Reading Plans St Helens High School Building Construction

Purpose The use of many terms and symbols is necessary for the reading of architectural plans. Knowing the types of plans used and their dimensions is a must in the construction of any structure. This Power. Point will cover terms, symbols, dimensions, and types of plans used in basic construction.

Basic Terms Architectural Drawing Cutting Plane Detail Drawing Dimensions Elevation Drawings Plans Scale Specifications Working Drawings

Architectural Drawings Provides the instructions necessary for the construction of a building.

Cutting Plane �An imaginary view of a plane cutting through a solid object to reveal the interior. This can also be called a sectional view.

Detail Drawing �A separate accurately made drawing showing a small part of a structure in detail.

Dimensions �Placed on the working drawing to represent the actual measurement of a completed structure.

Elevation Drawings �Views of building walls made as though the observer were looking straight at each wall.

Plans �A section of a house cut through at about window height and looking straight down. Each floor of a structure uses a separate floor plan.

Scale �States the reduction or enlargement in size that structures are drawn to. The most common scale used for house plans is ¼” = 1’

Specifications �A document including the quality and type of materials needed, and the methods of fabrication as intended by the architect for the construction of a structure.

Working Drawings �A set of plans giving all information necessary for the construction of a structure from start to finish.

Common Symbols �Construction plans are almost entirely made up of specific symbols, each indication a material used in the structure. To know what materials go where, the accurate identification of these symbols is a must. This next list includes a few common symbols.

Types of Plans �The construction of a house requires a number of different kinds of drawings to see the work through to completion. These include a plot plat, a foundation of basement plan, floor plans, and elevation drawings. In addition, drawings which show electrical, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning layouts are also included.

Basic Plot plan

Foundation and Floor Plans

Elevation Plans

Electrical and Plumbing Plans