Construction drawings use a variety of symbols and notations to convey information about a project. Understanding these symbols is crucial for interpreting the drawings correctly. Here’s a guide to some essential symbols and notations commonly found in construction drawings:

1. Line Types and Their Meanings:

  • Solid Line: Represents visible edges or outlines of objects.
  • Dashed Line: Indicates hidden elements or objects below the surface (e.g., foundations, underground utilities).
  • Center Line: Depicts the center of an object or symmetry lines, typically shown as a long dash followed by a short dash. For more information please visit konstruktionshjalpen

2. Dimension Lines and Annotations:

  • Dimension Line: Shows measurements between two points with arrows at each end; the measurement is typically written above the line.
  • Leader Line: A thin line with an arrow pointing to a specific item, accompanied by a note or dimension.
  • Extension Line: Extends from the object to indicate where a dimension starts and stops.

3. Symbols for Building Elements:

  • Doors: Represented by a line showing the swing direction; often looks like an arc that shows how the door opens.
  • Windows: Typically shown as a break in a wall with a thin line or double lines indicating the window frame.
  • Stairs: Indicated by a series of lines with an arrow showing the direction of ascent.

4. Structural Symbols:

  • Beams: Shown with a specific cross-section or line type, often labeled with size and material type.
  • Columns: Indicated by circles or squares with a cross inside; sometimes annotated with size and material.
  • Footings: Represented by dashed rectangles under columns or walls, indicating the base.

5. Electrical Symbols:

  • Outlets: Small circles with lines extending out, often labeled with types such as “G” for ground or “D” for duplex.
  • Switches: Shown as a small “S” or other designations, connected to the fixtures they control by dashed lines.
  • Lights: Depicted as a small circle with a cross or specific symbols indicating types of lights (e.g., fluorescent, recessed).

6. Plumbing Symbols:

  • Pipes: Indicated by lines with specific annotations (e.g., H for hot water, C for cold water).
  • Fixtures: Symbols vary by type; for instance, sinks are often drawn as simple rectangles with a faucet, while toilets may have a specific symbol resembling their shape.
  • Valves: Shown with various symbols depending on the type, like a “V” shape for gate valves.

7. HVAC Symbols:

  • Ducts: Shown as lines with cross-hatching or a specific symbol for supply, return, or exhaust.
  • Vents/Registers: Represented by a grille symbol, sometimes with arrows indicating air direction.
  • Thermostats: Usually shown as a small circle with a “T” inside.

8. Elevation and Section Notations:

  • Elevation Markers: Usually circles with a triangle or arrow pointing in the direction of the view, labeled with elevation details.
  • Section Cut Lines: Indicated by a line with arrowheads, showing where a section view is taken.

9. Abbreviations:

  • CL: Center Line
  • NTS: Not to Scale
  • AFF: Above Finished Floor
  • O.C.: On Center (spacing between elements)

10. Miscellaneous Symbols:

  • North Arrow: Indicates the orientation of the drawing, crucial for site plans.
  • Scale: Often noted as a bar or numerical ratio to indicate drawing scale.
  • Grid Lines: Shown as lines with bubbles or tags at ends, used to reference specific points on the plan.

These symbols and notations are fundamental for anyone working with or interpreting construction drawings, ensuring clear communication and precise construction practices.