Code of practice for architectural and building working drawings

IS 7973: Scope Key Points

• Scope: Covers preparation of working drawings and schedules for building components (columns, footings, doors, windows, fixtures, finishes, etc.).

Key Specifications:

Summary Diagram of Drawing Preparation Process

flowchart TD
    A[Start: Project Design] --> B[Prepare Working Drawings]
    B --> C{Select Sheet Size}
    C -->|Large| D[A0, A1]
    C -->|Medium| E[A2]
    C -->|Small| F[Other sizes]
    B --> G{Select Scale}
    G -->|General Plans| H[1:200, 1:100]
    G -->|Detailed Views| I[1:50, 1:20, 1:10]
    G -->|Full Size

IS 7973 - Definitions and Nomenclature of Drawings

Key Points from Clause 2.2 (Nomenclature of Drawings):

• Ranges (2.2.5.1):
  Drawings that present:

  • Basic sizes
  • System of reference
  • Performance data
    For a set of standard components of a particular type.

• Details (2.2.5.2):
  Drawings that provide:

  • Complete information required for manufacturing
  • Application details of components

Summary Table:

Additional Notes:

• Terminology and notation must be consistent and clear to avoid ambiguity.
• Standard symbols and abbreviations are recommended for uniformity.

flowchart TD
    A[Drawings] --> B[Ranges]
    A --> C[Details]
    B --> B1[Basic Sizes]
    B --> B2[Reference System]
    B --> B3[Performance Data]
    C --> C1[Manufacture Info]
    C --> C2[Application Info]

This ensures clarity in communication and standardization in component design and fabrication.

IS 7973: Key Points on Elevation Drawings

Definition (Clause 2.1)

• Elevation: Vertical view of a building or its components.

Drawing Layout (Clause 3.3.4)

• Align multiple elevations and sections horizontally on the same sheet.
• Provide clear designations and cross-references for each elevation and section.

Dimensions (Clause 3.5)

• Dimensions must relate to an established reference plane.
• Show relationship to the bench mark.
• Dimension lines should read from bottom or right side.
• Extend dimensions in single lines across plans and from bottom to top on elevations.

Recommended Scales for Elevations (Clause 3.2.1)

Summary Diagram of Dimensioning on Elevations

flowchart TB
    A[Start: Established Reference Plane] --> B[Dimension Lines]
    B --> C[Read from bottom or right side]
    B --> D[Extend single lines across plans]
    B --> E[Extend bottom to top on elevations]
    C & D & E --> F[Clear and accurate elevation dimensions]

Use these guidelines for preparing clear, standardized elevation drawings as per IS 7973.

IS 7973 - Nomenclature of Drawings: Key Points

1. Clause 2.2 - Nomenclature of Drawings

• Defines standardized naming conventions for drawings to ensure clarity and uniformity.
• Drawings are categorized by purpose, e.g., general arrangement, detail, assembly, or ranges.

2. Clause 2.2.5.1 - Ranges

• Drawings illustrate basic sizes, reference systems, and performance data.
• Used for standard components of a specific type.
• Helps in quick identification and comparison across component variants.

3. Clause 3.3 - Presentation of Drawings

• Specifies layout, scale, notation, and symbols.
• Ensures drawings are clear, unambiguous, and consistent.
• Includes title blocks, revision history, and standard dimensioning.

Typical Drawing Nomenclature Format (Example):

Example: GA-PUMP-001-Rev A

Summary Table of Drawing Types:

flowchart LR
  A[Nomenclature of Drawings] --> B[Type of Drawing]
  A --> C[Component/System]
  A --> D[Drawing Number]
  A --> E[Revision]
  B --> F[GA, Detail, Assembly, Range]

This structured approach per IS 7973 ensures uniformity, clarity, and ease of reference for engineering drawings.

IS 7973: Types of Drawings - Key Points

1. Nomenclature of Drawings (Clause 2.2)

• Defines categories of drawings by their purpose and content.
• Ensures uniform terminology for clarity in communication.

2. Types of Drawings

3. Presentation of Drawings (Clause 3.3)

• Drawings must be clear, unambiguous, and standardized.
• Use standard symbols, scales, and notation.
• Include all necessary views and details to avoid misinterpretation.

Summary Table:

Diagram: Drawing Types Relationship

graph TD
  A[Drawings] --> B[Ranges]
  A --> C[Details]
  B --> D[Basic Sizes]
  B --> E[Performance Data]
  C --> F[Manufacture Info]
  C --> G[Application Info]

Use these guidelines to classify and prepare drawings per IS 7973.

IS 7973: Composition of Working Drawings - Key Points

• Definition (Clause 2.5):
  A View is an orthogonal projection of a building element as seen from infinity, perpendicular to the plane, ensuring accurate representation.

• Role of Working Drawings (Clause 0.2):

  • Translate design concepts into construction reality.
  • Ensure accuracy in estimating and execution.
  • Must be prepared carefully to avoid construction issues.

• Content of Working Drawings (Clause 3.1.4):

  • Include design details, locations, and precise dimensions of all elements.
  • Show how materials fit together and exact shapes of parts.
  • Quality and workmanship details are reserved for specifications, not drawings.

• Nomenclature (Clause 2.2):
  Drawings should be clearly named and numbered to avoid ambiguity.

Summary Table: Working Drawings vs Specifications

Visualization of Orthogonal Projection (View)

graph LR
A[Observer at Infinity] -->|Perpendicular line of sight| B[Plane of Drawing]
B --> C[Orthogonal Projection of Element]

This ensures the true shape and size are represented without distortion.

For detailed dimensioning and notation, refer to IS 7973 clauses on drawing standards and IS 696 for general drawing practices.

IS 7973 - General Requirements for Working Drawings

Key Points from Clause 3.1:

• Working drawings must clearly show design information: locations, dimensions, and shapes of product elements (Clause 3.1.4).
• Specifications cover material quality and workmanship, not design details.
• Sheet sizes for drawings are standardized (Clause 3.1.5).

Table 1: Sizes of Working Drawings (Trimmed and Untrimmed)

• Trimmed sheets are the final sizes.
• Untrimmed sheets include margins for handling and binding.

Summary:

• Use A0 to A2 sizes for working drawings.
• Ensure drawings show precise shapes and assembly details.
• Keep material quality info in specifications, not drawings.

flowchart TD
    A[Design Info on Working Drawings] --> B[Dimensions & Locations]
    A --> C[Shape & Assembly Details]
    D[Material Quality] --> E[Specifications Document]
    B & C --> F[Use Standard Sheet Sizes]
    F --> G[A0, A1, A2 per Table 1]

This ensures clarity and uniformity in structural documentation.

IS 7973: Presentation of Drawings - Key Points

1. Title Block (Clause 3.10)

• Located at bottom right corner of the drawing sheet.
• Contains:
  • Title of drawing
  • Name of organization/firm
  • Drawing number
  • Scale
  • Date of drawing
• Layout per IS 962-1967 (Code of practice for architectural and building drawings).

2. Nomenclature of Drawings (Clause 2.2)

• Standardized naming conventions for clarity and uniformity (not detailed here but essential for referencing).

3. Drawing Sheet Sizes (Clause 3.1.5, Table 1)

Summary Diagram of Title Block Location

graph TD
    A[Drawing Sheet] --> B[Bottom Right Corner]
    B --> C[Title Block]
    C --> D[Title]
    C --> E[Organization Name]
    C --> F[Drawing Number]
    C --> G[Scale]
    C --> H[Date]

Note: Follow IS 962-1967 for detailed title block layout and IS 7973 for overall drawing presentation standards.

IS 7973: Key Specifications on Dimensions and Drawing Sizes

Dimensions (Clause 3.5)

• Dimensions must reference an established reference plane.
• Relationship to the bench mark must be clearly shown.
• Dimension lines should read from the bottom or right side of the sheet.
• Dimensions extend in single lines across plans and from bottom to top in elevations and sections.

Drawing Sheet Sizes (Clause 3.1.5, Table 1)

• Trimmed sheets are the final usable sizes.
• Untrimmed sheets include extra margins for handling.

Additional Notes

• Working drawings show design, location, and dimensions (Clause 3.1.4).
• Specifications cover material quality and workmanship.
• Drawings must clearly indicate assembly and shape of parts.

flowchart LR
    A[Reference Plane] --> B[Dimension Lines]
    B --> C[Bottom or Right Side Reading]
    C --> D[Single Line Dimensions]
    D --> E[Plans: Horizontal Lines]
    D --> F[Elevations/Sections: Vertical Lines]

This ensures clarity and uniformity in structural drawings per IS 7973.

IS 7973 - Notes on Drawings: Key Points

• Clause 3.6 (Notes):

  • Keep notes minimal and only to support the drawing.
  • First, check if the drawing alone conveys the design intent clearly.
  • If not, try to improve or clarify the drawing itself.
  • Only add notes if the drawing cannot be improved further.

• Clause 3.7 (Schedules):

  • Use schedules to clearly present repetitive or detailed info such as:
    • Columns, footings
    • Windows, doors, hardware
    • Room finishes, plumbing, lighting fixtures

• Clause 2.2 (Nomenclature):

  • Follow standardized naming conventions on drawings for clarity.

Best Practice Summary

flowchart TD
    A[Design Intent] --> B{Drawing Clear?}
    B -- Yes --> C[No Notes Needed]
    B -- No --> D{Drawing Improved?}
    D -- Yes --> C
    D -- No --> E[Add Minimal Notes]

This ensures drawings are self-explanatory and notes are used only as a last resort, improving communication and reducing errors.

IS 7973 - Key Points on Schedules and Drawing Specifications

1. Schedules (Clause 3.7)

• Used for clarity beyond drawings/specifications.
• Applied to:
  • Columns, Footings
  • Windows, Doors, Hardware
  • Room finishes, Plumbing fixtures, Lighting fixtures
• Helps organize repetitive or tabular data clearly.

2. Drawing Scales (Clause 3.2.1, Table 3.2)

3. Sheet Sizes for Working Drawings (Clause 3.1.5, Table 1)

4. Additional Notes

• Ranges (Clause 2.2.5.1): Drawings show basic sizes, reference systems, and performance data for standard components.
• Schedules improve clarity and reduce drawing complexity by tabulating repetitive information.

flowchart LR
    A[Schedules] --> B[Columns, Footings]
    A --> C[Windows, Doors,

IS 7973: Graphical Symbols

• Reference Standard:
  Graphical symbols must conform to IS 962:1967 — "Graphical Symbols for Structural Drawings."

• Key Points from IS 962:1967:

  • Symbols represent structural elements like beams, columns, foundations, and reinforcements.
  • Standardized symbols ensure uniformity and clarity in structural drawings.
  • Symbols include lines, shapes, and abbreviations specific to materials and components.

• Typical Symbols Include:

  Element	Symbol Description
  Beam	Thick continuous line with label
  Column	Rectangle or circle with cross lines
  Foundation	Hatched or shaded rectangular block
  Reinforcement	Zig-zag or dashed lines

• Usage:

  • Use these symbols consistently in all structural drawings.
  • Refer IS 962 for exact graphical representation and dimensions.

graph TD
    A[Structural Drawing] --> B[Beams (Thick Lines)]
    A --> C[Columns (Rectangles/Circles)]
    A --> D[Foundations (Hatched Blocks)]
    A --> E[Reinforcement (Zig-zag Lines)]

Summary: IS 7973 mandates using IS 962:1967 graphical symbols for clarity and standardization in structural drawings. For detailed symbols and dimensions, consult IS 962 directly.

IS 7973 - Title Block Specifications (Clause 3.10)

• Purpose: Ensures uniformity and clarity in drawings by including:

  • Title of drawing
  • Name of organization/firm
  • Drawing number
  • Scale
  • Date of drawing

• Placement: Bottom right-hand corner of the drawing sheet, visible when prints are folded.

• Layout: Must conform to IS 962:1967 - Code of practice for architectural and building drawings.

Key Points from IS 962:1967 (Summary)

Drawing Sheet Sizes (from IS 7973 Table 1)

Recommended Title Block Layout (Conceptual)

graph LR
A[Title Block] --> B[Title of Drawing]
A --> C[Organization Name]
A --> D[Drawing Number]
A --> E[Scale]
A --> F[Date]
A --> G[Sheet Number]

Summary: Follow IS 962:1967 for title block design, place it bottom-right on standard sheet sizes (A0, A1, A2), and include all key drawing metadata for clarity and uniformity.

IS 7973: Sizes of Working Drawing Sheets

1. Sizes of Drawing Sheets (Clause 3.1.5, Table 1)

• Trimmed sheets are the final usable sizes.
• Untrimmed sheets include extra margins for handling.

2. Recommended Scales for Working Drawings (Clause 3.2.1, Table 3.2)

3. Title Block (Clause 3.10)

• Placed at bottom right-hand corner of the sheet.
• Includes: Title, organization name, drawing number, scale, date.
• Layout per IS 962-1967 (Code of practice for architectural and building drawings).

flowchart LR
    A[Select Sheet Size] --> B{Trimmed or Untrimmed?}
    B -->|Trimmed| C[A0, A1, A2 sizes]
    B -->|Untrimmed| D[Corresponding larger sizes]
    C --> E[Apply Scale from Table 3.2]
    D --> E
    E --> F[Prepare Drawing with Title Block (IS 962)]