Blueprint Reading and Care

Blueprints Set of drawings that are used by: Homebuilders Architects Engineers Contractors Provide universal language for all trades and cultures Blue reading: process of interpreting the drawing

Architectural Drawings Describe the physical form Site (plot) shows where the building is on the property Floor plans: show walls and divisions for each floor Elevation: outside faces of the building Vertical cross sections: many to show perspective of the plans

Mechanical Drawings Show the mechanical systems of the builiding: Plumbing plans Plumbing schedules Plumbing detail Heating, ventilating, air conditioning

Electrical Drawings Show the wiring of the equipment and all supporting part: Electrical site plan Power and lighting plans Electrical details Electrical schedules

Plot or Site Plan The view of the structure from a birds’ eye view. Shows location of building on site including: Roof view Property lines Roads Railroad tracks Topography layout Power lines Shrubbery walkways Driveways utilities

Symbols Symbols are used to abbreviate materials and instructions for builders. It is impossible to have the drawing and all instructions without some sort of process. This is used through different shading and lettering that is universal Symbols of your field should be memorized since they may affect your area of construction.

Symbols, cont. Symbols are used to indicate: Example: Location type of material Example: Types of material Location of fixtures , outlets, switches

Basic Construction Symbols

Abbreviations Save time and space on drawings Unlike symbols, abbreviations can vary even within the same set of plans. Abbreviations are clarified on a table or legend on a cover sheet of the blueprint set.

Property Lines Shows the whole piece of property under construction Extra heavy, two dashes with one long dash

Object Lines Heavy continuous line that shows the outline of a structure or an object. The outline of objects such as: Rooms Doors Windows

Hidden Lines Medium weight evenly dashed, short lines Used to show objects, edges or surfaces that are not in view. Usually are pictured items that are in other parts of the drawing like elevation or sectional views.

Break Lines Used to show an object has not been drawn in its entirety. Used to save space Long breaks shown by as zigzag Short breaks shown with regular lines separating the two parts of an object.

Dimensions Lines Dimension lines are thin lines used to indicate the distance between two points. Measurements are written on or above the dimension line 250 feet 3” Note to students that the short break is also pictured in this example.

Center Lines Indicate the center of symmetrical objects like doors, windows, columns

Leader or Reference Lines Used to connect a note or label to an object. Leader lines: tie notes to an area Extension lines: used with dimension lines May be straight, angled, curved usually ends in arrowhead. 3’ 1 1 Point out the difference between the reference line and the extension lines in the picture above.

Types of Lines Center: line to indicate the center of the object Short Break lines: used to conserve space and to allow for larger plans to be added in smaller spaces. Used on repetitions. Long break: separate external and internal structures with broken out sections

What Type of Line? Look at the figure below. What type of lines are shown? What is the function of the pictured lines? 250 feet 3”

Basic Blueprint Reading What Type of Line? 3. Look at the figure below. What type of lines are shown? 4. What is the function of the pictured lines? 1 1 Surface

Proper Handling of Plans and Drawings Never write on a plan unless you have been authorized to make changes Keep plans clean and free of oil and dirt Keep plans in a roll and never fold plans Do not lay sharp objects on plans While in use, keep plans in a safe place away from weather When not in use, store in clean dry place

Quick Check for Understanding Why do contractors use symbols for blueprints instead of writing it all out? Explain why contractors use a universal set of symbols for all blueprints?

Important notes about blueprints Remember your blueprint will have all the necessary information needed to build the structure. Visualize your structure. Learn common symbols needed and know where to reference symbols that are not common.