Foundation plan drawings are critical in any construction project plan. These drawings provide information about how the foundation of any structure should be carried out or constructed. They contain information that is critical to determining the depth of the foundation that is to be constructed, the type of material that is to be used, and the position of the foundation on the construction site.
In this article, we will strive to explain, what is a foundation plan drawing, why such a document is call necessary, and what advantages can it bring to a construction project.
Just as the name implies, a construction project cannot be implemented effectively without having a foundation plan drawing or blueprint, which is usually a vital component of construction documentation.
Lacking the strong base those procedures provide will result in a structure that is unstable, unreliable and will not stand the test of time. The structure has to withstand the effects of an earthquake, rain, and wind among other aspects.
Looking at the following article, we will briefly explain and stress on the meaning of foundation plans.
What is a Foundation?
In preparation for a discussion on foundation plan drawings, it is important to first know the definition of a foundation. A foundation is largely the ground or floor of a building structure supporting it while being the highest part of the ground. The fundamental role is to transmit the load being on the building to the ground. It has to be able to sustain the loads that the structure imposes on it.
Commonly, foundations are made of poured concrete or masonry including brick or a concrete block. Due to the fact that masonry does not corrode, is not eaten up by soil, and has a high compressive strength masonry protects the other materials by projecting above the grounds. Such foundations are normally accompanied with other materials like metal.
Sometimes, piers or treat wood posts are use, with the bottoms of these placed on concrete or rock pads or, instead, they are inserted deep into the ground. Piers and posts are commonly use in flood soils or close to the water sources.
The role that a perfectly good beginning irresponsibly plays can in no way be overestimate. The poor preparation subsequently leads to all sorts of problems touching on walls, support structures and the base. Hence, inadequate funding of the foundation plan drawing can make the building dangerous and entailed expending in alterations and repair work.
What is a Foundation Drawing Plan?
The foundation plan drawing gives an idea of the kind of plane or the top view of a building’s foundation walls. It details:
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Area and locations.
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Members, supports, columns and beams/piers and all apertures.
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Dimensions and internal composition.
Foundation maps are mainly use by the construction crew and included in the creation of a plan for the foundation of the building. Drawing the foundation plan it is a specific job that is provide by a structural engineer comprises with close analyzing of the soil on which the foundation will develop and the kind of material to be use for foundation.
The following details are included in the foundation plan, namely information from the Elevation plans, Floor plans and the Plot plan.
Foundation Plan Drawing Requirements
The following checklist of features will help ensure that your plan meets the necessary standards. While not exhaustive, it serves as a guide:
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Door sizes & locations
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Heating appliances
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Exterior walls
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Existing attached structures
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Plumbing location
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Smoke alarm
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Wood stove location
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Fireplace location
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Drains & sump (if required)
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Room sizes & names
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Window sizes & locations
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Footings for foundation walls, columns, and piers
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Dwarf walls
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Dimensions & notes
If the foundation plan involves non-standard construction or is slab-on-grade, it is mandatory to submit a professionally stamped design.
Steps to Create a Foundation Drawing
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Select the location of the structure.
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Select a scale for your drawing.
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From the floor plan, locate the outline of the foundation walls.
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Draw foundation walls, columns, and piers.
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Use breaks in the walls to indicate doors, windows, vents, and access holes.
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Draw footings for foundation walls, then for columns and piers, and finally for chimneys and fireplaces.
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If required, draw supporting beams with centerline symbols.
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Display the direction, spacing, and size of floor trusses or joists.
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Add necessary dimensions and sections.
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Include required notes.
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Shade wall drawings.
Although both the foundation plan and the basement plan are associate with the creation of a building’s base, there are some significant differences between them.
When drawing them, the process is almost similar and that is why most people might think that a basement plan is the same as a foundation plan. It is, however, pertinent to point out how they differ from each other.
The foundation plan drawing is quite useful in providing the people who intend to put up the foundation with relevant information regarding the same. The basement plan however shows the foundation plan and the floor plan with stairs, windows, doors, interior walls, and even built-in appliances or fixtures.
Conclusion
It is our expectation that this article has been useful in offering an understanding of foundation plan drawings besides appreciating them in construction projects. Correcting them can also be a bit difficult, hence one should seek services from a professional construction drawing services. The chudasama outsourcing company targets homeowners, architects and engineers, home designers, and builders of large to medium-scale hospitality, commercial, and home projects.
