Here are a few general approaches to reading blueprints before we go through the details:
- Think Big-To-Small. Get A Good Handle On The Biggest, Broadest, Most Overall Details First Before Diving Into The Details.
- Know That Drawings Aren’t Perfectly Coordinated. ...
- Use The Latest Version! ...
- Make Sure Drawings Are Stamped. ...
- Orient Yourself First. ...
- Refer Only To Structural Drawings For Actual Component Size, Type & Assembly. ...
Full Answer
How to learn to read blueprints?
How to Learn to Read Blueprints. 1. Look over the lines. Although it can seem overwhelming when taken in all at once, lines are the language of blueprints. Lines often represent ... 2. Identify all the object lines. Object lines - or visible lines - are drawn the thickest of all on a blueprint. They ...
How do you read architectural drawings?
Here are a few general approaches to reading blueprints before we go through the details: Think Big-To-Small. Get A Good Handle On The Biggest, Broadest, Most Overall Details First Before Diving Into The Details. Know That Drawings Aren’t Perfectly Coordinated. Architectural Drawings Will Show SOME Information Related To The Structure, But Not All.
What should I look for in a construction blueprint?
These often appear at the beginning of any blueprints. If you are involved in any serious construction work, you will want to make sure to read it all thoroughly. The title block's first section lists the blueprint's name, number, as well as the location, site, or vendor. If the drawing is part of a series this information will also be listed.
How do you identify all the lines on a blueprint?
Identify all the object lines. Object lines - or visible lines - are drawn the thickest of all on a blueprint. They represent what sides of an object are visible to the eye. Consider a simple drawn cube, the only lines seen are those visible.
What are the steps in reading a blueprint?
5 Key Features of a BlueprintTitle block. The title block usually contains: ... Revision block. ... Grid system. ... Notes and legends. ... Plan view. ... Elevation view. ... Cross-section. ... Isometric drawing.
How do you read a blueprint for dummies?
1:468:13blue prints for dummies- How to understand construction documentsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWill it will be noted on the page. So quarter scale per foot means that for every quarter of an inchMoreWill it will be noted on the page. So quarter scale per foot means that for every quarter of an inch equals. One foot. So if you take a tape measure.
What are the 3 basic views on a blueprint?
They are; 1. Perspective drawing, 2. Oblique drawing, and 3.
Is it hard to learn how do you read blueprints?
Blueprint reading is not terribly difficult, but it does require practice and some basic knowledge of blueprints. This online blueprint reading course is designed to provide you with that foundation knowledge and enough practice at reading blueprints to get you started.
What do symbols on blueprints mean?
Blueprint Symbols are generally used to indicate function, objects, or systems in the floor plan or any kind of engineering drawing. It could be present in structural drawing, architectural drawing, electrical drawing, machine, etc.
Why is it important to know how do you read and interpret blueprints?
The ability to read and interpret blueprints is a useful skill for inspectors in order to gain an accurate understanding of the architect's intent, and to be able to interpret the building's specifications properly. Blueprints, known generically as "plans," show the construction details of a completed structure.
What is the most important part of blueprint reading?
One of the most important aspects of a blueprint is reading the specifications (or specs). They could include the project schedule, particular requirements for clean-up, or required material. Acquiring all project documents and specs will ensure the project is completed as planned.
How do you read a construction drawing?
10:2111:14Reading Construction Drawings - 10 Minute Crash Course - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipEach line goes through different things if you're looking at the dimensions. Making sure you'reMoreEach line goes through different things if you're looking at the dimensions. Making sure you're being very precise as each one is just tiny bit different than the other if.
How do blueprints work?
A blueprint is a paper-based reproduction of a drawing, usually a technical drawing, such as an architect or engineer would use. Blueprints use the cyanotype process that was invented by the astronomer John Herschel in 1842.
Why is a blue print blue?
The blueprinting paper, which is still white, is placed in an aqueous solution of potassium ferricyanide. This compound reacts with ammonium ferrous citrate and forms a compound called prussian blue. This compound, in it's hydrated form, is blue.
How are doors indicated on a blueprint?
Doors. Doors, indicated in this plan with a numbered hexagon symbol, are drawn with a straight line indicating the door itself; the curved line shows which way the door swings open, to show architects and designers the amount of clearance they will have in the room.
How do you read architectural blueprints?
Start in upper left corner and work way across page so as not to miss any details. Read the plan cover sheet. This contains important project information like the project name, architect, contact information, project information and the date. It might also include a drawing of the finished product.
How do you read a construction drawing?
10:2111:14Reading Construction Drawings - 10 Minute Crash Course - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipEach line goes through different things if you're looking at the dimensions. Making sure you'reMoreEach line goes through different things if you're looking at the dimensions. Making sure you're being very precise as each one is just tiny bit different than the other if.
How do blueprints work?
A blueprint is a paper-based reproduction of a drawing, usually a technical drawing, such as an architect or engineer would use. Blueprints use the cyanotype process that was invented by the astronomer John Herschel in 1842.
How do you read a site plan?
Tips on How to Read a Site PlanFind The Title Block. In the bottom right corner of most plans, you'll find what's called a title block. ... Learn the Plan's Scale. ... Determine the Orientation of the Plan. ... Know the Datum Point. ... Note the Site's Contours. ... Locate Existing Structures.
How do you read blueprint dimensions?
Room dimensions are presented in width by the length. For example, a room that has a dimension of 12' x 16' means it's 12 feet wide (from side to side) by 16 feet long (from top to bottom).
What is blueprint design?
A blueprint is a two-dimensional set of drawings that provides a detailed visual representation of how an architect wants a building to look. Blueprints typically specify a building's dimensions, construction materials, and the exact placement of all its components. The word "blueprint" originated in the mid-nineteenth century when engineering ...
Why do you need blueprints?
You need blueprints to estimate the cost of labor and the bill of materials, to create a construction schedule, and to obtain building permits. A set of blueprints must show that your building design is in compliance with your local building codes, or the building inspection department won't approve your permit to begin construction.
What is a cutting plane line?
Cutting-plane line: A cutting-plane line is a U-shaped line with arrowheads on each end. It bisects an object to display its interior features. Section line: Section lines indicate when the surface of an object in the sectional view is cut along the cutting-plane line.
What is dimension line?
Dimension line: Dimension lines indicate the distance between two points in a drawing. When dimensioning, the architect draws two short solid lines with a gap between them and two arrowheads pointing in opposite directions. The architect then writes the dimension number in the empty gap between the two lines.
What is the difference between hidden lines and center lines?
Hidden lines consist of short dashes that the architect draws at half the thickness of object lines. Center line: This type of line indicates the central axis of an element. Center lines consist of alternating short and long dashes that the architect draws with the same thickness as hidden lines.
What is a section view?
Section view drawing: A section view is a drawing on a vertical plane that slices through solid space to depict the inside of a certain section of the structure. A cross-section view shows elements such as insulation, wall studs, and sheathing.
What is a plan view drawing?
Plan view drawing: A plan view is a drawing on a horizontal plane depicting a bird's eye view of a structure from above. Each floor in the building has its own plan view drawing.
What information does a blueprint include?
Sometimes, specific blueprints include information about the building task at hand. Look for any information the architect or engineer may have included as additional context when reading the blueprints.
What are some examples of details that might appear in a blueprint?
If certain elements of a building are especially complex, the blueprints might include a detailed depiction of those complicated elements. Complex joints, windows and other features are examples of details that might appear this way.
What is blueprint building?
A blueprint, or two-dimensional rendering of a building's plan, represents exactly how the carpenters, electricians, plumbers and other skilled professionals should construct the parts of the building. It provides dimensions, materials, building methods and all other important details that a building professional needs to create the building according to the architectural team's plan. Although you can create blueprints exclusively by hand using drafting tools, most architects and engineers use computer technology to create these images today. The resulting plans can then be printed and mailed or sent electronically.
What is a cutting plan line?
Cutting plane line:Cutting plan lines show the cross-section of a specific blueprint element. They are usually bold and U-shaped to show the element's interior.
What does one inch on a blueprint mean?
Each unit of measure on a blueprint represents a specific larger unit. For instance, one inch on a blueprint might represent one foot of the actual building. You will find the scale for a particular drawing on the same page as that drawing. Keep in mind that the scale of a blueprint can change from page to page within the same set of prints, so it can be important to check for this information on each new page you read.
How many pages are in a building blueprint?
Plans for a building are often complex and can include several dozen pages of content representing each part of the construction project. Designers usually format them consistently, however, which makes them easier to understand. Most blueprints usually include the following elements:
What is section line?
Section line:Section lines show parts of a building that align with the cross-section being used in a particular depiction. They are drawn as a series of short parallel diagonal lines.
Which side of the blueprint is the written content?
With the written content on the righthand side now understood, let’s review how to read the blueprint itself. Below is the same drawing again.
Who draws shop drawings?
Shop Drawings – Shop Drawings Are Drawn By Or On Behalf Of Contractors Who Will Actually Build The Structure . These Drawings Are Produced With Constructibility In Mind. For The Most Part, They Take Into Account Actual Products To Be Used, Verified Field Dimensions, Final New Dimensions & The Actual Details On The Job.
How many drawings are there on a construction site?
On a large construction site, you’ll find thousands upon thousands of drawings. This because there is just so much information to account for. Between drawings that are drafted prior to construction starting, drawings that are produced when construction is underway and all of the different trades associated with each phase, working on a large construction project requires an understand of all the different drawing types you’ll encounter.
What is a drawing in construction?
On a construction site, in a manufacturing plant or any number of jobs that require blueprints, drawings are the vision of the project on paper, combined with as much detail as possible. To understand how the project must come together, both on a large- and small-scale, reading the drawings and plans is a must.
What is a plan view?
Plan View – Otherwise Known As ‘Bird’s Eye’ View, A Plan View Drawing Is Drawn From The Perspective Of Looking Downward From Above. See Photo Below.
What is an axiometric view?
Axonometric View – Also Known As A ‘Three-Quarter’ View, An Axonometric View Of An Object Is Essentially A 3D Depiction Of An Object On A 2D Drawing. Take Our Elevation Example From Above. Once Standing Directly Across From The Front Door Of The House, Walk To Either The Left Or Right So You’re Now 45 Degrees From The Front Door. You’ll Still See The Front Of The House, But Also The Side. This Is An Axonometric View. See Photo Below.
What is a design drawing?
Design Drawings – Also Known As “Bid” Or “Concept” Drawings, Design Drawings Are Drafted For The Purpose Of Showing Intent. They’re Drawn By Design Professionals, Such As Architects & Engineers, Before The Project Is Underway. They’re Used To Illustrate The Desired End Product, And Are Also Used For Contractors & Manufacturers To Establish Costs.
What is the print on a blueprint?
The print is what shows the builders, the electricians, the framers – all of the trades people exactly what needs done on any construction project.”. The main sections of a blueprint are: Each of these sections uses symbols, scale, and abbreviation to simplify reading the many elements that each plan contains.
What kinds of drawings does a set of blueprints include?
There are many types of drawings that are used during the building process: architectural, structural, and mechanical. Some are used at specific stages, and others may evolve over time. These are the types of plans that should be included in a set of blueprints:
What is structural drawing?
Structural drawings. Once the architectural drawings are complete, the architect sends those prints to an engineer, who uses them to create the structural prints. The structural drawings show how the house will be framed, and how the building will be given its structure. They are shown from the ground up; in other words;
How long is a blueprint for a house?
Although a package of blueprints can be daunting, as many as 50 pages long, the concept of the blueprint is simple: It is a series of two-dimensional representations of a three-dimensional building.
Why do architects reduce the information on drawings to a set of standardized symbols and abbreviations?
The number of details that must be included in a complete set of blueprints is so large that architects reduce the information on the drawings to a set of standardized symbols and abbreviations in order to make the drawing easier to read and less cluttered. For reference, every set of architectural drawings includes a symbol legend.
How many pages are in a blueprint?
Although a package of blueprints can be daunting, as many as 50 pages long, the concept of the blueprint is simple: It is a series of two-dimensional representations of a three-dimensional building. Professional builder and craftsman Jordan Smith explains in his class on reading blueprints:
What does an architectural drawing reflect?
Architectural drawings will reflect the overall appearance—internal and external—of the home, how it is oriented on a building site, and the layout of its living areas
What is a note on a blueprint?
Notes on a blueprint can have a huge impact on the component requirements. The notes are often where surface treatment requirements such as heat treating, anodizing and other similar requirements are documented.
What is projections in blueprints?
Projections are different ways of representing parts on a blueprint. Basically this means there are different methods of showing the same part.
What is hidden line in blueprint?
Hidden lines. To show features in a blueprint view that would not actually be visible, hidden lines are used. These hidden lines are show on a drawing as lines made of dashes. In the example above, the hidden lines are shown as red lines.
What are center lines in drawing?
Center lines, such as the center of a thru hole are depicted on a drawing with long and short lines spaced alternately.
How to determine surface finish quality?
The surface finish quality is specified with the use of a check mark on the surface. The number above the start of the check is the required surface finish. If there are two numbers present, the surface roughness must fall within the range specified. If only one number is specified, the surface roughness must be less than or equal to the specified value.
How to show bolt hole circle?
A bolt hole circle will be shown on a print using multiple dimensions. This will include the size of the individual holes, the angle between the center of the bolt hole circle and the individual holes along with the size of the bolt hole circle itself.
Where is the title block on a blueprint?
The title block of a blueprint can vary quite a bit across different companies. In general, the title block can be found in the bottom right of the blueprint and will include the following: Drawing or part number and revision. Part name. Company name.
How to read construction blueprints?
Construction blueprints are an integral part of every project stage as they can be the foundation on which a number of processes will be based. For instance, cost estimation (both in terms of workforce and materials), construction scheduling, and permit application are some of the areas where the use of blueprints is deemed necessary.
What is the blueprint process?
The blueprint process starts off with a photosensitive ferric compound , usually the widely used ammonium ferric citrate and potassium ferricyanide.
Why are blueprints called blueprints?
Historically, blueprints were literally blueprints and were made to reproduce technical drawings through a contact print process on light-sensitive paper. First used in 1842, the blueprinting process enabled quick and accurate reproduction of specification drawings in the construction and building industry. The blueprints presented as negative drawings or illustrations of the original as white lines on a blue background.
Why are digital blueprints important?
Thanks to the rise of digital technologies in the course of the last few years, digital blueprints are also gaining great traction as they allow people both on the field and the office to stay on top of the latest plan changes and communicate them to the other project agents with the click of a button.
How does tracing paper work?
Architects and engineers would draw their designs on cartridge paper, which are then traced onto tracing paper, and then the tracing paper is placed on the sensitised paper, clamped under glass, and exposed to daylight in an exposure frame. During this light exposure, the ultra-violet light is transmitted through the tracing paper converting the light sensitive coating to a stable blue or black dye. Because India ink (the ink used in the drawings) blocks the UV light, the coating behind the drawings does not go through the photoreaction and remains soluble. The paper is then washed and dried resulting into an exact copy of the original image with the image reproduced in white line against a dark blue background.
Why is it important to have a blueprint?
In that sense, blueprints hold a key place in the decision-making process of a project. That’s why it is extremely important that they always reflect reality.
Why is it important to examine all dimensions in a blueprint?
Examining all the different dimensions included in a blueprint can ensure that every stage of the project is progressing as expected avoiding rework and by extension project delays and budget overruns.
What do the letters on welding blueprints represent?
Such letters represent to individual a piece of essential information to note when doing the welds, like root openings & length. Some reference is given below for different letters.
What is the tail on a reference line?
Finally, at the reference line opposite end, a tail is available. The tail might have fewer forks that basically point off in various directions. For weld, specialized instructions are suggested by this tail. Welders need to understand and interpret accurately different welding symbols.
What side of the reference line should welds be conducted on?
Suppose that weld symbols are available below that reference line, then weld must be conducted on the joint arrow side. Whereas if the different symbol of the weld is available on the reference line top as shown in the diagram, the weld must be conducted on the opposite joint side from which direction arrow is basically pointing.
Do welders know about blueprints?
Some welders have attended classes, but they don’t get familiar or trained regarding blueprints, or some welders do not give attention to written stuff. These consequences are that several welders effectively know about the blueprints and read them accurately or effectively use these blueprints in their workplace.
Do welding companies have blueprints?
It should be stated that different companies of welding have a significant role in welding blueprint adoption. Only a few companies restricted their welder to must know about symbols and read them correctly. In the market, there is a deficiency of good welders.
What is a blueprint in construction?
Construction plans (blueprints) are 2-dimensional architectural drawings that explain the details of a project. They provide a unique visual representation of what exactly needs to be built. Information such as dimensions, parts, placement, and materials for each project can all be found in construction drawings to assure ...
Why is it important to understand construction drawings?
Construction drawings vary from simple to very complex, so understanding how to interpret the drawings is crucial for completing the project efficiently and accurately. The ability to read construction plans will not only increase your value to your current employer but is a staple to anyone serious about advancing their career as ...
What does it mean when a drawing is part of a set?
If the drawing is part of a set, that information will also be included. This allows for easy filing and organization. Every block or cell contains an important piece of data. If there is a blank in the title block, the drawing is not ready for release.
When is a drawing redrafted?
Any time there is change to a building, system, or component, the drawing must be redrafted. Those changes are listed in the Revision Block – usually with a date as well.
Do you need to know how to read construction plans?
In conclusion, if you are in the construction industry, knowing how to read construction plans is an absolute must to do your job!
Is it important to read everything before you start a construction project?
It is crucial that you read everything and understand it before you estimate or start the construction project!
Is reading construction plans a skill?
Are you a skilled tradesman? Maybe you are a general contractor or you work in the construction industry. Either way, knowing how to read construction plans is a critical skill.
