CHAPTER 35
Foundation Plan Layout
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The foundation plan is drawn at the same scale as the floor
plan that it will support. Although the floor plan can be traced
to obtain overall sizes, this practice can lead to major errors in
the foundation plan. If you trace a floor plan that is slightly out
of scale, you will reproduce the same errors in the foundation
plan. A better method is to draw the foundation plan using
the dimensions that are found on a print of the floor plan. If the
foundation cannot be drawn using the dimensions on the floor
plan, your floor plan may be missing dimensions or may contain
errors. Great care needs to be taken with the foundation plan. If
the foundation plan is not accurate, changes may be required
that affect the entire structure.
This chapter includes guidelines for several types of
foundation plans, including concrete slab, joist construction, post-and-beam, and partial and full basements. Each is based on the floor plan that was used
for examples in Section 4. Before attempting to draw a
foundation plan, study the completed plan that follows
each example so you will know what the finished drawing should look like.
The foundation plan can be drawn manually by
dividing the work into six stages: (1) foundation layout,
(2) drawing foundation members, (3) drawing floor
framing members, (4) dimensioning, (5) lettering, and
(6) evaluation. As you progress through the drawing,
you will use several types of line quality. For layout
steps, construction lines in nonreproducible blue with
a 6H lead will be best. When drawing finished-quality
lines, use the following:
5-mm lead, #0 pen, or sharp 3H lead for thin lines
7-mm lead, #2 pen, or sharp H lead for bold lines
9-mm lead, #3 pen, or H lead and draw two parallel
lines very close for very bold lines
CONCRETE SLAB FOUNDATION
LAYOUT
The following steps can be used to draw a foundation with a concrete slab floor system. Not all steps
will be required for every house. When the concrete
828
slab foundation is complete, it should resemble the
plan shown in Figure 35-5. Use construction lines
for Step 1 through Step 9. Each step can be seen in
Figure 35-1.
Using the dimensions on your floor plan, lay out
the exterior edge of the slab. The edge of the slab
should match the exterior side of the exterior walls
on the floor plan.
STEP 2 Draw the interior side of the stem wall around
the slab at the garage area. See Figure 33-12A for a
review of foundation dimensions.
STEP 3 Block out doors in the stem walls. Allow for the
door size plus 4" (100 mm).
STEP 4 Lay out a support ledge if brick veneer is to
be used.
STEP 5 Lay out the exterior footing width.
STEP 6 Lay out the size of the fireplace based on measurements from the floor plan.
STEP 7 Lay out the fireplace footing so that it extends
6" (150 mm) minimum beyond the face of the fireplace (exclude the hearth).
STEP 8 Lay out interior footings.
STEP 9 Lay out any exterior piers that might be required
for decks or porches.
STEP 1
Darken all items that were drawn in Step 1
through Step 9. Use bold lines to draw Step 1
through Step 4 with finished-line quality. Use thin
dashed lines to draw Steps 5, 7, 8, and 9 with finishedline quality. Your drawing should now resemble the
drawing in Figure 35-2.
STEP 10
See Figure 35-3 for Step 11 through Step 14. Because
the following items are simple, they can be drawn without construction lines. These items may or may not be
required, depending on your plan.
Draw changes in the floor levels.
STEP 12 Draw metal connectors and exterior piers.
STEP 13 Draw floor drains.
STEP 14 Draw heating registers if required.
STEP 11
Chapter 35: Foundation Plan Layout
829
STEP 6
STEP 8
STEP 7
STEP 3
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 5
STEP 4
STEP 3
STEP 9
FIGURE 351 Use construction lines to lay out the location of the stem wall, footings, doors, and the fireplace for
a concrete slab foundation plan.
You now have drawn all of the information that is
required to represent the floor and foundation systems.
Follow Step 15 through Step 20 to place the required
dimensions on the drawing. Use thin lines for all extension and dimension lines. Your drawing should resemble
Figure 35-4 when complete.
Draw extension and dimension lines to locate:
The overall size on each side of the foundation.
STEP 16 Jogs in the foundation walls.
STEP 17 Door openings in the stem wall.
STEP 15
FIGURE 352 Carefully darken all objects using the proper finished-line quality. Construction lines should be so
light that they do not need to be erased.
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Architectural Drafting and Design
STEP 13
STEP 11
STEP 12
FIGURE 353 Add any finishing materials such as lower slabs and plumbing, electrical, and HVAC material
that will be below the slab.
STEP 15
STEP 16
STEP 19
STEP 19
STEP 18
STEP 17
STEP 15
STEP 16
STEP 15
STEP 17
STEP
17
STEP 16
STEP 15
FIGURE 354 Prepare the plan to be dimensioned by adding dimension and extension lines to describe the overall, major jogs, and
each opening on each side of the foundation.
Chapter 35: Foundation Plan Layout
831
Interior footings (to center) and interior
stem walls (to edge) for braced wall support (50'
[15 000 mm] maximum between braced wall lines).
STEP 19 The fireplace.
STEP 20 Heating and plumbing materials.
STEP 18
The final drawing procedure is to place dimensions
and specify the materials that are to be used. Figure 35-5
is an example of the notes that are required on the foundation. Use the following steps to complete the foundation plan.
STEP 21 Compute and neatly letter all dimensions in the
appropriate location.
STEP 22 Neatly letter all required general notes.
STEP 23 Neatly letter all required local notes.
STEP 24 Place a title and scale under the drawing.
STEP 25 Using a print of your plan, evaluate your drawing using the checklist below.
SLAB FOUNDATION PLAN
CHECKLIST
Correct Symbol /
Location
Correct Structural
Materials
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
Outline of slabs
Walls
Footings and piers
Doors
Ductwork
Plumbing
Floor slopes
Proper footing size
Proper footing location
Proper pier size
Proper pier location
Lateral bracing
Required Local
Notes
Required General
Notes
❑ Concrete slab thickness,
❑ Soil-bearing pressure
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
fill, and reinforcement
Veneer ledges
Door block outs
Fireplace footings
Pier sizes
Footing sizes
Floor drains
Heat registers
Lateral bracing
Required Dimensions
❑ Overall
❑ Jogs
❑ Openings
Concrete strength
Anchor bolt size and spacing
Vapor barriers
Slab insulation
Reinforcement
Lateral schedules
Pier locations
Metal connectors
Lateral bracing locations
FOUNDATION PLAN WITH JOIST
CONSTRUCTION
The following steps (illustrated in Figure 35-6) can be
used to draw a foundation plan showing continuous
footings and floor joists. Use construction lines for
Step 1 through Step 9.
Using the dimensions on your floor plan, lay out
the exterior face of the foundation wall.
STEP 2 Determine the foundation wall thickness and
lay out the interior face of the foundation wall. See
Figure 33-12A for a review of foundation footing and
wall dimensions.
STEP 3 Block out doors in the garage area. Typically the
door size plus 4" (100 mm) is provided as the foundation is formed.
STEP 4 Block out a crawl access.
STEP 5 Lay out a support ledge if you are using masonry
veneer.
STEP 6 Lay out the size of the fireplace excluding the
hearth, using the measurements on the floor plan.
STEP 7 Lay out the footing width around the perimeter walls.
STEP 8 Lay out the fireplace footing so it extends a minimum of 6" (150 mm) past the face of the fireplace.
STEP 9 Lay out any exterior piers required for porches
or deck support.
STEP 10 Lay out girder locations to support floor joists,
load-bearing walls, and changes in floor elevation.
STEP 11 Locate the center of all support piers.
STEP 12 Darken all items drawn in Step 1 through
Step 9. Use bold lines to represent the materials
drawn in Step 1 through Step 6. Use thin dashed
lines for Step 7 through Step 9. When you are finished with this step, your drawing should resemble
Figure 35-7.
STEP 1
See Figure 35-8 for Step 13 through Step 18. The
items in these steps are not drawn with construction
lines. Because of their simplicity, these items can be
drawn using finished lines and need not be traced.
Draw the girders, using thin dashed lines.
STEP 14 Draw arrows to represent the floor joist
direction.
STEP 15 Draw the piers to support the girders.
STEP 13
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Architectural Drafting and Design
FIGURE 355 The foundation plan for a structure with a concrete slab is finished by adding dimensions and text. For drawings completed using the prescriptive path of the IRC,
add any required supports for braced walls. Notice on the north wall, because the distance between braced wall lines exceeds 50’ (15 000 mm) a stem wall and footing have been
added to support the interior braced wall panel.
Chapter 35: Foundation Plan Layout
833
STEP 2
STEP 1
STEP 4
STEP 7
STEP 6
STEP 8
STEP 3
STEP 10
STEP 11
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 5
STEP 3
STEP 9
FIGURE 356 Use construction lines to lay out the locations of stem wall, footings, doors, the fireplace, and girder.
Draw beam pockets.
STEP 17 Draw vents in the walls surrounding the crawl
space. Use bold lines to represent the edges and thin
lines to represent the vent.
STEP 18 Crosshatch the masonry chimney if concrete
block or brick is used.
STEP 16
You now have drawn all of the information that is
required to represent the floor and foundation systems.
Follow Step 19 through Step 24 to dimension these
items. Use thin lines for all extension and dimension
lines. When complete, your drawing should resemble
Figure 35-9.
FIGURE 357 Carefully darken all objects using the proper finished-line quality. Construction lines
should be so light that they do not need to be erased.
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Architectural Drafting and Design
STEP 13
STEP 15
STEP 16
STEP 14
STEP 17
FIGURE 358 Draw the girders, joists, and vents.
STEP 19
STEP 22
STEP 20
STEP 19
STEP 19
STEP 20
STEP 23
STEP 20
STEP 21
STEP 23
STEP 21
STEP 20
STEP 19
FIGURE 359 Prepare the plan to be dimensioned by adding dimension and extension lines to describe the overall, major jogs, and
each opening on each side of the foundation.
Chapter 35: Foundation Plan Layout
835
Draw extension and dimension lines to locate:
The overall size of each side of the foundation.
STEP 20 The jogs in the foundation wall.
STEP 21 Door openings in the foundation wall.
STEP 22 The fireplace.
STEP 23 All girders and piers. Place extension lines on
the outside of the foundation if possible.
STEP 24 Metal connectors if required.
STEP 19
All materials have now been drawn and located. The
final drawing procedure is to place dimensions and
specify the material to be used. This is done with general and local notes in a method similar to that used on
the floor plan. Figure 35-10 shows how the notes might
appear in the foundation plan. Use the following steps
as a guideline for completing the foundation plan.
Compute all dimensions and place them in
their appropriate locations.
STEP 26 Neatly letter all required general notes.
STEP 27 Neatly letter all required local notes.
STEP 28 Place a title and scale under the drawing.
STEP 29 Use a print of your plan to evaluate your drawing using the following checklist.
STEP 25
FOUNDATION PLAN WITH
JOISTS CHECKLIST
Correct Symbol
and Location
Correct Structural
Materials
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
Stem walls
Footings
Crawl access
Vents
Doors
Girders
Joist
Proper footing sizes
Proper stem wall size
Proper beam placement
Proper beam size
Proper joist size and direction
Proper pier locations and sizes
Lateral bracing
Piers
Masonry Fireplace
❑ Garage slab thickness
❑ Fill and slope direction
❑ Fireplace outline (exterior 0-clearance)
Required General
Notes
Required
Dimensions
❑ Soil-bearing information
❑ Concrete strength
❑ Crawl space covering
❑ Overall
❑ Jogs
❑ Openings in stem walls
❑ Framing lumber grade
❑ Girder locations
❑ Lateral schedules
❑ Pier locations
❑ Metal connectors
❑ Lateral bracings locations
and species
(excluding vents)
STANDARD FOUNDATION WITH
POST-AND-BEAM FLOOR SYSTEM
Use construction lines for drawing Step 1 through
Step 12. Each step can be seen in Figure 35-11. When
your drawing is complete, it should resemble the plan
in Figure 35-14.
Using the dimensions on your floor plan, lay out
the exterior edge of the foundation wall.
STEP 2 Lay out the interior face of the foundation wall.
STEP 3 Block out doors in the garage area.
STEP 4 Block out for a crawl access.
STEP 5 Lay out the support ledge if masonry veneer is
to be used.
STEP 6 Lay out the size of the fireplace using measurements from the floor plan.
STEP 7 Lay out the footing under the foundation walls.
STEP 8 Lay out the footing under the fireplace.
STEP 9 Lay out any exterior piers required to support
porches and decks.
STEP 10 Lay out the center of each load-bearing wall.
STEP 11 Lay out all girders.
STEP 12 Lay out the center for the piers to support the
girders.
STEP 1
See Figure 35-12 for Step 13 through Step 16.
Required Local Notes
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
Joist size and spacing
Beam sizes
Beam pockets
Metal connectors
Anchor bolts and mudsill
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
Darken all items in Step 1 through Step 12. Use
bold lines to represent the material in Step 1 through
Step 6. Use thin dashed lines to represent the material in Step 7 through Step 9, and Step 12.
STEP 14 Use pairs of thin dashed lines or a very bold
center line to represent the girders.
STEP 13
Veneer ledges
Door block outs
Fireplace footing size (masonry)
Vent size and spacing
Lateral bracing
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Architectural Drafting and Design
FIGURE 3510 The foundation plan for a home with a joist floor system is finished by adding dimensions and text. For drawings completed using the prescriptive path of the IRC,
add any required supports for braced walls. Notice on the north wall, because the distance between braced wall lines exceeds 50’ (15 000 mm) a stem wall and footing have been
added to support the interior braced wall panel.
Chapter 35: Foundation Plan Layout
837
STEP 4
STEP 7
STEP 6
STEP 8
STEP 10
STEP 3
STEP 11
STEP 12
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 5
STEP 3
STEP 9
FIGURE 3511 Use construction lines to lay out the locations of the stem wall, footing, doors, fireplace, and girders and piers for a post-and-beam foundation plan.
The items to be drawn in these steps have not been
drawn with construction lines. Because of their simplicity you can draw these items with finished lines.
Draw vents in the walls surrounding the crawl
space.
STEP 15
Draw beam pockets. When you are finished
with this step, your drawing should resemble the
drawing in Figure 35-12.
STEP 17 Crosshatch materials formed using concrete
blocks.
STEP 16
STEP 16
STEP 14
STEP 15
FIGURE 3512 Carefully darken all objects using the proper finished-line quality. Construction lines should be
so light that they do not need to be erased.
838
Architectural Drafting and Design
STEP 23
STEP 21
STEP 20
STEP 23
STEP 22
STEP 18
STEP 19
STEP 20
STEP 24
STEP 19
FIGURE 3513 Draw the girders and the piers with finished-line quality. Place dimension lines to describe the overall, major jogs, and
each opening on each side of the foundation.
You now have drawn all of the information to represent the floor and foundation systems. Follow Step
18 through Step 23 to dimension these items. Use
thin lines for extension and dimension lines. When
complete, your foundation plan should resemble
Figure 35-13.
Draw extension and dimension lines to locate:
The overall size of the foundation.
STEP 19 The jogs in the foundation walls.
STEP 20 All openings in the foundation walls except
for vents.
STEP 21 The fireplace.
STEP 22 All girders.
STEP 23 All piers.
STEP 24 All metal connectors.
STEP 18
All materials have now been drawn to represent the
floor and foundation systems. The final drafting procedure is to place dimensions and specify the material
to be used. This is done by the use of general and local
notes in a method similar to what was used on the floor
plan. Figure 35-14 shows how notes can be placed on
the foundation plan. Complete the foundation plan
using the following steps.
Compute and neatly letter dimensions in the
appropriate places.
STEP 26 Neatly letter all required general notes.
STEP 27 Neatly letter all local notes.
STEP 28 Place a title and scale below the drawing.
STEP 29 Using a print of your plan, evaluate your drawing using the checklist.
STEP 25
Chapter 35: Foundation Plan Layout
839
FIGURE 3514 The foundation plan for a home with a post-and-beam floor system is finished by adding dimensions and text. For drawings completed using the prescriptive path of
the IRC, add any required supports for braced walls. Notice on the north wall, because the distance between braced wall lines exceeds 50’ (15 000 mm) a stem wall and footing have
been added to support the interior braced wall panel.
840
Architectural Drafting and Design
FOUNDATION PLAN WITH
POST-AND-BEAM CHECKLIST
Correct Symbol
and Location
Correct
Structural Materials
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
Stem walls
Footings
Crawl access
Vents
Doors
Girders and piers
Proper footing sizes
Proper stem wall size
Proper beam placement
Proper pier placement
Required Local
Notes
Required General
Notes
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
Metal connectors
Anchor bolts and mudsills
Garage slab thickness, fill,
slope direction
❑ Fireplace note
❑ Vent size and spacing
❑ Veneer ledges
❑
❑
❑
❑
Overall
Jogs
Wall openings
Lateral bracing locations
❑
❑
❑
❑
Girder locations
Pier locations
Metal locations
Masonry fireplace location
COMBINATION SLAB AND CRAWL
SPACE PLANS FOR A PARTIAL
BASEMENT
Lateral bracing
Masonry fireplace and footing
Beam pockets
Required Dimensions
Veneer ledges
Line of slabs
Beam size
❑ Door block outs
❑ Fireplace outline (exterior 0-clearance)
❑ Lateral bracings
Soil-bearing values
Concrete values
Crawl space covering
Crawl space insulation
Framing lumber grade
and species
❑ Lateral schedules
A structure may require a combined slab and floor joist
system. The foundation plan will have similarities to both
a foundation with joist and a slab foundation system.
Figure 35-19 is an example of a foundation plan with a
basement slab and a crawl space with joist construction.
The following steps can be used to draw the foundation
plan. Use construction lines for Step 1 through Step 12.
Each step can be seen in Figure 35-15.
Using the dimensions on your floor plan, lay out
the exterior face of the foundation walls.
STEP 2 Determine the wall thickness and lay out the
interior face of the foundation walls.
STEP 1
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 4
STEP 6
STEP 8
STEP 7
STEP 8
STEP 3
STEP 9
STEP 10
STEP 11
STEP 12
STEP 3
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 5
STEP 3
STEP 10
FIGURE 3515 Use construction lines to lay out the location of the stem wall, retaining walls, footings, door
locations, and the fireplace for a foundation plan with a partial basement.
Chapter 35: Foundation Plan Layout
841
FIGURE 3516 Carefully darken all objects using the proper finished-line quality. Construction lines should
be so light that they do not need to be erased.
Block out door and window openings in the
foundation walls.
STEP 3
STEP 4
Block out a crawl access.
Lay out a support ledge if masonry veneer is to
be used.
STEP 5
Lay out the size of the fireplace based on the size
drawn on the floor plan.
STEP 6
STEP 7
Lay out the footing under the fireplace.
Lay out the footing width under all foundation
walls.
STEP 8
Lay out the footing width under all interior loadbearing walls.
STEP 9
Lay out any exterior piers required for porches
and deck support.
STEP 10
Lay out girder locations to support the floor and
load-bearing walls.
STEP 11
STEP 12
Locate the center of all interior support piers.
Darken all items drawn in Step 1 through Step 10.
Use bold lines for Step 1 through Step 6. Use thin
dashed lines for items in Step 7 through Step 10 and
Step 12. When complete, your drawing should resemble Figure 35-16.
STEP 13
See Figure 35-17 for Step 14 through Step 19. These
items have not been drawn with construction lines.
Each can be drawn using finished-quality lines and need
not be traced.
Draw the girders using dashed lines.
STEP 15 Draw piers with thin dashed lines.
STEP 16 Draw vents in the crawl area only.
STEP 17 Draw windows with thin lines.
STEP 18 Draw window wells using thin lines.
STEP 19 Crosshatch materials if concrete blocks are
used.
STEP 14
You now have drawn all of the information that is
needed to represent the floor and foundation systems.
Follow Step 20 through Step 23 to dimension these
items. Use thin lines for all extension and dimension
lines. When complete, your drawing should resemble
Figure 35-18.
Draw extension and dimension lines to locate:
Overall size on each side of the foundation.
STEP 21 Jogs in the foundation walls.
STEP 22 All openings in the foundation walls except
for vents.
STEP 23 All girders and piers.
STEP 20
All materials have now been drawn and located. The
final drawing procedure is to place dimensions and
specify the materials that were used. Materials may be
specified with general and local notes. Figure 35-19 is
an example of the notes that can be found on the foundation plan. Use the following steps as guidelines to
complete the foundation plan.
842
Architectural Drafting and Design
STEP 16
STEP 17
STEP 14
STEP 15
STEP 18
FIGURE 3517 Draw all girders, piers, windows, and window wells.
STEP 22
STEP 23
STEP 23
STEP 21
STEP 20
FIGURE 3518 Prepare the plan to be dimensioned by adding dimension and extension lines to describe the overall, major jogs, and
each opening on each side of the foundation.
Chapter 35: Foundation Plan Layout
FIGURE 3519 The foundation plan with a crawl space and partial basement is finished by adding dimensions and text. For drawings completed using the prescriptive path of
the IRC, add any required supports for braced walls.
843
844
Architectural Drafting and Design
Compute all dimensions and place them in the
appropriate location.
STEP 25 Neatly letter all required general notes.
STEP 26 Neatly letter all required local notes.
STEP 27 Place a title and scale under the drawing.
STEP 28 Using a print of your plan, evaluate your drawing using the following checklist.
STEP 24
CHECKLIST FOR FOUNDATION
PLANS WITH PARTIAL SLAB
AND FLOOR JOISTS
Correct Symbol
and Location
Correct Structural
Materials
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
Stem walls
Footings
Crawl access
Vents
Doors
Girders and joist
Piers
Slabs
Window wells
Footing size
Stem wall sizes
Beam placement
Beam sizes
Joist sizes
Pier locations
Beam locations
Pier sizes
Lateral bracing
Required Local
Notes
Required General
Notes
❑
❑
❑
❑
Joist size and spacing
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
Anchor bolts
Beam size
Beam pockets
Metal connectors
Mudsill
Slab thickness
Fill
Slope direction of slab
Window wells
Lateral bracing
Overall sizes
Jogs
Openings in stem walls
Interior footing locations
Girder locations
Pier locations
Metal connectors
Lateral bracing locations
Concrete strength
Crawl space covering
Framing lumber grade and
species
❑ Slab insulation
❑ Lateral schedule
Required Dimensions
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
Soil-bearing value
FULL BASEMENT
The foundation plan for a home with a full basement
will have similarities to a slab foundation system.
Figure 35-22 is an example of a foundation plan with a
basement slab and a crawl space with joist construction.
The following steps can be used to draw the foundation
plan. Use construction lines for Step 1 through Step 12.
Each step can be seen in Figure 35-20.
Using the dimensions on your floor plan, lay out
the exterior face of the foundation walls.
STEP 2 Determine the wall thickness and lay out the
interior face of the foundation walls.
STEP 3 Block out openings in the foundation walls.
STEP 4 Lay out a support ledge if masonry veneer is to
be used.
STEP 5 Lay out the size of the fireplace based on the size
drawn on the floor plan.
STEP 6 Lay out the footing under the fireplace.
STEP 7 Lay out the footing width under all foundation
walls.
STEP 8 Lay out the footing width under all interior loadbearing walls.
STEP 9 Lay out any exterior piers required for porches
and deck support.
STEP 10 Darken all items drawn in Step 1 through
Step 9. Use bold lines for Step 1 through Step 6. Use
thin dashed lines for items in Step 7 through Step 9.
STEP 1
See Figure 35-21 for Step 11 through Step 13. These
items have not been drawn with construction lines.
Each can be drawn using finished-quality lines and need
not be traced.
Draw window wells using thin lines.
STEP 12 Draw windows with thin lines.
STEP 13 Crosshatch any materials where concrete blocks
are used. When complete, your drawing should
resemble Figure 35-21.
STEP 11
You now have drawn all of the information that is
needed to represent the foundation system. Follow Step
14 through Step 16 to dimension these items. Use thin
lines for all extension and dimension lines. When complete, your drawing should resemble Figure 35-22.
Draw extension and dimension lines to locate:
Overall size on each side of the foundation.
STEP 15 Jogs in the foundation walls.
STEP 16 All openings in the foundation walls except for
vents.
STEP 14
Chapter 35: Foundation Plan Layout
845
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 5
STEP 7
STEP 6
STEP 7
STEP 8
STEP 3
STEP 3
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 4
STEP 3
STEP 9
FIGURE 3520 Use construction lines to lay out the locations of retaining walls, footings, doors, and the fireplace for a full basement foundation plan.
STEP 12
STEP 11
STEP 16
STEP 15
STEP 14
FIGURE 3521 Carefully darken all objects using the proper finished-line quality. Construction lines should be so light that
they do not need to be erased. Add any finishing materials such as window wells. Add dimension and extension lines to
describe the overall, major jogs, and each opening on each side of the foundation.
846
Architectural Drafting and Design
FIGURE 3522 The foundation plan for a full basement is finished by adding dimensions and text. For drawings completed using the prescriptive path of the IRC, add any
required supports for braced walls.
Chapter 35: Foundation Plan Layout
All materials have now been drawn and located. The
final drawing procedure is to place dimensions and
specify the materials that were used. Materials may be
specified with general and local notes. Figure 35-22 is
an example of the notes that can be found on the foundation plan. Use the following steps as guidelines to
complete the foundation plan.
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Compute all dimensions and place them in the
appropriate location.
STEP 18 Neatly letter all required general notes.
STEP 19 Neatly letter all required local notes.
STEP 20 Place a title and scale under the drawing.
STEP 21 Using a print of your plan, evaluate your drawing using the checklists that were used to complete a
partial slab/joist foundation.
STEP 17
CADD APPLICATIONS
Using CADD to Draw Foundation Plans
The six steps used to draw a foundation plan manually
are similar to the steps used when drawing with
AutoCAD. The first step in using CADD is to plan your
drawing. This includes planning where the drawing
will be created and stored, the needed layers, line
types, and what loads will need to be supported.
Because you do not have the same kind of accuracy
problems when working with CADD as you have with
manual drafting, the CADD floor plan may be used
as an accurate basis for drawing the foundation plan.
Display the floor plan, and then begin the foundation
drawing directly over the floor plan on another layer.
Use layers with prefixes such as FND and create layers
for WALL, FOOT, JSTS, ANNO, SYMB, OUTL, and DIMS
to keep the foundation plan separate from the floorplan files. By using the OSNAP command, the line
representing the outer side of the stem walls can
be drawn, using the outer edge of the exterior walls
of the floor plan as a guide. Once the outline of the
floor plan has been traced, freeze all floor-related
information. The guidelines given earlier in this
chapter can now be used as guidelines for creating the
desired foundation type.
Once the outline of the exterior walls has been
established, the OFFSET command can be used to
lay out the thickness of the stem walls and footings.
Corners can be adjusted by using the FILLET or TRIM
command. The CHANGE PROPERTIES command can
be used to change the lines representing the footings
from continuous to hidden. By following the step-by-
step instructions for a particular foundation type, the
plan can be completed.
Many of the dimensions used on the floor or
framing plan can also be used on the foundation plan
(see Figure 35-23). Thaw the existing dimensions so
that they are displayed on the foundation drawing,
or use the COPY command to place the needed
dimension in the drawing. A layer such as BASE DIM
can be used for placing dimensions required by the
floor and foundation plans. Place any dimensions that
were not placed on previous plan views as needed on
the foundation plan. This will include the locations
of openings in the stem wall for any doors into the
garage, foundation supports, and braced wall anchor
locations. Openings in the exterior envelope that
will be above a wood floor system do not need to be
located on the foundation plan.
General notes can be typed and stored as a WBLOCK
and reused on future foundation plans. Many drafters
also store lists of local notes required for a particular
type of foundation as a WBLOCK and insert them
into a drawing. Once inserted into the foundation
plan, the notes can be moved to the desired position.
When completed, the foundation plan can be stored
separately from the floor plan to make plotting easier.
Storing the foundation plan with the floor and framing
plan will save disk space, and proper use of layering
can ease plotting. All foundation walls, bearing
footings, and support beams will be in their correct
locations. ■
848
Architectural Drafting and Design
CADD APPLICATIONS
51'-2 1/2"
29'-6"±
21'-8 1/2"
GENERAL NOTES:
16'-0"
4" CONC. SLAB OVE 4" MIN.
GRAVEL. SLOPE 1/4" MIN. PER
FOOT. PROVIDE 6 X 6 -#10 X #10
WELDED WIRE MESH.
2'-8"
12'-0"±
BLOCK OUT FOR 9'-0"
WIDE DOORS
2'-0"
2'-0"
NEW 30" X 24"
CRAWL ACCESS
8" WIDE STEM WALL TYP. W/
2 X 6 DFPT SILL W/ 1/2" Ø X 10" AB.
@ 6'-0" O.C. MAX. - 7" MIN. INTO CONC.
W/2" Ø WASHERS.
2 X 8 F.J. @ 16" O.C.
25'-6" ±
2 X 8 DFPT LEDGERS
4'-0"
18" MIN. CRAWL SPACE COVER W/
6 MIL. BLACK VAPOR BARRIER
THROUGHOUT. LAP JOINTS 12" MIN. &
EXTEND UP STEM WALL & STAPLE
TO MUD BILL.
9'-4"
EXISTING CRAWL SPACE
8-SIMPSON CO. PAT 28 STRAPS
30" X 18" EXIST. CRAWL ACCESS
PROVIDE CONT. FOOT
@ GARAGE DOOR
1. ASSUMED SOIL BEARING PRESSURE OF 2,000 PSF
2. ALL CONCRETE TO BEAR ON FIRM, NATURAL, UNDISTURBED
SOIL.
3. CONCRETE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH @ 28 DAYS TO BE:
WALLS NOT EXPOSED TO WEATHER - 2500 P.S.I.
WALLS EXPOSED TO WEATHER
- 3000 P.S.I.
GARAGE SLABS, PORCHES, & STEPS 3500 P.S.I.
4. EXTEND ALL FOOTINGS 18" INTO NATURAL GRADE. FOOTINGS TO
BE 6" THICK FOR 1 STORY/ 7" THICK @ 2 STORY. ALL STEM WALLS
TO BE 8" WIDE UNLESS STEEL IS PROVIDED WITHIN 2" (1" MIN. FROM THE
FACE OF WALL AWAY FROM THE SOIL. STEEL TO BE 2– #3'S HORIZ.
5. FINISH GRADE TO SLOPE AWAY FROM THE FOUNDATION WALL. SLOPE
TO BE A MINIMUM OF 6" WITHIN 10'–0" OF WALL.
6. PROVIDE POSITIVE DRAINAGE AT ALL CRAWL SPACES.
7. ALL FRAMING LUMBER TO BE D.F.L. #2.
8"
7'-6"±
BLOCK OUT
FOR 2'-8" WIDE DOOR
5 1/2"
24" X 6" SCREENED VENTS
@ 10'-0" O.C.± 3'-0" MAX
FROM EACH CORNER
3'-0"
21'-6 1/2"
22'-2"±
NTS
51'-2 1/2"
FOUNDATION PLAN
1/4"
1'-0"
FIGURE 3523 Tracing the outline of the walls on the floor plan is an excellent method to create the foundation plan. Most other
materials and notes can be created using the OFFSET command, or by inserting blocks.
Chapter 35: Foundation Plan Layout
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See CD
for more
information
Foundation Plan Layout Test
QUESTIONS
DIRECTIONS: Answer the questions with short, complete statements or drawings as needed on an 8 1/2" × 11" sheet of notebook paper, as follows:
1. Letter your name, Chapter 35 Test, and the date at the top of
the sheet.
2. Letter the question number and provide the answer. You
do not need to write out the question. Answers may be prepared on a word processor if course guidelines allow it.
Question 35–1 At what scale will the foundation be
drawn?
Question 35–2 List five items that must be shown on a
foundation plan for a concrete slab.
Question 35–3 What general categories of information
must be dimensioned on a slab foundation?
Question 35–9 What type of line quality is typically
used to represent beam pockets?
Question 35–10 What are the disadvantages of tracing a
print of the floor plan to lay out a foundation plan?
PROBLEMS
1. Draw a foundation plan that corresponds to the
floor plan problem from Chapter 18 that you have
drawn. Draw the required foundation plan using
the guidelines given in this chapter. Design a floor
system that is suitable for the residence and your
area of the country.
2. Draw the foundation plan using the same type and
Question 35–4 Show how floor joists are represented on
a foundation plan.
size of drawing material that you used for the floor
plan.
Question 35–5 How large an opening should be provided
in the stem wall for a garage door 8’–0” wide?
3. Use the same scale that was used to draw the floor
Question 35–6 How much space should be provided
for a 3’ entry door in a post-and-beam foundation?
Explain your answer.
4. Refer to your floor plan to determine the dimen-
Question 35–7 How are the footings represented on a
foundation plan?
Question 35–8 Show two methods of representing girders.
plan.
sions and position of load-bearing walls.
5. Refer to the text of this chapter and class lecture
notes for complete information.
6. When your drawing is complete, turn in a print to
your instructor for evaluation.
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