Architectural Symbols

A number of specialized symbols are used on the floor-plan.For example,columns are usually assigned a grid number and referenced to the column centerline for dimensioning purposes.The grid consists of numbers along one axis and letters of the alphabet along the other,so that one can easily pinpoint a specific column,such as,D-2 or C-4.A centerline is drafted as a series of single dashes and long lines passing through the column.A column designation bubble (sized for the appropriate lettering within it )is placed at the end of this line.In some cases,such as at an end column,the reference line might be to the face of a column,instead of the center in this case,a notation is added to point out this exception as shown in it.    

(Numbers can also be used.) The bottom section of the circle contains a number that refers to the sheet number this section is drawn on.In small projects where there is a limited number of sheets,bottom numbers are not used.The circle is just big enough to contain the letter and number.If more than one building section cuts are indicated on floor plans.

    Interior and exterior elevation are noted on the floor plan in much the same way as building section cuts.Once again,a circle containing numbers is used,with an arrow indicating the direction of view.Some designers prefer to make a distinct visual difference between sections and elevations to help the viewer easily distinguish them.For example,the arrow is blackened in on sections and not on elevations.Another way to denote the differences is to use an arrow on the section cut and eliminate the arrow "tails" on an elevation mark.       

   Sometimes the scale of the floor plan is too small to place all the required detail or notes within a small space such as toilet rooms and stairs.In such situations,an enlarged plan is drawn elsewhere of these spaces and cross-referenced on the plan.The area to be enlarged can simply have a note within (or adjacent) that says "see sheet x for enlarged plan"In most cases,however,a heavy broken line is placed around the area to be enlarged ,as illustrated in it.A circle and number(s) are assigned to it.Similar to the section or elevation symbol.This enlarged plan can appear on the floor-plan sheet or another sheet.This same method can also be used to show detail on other features,such as a column or another or specialized assembly.   

Dimensioning Floor Plans:-  

A floor plan is carefully dimensioned to ensure that items such as walls,columns,doors,windows,openings,stairs,and other particulars are correctly located for construction.Sometimes after a plan is drawn accurately to a scale,its reproduction causes a slight enlargement or reduction of the drawing.In such cases,the floor plan is slightly out of true scale,but this is acceptable because the written dimensions are the controlling factors.In fact,most designers add a note on the drawing that says,"do not scale drawing follow written dimensions."         

    Generally elements such as walls are dimensioned to the frame as the builder first erects this and then adds the linishes to it.This dimenstoning technique gives the exact location of the studs,columns,and beams and is generally placed to the face of these.In some-cases,however,the centerline of the wall might be located and dimensioned,  as illustrated.