CDS Blueprint Reading & Specifications 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: On a demolition blueprint, what does a dashed or hidden line typically represent?
- A feature visible from the current view
- A feature hidden behind or below the current view (Correct answer)
- A centerline axis
- A cutting plane line
Correct answer: A feature hidden behind or below the current view
Hidden lines (dashed) indicate edges or features that exist but are not directly visible from the current viewing angle.
Question 2: A demolition specification section labeled '02 41 00' refers to which CSI MasterFormat division?
- Division 01 – General Requirements
- Division 02 – Existing Conditions (Correct answer)
- Division 03 – Concrete
- Division 05 – Metals
Correct answer: Division 02 – Existing Conditions
CSI MasterFormat Division 02 covers Existing Conditions, which includes demolition work such as section 02 41 00 Demolition.
Question 3: When a structural drawing notes 'REMOVE AND SALVAGE,' what action is required of the demolition crew?
- Demolish and dispose of the element in a dumpster
- Carefully remove the element and store it for reuse or owner retention (Correct answer)
- Crush the element on-site for fill material
- Leave the element in place and protect it
Correct answer: Carefully remove the element and store it for reuse or owner retention
'Remove and Salvage' means the item must be carefully removed and preserved for reuse, resale, or owner retrieval.
Question 4: A floor plan scale of 1/4" = 1'-0" means a wall drawn 3" long on paper represents how many feet in the field?
- 6 feet
- 9 feet
- 12 feet (Correct answer)
- 15 feet
Correct answer: 12 feet
At 1/4" = 1'-0", each inch equals 4 feet; a 3" line represents 3 × 4 = 12 feet.
Question 5: On a demolition site plan, a symbol showing a circle with an X inside typically denotes what?
- An existing tree to remain
- A utility manhole or cleanout to be removed
- A benchmark elevation point (Correct answer)
- A proposed light pole location
Correct answer: A benchmark elevation point
A circle with an X is a standard surveying symbol for a benchmark or control point used for elevation reference.
Question 6: Which view in a set of blueprints would best show the vertical relationship between floors and the height of structural members to be demolished?
- Plan view
- Section view (Correct answer)
- Detail view
- Site plan
Correct answer: Section view
Section views cut through the building vertically and clearly show floor-to-floor heights and the vertical arrangement of structural components.
Question 7: A demolition specification states 'remove to subgrade.' What does this instruct the contractor to do?
- Remove material only down to the finished floor level
- Remove material all the way down to the native or engineered soil level below slabs (Correct answer)
- Remove material to the roof level
- Remove material to the top of the foundation wall
Correct answer: Remove material all the way down to the native or engineered soil level below slabs
'To subgrade' means excavating or demolishing down to the prepared soil surface below any slab, base course, or fill.
CDS Blueprint Reading & Specifications 2
On a demolition blueprint, what does a dashed or hidden line typically represent?