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Study guide
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Elevations | Vertical, "flat" views of the exterior or interior walls. |
| Floor Plans | A horizontal cut through the building (usually taken at about 4 feet above the floor). |
| Site plans | The "bird’s-eye view" of the entire property. |
| When would a 1:1 scale be used? | For objects that fit comfortably on a standard sheet of paper at their actual size, such as hand tools, small engine parts, or electronic components. |
| What is a Graphic Scale Bar and why is it significant? | A printed "ruler" on the drawing. Its significance is that it stays accurate even if the drawing is photocopied or resized, as it shrinks or grows proportionally with the image. |
| Explain the difference between Reduction and Enlargement scales. | Reduction (1:50): Used for large objects like buildings; the drawing is smaller than the object. Enlargement (5:1): Used for tiny parts like watch gears; the drawing is larger than the object to show detail. |
| Lines of Construction | Light preliminary marks used to make shapes and establish accurate proportions before final lines are added |
| Symbols | Standardized graphic figures that represent specific objects or materials, serving as a universal shorthand to keep drawings clean and readable |
| Grid lines | A network of intersecting horizontal and vertical lines used for structural alignment |
| Sections | A vertical look through the building |
| Detail Drawings | Large-scale "blow-ups" of specific parts of the construction. |
| Structural and MEP Drawings | Technical systems that make the building work |
| Plan Views | The view from above |
| Elevations | The view from the side |
| Sections | The view from the inside |
| How do you calculate the length of common rafters | . Find Total Rise: Multiply the Run by the Pitch ratio (e.g., Run × 4/12). 2. Apply Pythagorean Theorem: Rise2+Run2=Theoretical Length. |
| What are the three layers of a floor plan | Outer Layer, Middle Layer, Inner Layer |
| Where can you locate subsurface insulation? | On section drawings in the under slab, foundation perimeter or frost walls |
| How is subsurface insulation described | A batt symbol or a repeating S=shaped symbol |
| What is shown on elevations? | Vertical Dimensions, Material Finishes, Openings, Grade and topography |
| What is the purpose of Z-Flashing at the bottom edge of a wall? | It is a metal or plastic strip shaped like a "Z" that sits behind the siding and over the top of the foundation or lower trim. |
| What is J-Channel and where is it commonly used? | A "J"-shaped trim piece used in vinyl or metal siding. It is installed around windows, doors, and at the top of walls to hide the cut ends of siding panels and provide a clean, finished edge. |
| Where in a drawing set would you find the specific layering of flashing and trim for a corner? | In the Detail Drawings |
| Where would you find the thickness of a concrete slab in a drawing set? | n the Section Details. While the floor plan shows the length and width, the vertical "slice" (section) shows how deep the concrete is poured. |
| What is "Clear Cover" in a concrete drawing? | The required distance between the edge of the concrete and the reinforcement. This protects the steel from rusting due to moisture or soil contact. |
| What is a "Weep Hole" in a retaining wall | A small opening at the base of the wall that allows water to drain out from behind it. |
| What is a "Batter" in retaining wall construction? | The intentional backward slope or lean of the wall face toward the soil it is supporting. It helps the wall resist the outward pressure of the earth. |
| What is the purpose of a Bollard on a construction drawing? | A vertical post used to create a protective or symbolic barrier. |
| what is "Hardscape"? | The man-made features of a landscape, such as paths, walls, patios, and driveways, as opposed to "softscape" (plants and soil). |
| Why does the building code require footings to be buried below the Frost Line? | They are in place to prevent frost heave |
| what is a "Step Footing"? | A footing design used on sloped sites. |
| What is the code's general requirement for Footing Thickness? | The thickness of the footing should be at least equal to the distance it projects from the foundation wall |
| What is the defining characteristic of Platform Framing? | Each floor is built as a separate unit or "platform." |
| What is a Sill Plate | It is the lowest wooden member of the frame that sits directly on the foundation. |
| What is the purpose of a Header in wall framing? | It is a heavy horizontal beam that spans the top of a door or window opening. |
| What do the abbreviations CW and HW stand for on a plumbing plan? | Cold water and hot water |
| On a plumbing drawing, what does a ⋈ symbol represent? | A Gate Valve. It is used to completely stop the flow of water for maintenance or emergencies. |
| What does WC stand for | Water Closet |
| Why is a Hip or Valley Rafter always longer than a Common Rafter on the same roof? | Because it runs diagonally (45∘) across the building. |
| What is a Hip Rafter | Forms an outside corner where two roof planes meet |
| What is a valley rafter | Forms an inside corner where two roof planes meet |
| Describe a Mansard roof. | A four-sided hip roof where each side has two slopes. |
| Why is a Gambrel roof commonly used for barns and small houses? | The "broken" slope creates significantly more headroom and usable floor space in the attic or loft area. |
| What is a Swale on a grading plan? | A wide, shallow depression in the landscape designed to channel rainwater safely away from the building foundation and toward a storm drain or lower area. |
| What is the difference between Damp-proofing and Waterproofing? | Damp-proofing resists incidental soil moisture (capillary action), while Waterproofing is a heavy-duty system designed to stop liquid water under pressure (below the water table). |
| Define Hydrostatic Pressure as it relates to groundwater | It is the pressure exerted by stagnant water against the foundation. If not drained away, this pressure can force water through tiny cracks in the concrete or even cause walls to buckle. |
| What is the purpose of Filter Fabric in a foundation drainage system? | It acts as a "sieve" around the gravel and drain pipe. |