HOW TO READ A COMMERCIAL SITE PLAN, UNDERSTANDING CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS, PRINT READING LESSON #3

Summary

In this educational video, Professor Tom Stevenson delves into the intricacies of reading commercial site plans, a crucial skill for construction management. He contrasts these with residential plans and emphasizes the importance of understanding site plans for visualizing building placement, adhering to zoning and building code requirements, and ensuring proper setbacks and elevations. Stevenson also touches on the significance of benchmarks, contour lines, and various site features like trees and infrastructure, providing practical tips for interpreting these elements on a site plan. The video is part of a series aimed at enhancing viewers' ability to comprehend construction drawings.

Takeaways

• 🏗️ The video series focuses on teaching viewers how to read and understand construction drawings, specifically site plans for commercial properties.
• 🏠 The purpose of a site plan is to visualize the building's location on the lot, including existing conditions, elevations, and slopes.
• 📏 Site plans are essential for obtaining building permits, ensuring compliance with zoning and building code requirements.
• 📍 Benchmarks are reference points used to measure elevations, often related to mean sea level, and are crucial for proper building placement and depth.
• 🌐 The terms 'site plan' and 'plot plan' are used interchangeably, with the latter being more common in the United States.
• 🌳 Site plans detail existing structures, vegetation, and infrastructure, and can be adapted for landscape and civil drawings.
• 📊 Contour lines on a site plan indicate elevation changes and can reveal features like hills, depressions, and potential water flow directions.
• 🏡 The video provides an example of interpreting a commercial site plan, including identifying property lines, building setbacks, and elevations.
• 🔍 It's important to verify information from the site plan with the actual site conditions, as plans may not perfectly reflect reality.
• ✅ The video emphasizes the importance of understanding scales on construction drawings, with the example given being a 1:200 scale.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video series by Tom Stevenson?

The main focus of the video series is to teach viewers how to read and understand construction drawings, specifically site plans for both residential and commercial properties.

Why are site plans important in the construction process?

Site plans are crucial as they help visualize the building's location on the lot, including existing conditions, elevations, and slopes. They ensure compliance with zoning requirements and building codes, such as setbacks and proximity to adjoining lots.

What is the difference between a site plan and a plot plan?

A site plan and a plot plan essentially refer to the same thing, with the term 'plot plan' commonly used in the United States and 'site plan' in Canada. Both terms describe a detailed drawing that shows the proposed building in relation to the property.

What is a benchmark in the context of construction drawings?

A benchmark is a reference point, often related to mean sea level, used to measure and establish elevations for construction. It helps determine the depth for footings and ensures the building's first floor is at the correct height above the finished grade.

How can contour lines on a site plan indicate the terrain's slope and features?

Contour lines on a site plan show elevations at various points. Closely spaced lines indicate a steep slope, while widely spaced lines suggest a gentle slope. Circular patterns may indicate hills or depressions, and lines following each other can suggest swales or valleys.

What additional information can site plans provide beyond the building's location?

Site plans can also show existing structures, fences, retaining walls, paved areas, catch basins, and landscaping elements like trees and shrubs. They may also include information on utilities, property corners marked by steel iron bars, and geotechnical data from boreholes.

How does Tom Stevenson suggest verifying the accuracy of a site plan?

Tom Stevenson recommends visiting the site in person to verify the accuracy of the site plan, as the map may not perfectly represent the actual conditions on the ground. This is important for ensuring that all dimensions and features are correctly understood before construction begins.

What does the presence of dashed lines on a site plan typically indicate?

Dashed lines on a site plan can indicate various things, such as hidden lines behind other features, vents for plumbing, optional features, or elements to be removed. They can also represent contour lines showing natural or finished grade elevations.

What is the purpose of showing finished grade elevations on a site plan?

Finished grade elevations on a site plan indicate the desired elevation of the ground around the building after grading is complete. This helps in planning the building's relationship with the surrounding landscape, ensuring proper drainage and accessibility.

How can the scale of a site plan affect the way it is read and interpreted?

The scale of a site plan, such as 1:200 mentioned in the script, determines the ratio between the drawing's dimensions and the actual size of the property. Understanding the scale is essential for accurately interpreting measurements and distances on the plan.