Unit T hree : Drafting and Sketching Working drawings
3.1. Dimensions and Components Dimensions:
Drawing dimension refers to the numerical values or measurements included in a
drawing that indicate the size, length, width, height, or distance of various components
or features. These dimensions are typically represented using lines, symbols, and text,
and are essential for ensuring that the design is accurate and can be properly
constructed or manufactured. Drawing dimensions may also include tolerances, which
indicate the acceptable range of variation for a particular measurement.
Components of an Engineering Drawing
A drawing component refers to a specific part or element that is included in a drawing
or design. It can be anything from a structural beam or column to a plumbing fixture or
electrical outlet. Drawing components are typically represented by symbols or
annotations on the drawing, and they provide important information about the design
and construction of the project. Every engineering drawing is different depending on its
usability. But, owing to huge industries such as Oil and Gas, there is a prevalent use of
detailed drawings due to complex equipment and processes. A detailed engineering
drawing consists of all the essential components of the object or part relevant from the
manufacturer understands point.
The essential components of drawing
Orthogonal views: There are different views (front, side, top) in an engineering drawing.
In a detailed drawing, one can expect a combination of views that accurately describes
the component.
Border line: Borderlines are very thick, continuous lines used to show the boundary of
the drawing or to separate different objects drawn on one sheet. They are also used to
separate the title block form the rest of the drawing.
Title Blocks: Title blocks are used to record all important information necessary for the
working drawings. They contain general as well as specific information. The title block is
normally located in the lower right corner of the drawing sheet. Though the arrangement
and size of the title block is optional, the following information is considered mandatory:
Drawing number;
Title or description of the drawing (part name);
Name of firm/organization (address, project affiliation – title or number, etc.)
Original scale;
General specifications and notes area (tolerances, finishes, etc.
Drafter name area; signature, approval, etc.
Revision Table: Drawings may carry a change or revision table, preferably on the
right-hand side (vertical revision table) or at the bottom of the drawing on the
left from the title block (horizontal revision table). In addition to a brief
description of drawing changes, provision may be made for recording a revision
symbol, zone location, issue number, date, and approval of the change.
3.2. Appropriate Drawing Symbols and Abbreviation.
3.2.1. Construction symbols Construction symbols are graphical representations
used in construction plans and blueprints to convey important information about
the design and construction of a building or structure. These symbols can include
icons for different types of materials, dimensions, electrical and plumbing systems,
and other important features. They are to ensure clear communication between
architects, engineers, contractors, and other professionals involved in the
construction process.
Types of floor Plan Symbols: Like abbreviations, symbols are used instead of words
on drawings to save space. There are a lot of them, but they‘re standardized (drawn
the same way) to avoid confusion, so don‘t worry. Some of them look a lot like what
they represent. For example, the symbol:
Some cross-sections have a ‗filling‘ that symbolizes what material is to be used. In
drafting terms this is called ‗hatching‘. For example, this hatching:
A client or a novice in the field of interior design, you may get lost in the sheer
amount of architectural symbols, texts and numbers you see on an architectural
plan. It could appear daunting to understand these symbols precisely. But it would
help if you learned about them so that no miscommunication arises between you
and the people you work for and with. It could also be beneficial to you, as a
homeowner, are dealing directly with a contractor and view construction drawings
or a set of blueprints of your home design. Knowing how to read a floor plan
can help you understand what you need and how your idea would look in
reality. A standard floor plan will show you structural elements like doors, walls,
windows and stairs. The floor plan would also show other essentials like plumbing,
electrical and HVAC systems. The blueprint symbols used are general outlines of
what the actual object is. So, for example, you can observe signs of sinks, stairs
and tubs that look like the accurate top view of the actual item.
Levels
Our floor plans will show finished floor levels, changes in levels, and ceiling
heights. These can be demonstrated in a number of ways. An area of the plan
that is clear to annotate, can simply have the word FFL: 0 (finished floor level),
or a symbol marker can be used, see below. If there is a small level change on
the same floor plan, it is good practice to show the finished floor level for both
sides of that level change.
Door Symbols
The doors are annotated by a large gap between the walls and a curved line
that shows the direction of the swing. In addition, the path traced by the swing
is shown in a dotted line showing the clear area the door would cover. However,
there are different ways to show a door depending on the type of door that is
to be installed. For typical triple hinge door swings, the curved line makes a
quarter circle arc indicating the extent of the swing (up to 90 degrees). Double
doors are indicated with a symbol like a letter M, with the two curved arcs
meeting at the center. When a sliding door or pocket door is shown, it is mainly
indicated with a rectangle representing the door inserted into the wall and is
attached to a dotted rectangle. The dotted area shows where the position of the
door would be when closed.
Window Symbols
Windows are shown as part of the walls. They are symbolized by an empty
rectangle inserted into wall with a solid hatch. Sliding windows are symbolized by
three parallel rectangles representing each sliding window panel joined at the
edges below the other. Casement windows look like mini doors, with an arc
showing how much they protrude from the wall while they are open. By windows
are shown by breaking the straight line of the wall, and the face of the window
is pushed outside.
Stair Symbols
Like most symbols, staircases are seen parallel from the plan view. Simply put,
they look like a series of rectangles attached from side to side. The rectangles
can change to other geometric shapes depending on the design of the actual
staircase. Sometimes they are also indicated with a line running through the
middle and an arrow at the top. This shows the direction of the staircase. The
arrowhead indicates going UP. Mid landings are shown as large slabs of rectangles
or squares as per design. A curved staircase looks like a bicycle tire with all the
sections attached to the central circle or pole.
Wall Symbols The most basic and typical element of the floor plan is the walls.
They would have a muchstandardized representation worldwide unless something
unique, e.g. a wall made up of glass bottles. The intensity of the lines indicates
the location of the solid wall. Thicker lines indicate the interior walls of the
architectural plan, whereas exterior walls are shown by double lines or a thin
black outline. The material of the wall also plays a massive role in their
representation. Brick or concrete walls are colored with hatches at 45-degree
angles. Items like wood are shown in a brief depiction of wood grains. Insulated
walls are indicated in spring like a pattern infused in the walls.
Plumbing Symbols: Plumbing fixtures are predominantly depicted as would be
seen from the top in a parallel perspective. They include items like a bathtub,
toilet, shower and sinks. The sink sizes can change depending on what type it is,
such as single vanity sink, cabinet sink, double sink, kitchen sink, freestanding sink
etc. Uncommon fixtures include items like urinals. Sometimes bathroom features
are also depicted, such as towel racks.
Electrical Symbols: Electrical plans will carry a host of symbols that will signify the
lighting points, locations of wall jacks, thermostats, TV and switch outlets. They will also
have markings of electrical items like ceiling fans denoted by a circle and three lines
originating from the center like a propeller. The light point is represented by a small
circle and crosshairs extending beyond the circle‘s circumference. Electrical floor plans
always include a legend since there are a lot of symbols that you would need to keep
track of. Sometimes along with the item name, a small note on the feature is also
written if it requires further explanation, such as the wattage of a particular light.
Furniture Symbols: Furniture symbols are almost always self-explanatory. Depending on
the draughtsman, they can draw items like sofas and tables in simple rectangles or
extensive details. Sometimes it becomes mandatory to consider the detailed furniture
drawings of the couch and armchairs to overlay them into the standard home plan.
Sometimes draughtsman also draws plants and props on top of the table for artistic
effect. This is mainly done when the floor plan is made for sale or marketing purposes.
Most commonly used symbols in the common areas like the living room and dining room
range from sofas, armchairs, and dining tables, dining chairs, sideboards, cupboards to
smaller items like tempos, puffs and side tables.
Hatching Symbols Hatching is used to represent the material being sectioned. In
many cases hatching is not possible because the drawing is too small. It is time
consuming, even when done using a computer program, and should only be used
when it assists in the understanding of the drawing detail.
