LEARNING REVISE CURRICULUM 08

TVET PROGRAM TITLE: Structural Construction Works (Level I)

MODULE TITLE: Reading and Interpreting Plans and Working Drawing

MODULE CODE: CON SCW1 M08 0818

NOMINAL DURATION:90 Hours

MODULE DESCRIPTION: This module aims to provide the necessary knowledge, skills and attitude in reading
and interpreting plans and specifications.
Introduction to Drawing

Drawing Tools

Many drawing tools are used for drawing and design. Drawing tools may be used for
measurement and layout of drawing. They include pens, pencils, rulers, triangle, drafting
machine, drawing pencils, erasers and erasing shields, templates, compasses, protractors and
other drawing utilities. Stencil The stencil is a template for making pictures or texts by just
applying it to the printing surface ant coloring it. This form of printing and coloring is used from
stone ages, and it is still used today by artists, military, government and many others. Ruler A
ruler is a tool which helps people to measure, draw straight lines and do other stuff. It is used by
carpenters, masons, drawers and many others. First rulers were made more than four thousand
years ago

Plan and Work Drawings:

Plan and work drawings are graphical representations used in construction, engineering, and
design projects to communicate information about the project's layout, dimensions, and
specifications. They serve as a vital means of communication between architects, engineers,
contractors, and other professionals involved in a project.

The primary purpose of plan and work drawings is to convey important information about the
project's design, construction, and installation processes. These drawings provide a visual
representation of the project, allowing stakeholders to understand and visualize the project's
scope, structure, and details.

Types of Plan and Work Drawings:

1. Architectural Drawings: These drawings depict the overall layout, appearance, and
functionality of a building or structure. They include floor plans, elevations, sections, and
details that show features such as walls, doors, windows, and finishes.
2. Structural Drawings: Structural drawings focus on the framework and support systems
of a building or structure. They include foundation plans, framing plans, and
reinforcement details that illustrate the arrangement and specifications of beams,
columns, slabs, and other structural components.

3. Electrical Drawings: Electrical drawings provide information about the electrical

systems within a building or structure. They include power plans, lighting plans, and
wiring diagrams that show the layout, connections, and specifications of electrical
equipment, circuits, switches, outlets, and distribution boards.

4. Plumbing Drawings: Plumbing drawings depict the layout and connections of the
plumbing systems, including water supply, drainage, and waste disposal. They include
 plumbing plans and isometric diagrams that show the location of fixtures, pipes, valves,
and fittings.

Components of Plan and Work Drawings:

1. Scale: Drawings are typically created to scale, meaning that the dimensions and proportions
are accurately represented relative to the actual size of the project.

2. Symbols and Abbreviations: Drawings use standardized symbols and abbreviations to

represent various elements, materials, and systems. These symbols provide a concise and
universal way to convey information.

3. Dimensions and Measurements: Drawings include measurements and dimensions to indicate

the size and location of different elements within the project. These measurements are typically
provided in standard units, such as feet or meters.

4. Notations and Callouts: Drawings may contain additional notations and callouts to provide
specific instructions, clarify details, or highlight important information that may not be easily
conveyed through symbols alone.

Building drawing refers to the process of creating graphical representations or plans of buildings.
These drawings are typically used by architects, engineers, and construction professionals to
communicate design concepts, construction details, and specifications.

Building drawings can be categorized into different types, including:

1. Floor Plans: These drawings provide a bird's-eye view of the building's layout, showing the
arrangement of rooms, walls, and major architectural features. Floor plans help visualize the
spatial organization of a building.
2. Elevations: Elevations are drawings that depict the vertical faces of a building, showing the
exterior appearance from different viewpoints. They provide information about the height,
proportions, and architectural details of the building's facades.

3. Sections: Sections are vertical or horizontal cut-away views that reveal the internal structure of
the building. They are used to illustrate the relationship between different floors or to showcase
specific building components such as walls, stairs, or foundations.
4. Site Plans: Site plans show the building's location within the surrounding context, including
property boundaries, access roads, landscaping, and other site features. They provide an
overview of how the building interacts with its environment.

5. Details: These drawings focus on specific building elements or systems, such as foundations,
walls, roofs, or mechanical systems. They provide detailed information about the materials,
dimensions, and construction methods necessary to build these components.

The purpose of work drawings, also known as technical drawings or engineering drawings, is to
provide a detailed and precise representation of an object, structure, or system. These drawings
are typically used in various industries, including engineering, architecture, manufacturing, and
construction.

The advantages of work drawings include:

1. Communication: Work drawings serve as a universal language that allows engineers,

designers, and other professionals to communicate their ideas, concepts, and specifications
effectively. They provide a visual representation of the intended design, ensuring clarity and
reducing the chances of misinterpretation.
2. Visualization: Work drawings help in visualizing complex objects or systems that may be
difficult to understand solely based on written or verbal descriptions. They provide a clear and
accurate representation of the dimensions, shape, and arrangement of various components,
making it easier for stakeholders to comprehend the final product.

3. Design and Development: Work drawings are essential during the design and development
stages of a project. They help engineers and designers to refine their concepts, evaluate
feasibility, identify potential issues, and make necessary modifications before proceeding with
the production or construction process. Work drawings also provide a basis for collaboration and
feedback among team members.

4. Manufacturing and Construction: Work drawings are crucial for the manufacturing and
construction processes. They serve as a reference for fabricators, machinists, and builders,
providing them with the necessary information to construct or manufacture the object or
structure precisely as intended. Work drawings include details such as dimensions, tolerances,
materials, assembly instructions, and other specifications required for accurate production.

5. Documentation and Standards: Work drawings also play a vital role in documenting the design
intent and preserving information for future reference. They serve as a legal and technical record
of the design, allowing for traceability and quality control. Work drawings often adhere to
industry standards and conventions, ensuring consistency and compatibility across different
projects.

In isometric projection, views are used to represent a three-dimensional object on a two-

dimensional surface. Each view provides a specific perspective of the object from a particular
angle. The purposes and advantages of using views in isometric projection are as follows:
1. Visualization: Views allow for better visualization of three-dimensional objects by
representing them in a simplified and easily understandable manner. Isometric projection
provides a realistic representation of the object's shape and dimensions.

2. Clarity: By using multiple views, different sides and faces of the object can be shown
simultaneously, providing a comprehensive understanding of its structure. This helps in
conveying information clearly and reducing ambiguity.

3. Communication: Isometric projection views are widely used in technical drawings,

engineering design, and architecture. They serve as a common language for communicating
ideas, concepts, and specifications between designers, engineers, and manufacturers.

4. Dimensional Accuracy: Isometric views are constructed using specific rules and guidelines,
ensuring dimensional accuracy and consistency in representing the object. This allows for
precise measurement and referencing during the design and manufacturing processes.

5. Ease of Drawing: Isometric views simplify the process of drawing three-dimensional objects
by providing a systematic approach. The use of isometric grids or guidelines makes it easier to
maintain proper proportions and angles, resulting in faster and more accurate drawings.

6. Accessibility: Isometric projection views are relatively easy to understand, even for
individuals who are not highly skilled in technical drawing or engineering. This makes them
accessible to a wider audience, facilitating effective communication across different disciplines

Overall, the purposes and advantages of using views in isometric projection include improved
visualization, clarity, communication, dimensional accuracy, ease of drawing, and accessibility.

When it comes to drawing, there are several aspects or components that contribute to the overall
identity of a drawing. Here are some key aspects:

1. Line Quality: The type, thickness, and variation of lines used in a drawing can greatly impact
its visual identity. Lines can be thin or thick, straight or curved, smooth or rough, continuous or
broken, and they can convey different emotions or qualities.

2. Shape and Form: The shapes and forms depicted in a drawing play a significant role in its
identity. Geometric shapes, organic forms, and the representation of objects, figures, or
landscapes all contribute to the visual composition and overall impression.

3. Composition: Composition refers to the arrangement and placement of elements within a

drawing. It involves considering factors such as balance, symmetry, proportion, focal point, and
overall visual harmony. The composition can greatly influence the identity and impact of a
drawing.

4. Value and Tone: Value refers to the lightness or darkness of different areas in a drawing. The
use of shading, highlighting, and gradients can create depth, volume, and texture, enhancing the
visual identity of the drawing. The choice of tonal range and contrast also affects the overall
mood and atmosphere.

5. Color: Color adds vibrancy, mood, and emotion to a drawing. The selection and use of colors,
whether monochromatic, complementary, or diverse palettes, contribute to the overall identity
and impact of the artwork. Colors can evoke specific feelings or convey symbolic meaning.

6. Texture: Texture refers to the visual or tactile surface quality depicted in a drawing. It can be
smooth, rough, bumpy, or textured in various ways. The representation of texture through lines,
shading, or other techniques adds depth and realism, contributing to the identity of the drawing.

7. Style: Style refers to the individual artist's unique approach and manner of drawing, which sets
their work apart and gives it a distinct identity. Styles can be realistic, abstract, impressionistic,
cartoonish, minimalist, or experimental, among many others.

Apply commonly building construction terminologies

Construction Terms and Definitions

These important construction terms and definitions will help you better understand construction
and remodeling. When reading a set of plans, specifications, or contract, this list will help
answer a lot of questions.

1. Foundation: The lowest part of a building that transfers the load of the structure to the ground.

2. Footing: A structural component of the foundation that spreads and supports the load of the
building on the soil.

3. Slab: A flat, horizontal structural element that forms the floors, ceilings, or roofs of a building.

4. Beam: A horizontal, load-bearing structural member that supports the weight of the structure
above it.

5. Column: A vertical, load-bearing structural member that provides support to the structure.

6. Wall: A vertical structural element that encloses and divides spaces within a building.

7. Roof: The top covering of a building that protects it from weather elements.

8. Truss: A structural framework of beams or bars that supports the roof or bridge.
9. Stud: A vertical framing member used in walls.

10. Joist: A horizontal structural member used to support the floor or ceiling loads.

11. Sheathing: A covering or layer of boards or panels applied to the exterior walls or roof of a
building.

12. Insulation: Material used to reduce heat transfer or sound transmission in a building.

13. Siding: The outer covering or cladding of a building's walls.

14. HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system that controls the temperature,
humidity, and air quality within a building.

15. Plumbing: The system of pipes, fixtures, and fittings that carry water supply and waste water
out of a building.

16. Electrical: The system of wiring, switches, and outlets that provides electricity to a building.

17. Drywall: A material used to create interior walls and ceilings.

18. Finish: The final surface treatment or coating applied to a building element, such as paint or
varnish.

19. Fireproofing: The application of materials to increase the fire resistance of a building.

20. Excavation: The process of digging and removing earth to prepare a site for construction.

Symbols and abbreviations used in a construction drawing

Construction drawings are essential documents that communicate the design, specifications, and
details of a project. They use symbols and abbreviations to represent various elements, such as
materials, dimensions, equipment, and instructions. To read and interpret construction drawings
correctly, you need to know how to identify these symbols and abbreviations and what they
mean. In this article, we will explain some common types of symbols and abbreviations used in
construction drawings and how to find and use the legend, keynotes, and notes.

Types of symbols

Symbols are graphical representations of objects, features, or actions that are used to
communicate information quickly and effectively. Different types of symbols are used in
construction drawings, depending on the purpose and scope of the drawing. For example,
architectural symbols show the layout, design, and dimensions of a building and its components;
structural symbols depict the structural elements and connections of the building; mechanical
symbols illustrate the mechanical systems and equipment; and civil symbols show site features
and conditions.

.
Types of abbreviations

Abbreviations are frequently used in construction drawings to save space and avoid repetition.
Generally written in capital letters, abbreviations may be composed of initials, acronyms, or
contractions. Common types of abbreviations include material abbreviations (e.g., concrete [C],
steel [ST], wood [W], or gypsum board [GB]), dimension abbreviations (e.g., feet [FT], inches
[IN], millimeters [MM], or square feet [SF]), equipment abbreviations (e.g., water heater [WH],
air handler unit [AHU], circuit breaker [CB], or smoke detector [SD]), and instruction
abbreviations (e.g., install [INST], provide [PRV], verify [VRF], or coordinate [CDT]).

Abbreviation Meaning

A/C Air conditioner

BSMT Basement

BP or B/P Blueprint

BV Butterfly valve

CAB Cabinet

CPT Carpet

CW Cavity wall

CLG Ceiling

CT Ceramic tile

COL Column

CF Concrete floor

CTYD Courtyard

CL Closet

CSINK Countersink

CNTP Countertop

CBD Cupboard

DW Dishwater
D Door or dryer

DBL Double ovens

DS Downspout

EF Exhaust fan

EXT Exterior

FACP Fire alarm control panel

FD Floor drain

FL Floor level

GM Gas meter

HDCP Handicapped

HTR Heater

HVAC Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning

HW Hot water unit or tank

INT Interior

INSUL Insulation

J-BOX Junction box

KIT Kitchen

LTG Lighting

OC On center

OPNG Opening or rough opening

O or OV Oven

PAN Pantry

REFRIG or REF Refrigerator

RM Room

SHR Shower
SD Smoke detector, sliding door, or sewer drain

SPK Sprinkler

STOR Storage space

TLT Toilet

VB Vapor barrier

VP Vent pipe

WIC Walk-in closet

W Window or washer

WD Window

WH Water heater

WR Wardrobe

1 How can you use site plans to show building location and orientation

Site plans are essential drawings for any construction project, as they show the location and
orientation of a building on a plot of land. They can help you plan, design, and execute your
work, as well as communicate with other stakeholders and authorities. In this article, you will
learn how to use site plans to show building location and orientation, and what elements and
information they should include.

1. What is a site plan?

A site plan is a scaled drawing that shows the layout of a site, including the boundaries, contours,
existing features, proposed structures, utilities, landscaping, and other details. It is usually drawn
from a bird's-eye view, using a standard scale and symbols. A site plan can be used for various
purposes, such as obtaining permits, estimating costs, coordinating with contractors, and
ensuring compliance with codes and regulations.

2. How to show building location on a site plan?

To show the building location on a site plan, you need to measure and mark the dimensions and
distances of the building from the site boundaries and other reference points. You also need to
indicate the setbacks, which are the minimum distances that the building must be away from the
property lines, roads, or other features. The building location should be clear and accurate, as it
affects the site design, drainage, access, and impact on the environment

3. How to show building orientation on a site plan?

To show the building orientation on a site plan, you need to indicate the direction of the
building's main axis, which is usually parallel or perpendicular to the street or the site boundary.
You also need to show the north arrow, which points to the true or magnetic north, depending on
the convention used in your area. The building orientation should be chosen to optimize the solar
exposure, natural ventilation, views, and privacy of the building.

4. What are the main elements of a site plan?

A site plan should contain a title block with the project name, location, date, scale, drawing
number, and other relevant information. A legend is also necessary to explain the symbols,
colors, and abbreviations used. The site boundary should be displayed to show the perimeter of
the site and any easements, rights-of-way, or encroachments. Topography should be represented
with contour lines, spot heights, or grading plans. Additionally, existing features such as
structures, vegetation, roads, and utilities should be included as well as proposed features like
structures, utilities, landscaping, parking, and other elements. Lastly, notes and annotations
should provide additional information or instructions not shown by symbols or drawings.

5 How to use a site plan effectively?

To use a site plan effectively, you should ensure that it is consistent and appropriate in scale and
format, using standard symbols and conventions. Color and shading can be used to highlight and
differentiate features, while labels and dimensions should be used to identify and measure them.
A site plan should also be used as a tool for communication and collaboration, allowing you to
share it with clients, consultants, contractors, and authorities. Checking for accuracy and
completeness is important in order to avoid cluttering or overlapping symbols, ambiguity or
confusion.

Identifying variation
A variation (sometimes referred to as a variation instruction, variation order (VO) or change
order), is an alteration to the scope of works in a construction contract in the form of an addition,
substitution or omission from the original scope of works.
Almost all construction projects vary from the original design, scope and definition. Whether
small or large, construction projects will inevitably depart from the original tender design,
specifications and drawings prepared by the design team.
This can be because of technological advancement, statutory changes or enforcement, change in
conditions, geological anomalies, non-availability of specified materials, or simply because of
the continued development of the design after the contract has been awarded. In large civil
engineering projects variations can be very significant, whereas on small contracts they may be
relatively minor.
Variations may include:
•S Alterations to the design.
 Alterations to quantities.
 Alterations to quality.
 Alterations to working conditions.
 Alterations to the sequence ol work.
Variations may also be deemed to occur if the contract documents do not properly describe
the works actually required.
Variations may not (without the contractors consent):
• Change the fundamental nature of the works.
 Omit work so that it can be carried out by another contractor
 Be instructed after practical completion

In legal terms, a variation is an agreement supported by consideration to alter some terms of

the contract. No power to order variation is implied, and so there must be express
terms in contracts which give the power instruct variations. In the absence of such express
terms the contractor may reject instructions for variations without any legal consequences.

4.3.2..Valuation of variations
Variations may give rise to additions or deductions from the contract sum.
The valuation of variations may include not just the work which the variation
instruction describes, but other expenses that may result from the variation, such as the impact on
other aspects of the works. Variations may also (but not necessarily) require adjustment of
the completion date.
• Variations may be valued by:
 Agreement between the contractor and the client.
 The cost consultant.
 A variation quotation prepared by the contractor and accepted by the client.
 By some other method agreed by the contractor and the client.
Valuations of variations are often based on the rates and prices provided by the contractor in
their tender, provided the work is of a similar nature and carried out in similar conditions. This is
true, even if it becomes apparent that the rates provided by the contractor were higher or lower
than otherwise available commercial rates

4.3.3. Client Request

The process of selecting consultants might involve the preparation by the client of a 'request for
proposals’ (RFP) which is sent out to each prospective consultant. Consultants respond by
submitting ’consultant's proposals' to the client.

The request for proposals describes the nature of the project, the nature of the appointment and a
description of the information required from the consultant.
• The request for proposals might include:
 The strategic brief.
 The management structure.
 The scope of consultant services required and how fees should be quoted and broken
down against stages of the project.
 The project programmer.
 The construction budget (without contingencies and VAT).
 The intended method of procurement (or a request for options if the procurement
route has not been chosen yet).
 he form of agreement and conditions of engagement (such as step-in
rights, warranties, a model enabling amendment making a BIM protocol part of
the contract documents, and so on).
• The level of professional indemnity insurance required.
 The selection criteria that will be used.
 The procedure that will be followed.
 If building information modeling (BIM) is being used, the Employer's Information
Requirements(EIR).
 Targets for post-occupancy evaluation.
 Building variations expensive
 There are several reasons that variations to contracted work cost so much. The first is that
a
 building contract is a legal document and to get it changed may require the services ofa
lawyer.
 Other things that can contribute to costs in variations are:
 Cost differences between specified work/ products and updated requirements
 Pre-agreed penalty clauses for variations
 • Extra material costs (especially if materials have already been bought)
 Added labor or work costs - particularly if work has already started, if variations require
 alterations to completed work or plans, or if there's a need to call back tradespeople to
 the site
 • Added engineering, drafting or approval expenses - especially for revisions to structural
 work, which can easily cost three or four times more than just materials and labor
 A bit of variation wiggle room's usually necessary on a project as big as building a house,
but if
 there is a scope of allowed variations, it'll also need to have its limits and conditions. To
be

 clear, builders often need to request variations too, where original plans mightn't turn out
to be

 the best, most practical or most sensible option

4.3.5. How to properly manage variations
If you want to request variations to what's in your contract, your builder will usually
provide quote for the cost of the variations. It's then a matter of:
• agreeing to changes and costs (in writing), negotiating a different solution
Insist that prices and all the details of variations required are put in writing and signed off
by both parties before work is done.
There's a difference between being friends with your builder, and having a good
professional relationship.
Why do client need to request variations?
When it comes to project owners, the need for variations is usually the result of
Miscommunication, misunderstanding or rushing in without being thorough enough with
contracts.
Disputes often arise over what's been agreed upon, and whether or not what's being asked
actually constitutes 'variation', or a fair interpretation of what's stated on the contract.
The more common variations people request include:
 variations in design
 variations in quantities
 variations in models and styles of products
 variations in quality
 variations in the order in which things are constructed
And as we've already mentioned, sometimes it's the builder who needs to request
variations. perhaps because there's an issue with the original plans, or an unforeseen issue
with the site. Make sure your contract's very clear about the need for the builder to submit
detailed requests for variations in writing, along with any changes to proposed costs
4.3.7. How to avoid variations
The best way to avoid expensive variations is to be well prepared. Be very thorough,
careful and involved when it comes to planning - and never sign a contract until you're
certain it's absolutely specific about everything you want.
This means making sure your contract includes things like:
Brand and model names for things like toilets, taps, power points, door handles, locks,
range hoods, light bulbs etc.
Specific detail on the number of coats of paint to be used, texturing / application
Preferences etc. specific colors, shades and products to be used
Customer variations to standard specifications
5.1.1. Customer variations
Variation in construction means modification of design, changes in quality, quantity of w
including the alteration of standard of materials or goods to be used in the work and the
rename from site any kind of material not in accordance in the contract. In our country,
Variation or has become major issue in the construction industry. This had resulted in
cost overruns, del and in some contracts d dispute, between parties.
The aim of this paper was to identify the root causes of variation; effects of variations on
project in Ethiopia and the means of reducing the impact of variation order. The method
of the stu involved literature review, primary data collection, interview and closed -
ended- questionnaire
The study revealed that most causes of variation were change of design by client and
indium working details. Establishment of oversight project management committee and
flow information were identified as means of controlling variations during project
administration.
5.1.2. Standard specification
A specification is a written description of the building to be constructed. It supplements
Information on the drawings and, like the drawings; it is a legal part of the contract
between client and the builder. A specification might only be a few pages long for a small
project such an addition to a house, or it might be a multi-volume set of bound books for
a big project such a shopping mall or high-rise building. For a large commercial or
industrial project there may specification for the architectural features, and additional
specifications for the plumb electrical and mechanical requirements of the job.
Standard specifications are written for a small group of specialized structures that must
rigid operational requirements. Standard specifications are referenced specifications, and
can be modified with the modification noted and refer

5.1.3. The purpose of a specification

Drawings are the best way to convey most of the information required for a building
project, but a specification is needed to explain anything that cannot be included clearly
in the drawings. Specifications are commonly used to communicate the following.
• Fixture and fittings to be used, where things like dimensions, color or model number are
important
To provide instructions to the builder or mason for how something is to be done. For
Example, drawings might show that internal walls are to have a plaster finish, but it is the
specification that tells the plasterer how –bring walls to a reasonable flat surface by the
application of a cement render float coat while the plaster is setting".
To provide instructions to the builder about things that may not be part of the finished
Building but that nevertheless need to happen during the project - for example, safety
barriers, disposal of rubbish or protection or adjoining properties.
Specifications usually include a clause about making good any damage to, parts of
masonry, footpaths, fences and any other amenities in the vicinity of the project
5.3. Ethiopian Building Codes and Standards (EBCS)
The construction supervisor job description is optimized for posting on career sites and
job boards and is easily customizable for your company.
• Key Requirements:
A positive attitude and willingness to encourage co-workers
 Excellent communications skills
  Experience in supervising construction projects
 The ability to set priorities and exercise flexibility where necessary
Ability to read and understand blueprints, schematics, and construction
documents
 Understanding of proper safety procedures and recognition of hazards
Responsibilities:
 Hiring, training and general management of all employees on the project
 Monitoring performance of sub-contractors and staff
 Monitoring project budget
 Accomplishing project by defining the scope and resources required
 Allocating resources, materials, sub-contractors and other staff
 Maintaining a safe, secure and healthy work environment by adhering to
and enforcing safety codes
Virtually all residential construction must adhere to comprehensive building codes and
standards governed by local and state laws. Because of the cost and complexity of
developing and maintaining such codes, state and local governments typically adopt
nationally recognized model codes, often amending them to reflect local construction
practices, climate and geography.

Most countries and communities adopt internationally recognized Codes for this purpose.

The Codes address all aspects of single- and two-family as well as multifamily
construction, including structural elements and the electrical, plumbing, heating,
ventilation and air conditioning systems, and energy conservation requirements as well as
the overall construction elements of the sector. All domestic building materials
productions, constructions and installations are affected by EBCs
Ethiopian Building Codes and Standards (EBCS) include:
EBCS 1: Actions on structures
EBCS 2: Design of concrete structures
EBCS 3: Design of steel structures
EBCS 4: Design of composite steel & concrete structures
EBCS 5: Design of timber structures
EBCS 6: Design of masonry structures
EBCS 7: Geotechnical design
EBCS 8: Design of structures for carthquake resistance
EBCS 9: Plumbing service of building
EBCS 10: Electrical installation of building
EBCS I1: MVAC in buildings
EBCS 12: Building spatial design
EBCS 13: Fire protections during building construction design, works & use