Construction Law

Schack Institute of Real Estate

Reading and Interpreting Construction Drawings Lecture 1 – Introduction / Project Framework

1

Introduction

2

Course Overview

The ability to read Construction Drawings (“blueprints”) accurately is a required skill in the construction industry.

This course covers Contract Documents (drawings and specifications) for reinforced concrete, steel, wood frame, and masonry construction, as well as some mechanical and electrical construction. Topics include: scale, floor plans, elevations, sections, details, symbols, schedules, specifications, and abbreviations for architectural and engineering drawings.

3

Course Objectives

The objectives of this course are to help you to:

Understand how to navigate a set of Construction Documents including Specifications. Become familiar with multi- disciplinary documents, including Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing. Gain a foundation in plan review exercises, plan checking, estimating, and sketching. Clarify the differences between the as-built world vs. what something looks like on paper.

4

What is and isn’t a “Blueprint”? Who uses them? Why do we use them?

5

Blueprint

Reproduction of a technical drawing using a contact print process on light-sensitive sheets

Characterized by light colored lines on a blue background, a negative of the original

Typically printed on paper Sometimes printed on imitation vellum or polyester film (Mylar)

6

Blueprint

7

Blueprint

8

Whiteprint/Blueline

Document reproduction produced by using the diazo chemical process which results in blue lines on a white background

Contact printing process which accurately reproduces the original in size, but cannot reproduce continuous tones or colors

Replaced the blueprint process because the process was simpler and involved fewer toxic chemicals A blueline print is not permanent and will fade if exposed to light for weeks or months

9...