Course Title: Construction Management Lesson Plan Session Title: Reading Blueprints Lesson Duration: 45 minutes. Can be expanded to 1-1/2 hours by adding group student presentations and/or extended research time. Performance Objective: After completing this lesson the student will be able to demonstrate a knowledge of how to read blueprints. He will demonstrate a knowledge of what orthographic views are and how to retrieve specific information from a set of construction documents. Specific Objectives: Identify different views on blueprints. Identify basic information contained in different views. Describe how blueprint reading is used in construction management. Define the term conventional drawing. Obtain critical information contained in blueprints. Preparation TEKS Correlations: This lesson, as published, correlates to the following TEKS. Any changes/alterations to the activities may result in the elimination of any or all of the TEKS listed. 130.49(c)(2)(D)... read and interpret appropriate architectural symbols, schematics, blueprints, work drawings, manuals, and bulletins. 130.49(c)(23)(A)... describe the types of drawings usually included in a set of plans and list the information found on each type. 130.49(c)(23)(B)... identify the different types of lines used on construction drawings. 130.49(c)(23)(D)... identify selected electrical, mechanical, and plumbing symbols commonly used on plans. 130.49(c)(23)(E)... identify selected abbreviations commonly used on plans. 130.49(c)(23)(F)... read and interpret plans, elevations, schedules, sections, and details contained in basic construction drawings. 130.49(c)(23)(G)... state the purpose of written specifications.
Interdisciplinary Correlations: English: 110.31(c)(21)(B)... organize information gathered from multiple sources to create a variety of graphics and forms. 110.31(c)(22)(B)... evaluate the relevance of information to the topic and determine the reliability, validity and accuracy of sources (including internet sources) by examining their authority and objectivity. 110.31(c)(23)(C)... use graphics and illustrations to help explain concepts where appropriate. Occupational Correlations: (reference O-Net http://www.onetoneline.org/) Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers Cost Estimators Appraisers, Real Estate Municipal Fire Fighting and Prevention Supervisors First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers Construction and Building Inspectors Construction workers Teacher Preparation: This lesson is designed to introduce the student to reading blueprints, how views are obtained and organized and how to locate detailed information. This lesson will give the student the opportunity to independently verify the information presented in the lesson. The teacher should review included information, obtain necessary props and be familiar with activity procedures. References: Programmed Blueprint Reading, Third Edition, S. L. Coover and J. D. Hesel, McGraw-Hill. Blueprint Reading for Construction, Walter C. Brown, Goodheart Wilcox. Architectural Drafting and Design, Alan Jefferis and David Madsen, Delmar Thompson Learning. Architecture Drafting and Design, Donald Hepler, Paul Wallach and Dana Hepler, Glenco McGraw Hill. Instructional Aids: 1. PowerPoint 2. Reference textbook 3. Reference websites for blueprint reading (optional) 4. Examples of residential and commercial blueprints 5. Architect's scale 6. Orthographic "glass box". This can be constructed by obtaining a plastic box and labeling the sides of the box to correspond with orthographic and architectural views, i.e. front view and front elevation, top view and roof plan, etc. The box can be cut in half to illustrate how floor plans are obtained.
Materials Needed: 1. Note paper and pencil 2. Lesson data sheet 3. Reading questions and quiz 4. Symbols charts and/or examples 5. Graphic Standards book if available Equipment Needed: 1. Method for displaying PowerPoint 2. Computers with internet connection 3. Printer Learner Preparation: Have the students read the introduction/preface to reading or interpreting plans in the course textbook. This exercise should be done before beginning this lesson. Verify or give students instructions on using the internet for independent research. Introduction (LSI Quadrant I): Introduction SAY: Today we are going to investigate an important part of being a construction manager. ASK: Does anyone know how to read a blueprint? SHOW: At the appropriate time show students examples of a set of residential blueprints and a set of commercial blueprints. If available, the residential blueprint set should have a minimum of six sheets and the commercial blueprint set should have fifty or more sheets. (Pictures or illustrations may be used.) SAY: Generally the job title "construction manager" refers to very large residential or commercial projects. These projects may have hundreds of sheets of blueprints. Reading blueprints requires understanding how they are made, what type of information they contain and how this information is graphically shown and organized. ASK: Does anyone know what orthographic views are? SAY: Orthographic projection is a method of drawing a three-dimensional object using only two dimensions. Imagine a house inside a glass box. If you look straight at the front of the glass box you will be able to see the height and width of the box. This "orthographic view" represents the front elevation of the house. ASK: How many different orthographic views do you think there are? SAY: Count the sides of the glass box you imagined. There are six sides...the Front, Right Side, Left Side, Rear, Top and Bottom. In construction drafting the views have slightly different names. The first four are called elevation views, i.e., the front elevation view. A modified or sectioned top view can be a floor plan or a foundation plan. ASK: Have you ever seen information written using a language of symbols instead of words?
SHOW: Show a sample chart of architectural symbols. (Show only the symbols and not a description of what the symbol represents.) ASK: What word or object does the first symbol represent? SAY: Blueprints use symbols for everything. There is a symbol for walls, a symbol for doors, a symbol for windows, a symbol for an electrical outlet and symbols and many more symbols. ASK and SHOW: Does anyone know how to read a page filled with symbols. (Show a blueprint of a building floor plan or electrical plan.) SAY: In today's lesson you will learn how to read blueprints to obtain critical information needed for building a structure. Outline Outline (LSI Quadrant II): Instructors can use the PowerPoint presentation, slides, handouts, and note pages in conjunction with the following outline. MI Outline Notes to Instructor Reading Blueprints. I. What are views? A. Views represent the image obtained by looking at a structure from a specific direction. B. Construction drawings use orthographic views. C. The views are scaled to fit the paper. 1. Plans are always drawn at standard scales. 2. Different plans are drawn at different scales. D. Orthographic views are obtained by imagining an object in a glass box and looking at each side of the box at 90. E. There are six regular views: 1. Front 2. Right Side 3. Left Side 4. Rear 5. Top 6. Bottom F. The first four views above are called elevations in architectural plans. 1. Front Elevation 2. Right Side Elevation 3. Left Side Elevation 4. Rear Elevation G. The top view represents to the Roof Plan. Use data sheet. Use the PowerPoint.
. H. A modified or sectioned top view is used to show the architectural floor plan. I. Other views called sections are used to show construction details. These views are often enlarged (shown at a larger scale.) J. Other views are used to show interior elevations. K. Commercial construction plans have detailed views showing how every component of the structure is built. L. Residential construction plans often leave some details to local standards and practices. II. Organizing Views in a Plan Set A. Plans are drafted. 1. Each plan is given a unique number and project name. 2. A complete set of plans will have multiple sheets. 3. Each sheet has a unique number and unique name. B. Some sheets have multiple views. 1. Each view is given a unique number. 2. Some views are linked to a sheet other than the sheet on which it is drawn. C. Sheets are numbered according to the construction discipline. 1. Civil sheets are designated with a "C". For example, C2.001, Grading Plan. 2. Architectural sheets are designated with an "A". For example, A1.001, First Floor Plan. 3. Mechanical sheets are designated with an "M". For example, M1.001, First Floor HVAC. 4. Electrical sheets are designated with an "E". For example, E1.004. First Floor Electrical Layout. 5. Plumbing sheets are designated with a "P". For example, P2.001, Second Floor Plumbing Layout. 6. Structural sheets are designated with an "S". For example, S4.012, Fourth Level Column Details. 7. Other disciplines are similarly numbered. If available, show students examples of the numbering system of actual plan sets. Illustrate how to find the sheet on which a particular detail is drawn.
D. Revisions are also numbered with unique numbers. Each time the plan is modified after the release date the change is documented in a written document called an engineering change notice (ECN) and given a unique number. E. Plan sets should have a cover sheet with a legend of sheet titles and numbers. III. Finding the correct information. A. Determine what information you are trying to find. B. Identify the discipline where the information is located. C. Search the legend for the sheet. 1. Read the annotations and symbols to obtain the information. a. Annotations are explanatory text notes and dimensional information. b) Standard symbols for building components can be found in related textbooks. a. Explanation of special symbols used should be contained in a symbol legend. 2. Some information may not be on the sheet but will referenced another sheet. 3. Turn to the referenced sheet, find the referenced view or detail and read the annotations and symbols. D. Special symbols are used for callouts. 1. Callout reference symbols will have the detail reference number and the sheet where the detail is located. 2. The referenced detail will have the sheet from which it is referenced. E. Construction details 1. Graphic and dimensional representation of detailed construction methods. 2. Details are referenced to the plan where the detail occurs. F. Some information will be listed in schedules. 1. Door schedules 2. Window schedules 3. Wall finish schedules 4. Floor finish schedules Show students examples of different blueprints. (Include floor plans, elevations, foundation plans, etc.) Refer students to the textbook examples of plans with sheet numbers. If available, show students an actual set of commercial building plans that illustrate the numbering system. Use the PowerPoint slide to illustrate numbering system. Show the PowerPoint illustrating a sheet numbering system. If available show students an actual set of blueprints for a commercial project.
5. Other schedules as required G. General information is given in notes on the sheet where it applies. IV. What symbols are used on blueprints? A. Construction blueprints use specific symbols to represent different building components. B. Standard symbols: 1. ANSI 2. ISO C. Custom symbols: 1. Manufacturers supply product symbols for construction documents. 2. Architects create symbols for specialized components or devices. Show students charts or examples of symbol legends. Verbal Linguisti c Logical Mathematica l Visual Spatial Musical Rhythmi c Bodily Kinestheti c Intrapersonal Interpersona l Naturalis t Existentialis t Application Guided Practice (LSI Quadrant III): Teacher will distribute data sheets. Teacher will distribute the reading questions. Teacher will distribute activity sheets. Teacher will demonstrate the criteria for completing the activities. Optional: Students may be divided into small groups for activities. Teacher will administer the lesson quiz. Independent Practice (LSI Quadrant III): Students will be given approximately 12-15 minutes to complete the reading assignment and reading questions. Students will be given approximately 15-20 minutes to complete the criteria given in the activity sheet. Teacher should observe the students as they complete the student exercise and document behavior using a camera and/or monitoring software if located in a lab environment.
Summary Review (LSI Quadrants I and IV): Question: Was the organization of the information such that it was easy to comprehend? Question: Do you understand how accurate and complete information makes it easier to successfully complete a job? Evaluation Informal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III): Instructor should observe the students' independent practice time and note the issues or questions that arise. These should be brought up during summary time. Formal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III, IV): Student should receive a grade for completing the assignment. Documents should be turned in for evaluation. Student should receive a grade for active participation. Optional: Teacher will administer the " Quiz" (or use teacher written quiz) to check for understanding and as an evaluation tool for the independent exercises. Extension Extension/Enrichment (LSI Quadrant IV): This lesson could easily be expanded into a longer time frame project. Additional research points could be added as enumerated in the student data sheet. The activity could first be done individually then randomly group students in groups of three. Each student presents his design then the students combine elements of each design to create a new design proposal. Groups or individuals could present their design concept which could be supported with independent or internet research.
READING BLUEPRINTS--DATA SHEET Introduction Reading blueprints is an important part of Construction Management. The blueprint plan set contains graphic illustrations, textual annotations and dimensions and technical data which completely describe what a structure looks like, how to build it and what materials and components are used in the construction of a structure. All persons involved in the construction process benefit from being able to read blueprints. Blueprints are created by drawing special orthographic views of the structure. Multiple sets of symbols are used in creating or drafting the views. Textual and graphic annotations and dimensional data are added to the views. Most structures will require several sheets containing various views of the structure. Large commercial projects may have several hundred blueprint sheets in a plan set for one structure. An identification system is devised to help in organizing the sheets and views so critical information is readily available. What Are Views? Orthographic views can be described and defined using an illustration a picture plane, an object (structure) and imaginary lines of sight. A line is used to illustrate, the edge view of the picture plane (PP). The object is placed with one side parallel to the PP. An imaginary station point (SP) is located in line with the object on the opposite side of the PP. A line representing an imaginary line of sight is drawn from the station point to the top corner of the object. The line of site is drawn at a 90 angle to the PP. The top corner is then projected to the PP. This process is repeated for each corner of the object. The points located on the PP are then connected with lines. The resulting orthographic views is a true size and shape representation of the face of the object. Since there are six sides to a box, six orthographic views can be drawn. In engineering drawings the views are named front, right side, left side rear, top and bottom. In construction drawings the first four views are called elevations, i.e., front elevation, right side elevation, left side elevation and the rear elevation. If the structure is oriented with sheet north with the front of the structure at the bottom of the sheet, the elevations can be designated South, East, West and North respectively. The top view corresponds to the roof plan. A modified view (section view) is used to represent the floor plan. A type of bottom view is used to represent a reflected ceiling plan (the ceiling plan looking up at the ceiling.) What are Symbols? Since building components can be very complex a set of symbols is used to make blueprint drawings. The first set of symbols is called the alphabet of lines. A thick
continuous line called an object line represents edges of objects which can be seen from the view point. A medium thick dashed line called a hidden line represents edges of the object which are hidden from the view point. Refer to your drafting textbook for a complete list of line symbols used in construction blueprints. Other symbols used in making blueprints include symbols for walls, doors, windows, switches, lights, plumbing fixtures, appliances, etc. Special symbols used in a particular plan are always identified in symbol legends. Symbols are grouped according to the architectural discipline in which they are used. For example, one group of symbols is used for plumbing, another for electrical, another for doors and another for windows. Refer to your textbook for a listing of the most common symbols. What are Annotations? To read a blueprint one must be able to identify the various symbols used. However, this is only one part of the blueprint. In addition to drawing lines and symbols to represent the various components of a structure, additional information is applied to the views. This information is called annotations. Annotations include dimensional data to describe the size of various parts of the structure. Dimensions are applied to the views in a very specific and technical way. Dimensions are applied using extension lines, dimension lines, arrows and text. Different industries use slightly different methods of applying dimensions to views. Refer to your textbook for dimension specifications for this class. Explanatory text information is also a part of the annotations applied to views. Some of the text is very general. For example, text labels are applied to identify the various rooms of a structure. Text is used to describe and identify appliances, plumbing fixtures, light fixtures, etc. Special views called detail sections use text to identify detail components such as brick, bolts, steel beams and columns, etc. Sometime the text is applied using leaders. Leaders are lines drawn from the text with an arrow on the end pointing to the described component. Refer to your text for the methods of applying annotations to the drawings. How are Blueprints Organized? A complete set of blueprints for a structure may contain dozens of sheets. Some sheets may have up to twenty or more detail views. Detail views are obtained by cutting (sectioning) a wall, room, cabinet or other feature. The location of the section view is illustrated on the plan view, but the section view itself is usually drawn on another sheet. A simple residence may have from ten to twenty or more section views. A large commercial project will have hundreds of section views. In order to find specific information the sheets, views and details must be highly organized. To achieve this a numbering system has been devised. Most numbering systems follow a graphic standard, ANSI, IBC, etc. Each project will have an identifying name and unique number. Each sheet will have the project number in the title block and it will have a unique sheet number. Sheets are numbered according to the architectural discipline. An architectural sheet may have a sheet number such as A1.001; a civil
sheet may be C1.001; other sheets are similarly numbered. Each detail will also have a unique number which will identify the exact location of the parent view and the location of the detail. Refer to your text for samples of sheet numbers and detail call outs.. What Jobs Require Blueprint Reading? According to O*NET OnLine (http://www.onetonline.org) there are a lot of job opportunities in which blueprint reading is a required or helpful skill. Blueprint reading is a skill which is used in virtually every construction related job. Persons working in the following occupational areas use blueprint reading skills in the performance of their duties: Office and administrative support workers--43-9199.00 Technicians and workers--51-5111.00 Drafters--17-3019.00 Heating and air conditioner mechanics and installers--49-9021.01 Construction carpenters-- 47-2031.01 Supervisors of Production-- Construction managers--11-9021.00-- Inspectors--47-4211.00 Plumbers-- 47-2152.02 Electricians-- 57-2111.00 References: Architectural Drafting and Design, Alan Jefferis and David Madsen, Delmar Publisher Teachers Guide, Career information, BLS Programmed Blueprint Reading, Third Edition, S. L. Coover and J. D. Hesel, McGraw-Hill. Blueprint Reading for Construction, Walter C. Brown, Goodheart Wilcox. Architecture Drafting and Design, Donald Hepler, Paul Wallach and Dana Hepler, Glenco McGraw Hill.Additional Research: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2102-11 Edition (http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos005.htm#nature) Occupational Outlook Quarterly (www. Bls.gov/opub/ooq/2005/spring/art01.pdf) O*NET OnLine (http://www.onetonline.org)
Name: Date: Class: School: Research Instructions: Reading Blueprints Activity Sheet Teacher: Each student should be given access to this document. Document may be modified to suit. Assign each student a specific search engine to use (teacher may modify list to suit)... Google.com 2. Yahoo.com 3. Ask.com 4. Bing.com 5. Other 1. The teacher should be sure each student knows how to access the computer and use the advanced search options in each search engine. 2. The teacher should assign each student or group of students to a particular architectural discipline, i.e., Architectural, Mechanical, Electrical, etc. Student: Complete the header of this document with the correct information. Procedure: Connect to the internet using your school procedure. Use the assigned search engine and advanced search procedures for the following: 1. Find three samples of architectural legends for the discipline assigned. List the URL for the site where you find the samples a. b. c. 2. Find a plan which use the symbols from the assigned discipline. Copy and paste the plan below. 3. Sketch six symbols below. 4. Print this document to the printer as instructed.
Name: Date: Class: School: Reading Blueprints--Reading Questions Part 1--Reading assignment Directions: Read the data sheet and complete the following. Fill in the blank with the word or phrase from the reading assignment that best completes the statement. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. object. 7. An important part of construction management is to be able to 1 blueprints. Blueprints use 2 to represent various architectural components. Blueprints are created by drawing 3 views of the structure. In addition to the views, a blueprint will have textual and 4 data. Orthographic views show the 5 size and shape of an object. In orthographic projection the line of sight is at a 6 angle to the plane of the There are 7_ orthographic views. 8. The views of the structure obtained by standing on the ground and viewing the structure from different directions are called 8. 9. 10. 11. The view obtained by looking down on the object is called the 9 plan. The floor plan is obtained by using a modified top view called a 10 view. One set of symbols used in making blueprints is called the 11 of lines. 12. Walls, doors, windows, switches and other architectural components are illustrated on the blueprint by using special 12. 13. 14. and 14. A complete set of plans will contain 13 sheets of blueprints. Each plan, each sheet in a plan and each detail on each sheet has a unique name 15. Sheets are numbered according to the architectural discipline to which they belong. A sheet with the number "C1.100" belongs to the _15 discipline. 16. Most numbering systems follow graphic standards as set forth by standards organizations such as 16 and 17. 17.
Answers to Reading Questions 1. Read 2. symbols 3. orthographic 4. dimensional 5. true 6. 90 7. six 8. elevations 9. roof 10. section 11. alphabet 12. symbols 13. multiple or many, etc. 14. number 15. civil 16. ANSI (or IBC or other known standards organization) 17. IBC (or ANSI or other known standards organization)
Reading Blueprints Rubric Task Statement: Reading Blueprints Task Assignment: Criteria - Concepts/Skills to be Assessed Novice 1 Developing 2 Criteria Categories (Novice to Exemplary) Accomplished 3 Exemplary 4 Points Earned Demonstrate ability to read blueprints No understanding Some understanding Good understanding Fully understands (Possible 8 points) (1-2 points) (3-4 points) (5-6 points) (7-8 points) Identifies basic symbols used on blueprints (Possible 8 points) Unable to identify (1-2 points) Able to identify one type (3-4 points) Identifies each type in some cases (5-6 points) Identifies each type in most cases (7-8 points) Navigate advanced search procedures (Possible 8 points) Unable to use advanced search feature (1-2 points) Improperly uses advanced search features (3-4 points) Sometimes uses advanced search features (5-6 points) Accurately and effectively uses advanced searches (7-8 points) Demonstrates ability to understand information on blueprints Does not understand Some Understanding Good understanding Fully understands (Possible 16 points) (1-4 points) (5-8 points) (9-12 points) (13-16 points) A = 31-40 points; B = 21-30 points; C = 11-20 points; D = 6-10 points Maximum points = 40 Total Points: 15