Architectural Dimensioning

Part 1

Floor-Plan DimensionsFloor-Plan Dimensions

Dimensioning systemAligned dimensioning--dimensions are placed in line

with the dimension lines and are read from the bottom or right side of the drawing sheet

Dimension lines are solid (Thin) and not brokenDimensions are placed above dimension lines

approximately 1/16” above line

Example of Aligned

Dimensioning

Example of Aligned

Dimensioning

Note:Dimensions readable from the bottom of sheet and right side of sheet above the dimension line

Writing the Actual Dimension

Writing the Actual Dimension

Feet and Inch/fractions: 6’-7 1/2”Even feet no inches: 4’- 0”Feet and zero inches/fractions: 8’- 0 3/4”No feet only inches: 10”No feet only inches/fractions: 5 1/2”Only fractions of an inch: 3/4”

General Rules to Follow for Placing Dimensions

General Rules to Follow for Placing Dimensions

Place exterior dimensions outside the floor plan, starting with the smallest first, then subtotals and finally overall totals

Place interior dimensions inside the floor plan in string fashion. Several strings may be required both horizontally and vertically

Arrows or TerminatorsArrows or TerminatorsFor class project use diagonal lines for all

dimensioning terminatorsUse arrows for all leaders and callouts

Making Arrows for LeadersMaking Arrows for Leaders

Arrows for dimensions and leader lines should be the same

Arrows usually have a set proportion and have a slender look to them

1/8” to 3/16”

1/32” to 1/16”

Making Tick Marks for Terminators

Making Tick Marks for Terminators

Commonly 1/8” long at 45 degree Usually done freehand

Freehand slash all in the same

direction

A thick slash is common on manual and CADD

drawings

Dimension ProceduresDimension Procedures

Dimensions are placed on the drawing are dependant upon the type of material the walls are constructed of:

1) Frame or wood studs2) Brick or stone veneer over frame3) Solid masonry and cast concrete

Discussion today include 1 and 2

Frame or Wood Studs Walls

Frame or Wood Studs Walls

Two x 4 or 2 x 6 make up the Skeleton of the structure

A common wood frame wall is 5 1/4” thick

This wall is drafted 6”

Frame or Wood Studs Walls

Frame or Wood Studs Walls

To communicate to the carpenter this exterior wall is dimensioned to the outside face of stud

This dimension is 1 1/4” from the outside line of the wall

Frame or Wood Studs

Walls

Frame or Wood Studs

Walls

Materials terms that make up the wood frame wall:

Siding (3/4”)Sheathing (1/2”)Stud (2x4)Gypsum Board (1/2”)Insulation in stud wall

Spacing of Dimensioning Lines

Spacing of Dimensioning Lines

First string of dimensions are usually placed about 3/8” to 1” from the object depending upon the amount of space available

Second string of dimensions are placed 3/8” to 1/2” from the first string of dimensions

Additional strings of dimensions are spaced like the second string of dimensions

Dimensioning Exterior Frame or Wood Stud Walls

Dimensioning Exterior Frame or Wood Stud WallsDimension to the outside face of studDimension to centers of doors and windowsDo not dimension interior partitions with the

exterior string of dimensions

Steps in Dimensioning a

Plan

Steps in Dimensioning a

Plan

Step #1--Place extension lines at face of exterior studs, center lines at centers of doors and windows

Place first string of dimension lines about 3/4” away from floor plan

Steps in Dimensioning a

Plan

Steps in Dimensioning a

Plan

Step #2--Place second string of dimensions about 1/2” from first string

These dimensions are considered to be subtotals

Steps in Dimensioning a

Plan

Steps in Dimensioning a

Plan

Step #3--Place overall dimension line about 1/2” away from previous dimension line

Check that all cumulative dimension equal the subtotal dimensions

Brick or Stone

Veneer over Frame

Brick or Stone

Veneer over FrameSame skeleton as framed structure but stone or brick replaces the siding with air space between brick and sheathing

Dimensioned to face of stud

Brick or Stone Veneer over Frame

Brick or Stone Veneer over FrameDimension to the outside face of stud

Dimension to centers of doors and windowsDo not dimension interior partitions with the

exterior string of dimensions

Read Instructions & Follow all rules that apply:

#1--Dimension exterior horizontal dimensions

#2--Dimension exterior vertical dimensions

Dimension Exercise

#1

Dimension Exercise

#1

Dimensioning StepsDimensioning StepsTape drawing to drafting table and square with

drafting machine.All work at this point will be with a 4H pencil (very

thin): .3mm or .5mm with hard lead

Dimensioning StepsDimensioning StepsPlace Extension linesPlace Extension lines at measuring points of the

plan: 1)Face of stud of wood wall (1 ¼”) from outside wall line, 2)Face of stud of Veneer wall (5 ¼” from outside wall line, 3)Center of door and window

Add Extension lines

Center Line

Dimensioning StepsDimensioning Steps

Place first line of dimension from plan (3/8” to 1”)

3/8” to 1” from plan

Dimensioning StepsDimensioning Steps

Add sub total and total dimension lines. Note some plans will not require sub total dimension lines

3/8” to ½” ” from previous line

Dimensioning StepsDimensioning StepsClean up extension lines and dimension lines and

add any final dimension lines: (thickness of brick to face of stud, do only once and write (TYP) meaning TYPICAL

Label at one location (TO FACE OF STUD) with leader pointing to it.

To Face of Stud5 ¼”(TYP)

Dimensioning StepsDimensioning StepsAdd tick marks at all intersections of extension lines and

dimension lines.Add guidelines above dimension lines and place values

of measurements between tick marks

Add Tick Marks

Add Dimens

For eachstring

Dimension Exercise #1 Solution

First--Work on Dimensioning ExerciseSecond—Work on Project Floor Plan