Construction drawings, what are they? types and examples

Construction drawings are graphical representations that explain how to realize a specific construction. Here some examples

During the project processes different figures come into play (architect, engineer, surveyor, etc.) that produce a series of construction drawings, each referring to certain building aspects. But what exactly is an architectural design and what does it consist of?

Let’s see some examples of construction drawings. I will also give you a list the main types and explain how to easily create accurate technical construction drawings with a dedicated software.

What are construction drawings?

Construction drawings are constructive graphical representations of a work as a whole that show all its final characteristics.

They are important in a construction project because they guide the entire construction process, representing the details of each technical element. It facilitates the understanding of dimensions, materials, typologies and qualities of the building.

The architectural drawings, with numerous standard symbols and schematics, intend to communicate all the aspects of the design concept. For this reason they must be as clear, concise and coordinated as possible to avoid ambiguities that could cause errors and delays on site.

What are the most important types of construction drawings?

To properly represent and describe a project there are several types of drawing, such as:

1. site plans: they describe the territorial environment, specifying roads, buildings, topography, current urban plans;
2. area plans: they represent a view from the top of the building, therefore showing the roof and the surrounding environment;
   

   Area view created directly from a 3D model with usBIM.blueprint

3. floor plans: they can represent each floor of the building. Ideally, is a section of the building that allows to visualize the floor, the arrangement of the rooms and the position of external and internal fixtures, stairs, etc. Often specific details can enrich the drawings, this are:
   • • the size of internal and external walls;
     • measurements;
     • the room names;
     • the rooms area measurement;
   

   Floor plan created directly from a 3D model with usBIM.blueprint

    

4. structural plans: shows the structure of the building and highlight connections, beams arrangement, joists and column;
5. electrical plans and diagrams: graphic representation of the electrical network: cables, lighting devices, power supply, circuits, etc.;
6. mechanical and hydraulic drawings: illustrate the elements of the HVAC systems or the water distribution elements;
7. elevation views: represent the building from outside, providing information on the external details, position of doors and windows and the roof slopes;
   

   elevation view created directly from a 3D model with usBIM.blueprint

8. sections: is a vertical cut showing the building from inside and allows the visualization of:
   • heights and levels;
   • sectioned view of walls and floors;
   • columns, beams, foundations;
   

   Section created directly from a 3D model with usBIM.blueprint

    

9. construction details: zoom on elements such as foundation, masonry or windows, which provide insights into composition, components and connections;
10. additional drawings: highlight the aesthetic details of the building’s finishes and materials. Often for this purpose is used the rendering engine, which highlights surfaces materials such as painting, floors and furnishings;
11. photo-realistic visualizations: internal and external renders simplify the understanding of the project because they highlight all the parties involved, in a realistic way, how the building must appear physically.

What types of information come from the drawings?

Construction drawings contain all relevant info that the contractor needs to carry out in a construction. It is rich in symbols and details that remove communication gaps that could arise during the execution phase.

The data available in a construction drawing vary depending on:

• scale of representation: the smaller the scale, the greater the detail;
• type of drawing: in a floor plan, whether architectural, structural or mechanical, information will be obtained regarding the distribution of spaces, walls, fixtures, HVAC systems; in the sections, on the other hand, the analysis of levels, altimetries, material layer composition, the location of beams, etc., will be accentuated.

Who prepares the construction drawings?

The design teams produce the different construction drawings and thanks to specific technical and professional knowledge, can therefore define the construction process on site.

In a work group, there are different technical drawings specific to each field of application, subject to updating throughout the execution phase.

How to quickly produce accurate construction drawings with architectural software?

There are still numerous errors and inconsistencies that can be often found between the various designs. The cause is often linked to poor collaboration and coordination between the different disciplines involved during design.

In many cases, each professional tends to use their own software, producing different drawings with no connection among the others.

A valid solution to these problems is certainly the use of a dedicated software for creating technical drawing, a totally online application that allows you to generate plans, elevations and sections directly from a 3D file in IFC format, without the need of a BIM software.

This solution gives life to a completely openBIM working methodology and offers you the possibility to collaborate effectively with professionals who use BIM software different from yours and even with professionals who still use CAD.

Drawings overlaying the BIM model

To use this solution you do not need to install any application on your PC: access usBIM.blueprint and upload the 3D model in IFC format on the platform. You can:

1. automatically obtain the views (plans, prospectuses, sections) you want;
2. view the technical drawings in overlay with the BIM model;
3. print or export drawings in DXF/DWG/DWF format.

If you need to quickly produce accurate drawings, I recommend you try this software for creating your technical construction drawings.