Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 11

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Interpret common symbols and abbreviations (SANS standards).
• Extract dimensions and levels from plans.
• Detail structural components like beams and columns.
• Interpret architectural detailing (doors, windows, etc.).
• Explain the purpose of a schedule of finishes.

Lesson summary

This week, we're diving deep into the practical side of Civil Technology: understanding and interpreting working drawings, with a specific focus on detailing found in building plans. Working drawings are the blueprints for any construction project. They are the detailed set of instructions that builders, plumbers, electricians, and other tradespeople use to actually construct a building. Without a thorough understanding of these drawings, errors can occur, leading to costly mistakes, delays, and even safety hazards.

Lesson notes

What are Working Drawings? Working drawings are a complete set of drawings that provide all the information necessary to construct a building. They are far more detailed than preliminary or conceptual drawings and are the primary reference point for all trades involved in the building process.

They typically include: Site Plan: Shows the building's location on the property, including property lines, setbacks, easements, existing structures, and landscaping.

Floor Plans: Show the layout of each floor, including room dimensions, wall locations, door and window placements, and fixtures.

Elevations: Show the exterior views of the building from different sides (front, rear, left, and right).

Sections: Show a vertical cut-through of the building, revealing the internal construction details of walls, floors, roofs, and foundations.

Detail Drawings: Enlarged drawings of specific building components, such as wall sections, window details, staircase details, and roof overhangs.

Schedules: Lists of doors, windows, finishes, and other building components, specifying their size, type, and manufacturer.

Structural Drawings: Show the structural framework of the building, including foundations, columns, beams, and slabs, along with reinforcement details.

Services Drawings: Show the layout of plumbing, electrical, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems. Key Symbols and Abbreviations (South African Context - SANS Standards): It is crucial to use SANS (South African National Standards) compliant symbols and abbreviations.

Here are a few common examples: WC: Water Closet (Toilet)

WHB: Wash Hand Basin SH: Shower D: Door (followed by a number, e.g., D1, D2, to differentiate door types) W: Window (followed by a number, e.g., W1, W2) GL: Ground Level FFL: Finished Floor Level RL: Reduced Level (height above a datum point) CL: Centre Line Ø: Diameter (e.g., Ø12mm rebar)

Rebar Symbols: Vary depending on the type and size of reinforcement steel. Consult SANS 920 for specifics. Crucially, look for callouts referencing the steel grade (e.g., S355JR).

Concrete Hatching: Represented with a specific pattern, indicating concrete material. Different hatching patterns can differentiate concrete types.