's lien".
LIGHT – See “Lite.”

LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE - concrete which uses lightweight aggregate such as
expanded shale or clay instead of crushed stone - normally weighs about 110 pcf.
LIGHT WELL - An open area within a building or in a subsoil space around a

basement window, which provides light and air.
LINTEL - A piece of wood, stone, or steel placed horizontally across the top of door
and window openings to support the wall above the opening.
LITE - A window pane or section of a window sash for a single pane of glass.
LIVE LOAD - That part of the total load on structural members that is not a
permanent part of the structure. it may be variable, as in the case of loads
contributed by people, furniture, wind, snow or earthquake loads.
LOAD-BEARING PARTITION - A vertical structural interior wall supporting a floor

or roof.
LOFT -
(1) An attic - like space below the roof of a house or barn;
(2) Any of the upper stories of a warehouse or factory,
(3) A type of apartment unit which is usually built within an old factory and which
provides the occupant with large, open, high - ceiling spaces. Usually only a
bathroom is enclosed and plumbing is minimal. Interiors are finished by occupant.
LOUVER - A slatted ventilator pitched to keep out fain or snow.
LVL – “Laminated Veneer Lumber” a type of “engineered wood” used for structural
headers, columns and beams – it is stronger, straighter, and more uniform than
typical sawn lumber and is easy to handle and use, but won't warp, twist, bow, or
shrink. LVL is created by using engineering technology to laminate several layers of
lumber together.
MANSARD ROOF - A roof with two slopes or pitches on each of the four sides, the
lower slopes steeper than the upper.
MASONRY - Brick, concrete block, or stone. Pronounce “mas’ on ry.” Do not

pronounce “mas’ on ary.”
MECHANIC'S LIEN - A legal charge on property in favor of persons supplying labor

or materials for a building for the value of labor or materials supplied by them. Clear
title to the claim for the labor, materials or professional services is settled through
the "release of liens" which is accomplished through a form given to the owner by
the contractor.
METAL - Used to denote products fabricated from thin sheet steel.
METAL LATH - Expanded metal used for plaster lath - - do not use the terms
"mesh" or "chicken wire."
METAL TRIM - edge trim for gyp board - do not use the term "casing bead" which is
for plaster.
MEZZANINE - An intermediary floor having less than 1/3 of the area than the floor
below.
MILL CONSTRUCTION - A type of "slow-burning" construction made of heavy

timber framing with members at least 3” wide, and solid planked or laminated wood
floors at least 1 ½” thick. Walls are solid masonry.
MILLWORK - Doors, windows and door frames, mantels, panel work, stairways, and
woodwork.
MITER - A joint formed by to pieces of material cut to meet at an angle.
MOLDING - A finishing piece to cover construction joists or edges, usually a long

narrow strip of plain or curved wood; may be ornamented.
MONITOR - A raised rectangular and roofed structure on a roof having windows or

louvers for ventilating or lighting the building.
MOP BASIN - Floor mounted sink for building maintenance purposes - do not use
terms "slop sink" or "service sink," which are wall - mounted sinks.
MORTAR - A bonding agent in masonry work, made of lime, sand, and cement
mixed with water.
MUD - A common term for joist compound products.
MULLION - Vertical framing which divides windows into major sections.
MUNTIN - The vertical or horizontal bars which divide lights (panes of glass) in a
window.
NEWEL - The vertical post around which the steps of a winding staircase turn; the
post at the top or bottom of a staircase, supporting the handrail or a balustrade.
NOSING - The rounded projecting edge of a stair tread or landing.
OAKUM - A loose fiber from hemp or rope, used as a backing for caulking joints in
cast iron drain piping.
OFFSET - A ledge formed by a difference in the thickness of a wall.
OMIT - To leave something out by intention.
ON CENTER (O.C.) - The distance from the center of one structural member to the
center of another, term used for spacing studs, joists, rafters.
OPTION - Term used in construction documents to indicate that contractor may use
one of several products at his or her choice.
OSB - “Oriented Strand Board” – inexpensive wood panels made from wood chips
and glue, with chips oriented in the long direction of the board – they come in 4’-0” x
8’-0” sheets usually ½” thick, but also other sizes, and are used for wall and roof
sheathing.
PARAPET - An exterior low wall along the edge of a roof, balcony, ridge, or terrace.
PARGING - A coating of cement mortar (Portland cement, sand, and water mix), on
a masonry wall, used to waterproof the outside surface of an exterior wall or
masonry foundation.
PARQUET FLOOR - A hardwood floor laid in small rectangular or square patterns,

not in long strips.
PARTY WALL - A wall built along the dividing line between adjoining buildings for
their common use.
PATCH - The term "patch" means to remove any damaged or defective material
within the area to be patched, and to replace it with new material, fitted in a
workmanlike manner so as to provide a continuous plumb, level, and/or true to line
surface, uninterrupted by flaws, defects, or blemishes.
PARTICLE BOARD - A wood and glue composite panel for sheathing,

underlayment, subflooring, and substrate for veneers and plastic laminate for
millwork.
PARTITION - A non - bearing wall which divides space and supports only its own
weight.
PENTHOUSE - A building on the roof of a building to enclose mechanical or elevator

equipment; also, an apartment on the roof of a high - rise apartment.
PERFORMANCE BOND - An insurance document purchased by the contractor from

a bidding company (a "surety") which guarantees that the work will be performed in
accordance with the Contract Documents.
PERMEABILITY - The property of material to permit a fluid (or gas) to pass through
it; in construction, commonly refers to water vapor permeability of a sheet material or
assembly and is defined as Water Vapor Permeance per unit thickness.
PERMIT - A document issued by a local, state, county, or federal governmental

authority having jurisdiction to authorize specific work on a building.
PIER - A column; a foundation type shaped like a column underground, created by

drilling a hole and filling it with concrete.
PILASTER - Half - column attached to or projecting from a wall.
PILE - A timber, steel, or concrete pole which is driven into the ground to serve as
support for the foundation.
PITCH - The slope or incline of a roof, expressed in inches of rise per foot of length,
or by the ratio of the rise to the total roof span.
PLANK - A piece of unfinished structural lumber 2 to 4 inches thick and at least 8

inches wide.
PLASTER - A mixture of gypsum, sand, and water, used as a finished surface for
walls and ceilings, applied over gypsum, metal or wood lath.
PLASTIC INSULATION - Generic term for polystyrene ("Styrofoam") or urethane

insulation.
PLASTIC LAMINATE - Thin sheet material of plastic composition used for finishing
of interior millwork - do not use the proprietary terms "Formica," or "Melamine."
PLATE - A horizontal wood framing member which provides bearing and anchorage
for wall, floor, ceiling, and roof framing.
PLENUM - An enclosed chamber for horizontal distribution of ventilation air, such as

the space between a suspended finished ceiling and the floor above.
PLINTH - A square block at the base of a column, pedestal, or door casing.
PLY - A term to denote the number of thickness or layers as "3 - ply"; for roofing felt,
veneers, etc.
PLYWOOD - A fabricated wood product constructed of three or more layers of

veneer joined with glue, laid with grain or adjoining plies at right angles.
PORTALS - A door, gate, or entrance, especially one of imposing appearance.
POST - A vertical wood structural column.
PRESTRESSED CONCRETE - A method of giving tensile strength by stressing the

reinforcing in the concrete before it sets, then releasing the tension after the
concrete has hardened.
PRIMER - A first base coat of paint to seal the surface of the finished material and
equalize suction differences.
PROJECT SITE - The term "Project Site" is the space available to the Contractor for
performance of construction activities, either exclusively or in conjunction with others
performing other work as part of the Project. The extent of the Project Site is shown
on the Drawings and may or may not be identical with the description of the land
upon which the Project is to be built.
PROJECT MANUAL - The 8 1/2" x 11" paper size bound book of written documents
prepared by the Architect for a construction project, including the bidding
requirements, General Conditions of the Contact and technical Specifications, used
by the Contractor in bidding & building the project.
PROPRIETARY PRODUCT - A product produced by only one manufacturer to his

own design, and not available from competing manufactures.
PROSCENIUM - In a theater, the front area of the stage still visible to the audience
when the curtain is lower; the curtain and the opening that surrounds it.
PROVIDE - The term "provide" means "to furnish and install, complete and ready for
the intended use."
PURLIN - A structural roof framing member laid horizontally across the roof beams
to support a roof deck.
QUANTITY SURVEY - Detailed analysis and listing of all items of material and
equipment and quantities of each necessary to construct a Project.
QUARRY TILE - Thick type of ceramic tile which is composed of fired clays and
shales used for floors and bases.
QUEEN POST - Either of two vertical members of a triangular truss, each being
equidistant from the apex.
QUOIN - The external corner of a building; any of the large square stones by which
the corner is marked.
RABBET (ALSO REBATE) - A longitudinal channel, groove, or recess cut out of the
edge or face of a member to receive another member, or one to receive a frame
inserted in a door or window opening; the recess into which glass is installed in a
window sash.
RACKING - Lateral stress exerted on an assembly which makes it lean to one side.
RAFTER - A closely spaced sloping framing member supporting a roof.
RAIL
(1) The cross of horizontal piece of a door, window sash, or panel.
(2) The top horizontal member of a balustrade.
RAKE - A board or molding placed along the sloping sides of a frame gable to cover
the ends of the siding.
RANDOM - Without uniformity of dimension or design; e.g., masonry wall with

stones placed irregularly, not in a straight course.
REBUILD - The term "rebuild" means to reconstruct a portion or portions of the

building completely and properly using new or salvaged materials acceptable to the
Owner and Architect.
RECORD DRAWINGS - Sometimes called "as-built" drawings, these are normally

modified from the construction documents to conform to all changes made during
construction.
REFINISH - To put finish back into its original condition - - do not use the terms
"refurbish," "rehabilitate," "remodel," "renew," or "renovate."
REGULATION - The term "Regulations" includes laws, ordinances, statutes, and

lawful orders issued by authorities having jurisdiction, as well as rules, conventions,
and agreements within the construction industry that control performance of the
Work.
REINFORCEMENT - A system of steel rods or mesh cast into concrete for accepting
stresses.
RELOCATE - To move an item from one location and install in another location.
REMODEL - use the term "ALTER" instead.
REPAIR - The term "repair" means to fix and restore a portion or portions of the
building to a sound, acceptable state of operation and serviceability or appearance.
Repairs will be expected to last approximately as long as a replacement.
REPLACE - The term "replace" means to remove an existing element or elements

from the building and install a new element of like kind or a salvaged element
acceptable to the Owner and Architect, completely and properly anchored to the
substrate and surrounding materials; also the term can mean to provide a substitute
or replacement for an item.
RESET - The term "Reset" means to remove an existing element or elements from
the building and reinstall it completely and properly anchored to the substrate and
surrounding materials.
RESILIENT BASE - wall base material - use this term generically instead of "vinyl
base," or "rubber base."
RESILIENT FLOORING - Either tile or sheet goods for flooring material made from
vinyl, rubber or cork.
RESILIENT TILE - Floor tile - use this term generically instead of "vinyl composition
tile," "vinyl tile" or "rubber tile."
RETAINING WALL - A wall built to keep a bank of earth from sliding.
RIDGE - The top horizontal edge or peak of a roof.
RIGID INSULATION - High density fiberglass, plastic, or cellular glass insulation.
RISER - The vertical part of a stair step; a vertical HVAC, plumbing, or electrical run
or extension.
ROLL ROOFING - A roofing material made of compressed fibers saturated with

asphalt, and coated with small gravel supplied in rolls.
ROOF HATCH - Use this term instead of the archaic term "scuttle."
ROOFING FELT - See "felt paper".
RUNNER CHANNEL - Cold rolled steel channel 1/2" deep used for suspended
ceiling framing.
SADDLE - A roof crossing between two adjoining roofs to the ends of the valley.
SANITARY SEWER - A sewer designed to carry sewage from bathroom, toilet room,
and kitchen waste, not usually storm water.
SASH - The framework which holds the glass in a window or door.
SAWTOOTH ROOF - A roof composed of a series of single - pitch roofs whose

shorter or vertical side has windows for light and air.
SCORE - To cut a surface of a material part way through with a sharp blade before
braking; glass and ceramic tile are cut using this method.
SCRATCH COAT - The first coat of plaster applied to a wall, scratched or scored to
provide a bond for the second coat.
SCREED
(1) A metal or wood strip placed at intervals on a wall or floor to gauge thickness of
plaster or concrete.
(2) To level, as in pulling a straight edge across a concrete slab within the formwork.
SCRIBE - To score or mark along a cutting line.
SCUTTLE - A framed opening in a ceiling or roof, fitted with a lid or a cover.

SEAL COAT - A fine thin coating of asphalt paving with bituminous material to
provide water resistance.
SEAL
(1) To provide sealant at a joint to make it water tight.
(2) An embossing device or stamp used by a design professional on his Drawings
and Specifications as evidence of his registration in the state where the Work is to
be preformed.
SEALANT - A semi - liquid or "elastomeric" water proofing material placed in a joint

between materials to create a water tight joint or to fill small openings in wall or
ceiling systems to prevent leakage of sound or to create a finished appearance and
seal between dissimilar materials.
SEALER - A base coating of paint to seal and equalize suction differences and
prevent absorption of subsequent coats.
SEAMLESS FLOORING - Sheet flooring material with joints field welded or sealed.
SECTION (DRAWING) - A drawing of a surface revealed by an imaginary plane cut

through the project, or portion thereof, in such a manner as to show the composition
of the surface as it would appear if the part intervening between the cut plane and
the eye of the observer were removed.
SECTION (MATERIAL) - Sometimes loosely used to describe a rolled steel shape,

such as "W section" - use the term "W member" instead.
SELF-EDGE - Plastic laminate edging in which the horizontal surface overlaps the
vertical edge surface and is cut off flush with the vertical surface - this will expose a
dark brown edge of the plastic laminate material and will be visible.
SEPTIC TANK - A covered tank in which waste matter is decomposed by natural

bacterial action, draining into a drainage field.
SERVICE SINK - Wall-mounted sink for building maintenance purposes - do not

use the terms "slop sink" or "mop basin."
SEWER - An underground system of pipes which carry off waste matter or storm
water to a sewage treatment plant or to an area of natural drainage.
SHAKE - A shingle formed by splitting a short long into a number of tapered

sections.
SHEATHING - The first covering of boards, plywood, or wallboard placed over

exterior wall studding or roof rafters - not "sheeting."
SHEET FLOORING - Resilient linoleum, vinyl or rubber flooring installed wall to wall.
SHEET METAL - Usually thin steel sheets.
SHEET PILING - Planking or steel plates driven close together vertically, to form a
temporary wall around an excavation.
SHIM - To build up low areas; to level or adjust height.
SHINGLE - A roofing type using tapered pieces of cedar or asphalt composition

pieces nailed one overlapping the other.
SHOP DRAWINGS - Drawings, diagrams, illustrations, schedules, performance

charts, brochures and other data prepared by the Contractor or any Subcontractor,
manufacturer, supplier or distributor, which illustrate how specific portions of the
Work will be fabricated and/or installed.
SHORING - Structural bracing used as temporary support for a building during

construction.
SILL - A horizontal piece forming the bottom frame of a door or window.
SITE - Geographical location of the Project, usually defined by legal boundary lines.
SLEEPER - A strip of wood anchored to a concrete floor or nailed to subflooring and

to which the finishes floor is nailed.
SLUMP - A concrete test method to evaluate water/cement ratio consistency.
SOFFIT - The undersurface of a building member, as of a cornice, arch or stairway.
SOFTWOOD - Type of lumber from conifer evergreen trees, such as pine, fir, larch,
cedar, and redwood.
SOIL - Use this term instead of "earth" or "dirt."
SPAN - The horizontal clear distance between supports, as those of a bridge, or

between two piers.
SPANDREL BEAM - A beam which lies in the same vertical plane as the exterior
wall.
SPANDREL - A portion of an exterior wall between a window on one floor and a

window on the floor above.
SPECIFICATIONS -
(1) A detailed description of requirements, composition and materials for a proposed
building;
(2) Apart of the Contract Documents contained in the Project Manual consisting of
written descriptions of a technical nature of materials, equipment construction
systems, standards and workmanship. Under the Uniform System, the Specifications
comprise sixteen Divisions.
SPRAYED FIREPROOFING - Mineral fiber composition applied to structural steel

members by spraying with an applicator gun used to obtain a specific fire rating for
the structure to comply with building code requirements.
SQUARE
(1) 100 Square feet of roofing surface;
(2) edges of an object which are at a right angle to each other.
STAGGER - To offset building members or fasteners in a horizontal or vertical plane

in alternating sequence.
STAGING - A temporary scaffolding to support workers and materials during

construction.
STANDARD - An approved criterion governing the quality of a construction material,

operation, functional requirement, or method of assembly.
STICK BUILT - Constructed by means of building stud-by-stud and joist-by-joist in

the field from raw materials.
STICK BUILDING - Light weight wood framed building typically used for single-
family houses or small buildings. Type “V-B” construction under the International
Building Code.
STILE - The upright or vertical outside piece of a sash, door, or panel.
STOCK - Standard size raw building materials or standard equipment.
STONE - Granite, marble, limestone, slate, etc., used for fabricated interior or
exterior finishes.
STORM SEWER - A sewer carrying only storm water (but never sanitary waste).
STORY (A CODE TERM) - A horizontal division of a building; that portion between

one floor and the floor above.
STRETCHER - A brick laid lengthwise in a wall.

STRIKE
(1) In stone setting or bricklaying, to finish a mortar joint with a stroke of the trowel,
simultaneously removing extruding mortar and smoothing the surface of the mortar
remaining in the joint; strike off.
(2) In door hardware terminology, a “strike” is the hole into which the latch engages
when the door is closed.
(3) A legal stoppage of work on a construction site by members of a trade union to
demand higher wages or benefits for their members or to protest an unfair practice
by an employer.
STRINGER - The inclined structural framing member supporting the treads and
risers of a stair.
STUCCO - Plaster made from Portland cement, sand, and water used as an exterior
wall surface finish; usually applied over a galvanized metal lath or wood lath base.
STUD - A vertical wood or metal framing member to which sheathing and finished
surfaces are nailed, as the supporting elements in walls and partitions.
SUB STRUCTURE - That part of a building structure below the ground.
SUBCONTRACTOR - A person or organization who has a direct Contract with a

prime Contractor to perform a portion of the Work at the site.
SUBFLOOR - A floor laid on top of the floor joists, to which the finished floor is
fastened.
SUBSOIL DRAIN - Also called a "footing drain". A perforated 4" diameter pipe which
is installed on the outside of the footing surrounded by pea gravel, which allows
storm water in the soil to drain into it and be carried off to the sewer system or to a
sump pit inside the basement, and from there pumped out back to the gravel surface
or into the sewer.
SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION - The term "Substantial Completion" means the date

on which the Architect issues a Certificate of Substantial Completion based on an
inspection of the Work, by which it can be determined that the Work is sufficiently
complete in accordance with the Contract Documents so that the Owner can occupy
or utilize the Work for the use for which it is intended. A Certificate of Substantial
Completion may be issued for each individual building as it is completed, if this is in
the Owner's best interests.
SUPERSTRUCTURE - That part of a building structure above the foundation or

ground level.
SUPPLIER - A person or organization who supplies materials or equipment for the

Work, including that fabricated to a special design, but who does not perform labor
at the site.
SURVEY - Boundary and/or topographic mapping of a site.
TACKBOARD - A bulletin board made of cork or other resilient tackable surface.
TERRA COTTA - A hard, brown - red fired, clay product, typically used as exterior
ornament. Can be glazed, or unglazed.
TERRAZZO - A durable floor finish made of small chips of colored stone or marble,
embedded in cement and polished in place to a high glaze.
TESTING LABORATORIES - A "testing laboratory" is an independent entity

engaged to perform specific inspections or tests, either at the Project Site or
elsewhere, and to report on and, if required, to interpret results of those inspections
or tests.
THERMAL BRIDGE - A thermally conducive area of an exterior enclosure which will

allow heat to transfer from the interior of the building to the exterior at a greater rate
then the other parts of the enclosure.
THERMAL BREAK - A separation between exterior and interior materials by an

insulation material. Typically refers to a feature of a window wall system.
THRESHOLD - A strip of wood, stone, or metal placed beneath a door to cover a

change in floor materials, to receive weather - stripping and, sometimes, an
automatic door closer.
THRU - Short version of the word "Through" as used in drawings.
TOEBOARD - Raised protective edge (usually 4" high) at edges of landings,

balconies, mezzanines, etc. where there is no wall or knee wall, but only a guard rail.
TOE SPACE - Recess of about 4” deep and 4” high at base of cabinets.
TONGUE AND GROOVE - A factory formed notch and mating projection on wood
flooring or deck.
TOPSOIL - Soil used for planting trees, shrubs, ground cover, or grasses.
TRADES – This term references specialty workers on a construction site such as

carpenters, concrete workers, iron workers, plumbers, electricians, sheet metal
workers, masons, or laborers. The terms are codified by trade unions who regulate
minimum wages and working conditions for their members through a legal practice
called “collective bargaining” for wages. Use of titles such as "carpentry" in the
construction documents is not intended to imply that certain construction activities
must be performed by accredited or unionized individuals of a corresponding trade,
such as "carpenter."
TRUSS - Triangular structural framing members formed into a single plane for
supporting loads over long spans, in wood or steel, or both.
TYPICAL - Means that the item referred to is repeated several times in similar
circumstances and locations.
UNDERLAYMENT - A smooth, hard sheet material, such as hardboard, cement

board, plywood, or particle board, placed over rougher substrates to achieve a
surface suitable for application of finishes such as resilient flooring or ceramic tile.
UNDISTURBED EARTH - Soil which has not previously been excavated.
VAPOR RETARDER - A plastic sheet used to retard condensation in walls, floors,

and ceilings, applied on the warm - in - winter side of the wall or ceiling structure or
over the ground surface in a crawl space - do not use the term "vapor barrier."
VERMICULITE - An inorganic mineral product that expands several times its initial
volume when exposed to a high temperature (about 1000 degree F).
VITRIFIED TILE - A pipe made of clay, baked hard, then glazed so it is impervious
to moisture; used particularly for underground drainage.
WAINSCOT - The lower part of an interior wall when its surface finish is different
from that of the upper.
WAIVER OF LINEN - An instrument by which a person or organization who has or

may have a right of mechanic's lien against the property of another relinquishes such
right. Waivers of linen are provided to the owner by the general contractor and his
sub - contractors & suppliers, at the time a pay request is submitted.
WALL - Vertical enclosure of a building or occupancy separation, usually load

bearing.
WALL BEARING CONSTRUCTION - A structural system in which the floor and roof
systems are carried directly by the masonry walls rather than by structural framing
system.
WALLBOARD - A manufactured fibrous compressed material cut into sheets, used

for sheathing (may be particle board, hardboard, or similar product).
WARM AIR SYSTEM - A heating system in which furnace - heated air moves to
living space through a series of ducts, circulated by natural convection (gravity
system) or by a fan blower in the ductwork (forced system) to registers in the floor,
walls or ceilings.
WATERPROOFING - A procedure to make a material impervious to water or

dampness, designed to resist a head of water (water pressure). Any of the material
used to waterproof - do not use the terms "roofing," "membrane," or "dampproofing."
WEATHERING STEEL - Steel designed to rust to a certain extent on its surface,

then stop rusting - COR-TEN is United States Steel Corporation’s patented name
for weathering steel.
WEATHERSTRIP - A thin strip of metal, felt, wood, etc., used to cover the joint
between a door or window sash and the jamb, casing, or sill; to keep out air, dust,
rain, etc.
WINDOW WELL - See "light well".
WOOD - Use the term for solid softwoods only, otherwise use the terms “hardwood,"
"plywood," or "particle board."
ZONING ORDINANCE - The control by a municipality of the use of land and

buildings, the height and bulk of buildings, the density of population, the relation of a
lot's building coverage to open space, the size and location of yards and setbacks,
and the provision of any ancillary facilities such as parking. Zoning, established
through the adoption of a municipal ordinance, is a principal instrument in
implementing a master plan.
Green (Sustainable) Products and Systems

Green building materials are composed of renewable, rather than nonrenewable
resources. Green materials are environmentally responsible because impacts are
considered over the life of the product. Depending upon project - specific goals, an
assessment of green materials may involve an evaluation of one or more of the criteria
listed below.
Green building material/product selection criteria
1. Resource Efficiency can be accomplished by utilizing materials that meet the

following criteria -
• Recycled Content - Products with identifiable recycled content, including

postindustrial content with a preference for postconsumer content.
• Natural, plentiful or renewable - Materials harvested from sustainably
managed sources and preferably have an independent certification (e.g., certified wood)
and are certified by an independent third party.
• Resource efficient manufacturing process - Products manufactured with
resource - efficient processes including reducing energy consumption, minimizing waste
(recycled, recyclable and or source reduced product packaging), and reducing
greenhouse gases.
• Locally available - Building materials, components, and systems found locally
or regionally saving energy and resources in transportation to the project site.
• Salvaged, refurbished, or remanufactured - Includes saving a material from
disposal and renovating, repairing, restoring, or generally improving the appearance,
performance, quality, functionality, or value of a product.
• Reusable or recyclable - Select materials that can be easily dismantled and
reused or recycled at the end of their useful life.
• Recycled or recyclable product packaging - Products enclosed in recycled
content or recyclable packaging.
• Durable - Materials that are longer lasting or are comparable to conventional
products with long life expectancies.
2. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is enhanced by utilizing materials that meet the
following criteria:
• Low or non - toxic - Materials that emit few or no carcinogens, reproductive

toxicants, or irritants as demonstrated by the manufacturer through appropriate testing.
• Minimal chemical emissions - Products that have minimal emissions of
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Products that also maximize resource and
energy efficiency while reducing chemical emissions.
• Low - VOC assembly - Materials installed with minimal VOC - producing
compounds, or no - VOC mechanical attachment methods and minimal hazards.
• Moisture resistant - Products and systems that resist moisture or inhibit the
growth of biological contaminants in buildings.
• Healthfully maintained - Materials, components, and systems that require only
simple, non - toxic, or low - VOC methods of cleaning.
• Systems or equipment - Products that promote healthy IAQ by identifying
indoor air pollutants or enhancing the air quality.
3. Energy Efficiency can be maximized by utilizing materials and systems that

meet the following criteria -
• Materials, components, and systems that help reduce energy consumption in

buildings and facilities.
• Passive design strategies can dramatically affect building energy performance.
These measures include building shape and orientation, passive solar design, and the
use of natural lighting.
• Develop strategies to provide natural lighting. Studies have shown that it has a
positive impact on productivity and well being.
• Install high - efficiency lighting systems with advanced lighting controls. Include
motion sensors tied to dimmable lighting controls. Task lighting reduces general
overhead light levels.
• Use a properly sized and energy - efficient heat/cooling system in conjunction
with a thermally efficient building shell. Maximize light colors for roofing and wall finish
materials; install high R - value wall and ceiling insulation; and use minimal glass on
east and west exposures.
• Minimize the electric loads from lighting, equipment, and appliances.
• Consider alternative energy sources such as photovoltaics and fuel cells that are
now available in new products and applications. Renewable energy sources provide a
great symbol of emerging technologies for the future.
• Computer modeling is an extremely useful tool in optimizing design of electrical
and mechanical systems and the building shell.
4. Water Conservation can be obtained by utilizing materials and systems that

meet the following criteria -
• Products and systems that help reduce water consumption in buildings and
conserve water in landscaped areas.
• Design for dual plumbing to use recycled water for toilet flushing or a gray water
system that recovers rainwater or other nonpotable water for site irrigation.
• Minimize wastewater by using ultra low - flush toilets, low - flow shower heads,
and other water conserving fixtures.
• Use recirculating systems for centralized hot water distribution.
• Install point - of - use hot water heating systems for more distant locations.
• Use a water budget approach that schedules irrigation using the California
Irrigation Management Information System data for landscaping.
• Meter the landscape separately from buildings. Use micro - irrigation (which
excludes sprinklers and high - pressure sprayers) to supply water in nonturf areas.
• Use state - of - the - art irrigation controllers and self - closing nozzles on hoses.
5. Affordability can be considered when building product life - cycle costs are
comparable to conventional materials or as a whole, are within a project - defined
percentage of the overall budget.
Three basic steps of green product selection

Product selection can begin after the establishment of project - specific environmental
goals. The environmental assessment process for building products involves three basic
steps.
1. Research. This step involves gathering all technical information to be evaluated,

including manufacturers' information such as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS),
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) test data, product warranties, source material characteristics,
recycled content data, environmental statements, and durability information. In addition,
this step may involve researching other environmental issues, building codes,
government regulations, building industry articles, model green building product
specifications, and other sources of product data. Research helps identify the full range
of the project’s building material options.
2. Evaluation. This step involves confirmation of the technical information, as well as

filling in information gaps. For example, the evaluator may request product certifications
from manufacturers to help sort out possible exaggerated environmental product claims.
Evaluation and assessment is relatively simple when comparing similar types of building
materials using the environmental criteria. For example, a recycled content assessment
between various manufacturers of medium density fiberboard is a relatively
straightforward "apples to apples" comparison. However, the evaluation process is more
complex when comparing different products with the same function. Then it may
become necessary to process both descriptive and quantitative forms of data.
A life cycle assessment (LCA) is an evaluation of the relative "greenness" of building

materials and products. LCA addresses the impacts of a product through all of its life
stages. Although rather simple in principle, this approach has been difficult and
expensive in actual practice (although that appears to be changing).
One tool that uses the LCA methodology is BEES (Building for Environmental and
Economic Sustainability) software. It allows users to balance the environmental and
economic performance of building products. The software was developed by the
National Institute of Standards and Technology's Building and Fire Research Laboratory
and can be downloaded free on their Web site. [http -
//www.bfrl.nist.gov/oae/software/bees.html]
3. Selection. This step often involves the use of an evaluation matrix for scoring the
project - specific environmental criteria. The total score of each product evaluation will
indicate the product with the highest environmental attributes. Individual criteria included
in the rating system can be weighted to accommodate project - specific goals and
objectives.

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CADD Standards Manual

Chapter Contents Page

1. General CADD Recommendations 1-5

General CADD Recommendations:

These CADD Standards are based on AutoCAD 2006.

M:\_Architecture\AutoCAD Autosave Files

To save your drawing automatically in the form of an SV$ file to

7. Draw in a locked viewport, rather than in pure Model Space, so that

command to change sizes of dimensions, either, if you decide to change

Standard Layer Names, Colors, Linetypes and Lineweights

Layer Objects to Be Drawn Color Linetype Lineweight Plot

A-ANNO- Information on sheet Cyan Continuous .3500 mm

A-ANNO- Dimensions Magenta Continuous .1500 mm

A-ANNO- Notes Cyan Continuous .3500 mm

A-ANNO- Symbols, Keys and Cyan Continuous .3500 mm

A-ANNO- Viewports Cyan Continuous .1000 mm (Non-

A-AREA Area Calculations, 60 Continuous .1000 mm

A-CEIL Ceiling Information 10 Continuous .1000 mm

Layer Objects to Be Drawn Color Linetype Lineweight Plot

A-DOOR Doors and Door Blue Continuous .2500 mm

A-DOOR- Windows in Doors Green Continuous .2500 mm

A-DOOR- Swing Arcs or 30 Hidden2 .1000 mm

A-DOOR-ID Door Number Symbols Cyan Continuous .3500 mm

A-ELEV Elevation Drawings, blue Continuous .2000 mm

A-ELEV- Hatch Patterns for 30 Continuous .0500 mm

A-ELEV- Elevation Outline yellow Continuous .5000 mm

A-FLOR Any Information red Continuous .2500 mm

Layer Objects to Be Drawn Color Linetype Lineweight Plot

A-FLOR- Appliances: 30 Continuous .2000 mm

A-FLOR- Equipment Number cyan Continuous .3500 mm

A-FLOR-ID Room Numbers cyan Continuous .3500 mm

A-FLOR- Stairs and Ladders in red Continuous .2500 mm

A-FLOR- Stair Handrails in Plan green Continuous .2000 mm

A-FLOR- Direction Arrows and cyan Continuous .1500 mm

A-FLOR- Risers of Stairs Should green Continuous .1500 mm

A-FLOR- Toilet Partitions, Doors, green, Continuous .2500 mm

A-FLOR- Elevators Cars in Plan green Continuous .2500 mm

Layer Objects to Be Drawn Color Linetype Lineweight Plot

A-FLOR- Ramps in Plan or green Continuous .2500 mm

A-FLOR- Ramp Handrails in green Continuous .2000 mm

A-FLOR- Direction Arrows and cyan Continuous .1500 mm

A-FLOR- Toilet Accessories green Continuous .2000 mm

A-FURN Furniture magenta Continuous .2000 mm

A-FURN-ID Furniture Numbers cyan Continuous .3500 mm

A-FURN- Interior Plants 60 Continuous .2000 mm

A-FURN- Furniture Finish 30 Continuous .0500 mm

A-GLAZ Windows blue Continuous .2500 mm

A-GLAZ-ID Window Number cyan Continuous .3500 mm

A-ROOF Roof, Gutters, red Continuous .2500 mm

A-ROOF- Hatch Patterns for 30 Continuous .0500 mm

A-SECT Sections red Continuous .3500 mm

A-SECT- Material Hidden in 30 hidden2 .1500 mm

A-SECT- Material Cut by Section yellow Continuous .5000 mm

Layer Objects to Be Drawn Color Linetype Lineweight Plot

A-SECT- Material Beyond 60 Continuous .1500 mm

A-SECT- Hatch Patterns of 30 Continuous .0500 mm

A-WALL Walls yellow Continuous .7000 mm

A-WALL- Wall Hatch Pattern 30 Continuous .0000 mm