Not-to-scale drawings question
Not-to-scale drawings question
(OP)
I am the EOR on a project where the drawings I issued were plotted to 1/8" = 1'-0". The architect and other consultant's drawings were plotted at the appropriate scales. When the architect printed the stick set of drawings for the contractor and everyone's reference sets, all of the drawings were printed at a scale slightly less than 1/8" per foot. In fact, the horizontal scale is slightly off but the vertical scale is way off. The architect is panicked that CD's were issued and not to scale. He is considering re-issuing the stick sets. What are the ramifications if he does nothing? I've never encountered or heard of this before.






RE: Not-to-scale drawings question
RE: Not-to-scale drawings question
WAY too many drawings are released today with little or no dimensions - I guess we are supposed to rely on the scale.
While this may not affect you - here is what I get---
A PDF drawing that has been scanned and then faxed or copied or both. ALL change the scale!!!!!
At 1/8 scale - something that was 10' orginally scales out to 9' for me... BIG PROBLEMS!!
Good luck
RE: Not-to-scale drawings question
Just my 2c.
Cheers,
YS
B.Eng (Carleton)
Working in New Zealand, thinking of my snow covered home...
RE: Not-to-scale drawings question
While someone could figure out the scale by measuring a dimension, we say not to scale the drawings in our specs.
I agree with reissuing them and telling the architect to scan them to scale.
RE: Not-to-scale drawings question
For example - 1/4'' and 3/16'' aren't that far apart and it really screwed things up since we were just doing a plan take off.
RE: Not-to-scale drawings question
In school I was taught NEVER to write the scale(i.e 1/8"=1'-0")and ALWAYS use a Graphic Scale. This would remedy the scaling problems associated with scans,faxes,copies and half size prints. However, in my professional experiences I cannot recall having seen graphic scales used.
My thoughts for what they are worth.
RE: Not-to-scale drawings question
We never had this problem in the non-computer age! Just goes to prove that you can make more mistakes much faster with the computer.
RE: Not-to-scale drawings question
I even saw a summer student years ago scale from a half-scale drawing (11"x17") without realizing it was reduced.
Graphic scales are a good idea though we rarely used them.
Not sure if you were kidding but NTS means "not to scale".
RE: Not-to-scale drawings question
RE: Not-to-scale drawings question
Just something to consider.
RE: Not-to-scale drawings question
Although I agree scaled dimensions should never be used for constrution, They are almost neccessary for bidding. With today's tight time frames for preparing an estimate, we have skipped many jobs that did not have scaled drawings because there is no way to do the take off, check to be sure equipment will fit, etc. f we do bid the job, there is genrally a significant contingency or caveats because a lot of the quantities are not verified. So, although they should not be relied on to be prcise, the close approximation they provide is often neceesary.
RE: Not-to-scale drawings question
Another "not to scale" story happen to a project that we were having soil borings drilled on and someone put it in the copier and reduced the plan. The borings got drilled alot closer than we wanted and missed a pocket of organics.
RE: Not-to-scale drawings question
RE: Not-to-scale drawings question
I'm sure you were kidding, but it made my morning! I give a star for that nugget.
regards,
chichuck
RE: Not-to-scale drawings question
Maybe in Geotech this is fine.
In structural, however, you may have a situation where the same detail applies at several locations, with the size being the only thing that changes from one section cut to the other. It makes no sense to draw that detail 3 or 4 times. This is why some details are purposely left vague as to size and the reader is directed to the plan or to a schedule to determine the proper size for that particular cut.
Having said that, however, I draw most everything to scale because, as others have said, you will get someone who will tr to physically scale the drawings, despite your efforts to discourage it.
RE: Not-to-scale drawings question
We use them on our site plans and other similar civil type drawings, but even they aren't immune to skewing during reproduction - especially over a fax transmission.