Drawing Set Abbreviations
Overview
Abbreviations are used throughout drawings. Each office will have their own set of abbreviations that work for them and their projects. For example, some offices will write EJ for Expansion Joint, while others will write EXJ. Make sure to run this list through the ranks.
It ultimately does not really matter what abbreviations you use, as long as it stays consistent across your set.
To essentially cover your ass, list out all abbreviations you will use at the front of your documentation set. When new teammates join a team, make sure to have them review the abbreviations page to understand exactly the office standard and keep consistency across the drawing set. There is nothing more frustrating than reviewing a set and seeing multiple different variations of an abbreviation used.
Formatting
This goes beyond abbreviation text and also how the abbreviation is formatted. For example, some offices may use a hyphen in some words while others may not. Or perhaps using an apostrophe or not.
- JANCLO vs JAN-CLO vs JAN CLO
- REQ’D vs REQD
Universal
There are many abbreviations that are universal. An easy example is FOOT or FEET which can be shortened to FT. This is universal and understood throughout the world, but typically should still be listed on your abbreviations sheet for completeness.