Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 11

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Identify symbols and conventions from SANS 10143.
• Draw a simple foundational plan.
• Create an elevation drawing from a plan.
• Interpret dimensions, materials, and features from drawings.
• Apply accurate dimensioning techniques.

Lesson summary

Civil drawing, specifically foundational plans and elevations, forms the backbone of any construction project. From houses in townships to bridges connecting our cities, understanding these drawings is crucial for architects, engineers, builders, and even informed citizens. In South Africa, with our rapid urbanization and infrastructure development, the ability to interpret and create foundational plans and elevations is a valuable skill, directly impacting housing provision, infrastructure upgrades, and sustainable development initiatives. This week, we delve into the fundamental principles behind creating and interpreting these essential civil drawings.

Lesson notes

2.1 Foundational Plan (Floor Plan): The foundational plan, often referred to as the floor plan, is a horizontal orthographic projection representing a building as if viewed from above, with the roof removed. It shows the arrangement of rooms, walls, doors, windows, and other structural elements. Think of it as a bird's-eye view cut through the building at approximately window height (usually 1.2m above the finished floor level).

Key Elements of a Foundational Plan: Walls: Thick lines representing the load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls of the structure. Distinguish between external and internal walls; external walls are typically thicker.

Doors: Represented by an arc showing the direction of swing. The hinge position and the door's width are clearly indicated.

Windows: Depicted as parallel lines within the wall thickness, representing the window frame. Include indications of window types (e.g., sliding, casement).

Fixtures: Show the location of toilets, sinks, baths, showers, and kitchen appliances. Use standard symbols for each.

Stairs: Drawn with directional arrows indicating the direction of ascent. Show each tread and riser.

Dimensions: Accurately indicate the length and width of rooms, walls, and overall building dimensions. Include both internal and external dimensions.

Annotations: Labels indicating room names (e.g., "Bedroom," "Kitchen"), material specifications, and other relevant information.

North Point: An arrow indicating the direction of North, crucial for orientation and solar considerations.

Cutting Plane Line: If applicable, a line showing where a section has been cut through the building for further detail.