Blueprint Reading

INTRODUCTION

In the construction industry the term blueprintgenerally refers to a composite of several plans, such as

the foundation plan, the floor plan, elevations, sections, mechanical plans and details, etc., that are as-

sembled into an organized set of drawings to transmit as much information about a project as can be

placed on paper in one- or two-dimensional views. The completed set of drawings represents a pictorial

description of a construction project prepared by the architect/designer and/or engineering consultant.

Blueprint reading is therefore basically finding and interpreting the information placed on prints. The

information is displayed in the form of lines, notes, symbols, and schedules. At first glance, there is a

welter of information that can appear intimidating. This innovative textbook clearly explains how blue-

prints and construction drawings are used to implement the construction process. It offers a comprehen-

sive overview of construction drawing basics and covers standard construction sequence, including site

work, foundations, structural systems, and interior work and finishes. A typical set of blueprints for a

building project usually includes a number of drawing types in order to see the project to completion.

Users of blueprints must be able to interpret the information on the drawings and must also be able to

communicate that information to others.

This manual covers and explains the use of lines, dimensions, schedules, specifications, symbols,

code requirements, construction drawing types, and methods of drawing organization, including CADD.

Comprehensive in its coverage, this book provides updated information to reflect the most recent devel-

opments in the construction industry, enabling readers to further improve their communication skills when

dealing with the technical information found in blueprint documents. This book introduces concepts es-

sential to a basic, introductory understanding of residential and light construction, while providing hands-

on experience in reading architectural working drawings. It is intended to serve as a valuable textbook

and reference manual for building trade professionals as well as students with a career or interest in ar-

chitectural drawing/design, residential design, construction, and contracting, and also those who are re-

quired to read and interpret information found in blueprint documents.

Updated to the latest ANSI, ISO, and ASME standards, this handbook helps individuals develop skills

in reading and interpreting architectural and industrial drawings and in preparing simple field sketches. It

is written to be a consumable, interactive text/workbook that provides basic principles, concepts, ANSI

and SI metric drafting symbols and standards, terminology, manufacturing process notes, and other re-

lated technical information contained on a mechanical or CAD drawing.

Nothing is more essential in the construction industry than the ability to read blueprints, and this ref-

erence handbook teaches you just that. Covering a multitude of trade industries, this book provides

plumbers, carpenters, roofers, electricians, and others access to all the necessary information. Readers

will learn how to read and understand blueprints, sections, elevations, schedules, site plans, architectural

plans, structural plans, plumbing plans, HVAC and mechanical plans, electrical plans, and more. A com-

prehensive glossary of terms and abbreviations is also included.

The handbook is written in an easy-to-understand, informal style with no prerequisites presumed. It

is designed to appeal as a basal text to the hundreds of architecture- and construction-related programs

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