Reading construction drawings is an important skill for architects, engineers, builders and anyone working in the construction industry. It is necessary to understand all the nuances of such documents to prevent errors. Nowadays, feature extraction from construction drawings is an integral process of various works. Let’s consider all the basic rules in more detail.
Types of drawings
Architectural drawings show the layout of rooms, sections and facades of buildings. Structural drawings contain data on frames, foundations and other load-bearing elements. Engineering drawings cover heating, water supply and electrical systems.
Main elements of a drawing
There are a large number of elements in drawings. Among them:
- Lines. Different types of lines (solid, dotted) indicate different elements (for example, visible and invisible boundaries).
- Scale. It indicates how the dimensions on the drawing relate to real dimensions (for example, 1:100).
- Designations. Symbols used to indicate materials, structures, and equipment (e.g. windows, doors).
Understanding Plans
A floor plan shows the location of windows, walls, and doors. Pay attention to proportions and dimensions. Sections show the internal structure of a building, displaying the height and location of floors. Elevations show the external appearance of a building from different sides.
Dimension Lines and Annotations
Dimension lines show the length of elements. Pay attention to units of measurement, which can be expressed in millimeters or meters. Annotations are text explanations of drawing elements. They contain important information about materials, as well as construction methods.
Specifications
In some situations, drawings are accompanied by specifications. These are documents that describe materials, their quality, and quantity.
Working with Symbols
Familiarize yourself with the legend or explanations of the symbols on the drawing. This will help you correctly interpret different designations.
Practice
It is worth starting with simple drawings. Gradually move on to more complex options. Practice will help you develop the basic skills associated with reading and understanding documentation.
Reading construction drawings requires attention and practice. Understanding the different types of documents, their elements and symbols will allow you to work effectively in the construction industry!