Lesson Plan
Course Title: Construction Management
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.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved
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.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
PowerPoint
Reference textbook
Reference websites for blueprint reading (optional)
Examples of residential and commercial blueprints
Architect's scale
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.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved
Materials Needed:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Note paper and pencil
Lesson data sheet
Reading questions and quiz
Symbols charts and/or examples
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
Introduction (LSI Quadrant I):
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?
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved
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
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.
Notes to Instructor
Use data sheet.
Use the PowerPoint.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved
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.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved
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.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved
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.
Verbal
Linguisti
c
Logical
Mathematica
l
Visual
Spatial
Musical
Rhythmi
c
Bodily
Kinestheti
c
Intrapersonal
Show students charts
or examples of symbol
legends.
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.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved
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.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved
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
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved
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
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved
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)
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved
Name: _____________________________ ______________________________ Date: _____
Class: ___________________________ School: _____________________________________
Reading Blueprints Activity Sheet
Research Instructions:
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.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved
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.
An important part of construction management is to be able to __1__ blueprints.
______ 2.
Blueprints use __2___ to represent various architectural components.
______ 3.
Blueprints are created by drawing ___3___ views of the structure.
______ 4.
In addition to the views, a blueprint will have textual and ____4__ data.
______ 5.
Orthographic views show the __5__ size and shape of an object.
______ 6.
object.
In orthographic projection the line of sight is at a ___6__ angle to the plane of the
______ 7.
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.
The view obtained by looking down on the object is called the __9__ plan.
______ 10.
The floor plan is obtained by using a modified top view called a __10___ view.
______ 11.
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.
A complete set of plans will contain __13__ sheets of blueprints.
______ 14. Each plan, each sheet in a plan and each detail on each sheet has a unique name
and __14__.
______ 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.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved
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)
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved
Reading Blueprints Rubric
Task Statement:
Reading Blueprints
Task Assignment: _______________________________________
Criteria Concepts/Skills to be Assessed
Criteria Categories
(Novice to Exemplary)
Accomplished
3
Novice
1
Developing
2
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
Unable to identify
Able to identify one type
Identifies each type in
some cases
(Possible 8 points)
(1-2 points)
(3-4 points)
(5-6 points)
Identifies each type in
most cases
(7-8 points)
(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)
Navigate advanced search
procedures
A = 31-40 points; B = 21-30 points; C = 11-20 points; D = 6-10 points
Maximum points = 40
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved
Exemplary
4
Points
Earned
Total Points:
15