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Version 1.1
Preface
In this document the acronym CAD will be used repeatedly. CAD
can be definedas Computer Aided Drawing, Computer Aided Drafting,
or Computer AidedDesign. We can parse the semantics of the above
definitions, but for all practicalpurposes they mean the same
thing.
Developing CAD standards is a daunting task. It is difficult to
do so for a singleDivision, let alone for an organization as large
and varied as our Bureau. Thegoal of this document is to make a
major stride toward standardization. Werealize that attempts have
been made in the past with only marginal success. Butwith our
computer network in place and major advances in the CAD
platformitself, standards will be easy to follow, and easy to
enforce.
This manual is not perfect, it is a development of a consensus
of a variety ofCAD users and engineers and architects. Have we
overlooked some? Mostlikely, but our goal is to make this a dynamic
document. The Bureau has a widevariety of personnel who have been
producing plans for their entire careers. Wewould be foolish not to
solicit their input and support. But at the same time, themethod of
plan drafting has changed and will continue to change.
Designsoftware has automated the plan process. These programs are
not as flexible aswe may like, but we are to some degree dependent
on this software as to howdata is displayed. Committing to these
changes offers us tremendous savings intime, but issues the call
for changes in our traditional formats.
Every item addressed in this document was subject to after
lengthy debate. Thatis not to say it is right, we are open to
discussion. What is important is the endresult, a Bureau-wide CAD
standard.
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2INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................................................................3
Background on the National CAD
Standards....................................................................................................6Future
Technologies
..............................................................................................................................................6
STANDARD
UNITS......................................................................................................................................................7
SCALE..............................................................................................................................................................................7
LETTERING...................................................................................................................................................................8
Lettering
Size...........................................................................................................................................................9Abbreviations
..........................................................................................................................................................9
LINE
WORK.................................................................................................................................................................10
NORTH ARROW AND GRAPHIC
SCALE........................................................................................................13
STANDARD TITLE SHEETS
.................................................................................................................................15
Title Block
..............................................................................................................................................................16Working
Drawings in the Standard Title
Sheet...............................................................................................17
DETAILS
.......................................................................................................................................................................18
SECTIONS
....................................................................................................................................................................21
DIMENSIONING.........................................................................................................................................................22
THE ROLE OF LAYERS IN
CAD.........................................................................................................................24
LAYER FORMAT
.........................................................................................................................................................
24Simple Layer
Format............................................................................................................................................24Discipline
Code -
..................................................................................................................................................24Major
Group..........................................................................................................................................................24Minor
Group..........................................................................................................................................................24Status
Layer
Format.............................................................................................................................................25
DISCIPLINE
CODES.....................................................................................................................................................
25Architecural
Layers..............................................................................................................................................27Civil
Layers............................................................................................................................................................30Electrical
Layers...................................................................................................................................................31Fire
Layers.............................................................................................................................................................33General
Levels.......................................................................................................................................................34Hazardous
Levels..................................................................................................................................................34Interior
Levels
.......................................................................................................................................................34Landscape
Levels..................................................................................................................................................37Mechanical
Levels................................................................................................................................................38Plumbing
Levels....................................................................................................................................................40Equipment
Levels..................................................................................................................................................40Resource
Level
......................................................................................................................................................40Structural
Levels...................................................................................................................................................41Telecomm
Levels...................................................................................................................................................42Annotation
Levels
.................................................................................................................................................42Common
Modifiers
...............................................................................................................................................42Survey
Layers
........................................................................................................................................................42
CURRENT CAD ENGINES
.....................................................................................................................................45
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3Introduction
The purpose of Graphic Standards is to establish a consistent
set of guidelinesfor the documentation of design solutions within
the Bureau of Engineering. Thisdocument is seen as only the first
phase of a two-part initiative to consolidateexisting CAD drafting
standards and to develop data standards that address theentire life
cycle of drawings and related documents.
Phase 1:Development of Graphic Presentation Standards.
Phase 2:Institute guidelines for nongraphic database standards
and DocumentManagement.
The Bureau has had drafting standards that predate CAD. It is
not our intentionto reinvent Drafting Standards, but to make minor
changes to help the Standardsevolve. The existing standards that
have been in print since the 1960s are a firmfoundation on which to
proceed. Most methods of layout and display will remainthe same.
Those changes that have been made were done so CAD in mind. Wehope
to develop systems that will help us move to a more automated
system. Allchanges will bring us closer to the National CAD
Standard (NCS).
This document is not intended to serve as a technical or design
textbook, nor is ita substitute for professional experience.
Furthermore, the following pages do notaddress procedural issues,
design practices, organizational responsibilities, norproject
workflow. The primary intent is to address graphic issues,
establishdirection, and provide good representative examples of
construction documents,e.g., plans, sections, details, schedules,
etc., for the varied design disciplineswithin the Bureau of
Engineering. This first portion of the Standards Draft focuseson
graphics.
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4The group of experienced professionals who lent their time and
expertise to thedevelopment of this Manual, had the following in
mind as their objectives:
1. Achieve graphic consistency across the varied engineering
disciplines,Divisions and Districts.
2. Provide professional guidelines to the City's consulting
engineers in thepreparation of design and construction documents to
be delivered to theCitys engineering organizations.
3. Establish a level of professionalism in the generation of
constructiondocuments within, and for, the City of Los Angeles.
In preparing this document, input was sought from several
engineeringdisciplines within the Bureau of Engineering and the
professional community e.g.the AIA. The development process
consisted of the following activities:
1. Gathered all existing graphic standards and good drawing
samples,which could be found from engineers within the various
disciplines.
3. Deleted outdated information and updated the standards by
referencingrecently completed project sheets and graphic samples
provided byengineers.
4. A Task Force met on an ongoing basis to address each section
anddiscipline, one by one. Drafts were distributed to appropriate
City staff forreview and comment and reviewed for concurrence.
5. A final draft was circulated and the comments incorporated
into the finaldocument
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5A document does not represent the end, but rather a beginning
in developing alevel of consistency. Development of Graphic
Standards is only the first step.Once a uniform look has been
agreed upon, we can move forward to thedevelopment of templates,
and styles. These styles will be fully automated intothe CAD system
making the uniform look a natural development of the designprocess.
This standard is intended to be neither static nor all-inclusive
and thuswill be updated and enhanced as appropriate. Suggestions
for improvements arestrongly encouraged so that subsequent updates
will reflect the input and needsof CADD users within the
Bureau.
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6Background on the National CAD StandardsWorking together, the
combined resources of the Tri-Service CAD/GISTechnology Center, the
American Institute of Architects (AlA), the
ConstructionSpecifications Institute (CSI), the United States Coast
Guard, the Sheet Metaland Air Conditioning Contractors National
Association (SMACNA), the GeneralServices Administration (GSA), and
the National Institute of Building Sciences(NIBS) Facility
Information Council began an effort to develop a single
CADDstandard for the United States. These organizations developed
an integrated setof documents that collectively represent the
United States National CADStandards.
Future TechnologiesThere are several ongoing initiatives to
create a universal language forcollaborative work in the area of
building and construction software. This workstems from the need to
automate current building and construction tasks tobecome more
efficient and cost effective. One of these initiatives is by
theInternational Alliance for Interoperability (IAI), a nonprofit
building industryalliance comprising engineers, architects,
contractors, software vendors,government agencies, research
laboratories, and universities. The goal of the IAIis to unite the
A/E/C business by specifying Industry Foundation Classes (IFCs)as a
universal language. The concept behind the IFCs is to create a
series ofstandard intelligent software objects for the building
industry that allow allprocess disciplines (i.e., engineers,
architects, designers, builders, facilitiesmanagers, etc.) to
exchange information. The IAI is developing IFCs that allowcurrent
software packages such as AutoCAD and MicroStation to share
buildingand construction data. IFCs would improve the quality of
the life cycle of abuilding from construction through maintenance
and ultimately to demotion.These improvements would result from
reductions in expense and delivery time,enhanced communications,
and an increase in discipline proficiency.
A prerequisite of this effort is the deployment of mechanisms
capable of retainingknowledge during the project life cycle.
Intelligent Object Classes (lOCs) canserve this purpose. An IOC
gathers information during the progression of theproject and makes
it available to the participants. The structure of an IOCcontains
information about the following:
Generic attributes of common use (e.g., identification,
material).
Methods to support specialist tasks (e.g., volume
calculations).
CAD representation information including geometry and
topology.
Interrelationships with other objects.
As these new technologies become available it is important that
the Bureau hasestablished a foundation that allows us to
incorporate these advances.
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7Standard UnitsThe Bureau uses both Decimal feet and Feet &
Inches (Architectural units).Examples in this document use both of
these units. It is understood that theseunits are interchangeable,
that is 1/8 = 0.125 and depending on the disciplineeither could be
used.
The impact of the Standard International (SI), more commonly
referred to as themetric system, is addressed on such items as
drawing scales, sheet sizes, anddimensioning. The SI was
established by the General Conference of Weightsand Measures of
1960, as interpreted or modified from time to time for the
UnitedStates by the Secretary of Commerce under the authority of
Public Law 94-168,the Metric Conversion Act of 1975, and the Metric
Education Act of 1978. All SIissues should be referred to the
Bureau of Engineerings Metric ConversionManual dated January 31,
1995.
ScaleThe most common horizontal scales used on civil plan sheets
are 1"=20' or1=40', vertical scale on profile sheets would be 1"=4'
or 1=8. Other scales,such as 1"=10', 1"=100' are used when work to
be delineated can be betterdisplayed.
Structural and architectural sheets are usually drawn at any of
the scales on theArchitect's scale. Mechanical plans can be drawn
on civil or architectural scales.These preferred scales are:
1/4"=1', 3/8"=1', 1/ 2"=1', 3/4"=1', 1"-1', 1-1/2=1and 3"=1'.
Electrical and instrumentation work is usually shown
diagrammatically. Enlargedsections and details are usually drawn
using an Architects scale.
All scales should be indicated on the plans directly below the
North Arrow ordetail. A graphic scale should be on all plan
drawings. If no scale is used, thisshould be indicated by the words
"Not to Scale".
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8LetteringThe final product, which the design group strives for,
are contract drawings whichmust be reproduced for distribution and
microfilmed for City record. Lines andlettering must be of adequate
size and weight to produce legible reproductions.
In order to promote uniformity on all Bureau drawings it is
imperative that thesame lettering style be used on all CAD
drawings. The font style to be used by isArial. It will be vertical
only with no slant or oblique angle. All text will be
uppercase.
Example of vertical Arial:
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0123456789
Normally, all letters and figures are readable from either the
bottom or right edgeof the sheet. Lettering should be viewed from
the bottom or the right end of thesheet, as indicated in the
example below.
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9Lettering Size
1. Primary title for all details sections, plans and elevations
shall be 0.25(1/4) inches in height.
2. Secondary titles or subtitles shall be 0.188 (3/16) inches in
height.
3. Lettering size for information related to construction
information was shallbe 0.16 (5/32).
4. All general notations and dimensions shall be 0.125 (1/8)
inches in height.
5. Lettering shall never be less than 0.09 (3/32) inches
height.
General text is the primary size used for all notes. The minimum
should beavoided, and used only on point elevations.
Abbreviations
The standard abbreviations to be used on the plan sheet are
those listed in theStandard Specification for Public Works
Construction.
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Line WorkDrafting Technicians, Designers and Engineers must keep
in mind that eventhough they are working in a CADD environment, the
final product will be printed.Line weights and types are used to
convey information about the objects thatthey represent. In order
to insure clarity, line work must be consistent anduniform. To this
end, work must be uniform throughout the drawing. Lines mustbe of
adequate size and weight to produce legible reproduction on full
size prints,half-size prints and on microfilm.
Line Weight:Line widths are varied to distinguish features. The
more basic outlining featuresare drawn with heavier (wider) lines.
This gives them emphasis. Examples arebase lines, construction
layout lines, and the basic outline of objects. Mediumweight lines
are used for proposed construction and right of way. Fine lines,
e.g.centerlines, are used for existing centerlines, topography,
dimensioning andother less important details. Dashed lines are used
to distinguish existing fromproposed work. Dashed line fonts are
also used as hidden lines. Very fine lineweights will not reproduce
clearly on microfilm and should not be used. Spacingbetween lines
should be at least 0.05, to avoid closed up or blocked in spaceson
microfilm.
Line Types:In the following tables are suggestions for Bureau
standards. Most changes areminor and reflect the current lines now
in use. I am sure some line types wereinadvertently left off the
list. Please submit any line types that need to be added.
A major change suggested is with substructure and overhead
utility lines. It is ourrecommendation to embed text into the line
to help clarify its character. We dontnecessarily believe that
these embedded line fonts should be used for thepurposes of storm
water and sewer design. But the advantages of these fonts
forlocation of substructures both existing and proposed is
obvious.
Screening:Screened images are created through a process called
half-toning in which thedensity and pattern of black and white dots
are varied to simulate differentshades of gray. Varying the
intensity of gray scales allows users to distinguishdifferent
aspects of a drawing when it is plotted. For example, an area on a
sitedesignated for demolition can be assigned a color that has been
assigned ascreening percentage. When plotted, the area will be
shown at a lighter shadecompared with other elements in the
drawing. This will allow the contractor toimmediately identify the
demolition area on the drawing. On plans the existingculture should
be screened.
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Line Type Symbol Uses of lineWidth
2" dash + 1/8" dash Centerline and transitline (label, except CL
on plan)Solid Extension, dimension and leader lines
0.25 mm 2" dashes Station lines3/4" dashes Existing contours
Solid Proposed contours3/4" dashes Radial lines, match lines,
pavement elev., section lines
Solid Non-street easement linesSolid Cross hatching or
screen
As shown Break or cut lines1" dash + 1" arrow Flow Line
1/4" dashes Ex. Curb, gutter, walk, dwy, pvmt, building, wall,
etc.1/2" dashes Easement lines
Solid Grid lines0.35 mm Solid Lot lines, traffic lane lines
3/4" dashes Lot cut lines1/8" dashes Ex. Footings, roof drains,
structures, hidden lines
Solid Property lines, street easement linesAs shown Existing
chain link fencelineAs shown Existing wood fenceline
Solid SEE STD. PLAN S-623 Surface culture1" dash + 2-1/8" dashes
City boundary line (label)
Solid Existing or proposed non-street easement linesSolid
Proposed C&G, walk, dwy, pvmt, roof dr, detail outlinesSolid
Log of test boring, proposed ground line
2" dashes Future curb (label)Solid Existing or proposed ground
line (label)
0.40 mm 3/4" dashes Existing ground line (label)2" dashes
IDENTICAL line
1.5" dash + 0.017" dash Traffic signal, police and fire alarm
conduits1.5" dash + 2- 0.017" dash Electrolier lighting conduit
1.5" dashes Other substructuresSolid Proposed catch basins &
connector pipes
0.50 mm Solid Join line at existing pavement or structureSolid
Proposed house connectionsSolid Existing or proposed street R/W
lines
0.60 mm 1" dash + 2-1/8" dashes City boundary line (label)1.20
mm 2" dash + 1/8" dash Assesment boundary lines
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Line Type Symbol Uses of lineWidth
1/2" dash + 1/16" gap E Exsisting electrical lineSolid + 1/16"
gap E Proposed electrical line
1/2" dash + 1/16" gap G Existing gas lineSolid + 1/16" gap G
Proposed gas line
1/2" dash + 1/16" gap GS Existing gasoline lineSolid + 1/16" gap
GS Proposed gasoline line
1/2" dash + 1/16" gap o Existing oil lineSolid + 1/16" gap o
Proposed oil line
1/2" dash + 1/16" gap T Existing telephone line0.15 mm Solid +
1/16" gap T Proposed telephone line
1/2" dash + 1/16" gap OHS Existing overhead lineSolid + 1/16"
gap OHS Proposed overhead line
1/2" dash + 1/16" gap TV Existing TV lineSolid + 1/16" gap TV
Proposed TV line
1/2" dash + 1/16" gap W Exiting water lineSolid + 1/16" gap W
Proposed water line
1/2" dash + 1/16" gap S Existing sewer lineSolid + 1/16" gap S
Proposed sewer line
1/2" dash + 1/16" gap SD Existing storm drain lineSolid + 1/16"
gap SD Proposed storm drain line
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North Arrow and Graphic Scale
All site plans require a North Arrow. Some plans require a North
Arrow showingmagnetic North, and a North Arrow indicating a Grid or
Plant North. In thesecases the North Arrows need to be clearly
identified.
Because North should always be seen as up as viewed on any
sheet, and allstandard sheets are to be viewed from the bottom or
from the right hand side, theorientation of the map should never be
greater than 90 degrees from up.
See example below. This is a major departure from previous
standards thatencouraged a down North Arrow. This is unnatural to
casual observers andviolates common cartographic convention.
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A Graphic Scale should accompany North Arrows.See typical
examples below. (please note MS Word has a problem reproducingthe
graphics below. All lines are smooth and straight. There are no
steps.)
Note: The size of the north arrow on the drawing shall be as
shown as above.Scale appropriately in model space to achieve proper
size.
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Standard Title Sheets
Accompanying this document are several drawings that are
proposed TitleSheets. Plotting the sheets in this document would
not produce the qualityneeded to approve or review. Choosing a
Title Block is an important step, andcreating one that will serve
the entire Bureau is difficult. We need and want toinclude a wide
variety of users in this decision. To this end we have included
fourpossible title blocks on Sheet 1.
For Sheet 2 we have included one example, by consensus we feel
this is thebest choice. But again we realize that this sheet must
fulfill the diverse needs ofthe Bureau. We actively seek
constructive feedback. One major change in thisproposed Standard
Title Block is the inclusion of a Modular Grid system.
Sheet sizes:Typical projects will be prepared on Architectural
equivalent D sheets (24x36).Other sizes may be used when projects
warrant. , ANSI, and Architectural SheetSize Comparison
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Title BlockWe recommend the use of a vertical title block placed
in the right-hand margin ofthe border sheet as shown in below. Use
of the vertical title block provides themost usable drawing space
on a sheet. The vertical title block also ensures thatthe most
prevalent and pertinent information remains at the bottom right of
thesheet. In compliance with the Uniform Drawing System (CSI 1997),
title blockdata will include the following:
Management block
Designer identification block (Bureau Logo)
Project identificationblock/sheet title block
Sheet identification block
Issue block
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Designer identification block:Contains the Bureaus logo. This
could be replaced with the Department of PublicWorks logo.
Management block:The management block contains information about
the Division, which producedthe drawing. This block is for the
signature, it includes space for the engineers,surveyors or
architects seal.
Issue block:The issue block contains information about the
designer, reviewer, plot scale, ahistory of revisions, addendum,
and/or clarifications to the sheet. It will alsoinclude the Index
number.
Project identification block/sheet title block:The project
identification block/sheet title block contains the sheet title,
projectname, and the location or phase of the project
identified.
Sheet identification block:This block contains the sheet
identifier. This sheet identifier is composed of thedrawing number,
sheet number and the sheet sequence number.
Working Drawings in the Standard Title Sheet
The most substantial change proposed by this committee is in the
workingdrawings. We propose moving to a grid system for working
drawings that willfacilitate the National CAD Standards. It is not
our idea to change for the sake ofchange, but for the advantages we
see in this approach to CAD management.
This organizational system ensures consistency and clarity of
constructiondocuments. Each module block consists of a center zone
for drawings and text, aborder with dimension strings, and a title
block. The blocks are laid out on thefinal working drawing with the
help of a background grid. The final workingdrawing consists of
Zone 1 for title block and legend Information, Zone 2 forgraphics,
and Zone 3 for perimeter margin.
The methodology applies to documents generated by hand or by
CADD. Everypracticing engineer or architect can appreciate the
difficulties of assembling aclearly organized and consistent set of
construction documents. The larger theproject, the more complicated
the task. For some projects, the drawings becomedesign projects in
themselves. While CADD vastly improves accuracy anduniformity, the
organization of the material has not changed. The computer; like
apencil, is just another drafting tool - not a change in
methodology.
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Sheets sized 18-by-24 inches and larger are divided into three
zones. Zone 1, avertical box located on the right-hand side of a
drawing, contains the title blockand legend formation. Zone 2, the
bulk of the drawing is designated for graphics.Zone 3 is relegated
to the perimeter margin. The graphic zone (2) is furthersubdivided
by a grid 2 wide by 1.75 modules. The module becomes the basicunit
for all drawings. A specific graphic detail will fit within a
certain number ofmodules to form a module block, which consists of
one or all of the modules onthe sheet. The block has its own
internal organization, which ensures that alldrawings on the sheet
are consistent.
DetailsThis system limits drawing sheets to specific dimensions
that fit the underlyingmodule (below). This format allows for the
transfer of information from a smalldetail sketch to the final
drawing. This standardization will encourage andmaintain a file of
accepted office details that can be reused on other
projects,thereby eliminating inconsistency both within a given job
and among all otherprojects.
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As shown the detail below will be labeled as location of the
bottom left corner.
In the detail below SMALL WIDGET the call out is found in grid
H6, title isSMALL WIDGET, scale is =1, and the detail is referenced
on Plan Sheet S-2.
Title and Grid number is or0.25 in height. Scale andreference is
1/8 or 0.125 inheight.
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The callout bubble for detail will not change. Using the example
above, the detailwould appear on the plan sheet as shown below.
The detail is H6 as shown on sheet S-3
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Sections
Section callout bubble shall have a diameter of 0.75 (3/4)
inches and shall beconstructed as shown below.
Information inside the bubble shall always remain horizontal,
section line andcap will rotate around bubble as shown below.
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DimensioningThe overall dimension and string dimensions shall be
located sufficiently awayfrom the object drawing to ensure
uniformity and clarity. String dimensions shallbe arranged on each
object drawing to minimize dimensioning errors. Scatteringof the
dimensions should be avoided if at all possible.
Features should be dimensioned by the method that most clearly
shows thedesign requirements. Bilateral, unilateral, and limit
dimensions may all be usedon the same drawing to achieve this
requirement. Dimensioning shall conform tothe following
guidelines:
1. Dimension, extension and leader lines shall not cross each
other unlessabsolutely necessary. When it is unavoidable, a
dimension line is neverbroken except for insertion of the
dimension. An extension or leader lineshall not run through a
dimension nor shall they be broken except wherethey pass through or
adjacent to arrowheads.
2. Dimensions are shown in the view that most clearly represents
the form ofthe feature.
3. Sufficient dimensions shall be shown to clearly define size,
shape andposition of each feature.
4. A feature shall not be located by more than one tolerance
dimension inany one direction.
5. Unless clarity is improved, dimensions are shown outside the
outline ofthe part.
6. Each dimension shall be expressed clearly so that it can be
interpreted inonly one-way.
7. Center line; object lines or extension lines should not be
used asdimension lines.
8. Dimensioning to hidden lines shall be avoided.
9. Staggered dimensions shall be used to prevent interference
with otherdimensions.
10. When shown in profile, diametrical dimensions may be
specified as DIA orthe symbol ? ?to avoid showing end views of
round objects.
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Dimensioning conventions used on plans are shown in the sample
drawingsbelow. These conventions should be followed as closely as
possible to ensureuniformity and clarity. The example below is in
inches, the concepts hold true fordecimal feet.
Layout Notes:
*Place dimensionoutside only whenspace is too small.
**Break for dimensionarrow. Dimensionexpressed in 1 '-0"(do not
use 12").
Decimal dimensions need to be carried out to their proper
significant number.
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The Role of Layers in CADThe Layer is the basic tool used in CAD
for managing visual information. Byaccommodating the reuse of
information, layers reduce drawing time andimprove project
coordination. Layers are the appropriate tools for managing
thevisual aspects of graphic entities. The CAD Layers are organized
as a hierarchystructure. Layers names are alphanumeric and use
abbreviations. Users havethe flexibility to expand and add
user-defined extensions as necessary. The usercan define the minor
group field. This should only be done if a defined layerdoes not
apply to a project.
Layer Format
Simple Layer Format
Discipline Code -The Discipline code is a two-character field
with the second characters either a
hyphen or a user-defined modifier (to further define the
discipline).
Major GroupThe Major group designation identifies the building
system. The major groupsare logically grouped with specific
discipline codes.
Minor GroupThe minor group is a four-character field for further
differentiation of Majorgroups.
A - W A L L - F U L L
Discipline Code
Major GroupMinor Group
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Status Layer FormatSame as above, but with four-character status
field added. This designatordifferentiates new construction from
remodeling and existing to remain. It is onlyneeded when phases of
work must be differentiated.
Discipline CodesA ArchitecturalC CivilE ElectricalF Fire
ProtectionG GeneralH Hazardous MaterialsI InteriorsL LandscapeM
MechanicalP PlumbingQ EquipmentR ResourceS StructuralT
TelecommunicationsV SurveyX Other disciplinesZ Contractor/shop
drawings
A - W A L L -
DisciplineCode Major Group
F U L L
MinorGroup
- D E M
Status
ODiscipline Code
A -
A L L -
Major Group
W
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Major Group defines construction systems, and help to further
define the buildingsystem.For example: C-SSWRCivil Sanitary Sewer
manholes, pumping stations
Minor Group defines further differentiation of the building
system.For example: C-SSWR-UNDR
Civil Sanitary Sewer manholes, pumping stationsSanitary Sewer
underground lines
Status field modifiesFor example: C-SSWR-UNDR-NEWW
Civil Sanitary Sewer manholes, pumping stationsSanitary Sewer
underground linesNew Work
F U L L
MinorGroup
-
D E M
Status
O
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Architecural LayersDisciplin
e CodeMajorGroup
MinorGroup
Status UserDefined
Description
A WALL FULL Full-height walls, stair and shaft walls,walls to
structure
A WALL PRHT Partial-height walls (do not appear onreflected
ceiling plans)
A WALL MOVE Moveable partitionsA WALL HEAD Door and window
headers (appear on
reflected ceiling plans)A WALL JAMB Door and window jambs (do
not
appear on reflected ceiling plans)A WALL PATT Wall insulation,
hatching and fillA WALL ELEV Wall surfaces; 3D viewsA WALL FIRE
Fire wall patterningA DOOR DoorsA DOOR FULL Full-height (to
ceiling) door: swing and
leafA DOOR PRHT Partial-height door: swing and leafA DOOR IDEN
Door number, hardware group, etc.A DOOR ELEV Doors: 3D viewsA GLAZ
Windows, window walls, curtain walls,
glazed partitionsA GLAZ FULL Full-height glazed walls and
partitionsA GLAZ PRHT Windows, and partial-height glazed
partitionsA GLAZ SILL WindowsillsA GLAZ IDEN Window numberA GLAZ
ELEV Glazing and mullions - elevation viewsA FLOR Floor
informationA FLOR OTLN Floor or building outlineA FLOR LEVL Level
changes, ramps, pits,
depressionsA FLOR STRS Stair treads, escalators, laddersA FLOR
RISR Stair risersA FLOR HRAL Stair and balcony handrails, guard
railsA FLOR EVTR Elevator cars and equipmentA FLOR TPTN Toilet
partitionsA FLOR SPCL Architectural specialties (toilet room
accessories, display cases)A FLOR WDWK Architectural woodwork
(field-built
cabinets and counters)A FLOR CASE Casework (manufactured
cabinets)
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A FLOR OVHD Overhead items (skylights, overhangsusually dashed
line)
A FLOR RAIS Raised floorsA FLOR IDEN Room numbers, names,
targets, etc.A FLOR PATT Paving, tile, carpet patternsA FLOR PFIX
Plumbing fixturesA FLOR FIXT Miscellaneous fixturesA FLOR SIGN
SignageA EQPM EquipmentA EQPM FIXD Fixed equipmentA EQPM MOVE
Moveable equipmentA EQPM NICN Equipment not in contractA EQPM ACCS
Equipment accessA EQPM IDEN Equipment identification numbersA EQPM
ELEV Equipment surfaces: 3D viewsA EQPM CLNG Ceiling mounted or
suspended
equipmentA FURN FurnitureA FURN FREE Furniture: freestanding
(desks,
credenzas, etc.)A FURN CHAIR Chairs and other seatingA FURN FILE
File cabinetsA FURN PNLS Furniture system panelsA FURN WKSF
Furniture system work surface
componentsA FURN STOR Furniture system storage componentsA FURN
POWR Furniture system power designationsA FURN IDEN Furniture
numbersA FURN PLNT PlantsA FURN PATT Finish patternsA FURN ELEV
Furniture: 3D viewsA CLNG Ceiling informationA CLNG GRID Ceiling
gridA CLNG OPEN Ceiling/roof penetrationsA CLNG TEES Main teesA
CLNG SUSP Suspended elementsA CLNG PATT Ceiling patternsA CLNG ACCS
Ceiling accessA LITE Lighting fixturesA COLS ColumnsA HVAC SDFF
Supply diffusersA HVAC RDFF Return air diffusersA GRID Planning
grid or column gridA ROOF RoofA ROOF OTLN Roof outline
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29
A ROOF LEVL Level changes, ramps, pits,depressions
A ROOF STRS Stair treads, laddersA ROOF RISR Stair risersA ROOF
HRAL Stair handrails, nosing, guardrailsA ROOF PATT Roof surface
patterns, hatchingA ROOF ELEV Roof surfaces: 3D viewsA AREA Area
calculation boundary linesA AREA PATT Area cross hatchingA AREA
IDEN Room numbers, tenant identifications,
area calculationA AREA OCCP Occupant or employee namesA ELEV
Interior and exterior elevationsA ELEV OTLN Building outlinesA ELEV
FNSH Finishes, woodwork, trimA ELEV CASE Wall mounted caseworkA
ELEV FIXT Miscellaneous fixturesA ELEV PFIXT Plumbing fixtures in
elevationA ELEV SIGN SignageA ELEV PATT Textures and hatch
patternsA ELEV IDEN Component identification numbersA SECT
SectionsA SECT MCUT Material cut by sectionA SECT MBND Material
beyond section cutA SECT PATT Textures and hatch patternsA SECT
IDEN Component identification numbersA DETL DetailsA DETL MCUT
Material cut by sectionA DETL MBND Material beyond section cutA
DETL PATT Textures and hatch patternsA DETL IDEN Component
identification numbers
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30
Civil LayersDISC Major
GroupMinorGroup
Status UserDef.
Description
C PROP Property lines, survey benchmarksC PROP ESMT Easements,
rights of way, setback linesC PROP BRNG Bearings and distance
labelsC PROP CONS Construction controlsC TOPO Proposed contour
lines and elvationsC TOPO SPOT Spot elevationsC TOPO BORE Test
boringsC BLDG Proposed building footprintsC PKNG Parking lotsC PKNG
STRP Parking lot striping, handicapped
symbolC PKNG CARS Graphic illustration of carsC PKNG ISLD
Parking islandsC PKNG DRAN Parking lot drainage slope indicationsC
ROAD RoadwaysC ROAD CNTR Center linesC ROAD CURB CurbsC STRM Storm
drainage catch basins, manholesC STRM UNDR Storm drainage pipe
undergroundC COMM Site communication/telephone poles,
boxes, towersC COMM UNDR Underground communication linesC COMM
OVHD Overhead communication linesC WATR Domestic water - manholes,
pumping
stations, storage tanksC WATR UNDR Domestic water - manholes,
pumping
stations, Domestic water - undergroundlines
C FIRE Fire protection - hydrants, connectionsC FIRE UNDR Fire
protection - underground linesC NGAS Natural gas - underground
linesC SSWR Sanitary sewer - manholes, pumping
stationsC SSWR UNDR Sanitary sewer - underground lines
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31
Electrical Layers
Disc. MajorGroup
MinorGroup
Status UserDef.
Description
E LITE LightingE LITE SPCL Special lightingE LITE EMER Emergency
lightingE LITE EXIT Exit lightingE LITE CLNG Ceiling mounted
lightingE LITE WALL Wall mounted lightingE LITE FLOR Floor mounted
lightingE LITE OTLN Lighting outline for background
(optional)E LITE NUMB Lighting circuit numbersE LITE ROOF Roof
lightingE LITE SITE Site lighting (see also civil group)E LITE SWCH
Lighting switchesE LITE CIRC Lighting circuitsE LITE IDEN
Luminaries identification and textE LITE JBOX Junction boxE POWR
PowerE POWR WALL Power wall outlets and receptaclesE POWR CLNG
Power - ceiling receptacles and
devicesE POWR PANL Power panelsE POWR EQPM Power equipmentE POWR
SWBD Power switchboardsE POWR CIRC Power circuitsE POWR URAC
Underflow racewaysE POWR UCPT Under carpet wiringE POWR CABL Cable
traysE POWR FEED FeedersE POWR BUSW BuswaysE POWR NUMB Power
circuit numbersE POWR IDEN Power identification, textE POWR SITE
Site power (see also civil group)E POWR ROOF Roof powerE POWR OTLN
Power outline for backgroundsE POWR JBOX Junction boxE CTRL
Electric control systemE CTRL DEVC Control system devicesE CTRL
WIRE Control system wiringE GRND Ground systemE GRND CIRC Ground
system circuits
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32
E GRND REFR Reference ground systemE GRND EQUI Equipotential
ground systemE GRND DIAG Ground system diagramE AUXL Auxiliary
systemsE LTNG Lightning protection systemE FIRE Fire alarm, fire
extinguishersE COMM Telephone, communication outletsE DATA Data
outletsE SOUND Sound/ PA systemE TVAN TV antenna systemE CCTV
Closed-circuit TVE NURS Nurse call systemE SERT SecurityE PGNG
Paging systemE DICT Central dictation systemE BELL Bell systemE
CLOK Clock systemE ALRM Miscellaneous alarm systemE INTC Intercom
systemE LEGN Legend of symbolsE 1LIN One-line diagramsE RISR Riser
diagramE SITE Site electrical substations, polesE SITE LITE Site
lightingE SITE UNDR Underground electrical linesE SITE POLE
Electric polesE SITE OVHD Overhead lines
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33
Fire LayersDis Major
GroupMinorGroup
Status User Description
F CO2S CO2 systemF CO2S PIPE CO2 sprinkler pipingF CO2S EQPM CO2
equipmentF HALN HalonF HALN EQPM Halon equipmentF HALN PIPE Halon
pipeF IGAS Inert gasF IGAS EQPM Inert gas equipmentF IGAS PIPE
Inert gas pipingF SPRN Fire protection sprinkler systemF SPRN CLHD
Sprinkler head - ceilingF SPRN OTHD Sprinkler head - otherF SPRN
PIPE Sprinkler pipingF SPRN STAN Sprinkler system standpipeF STAN
Fire protection standpipe systemF PROT Fire protection systemsF
PROT EQPM Fire system equipment (fire hose
cabinet extinguishersF PROT ALRM Fire alarmF PROT SMOK Smoke
detectors/heat sensors
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34
General LevelsDisc. Major
GroupMinorGroup
Status UserDef.
Description
G PLAN Floor plan - key planG SITE Site plan - key mapG ACCS
Access planG FIRE Fire protection planG EVAC Evacuation planG CODE
Code compliance plan
Hazardous LevelsDisc. Major
GroupMinorGroup
Status UserDef.
Description
H PLAN Floor planH SITE Site plan
Interior LevelsDisc. Major
GroupMinorGroup
Status UserDef.
Description
I WALL FULL Full-height walls, stair and shaft walls,walls to
structure
I WALL PRHT Partial-height walls (do not appear onreflected
ceiling plans)
I WALL MOVE Moveable partitionsI WALL HEAD Door and window
headers (appear on
reflected ceiling plans)I WALL JAMB Door and window jambs (do
not appear
on reflected ceiling plans)I WALL PATT Wall insulation, hatching
and fillI WALL ELEV Wall surfaces; 3D viewsI WALL FIRE Fire wall
patterningI DOOR DoorsI DOOR FULL Full-height (to ceiling) door:
swing and
leafI DOOR PRHT Partial-height door: swing and leafI DOOR IDEN
Door number, hardware group, etc.I DOOR ELEV Doors: 3D viewsI GLAZ
Windows, window walls, curtain walls,
glazed partitionsI GLAZ FULL Full-height glazed walls and
partitionsI GLAZ PRHT Windows, and partial-height glazed
partitionsI GLAZ SILL Windowsills
-
35
I GLAZ IDEN Window numberI GLAZ ELEV Glazing and mullions -
elevation viewsI FLOR Floor informationI FLOR OTLN Floor or
building outlineI FLOR LEVL Level changes, ramps, pits,
depressionsI FLOR STRS Stair treads, escalators, laddersI FLOR
RISR Stair risersI FLOR HRAL Stair and balcony handrails, guard
railsI FLOR EVTR Elevator cars and equipmentI FLOR TPTN Toilet
partitionsI FLOR SPCL Architectural specialties (toilet room
accessories, display cases)I FLOR WDWK Architectural woodwork
(field-built
cabinets and counters)I FLOR CASE Casework (manufactured
cabinets)I FLOR OVHD Overhead items (skylights, overhangs
usually dashed line)I FLOR RAIS Raised floorsI FLOR IDEN Room
numbers, names, targets, etc.I FLOR PATT Paving, tile, carpet
patternsI FLOR PFIX Plumbing fixturesI FLOR FIXT Miscellaneous
fixturesI FLOR SIGN SignageI EQPM EquipmentI EQPM FIXD Fixed
equipmentI EQPM MOVE Moveable equipmentI EQPM NICN Equipment not in
contractI EQPM ACCS Equipment accessI EQPM IDEN Equipment
identification numbersI EQPM ELEV Equipment surfaces: 3D viewsI
EQPM CLNG Ceiling mounted or suspended
equipmentI FURN FurnitureI FURN FREE Furniture: freestanding
(desks,
credenzas, etc.)I FURN CHAIR Chairs and other seatingI FURN FILE
File cabinetsI FURN PNLS Furniture system panelsI FURN WKSF
Furniture system work surface
componentsI FURN STOR Furniture system storage componentsI FURN
POWR Furniture system power designationsI FURN IDEN Furniture
numbersI FURN PLNT Plants
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36
I FURN PATT Finish patternsI FURN ELEV Furniture: 3D viewsI CLNG
Ceiling informationI CLNG GRID Ceiling gridI CLNG OPEN Ceiling/roof
penetrationsI CLNG TEES Main teesI CLNG SUSP Suspended elementsI
CLNG PATT Ceiling patternsI CLNG ACCS Ceiling accessI LITE Lighting
fixturesI COLS ColumnsI HVAC SDFF Supply diffusersI HVAC RDFF
Return air diffusersI GRID Planning grid or column gridI ROOF RoofI
ROOF OTLN Roof outlineI ROOF LEVL Level changes, ramps, pits,
depressionsI ROOF STRS Stair treads, laddersI ROOF RISR Stair
risersI ROOF HRAL Stair handrails, nosing, guardrailsI ROOF PATT
Roof surface patterns, hatchingI ROOF ELEV Roof surfaces: 3D viewsI
AREA Area calculation boundary linesI AREA PATT Area cross
hatchingI AREA IDEN Room numbers, tenant identifications,
area calculationI AREA OCCP Occupant or employee namesI ELEV
Interior and exterior elevationsI ELEV OTLN Building outlinesI ELEV
FNSH Finishes, woodwork, trimI ELEV CASE Wall mounted caseworkI
ELEV FIXT Miscellaneous fixturesI ELEV PFIXT Plumbing fixtures in
elevationI ELEV SIGN SignageI ELEV PATT Textures and hatch
patternsI ELEV IDEN Component identification numbersI SECT
SectionsI SECT MCUT Material cut by sectionI SECT MBND Material
beyond section cutI SECT PATT Textures and hatch patternsI SECT
IDEN Component identification numbersI DETL DetailsI DETL MCUT
Material cut by sectionI DETL MBND Material beyond section cut
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37
I DETL PATT Textures and hatch patternsI DETL IDEN Component
identification numbers
Landscape LevelsDisc. Major
GroupMinorGroup
Status UserDef.
Description
L PLNT Plant and landscape materialsL PLNT TREE TreesL PLNT GRND
Ground covers and vinesL PLNT BEDS Rock, bark, and other
landscaping bedsL PLNT TURF Lawn areaL PLNT PLAN Planting plantsL
IRRG Irrigation systemL IRRG SPKL Irrigation sprinklersL IRRG PIPE
Irrigation pipingL IRRG EQPM Irrigation equipmentL IRRG COVR
Irrigation coverageL WALK Walks and stepsL WALK PATT Walks and
steps - cross hatch patternsL SITE Site improvementsL SITE FENC
FencingL SITE WALL WallsL SITE STEP StepsL SITE DECK DecksL SITE
BRDG BridgesL SITE POOL Pools and spasL SITE SPRT Sports fieldsL
SITE PLAY Play structuresL SITE FURN Site furnishings
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38
Mechanical LevelsDisc. Major
GroupMinorGroup
Status UserDef.
Description
M BRIN Brine systemsM BRIN EQPM Brine systems equipmentM BRIN
PIPE Brine systems pipingM CHIM Prefabricated chimneysM CMPA
Compressed air systemsM CMPA CEQP Compressed air equipmentM CMPA
PPIP Compressed air pipingM CMPA PEQP Process air pipingM CONT
Controls and instrumentationM CONT THER ThermostatsM CONT WIRE Low
voltage wiringM DUST Dust and fume collection systemM DUST EQPM
Dust and fume collection equipmentM DUST DUCT Dust and fume
ductworkM ENGR Energy management systemM ENGR EQPM Energy
management equipmentM ENGR WIRE Energy management wiringM RCOV
Energy recoveryM RCOV EQPM Energy recovery equipmentM RCOV PIPE
Energy recovery pipingM FUME EXHS Fume hood exhaust systemM FUME
EQPM Fume hoodsM EXHS Exhaust systemM EXHS EQPM Exhaust system
equipmentM EXHS DUCT Exhaust system ductworkM EXHS RFEQ Rooftop
exhaust equipmentM FUEL Fuel system pipingM FUEL GPRP Fuel gas
process pipingM FUEL GGEP Fuel gas general pipingM FUEL OPRP Fuel
oil process pipingM FUEL OGEP Fuel oil general pipingM HVAC HVAC
systemsM HVAC CDFF HVAC ceiling diffusersM HVAC ODFF HVAC other
diffusersM HVAC DUCT HVAC ductworkM HVAC EQPM HVAC equipmentM HVAC
SDFF Supply diffusersM HVAC RDFF Return air diffusersM HOTW Hot
water heating systemM HOTW EQPM Hot water equipmentM HOTW PIPE Hot
water piping
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39
M CWTR Chilled water systemM CWTR PIPE Chilled water pipingM
CWTR EQPM Chilled water equipmentM MACH Machine shop equipmentM
MDGS Medical gas systemsM MDGS EQPM Medical gas equipmentM MDGS
PIPE Medical gas pipingM LGAS Laboratory gas systemsM LGAS EQPM
Laboratory gas equipmentM LGAS PIPE Laboratory gas pipingM NGAS
Natural gas systemM NGAS EQPM Natural gas equipmentM NGAS PIPE
Natural gas pipingM PROC Process systemsM PROC EQPM Process
equipmentM PROC PIPE Process pipingM REFG Refrigeration systemsM
REFG EQPM Refrigeration equipmentM REFG PIPE Refrigeration pipingM
SPCL Special systemM SPCL EQPM Special systems equipmentM SPCL PIPE
Special systems pipingM STEM Steam systemsM STEM CONP Steam systems
condesate pipingM STEM EQPM Steam systems equipmentM STEM LPIP Low
pressure steam pipingM STEM HPIP High pressure steam pipingM STEM
MPIP Medium pressure steam pipingM TEST EQPM Test equipment
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40
Plumbing LevelsDisc. Major
GroupMinorGroup
Status UserDef.
Description
P ACID Acid, alkaline, oil waste systemsP ACID PIPE Acid,
alkaline, oil waste pipingP DOMW Domestic hot and cold water
systemsP DOMW EQPM Domestic hot and cold water equipmentP DOMW HPIP
Domestic hot water pipingP DOMW CPIP Domestic cold water pipingP
DOMW RISR Domestic hot and cold water risersP SANR Sanitary
drainageP SANR PIPE Sanitary pipingP SANR FIXT Plumbing fixturesP
SANR FLDR Floor drainsP SANR RISR Sanitary risersP SANR EQPM
Sanitary equipmentP STRM Storm drainage systemP STRM PIPE Storm
drain pipingP STRM RISR Storm drain risersP STRM RFDR Roof drainsP
EQPM Plumbing miscellaneous equipmentP FIXT Plumbing fixtures
Equipment LevelsDisc. Major
GroupMinorGroup
Status UserDef.
Description
Q OTLN Equipment outlinesQ POWR Power informationQ PIPE Piping
information
Resource LevelDisc Major
GroupMinorGroup
Status UserDef.
Description
R OTLN Outline or profile graphicsR DETL Additional detail
graphicsR PATT Textures and hatch patternsR ANNO Annotation
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41
Structural LevelsDisc Major
GroupMinorGroup
Status UserDef
Description
S GRID Column gridS GRID EXTR Column grid outside buildingS GRID
INTR Column grid inside buildingS GRID DIMS Column grid dimensionsS
GRID IDEN Column grid tagsS FNDN FoundationS FNDN PILE Piles,
drilled piersS FNDN RBAR Foundation reinforcingS SLAB SlabS SLAB
EDGE Edge of slabS SLAB RBAR Slab reinforcingS SLAB JOIN Slab
control jointsS ABLT Anchor boltsS COLS ColumnsS WALL Structural
bearing or shear wallsS METL Miscellaneous metalS BEAM BeamS JOIS
JoistsS DECK Structural floor deck
S GRID Column gridS GRID EXTR Column grid outside buildingS GRID
INTR Column grid inside buildingS GRID DIMS Column grid dimensionsS
GRID IDEN Column grid tagsS FNDN FoundationS FNDN PILE Piles,
drilled piersS FNDN RBAR Foundation reinforcingS SLAB SlabS SLAB
EDGE Edge of slabS SLAB RBAR Slab reinforcingS SLAB JOIN Slab
control jointsS ABLT Anchor boltsS COLS ColumnsS WALL Structural
bearing or shear wallsS METL Miscellaneous metalS BEAM BeamS JOIS
JoistsS DECK Structural floor deck
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42
Telecomm LevelsDisc Major
GroupMinorGroup
Status UserDef
Description
T CABL Cable planT EQPM Equipment planT JACK Data/telephone
jacksT DIAG Diagram
Annotation LevelsDisc Major
GroupMinorGroup
Status UserDef
Description
ANNO TEXT TextANNO REDL RedlineANNO SYMB SymbolsANNO LEGN
Legends and schedulesANNO DIM DimensionsANNO TTLB Border and title
blockANNO NOTE NotesANNO NPLT Construction lines, nonplotting
informationANNO KEYN Key notesANNO REVS Revisions
Common ModifiersDisc Major
GroupMinorGroup
Status UserDef
Description
PATT Cross-hatching, pocheIDEN Identification tags
ELEV Elevation (vertical surfaces in 3D)X RDME Read-me layer,
not to be plotted
Survey LayersDISC Major
GroupMinorGroup
Status UserDef.
Description
V PROP Property lines, survey benchmarksV PROP ESMT Easements,
rights of way, setback linesV PROP BRNG Bearings and distance
labelsV PROP CONS Construction controlsV TOPO Proposed contour
lines and elvations
-
43
V TOPO SPOT Spot elevationsV TOPO BORE Test boringsV BLDG
Proposed building footprintsV PKNG Parking lotsV PKNG STRP Parking
lot striping, handicapped
symbolV PKNG CARS Graphic illustration of carsV PKNG ISLD
Parking islandsV PKNG DRAN Parking lot drainage slope indicationsV
ROAD RoadwaysV ROAD CNTR Center linesV ROAD CURB CurbsV STRM Storm
drainage catch basins, manholesV STRM UNDR Storm drainage pipe
undergroundV COMM Site communication/telephone poles,
boxes, towersV COMM UNDR Underground communication linesV COMM
OVHD Overhead communication linesV WATR Domestic water - manholes,
pumping
stations, storage tanksV WATR UNDR Domestic water - manholes,
pumping
stations, Domestic water - undergroundlines
V FIRE Fire protection - hydrants, connectionsV FIRE UNDR Fire
protection - underground linesV NGAS Natural gas - underground
linesV SSWR Sanitary sewer - manholes, pumping
stationsV SSWR UNDR Sanitary sewer - underground lines
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44
Status ModifiersDisc Major
GroupMinorGroup
Status UserDef
Description
NEWW New workEXST Existing to remain
DEMO DemolitionFUTR Future workTEMP Temporary workMOVE Items to
be movedRELO Relocated itemsNICN Not in contract
PHS1-9
Phase numbers (1-9)
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45
Current CAD Engines
MicroStation and AutoCAD:The Bureau is running two CAD engines,
Bentleys MicroStation and AutodesksAutoCAD. This document is
intended for both platforms. Both programs areinternationally
recognized as standards of the industry. Data from one programwill
transparently move into the other. In the latest version of
MicroStation,Bentley has stated, translation issues between AutoCAD
and MicroStation areirrelevant. These programs have the ability to
develop and use standardtemplates. Fonts and line types can be
customized. This means when one looksat a set of plans they will
not be able to tell from which program they wereprinted.