NCCER Core Reading Construction Drawings 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the abbreviation 'NTS' on a construction drawing mean?
- Not to Standard
- Not to Scale (Correct answer)
- New Technical Specification
- Note to Supervisor
Correct answer: Not to Scale
NTS means 'Not to Scale' - do not measure this drawing with a scale ruler.
When marked NTS, the graphic does not maintain proportional accuracy. Workers must rely solely on written dimensions. Reasons for NTS: faxed/photocopied plans with distortion, non-standard print sizes, and field directive sketches.
Question 2: What letter designation identifies structural sheets in construction drawings?
- A (Architectural)
- S (Structural) (Correct answer)
- M (Mechanical)
- E (Electrical)
Correct answer: S (Structural)
Structural drawings use the letter 'S' (e.g., S-1, S-2).
Standard designations: G = General, C = Civil, A = Architectural, S = Structural, M = Mechanical, P = Plumbing, E = Electrical, F = Fire Protection, L = Landscape, T = Telecommunications. Sheets are numbered sequentially within each discipline.
Question 3: What does a triangle symbol with a number typically indicate on a floor plan?
- A fire extinguisher
- A reference to a detail drawing (Correct answer)
- An electrical outlet number
- The floor number
Correct answer: A reference to a detail drawing
A triangle or circle with a number indicates a detail reference or section callout.
Reference symbols cross-reference between sheets. Common format: circle or triangle divided by a horizontal line; top number = detail/section number, bottom number = sheet where it is found. Example: 3/S-5 means Detail 3 on sheet S-5.
Question 4: What information is found in the title block of a construction drawing?
- Only the architect's name
- Project name, sheet title, scale, date, sheet number, revision history, and professional stamps (Correct answer)
- Just the drawing scale
- A list of all subcontractors
Correct answer: Project name, sheet title, scale, date, sheet number, revision history, and professional stamps
The title block contains essential project and drawing identification information.
Located in the lower right corner, the title block includes: project name and address, owner and designer information, sheet title and number, drawing date, scale, professional seal (legally certifying code compliance), and revision block tracking all changes with dates and descriptions.
Question 5: What does a centerline symbol (alternating long and short dashes) indicate?
- A property boundary
- The axis of symmetry or center of a structural element (Correct answer)
- A hidden wall
- An electrical conduit run
Correct answer: The axis of symmetry or center of a structural element
A centerline marks the axis of symmetry or center of elements like walls, columns, and beams.
Centerlines follow the pattern long dash-short dash (---.--.--). Dimensions in structural drawings are typically centerline to centerline. Column grid lines (numbers in one direction, letters in the other) are centerlines. When a dimension reads 'CL to CL,' it means center to center.
Question 6: When dimensions conflict with the drawn representation, which takes precedence?
- The graphical representation
- Written dimensions take precedence (Correct answer)
- They should always match
- Neither - stop the project
Correct answer: Written dimensions take precedence
Written dimensions always take precedence over scaled measurements from the drawing.
Written dimensions govern because drawings may be slightly inaccurate from drafting limitations, reproduction distortion, or deliberate NTS representations. Order of precedence: 1) Written dimensions, 2) Large-scale details over small-scale, 3) Specifications over drawings for materials. If a dimension appears incorrect, submit an RFI.
NCCER Core Reading Construction Drawings 2
What does the abbreviation 'NTS' on a construction drawing mean?