CRC Blueprint Reading & Specifications 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: On a blueprint elevation drawing, what does the abbreviation 'FF' stand for?
- Final finish
- Finished floor (Correct answer)
- Face frame
- Front facade
Correct answer: Finished floor
FF stands for Finished Floor, used as a reference datum elevation for heights of windows, doors, and other features.
Question 2: What is the purpose of a 'general notes' section on a blueprint sheet?
- To list all materials with costs
- To provide instructions and clarifications applying to all drawings on that sheet (Correct answer)
- To identify the architect of record
- To list code references only
Correct answer: To provide instructions and clarifications applying to all drawings on that sheet
General notes clarify assumptions, standards, and instructions that apply broadly to the drawings on that sheet or set.
Question 3: In blueprint reading, what does the symbol 'ø' (phi) before a number indicate?
- Diameter (Correct answer)
- Degree of slope
- Depth
- Distance on center
Correct answer: Diameter
The phi symbol (ø) denotes diameter and is commonly used for pipes, rebar, columns, and round openings.
Question 4: A residential specification's 'Part 1 – General' section typically contains:
- Installation procedures
- Material lists and product data
- Administrative requirements, scope, and submittals (Correct answer)
- Testing and inspection requirements only
Correct answer: Administrative requirements, scope, and submittals
Part 1 – General covers administrative items like scope, related sections, submittals, quality assurance, and delivery/storage requirements.
Question 5: What does 'TYP' mean when noted on a blueprint dimension or detail?
- Top yield point
- To be confirmed
- Typical — applies to all similar conditions (Correct answer)
- Temporary
Correct answer: Typical — applies to all similar conditions
TYP means 'typical' and indicates that the noted condition, size, or detail applies to all similar unlabeled instances.
Question 6: On a residential framing plan, what do 'W' and 'B' markings on joists typically indicate?
- Width and bearing
- Web and bottom flange of a steel beam
- Engineered lumber product codes (Correct answer)
- West and bearing wall directions
Correct answer: Engineered lumber product codes
On framing plans, letter codes like W and B often reference engineered lumber product schedule codes (e.g., LVL or TJI series).
Question 7: Which drawing type shows the interior walls, cabinetry, and room dimensions of a residential project when viewed from above?
- Site plan
- Elevation
- Floor plan (Correct answer)
- Section
Correct answer: Floor plan
A floor plan is a horizontal cut through the building showing walls, openings, cabinetry, and dimensions as seen from above.
CRC Blueprint Reading & Specifications 3
On a blueprint elevation drawing, what does the abbreviation 'FF' stand for?