Understanding Construction Drawings

The text follows a logical sequence that reflects real-world processes and industry standards, presenting essential concepts and practices before showing how they are used in developing construction drawings and constructing buildings.

Construction prints are integrated into chapter content, providing real-world examples to illustrate key concepts and techniques while helping students appreciate the professional relevance of what they are learning.

More than 600 questions throughout the text encourage students to study building plans and construction drawings in detail and consider key aspects from numerous perspectives, enabling them to hone key skills across a wide range of projects. 

Virtual walk-throughs help students visualize applications of key concepts and relate drawings to actual buildings, making it easier to connect chapter material to real-world applications.

The text includes several full-size construction prints for students to consult while completing assignments and reviewing chapter content, allowing them to gain familiarity with the kinds of construction drawings they will encounter as working professionals.

A special section on construction math provides step-by-step instructions to help students understand and apply essential math concepts they will need to succeed in modern building trades

*NEW* The Seventh Edition includes an additional unit with all-new content related to multi-building developments, fire code and sound control measures, and seismic considerations, as well as new drawings for a four-story, two-family building in an urban, seismic-sensitive area. 

*NEW* Coverage of trusses is now enhanced by a new drawing of a single-family home, complementing the core chapter content with a relevant, real-world document to help deepen students’ understanding.