Computer Aided Civil Drawings Prepared by Gopal Singh Bhandari, IOE Pulchowk Campus

Chapter 3

Computer Aided Civil Drawings

3.1 Location Map

A location map the plan map that shows the geographical position of a project site in relation to its surroundings.
It guides the people or stakeholder about location of project site with reference to nearest landmarks and shows
the way to reach there.

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3.1.1 Information Included in Location Map
Generally following information should be available in a location map.

1. The proposed porject site.

2. Arrow showing North Direction.

3. The roads or streets nearby the project site if available.

4. Coordinate of the site.

5. Nearby famous landmarks like school, hospitals, parks, chowk, temple, government offices, bus stations,
railway stations, airports. etc.

3.2 Building Drawings

Architectural Drawings and Structural Drawings
Structural and architectural drawings are both essential in the construction and design of buildings, but they
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serve different purposes and focus on different aspects of the project.

1. Architectural Drawings

1. Include floor plans, elevations, sections, and detailed views of the building.

2. Show room layouts, door and window placements, finishes, and aesthetic features.

3. May include 3D drawings

4. Focus on the design, aesthetics, and functionality of the building.

5. Represent the overall look, layout, and spatial relationships of the building.

6. Generally prepared by Architects.

2. Structural Drawings

1. Include Trench Plan, foundation plans, reinforcement details of foundation, beams, slabs, staircase, etc.

2. Provide detailed information about the structural elements like beam, columns, footing, staircase, etc.

3. Focus on the strength, stability, and safety of the building.

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Figure 3.1: Location Map

Prepared by GSB, Puclchowk Campus

3.2.1 Component of Architectural Drawings
Site Plan
• Shows the building’s location on the property.

• Includes property boundaries, topography, landscaping, and access (road or street)

• Indicates orientation (north arrow) and setbacks from property lines.

Floor Plans
• Shows room layouts, walls, doors, windows, and staircases.

• Includes dimensions, room names, and sometimes furniture layouts.

Elevations
• Provides a 2D view of the building’s exterior from all sides (North, South, East, West).

• Shows the height, shape, and appearance of the building.

• Includes materials, finishes, windows, doors, and roof design.

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Sections
• Represents a vertical cut-through the building to show internal details.

• Displays the relationship between floors, ceilings, walls, and roofs.

• Includes structural elements, insulation, and finishes.

• Often used to explain complex areas like staircases or building connections.

Roof Plan
• Shows the layout and design of the roof.

• Includes roof slopes, drainage, and materials.

• Indicates chimneys, skylights, and other roof features.

Opening Schedules
• Lists of opening schedules with their number, sizes and symbol like D1, W1, etc.
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• Includes door schedules, window schedules .

Door and Window Details

• Provides specific information about doors and windows.

• Includes sizes, types, materials, and installation details.

Stair Details
• Shows the design and construction of staircases.

• Includes tread and riser dimensions, handrails, and balustrades.

Summary
Architectural drawings are a combination of visual and technical information that guides the construction
process.

Some Example of Architecture Drawing

Prepared by GSB, Puclchowk Campus

 D
E ROA
WID
-0")
(20'
℄ 6m

SB 11'-1
1.5m

1"
(5'-0
")

SET
BAC
K
28'-

34
3"

'-0
"

S.P
20
'-1
"

1.5m
(5'-0
")

S.T

5'-4"
8'-6"
5'-5"

15
'-9
"
"
'-8
54

49'-6"
37'-0"

29'-4"

PROPOSED BUILDING
31'-7"

G 47
'-8
"

SET BACK
"
14'-9
1.5m (5'-0")

6'-4"

15'-
3"

28'-5"

SITE PLAN
AS PER SITE = 1180.38 [Link] (0-3-1-3.2)
AS PER PURJA = 1226.3 [Link] (0-3-2-1.3)
 B C
A D Y E
26'-9"

8" 6" 11'-11" 13'-11"

1'-2" 2'-4" 6'-0" 2'-5" 1'-2" 3'-6" 3'-2" 4'-0" 2'-0" 1'-2"
W1 W4

1'-2"
6 6
1'-8" 1'-5"
1'-5"

UP

6'-2"

7'-4"
X X
5'-11"

4'-3"

CAR PORCH

W2 V1
1'-2"

1'-2"
5 5
M.D

SB BED ROOM
12'-7"x10'-5"
10'-9"

10'-9"
9'-7"

9'-7"
LIVING ROOM
13'-2"x11'-5"

34'-9"
32'-0"

D
1'-2"

1'-2"
4 4
3'-0" V2
T/B
2'-10"

5'-6"x3'-8"
V3 D1

10'-7"
9'-5"
D
kitchen+dining
13'-2"x8'-10"
14'-3"

10'-3"

BED ROOM
12'-11"x11'-0"
1'-2"

3 3
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D1
W2
4'-11"
3'-9"

W3
1'-2"

2 2
1'-3"

1'-2"

1 1

1'-2" 12'-0" 1'-2" 3'-4" 6'-0" 3'-4" 1'-2"

0"
13'-2" 13'-11"

28'-3"

A D Y E
B C

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

AREA= 791.94 [Link]
SB Figure 3.2: Opening Schedule
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Prepared by GSB, Puclchowk Campus

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NORTH ELEVATION
 +31'-0'' TOP PARAPET Lvl.
6'-8"
3'-0"

+37'-4" TOP FLOOR Lvl.

1'-2"
8'-2"

+28'-0'' THIRD FLOOR Lvl.

1'-2"

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8'-2"
41'-10"

+18'-8'' SECOND FLOOR Lvl.

1'-2"
3'-6"
5'-10"

+9'-4'' FIRST FLOOR Lvl.

0"

G 8'-11"

±0'-0'' PLINTH Lvl.

9"

-1'-6'' GROUND Lvl.

3" Thick PCC 1:2:4 3" Thick PCC 1:2:4 3" Thick PCC 1:2:4
one layer brick soling one layer brick soling one layer brick soling

CROSS-SECTION AT X-X
3.2.2 Components of Structural Drawings
Foundation Plan
• Shows the layout of footings, columns, and foundation walls.

• Includes footing sizes, depths, reinforcement details.

• Indicates foundation type.

Column Layout
• Displays the placement and size of columns.

• Includes grid lines, column labels, and reinforcement details.

Beam Layout
• Shows the location and size of beams.

• Includes reinforcement details, span lengths, and beam schedules.

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Slab Details
• Provides details about slab thickness, reinforcement, and spans.

Structural Sections and Elevations

• Represents vertical and sectional views of structural elements.

• Includes reinforcement details, material specifications

Reinforcement Details
• Provides reinforcement specifications for various structural elements.

• Includes bar sizes, spacing, lap lengths, and anchorage details.

• Shows bending schedules for on-site fabrication.

Staircase Details
• Illustrates stair reinforcement, tread and riser dimensions, and support conditions.

• Includes details for landings, reinforcement, and connections to other structural elements.
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Roof Structural Plan
• Shows structural framing for the roof, including beams, trusses, and rafters.

Summary
Structural drawings provide details ensuring the integrity and safety of the structure.

3.2.3 Some Example of the Structural Drawings

Prepared by GSB, Puclchowk Campus

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COLUMN DETAILS

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FLOOR / TYPE

BASEMENT

GROUND
FLOOR

FIRST
COLUMN C

400

8#25Ø
COLUMN C1
400
400

400

8#25Ø+4#20Ø

400

8#25Ø+4#20Ø
400

COLUMN C2

400
COLUMN C3

400
DETAIL A-135°HOOK DETAIL
FOR STIRRUPS & TIES

FLOOR

12#20Ø
8#20Ø Development Length of Deformed Bar:
400 400
Fe=500 N/mm²
57Ø
Dia. of Bar
SECOND (Ø) M20
& THIRD 8mm 456
400

10mm 570
FLOOR 12mm 684
16mm 912
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20mm 1140
12#20Ø 8#20Ø 25mm 1425
G lo
JOINT TIE
lo
LATERAL TIE
lo
JOINT TIE
lo

LAPPING ONLY WITHIN CENTRE HALF

TYP. LONGITUDINAL COLUMN SECTION

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Figure 3.3: Beam Reinforcement

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 2 3 4 5

1
5100 4900 3330

3672

SB 8Ø @150mm 8Ø @150mm
A
8Ø @150mm

8Ø @150mm
8Ø @150mm

8Ø @150mm

4600
8Ø @150mm
8Ø @150mm

A
428
2

B
8Ø @150mm 8Ø @150mm

STAIRCASE
B

5000
8Ø @150mm
465
4

C 5100 4900 3330

G
2 3 4 5

SLAB BOTTOM BAR REINFORCEMENT DETAIL

 2 3 4 5

1
5100 4900 3330

SB
2
367

700

700

700

700

700
1300

8Ø @150mm
1300 1300 1300 850 600
8Ø @

4600
150mm
1300
A

1200

1200

1200

1200
428
2

B
3000

1250

1250
1300

1600
1350 8Ø @
150mm

1300 850 600

STAIRCASE
B

4700

5000
8Ø @ 8Ø @
150mm 150mm
465
4

1300

750
C

C 5100 4900 3330

2 3 4 5

SLAB TOP BAR REINFORCEMENT DETAIL

 3700

SB
250

1400
275
1400
STAIRCASE PLAN
1200

3650
 8mm@ 200 c/c

10mm@ 200 c/c

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LD

8mm@ 150 c/c

250 720
LD 12mm@ 150 c/c

8mm@ 150 c/c 8mm@ 200 c/c

1200
LD
LD
906 250 10mm@ 200 c/c
296

160
12mm@ 150 c/c 8 LD
1125
1169

4575

STAIRCASE SECTION AT X-X

3.4 Underground Water Tank, Septic Tank and Soak Pit
3.4.1 Underground Water Tank
An underground water tank is a structure designed for the storage of water below ground level. These tanks
are used for various purposes, including domestic water storage, rainwater harvesting, fire-fighting reserves, and
irrigation.

3.4.2 Septic Tank and Soak Pit

Septic tanks and soak pits are essential components in night soil collection and water collection, especially in
areas where centralized sewage systems are not available. They are both used for treating and disposing of
household waste, ensuring that wastewater is properly managed and the environment is protected. Below is an
overview of septic tanks and soak pits.

*Septic Tank
A septic tank is an underground chamber designed to treat wastewater from households or small commercial
establishments. It primarily functions by collection of solids and liquids generally from Toilets and bathrooms.

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Parts of Septic Tank
Parts of septic tank typically includes the following components:

• Inlet Pipe: The inlet pipe carries wastewater from the house to the septic tank. It is positioned near the
top of the tank.

• Tank Body: The tank body is made of concrete, brick, etc.

• Baffle wall: These are installed inside the septic tank to ensure proper flow and separation of solids. The
baffles direct the wastewater to the bottom of the tank, allowing solids to settle.

• Outlet Pipe: The outlet pipe allows the liquid to flow from the tank to the disposal system, such as a
soak pit.

* Soak Pit
A soak pit, also known as leach pit, is a subsurface structure designed to allow wastewater from a septic tank or
other source to be absorbed into the ground. The typical sections of Septic tank and Soak pit are given below.
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Prepared by GSB, Puclchowk Campus

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Figure 3.4: Underground Water Tank

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SB Figure 3.5: Septic Tank Plan
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Figure 3.6: Septic Tank Section

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SB Figure 3.7: Soak Pit Plan
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Figure 3.8: Soak Pit Section

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3.5 Road, Retaining Wall and Side drain
3.5.1 Hill Road
Hill roads often involve excavation or embankment to ensure proper alignment.

* Types of Hill Road Sections

• Hill Road in Complete Cut: In a full cut construction, the road is excavated entirely into the natural
hillside, creating a level surface for the roadbed.

• Partial Cut and Fill Hill Road: This method combines both cutting and filling. The excavated material
is filled at the section balancing earthwork as far as possible.

• Hill Road in Complete Fill: In a full fill construction, the road is entirely raised above the natural hillside
using embankments.

* Roads in Plain Area

• Road in Plain Area in Complete Cut: In a full cut plain road construction, the road section is constructed

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entirely below ground level.

• Road in Plain Area in Complete Fill: In a full fill plain road, the road is constructed by raising the ground
level with embankments.

3.5.2. Retaining Walls

A retaining wall is a structure that holds back soil to prevent it from sliding or eroding, especially on sloped
areas. It’s commonly used to create flat spaces for gardens, buildings, or roads on uneven ground. These walls
help keep the soil in place and make the land more stable and usable.

i. Gravity Retaining Walls

Gravity retaining walls rely on their own weight to resist the lateral earth pressure. They are typically made of
concrete, stone, or masonry. The wall should be wider at the base to ensure stability.

ii. Cantilever RCC Retaining Walls

Cantilever retaining walls consist of a vertical stem and a base slab. The base slab is divided into a heel
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(extending under the retained soil) and a toe (extending on the exposed side). The flexural strength of the wall
resist the lateral earth pressure.

iii. Counterfort Retaining Walls

Counterfort retaining walls are similar to cantilever walls but have vertical supports (counterforts) connected
to the stem and the base slab. These counterforts help reduce bending moments and increase stability.

iv. Gabion Walls

Gabion walls are retaining structures made of wire mesh boxes filled with stones or rocks. These walls are
typically stacked to form a flexible, permeable retaining system that resists soil pressure. Some example sections
and drawings of above mentioned structure is given below.

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Natural Ground Slope (r:1)

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Road Formation Level

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CL
Hill Road Section in Complete Cut
Road Side Longitudinal Drain
 Natural Ground Slope (r:1)

SB Excavated Area

Road Formation Level

Fill Area

Retaining Wall

CL
Road Side Longitudinal Drain
Hill Road Section in Partial Cut and Partial Fill
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 Natural ground Slope (r:1)

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Road Side Longitudinal Drain
CL
Road Formation Level

Fill Area

Retaining Wall
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Hill Road Section in Complete Fill
 Fill Area

SB CL

Road Section in Plain in Complete Fill

Road Formation Level

Ground Level

Excavated Area

Ground Level

CL
G
Road Section in Plain in Complete Cut Road Side Longitudinal Drain
 SB
Ground Level
Back F
Gro

ill
und
Leve
l

Ground Level

Toe Side
Stem

Bac
Ground Level

k Fil
l

Heel Side

Base

Gravity Retaining wall Cantilever RCC Retaining Wall

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Figure 3.9: Counterfort Retaining Wall
Source: [Link]

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Figure 3.10: Gabion wall section
Source: [Link]
Conventional_Retaining_Walls/figures
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3.6 Irrigation canal and weir/barrage
* Canals
Canals are artificial water channels constructed for various purposes, such as irrigation, drainage, navigation,
or flood control.

• Canal Section in Full Cut: The canal is completely excavated into the existing natural ground.

• Partial Cut and Fill Canal: The canal involves a combination of excavation and embankment, with some
sections being dug and others being filled to raise the canal to the desired level.

• Canal Section in Fully Fill: The canal is constructed entirely above the natural ground level, relying on
embankments to support the structure.

Each type of canal design has specific advantages and disadvantages depending on the site’s The different
canal sections drawings is given below.

* Weir and Barrage

Weir
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• Major part of ponding is due to raised crest.

Barrage
• Most of the ponding is due to gates and small or nil part is due to raised crest.
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Figure 3.11: Weir and Barrage Source: [Link]

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Spoil Bank

Berm
1:1

FSL

Canal Section in Complete CUT

1:1

Bed Level
Sides
1.
5:
1

Ground Level

Spoil Bank

FSL
5:1
1.
Ground Level
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1:1
1:1

Sides
Berm

Bed Level
Canal Section in Partly CUT and Partly Fill
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Spoil Bank

Berm
2:1

FSL

Bed Level

Canal Section in Complete FILL

2:1

1.
5:
1

Fill Area

Ground Level
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3.6 Slab culvert and T-beam bridge
Slab Culvert
A slab culvert is a simple cross drainage structure span generally less than 6m designed to facilitate the flow of
water underneath roads, railways,etc.

Structure of Slab Culvert

A slab culvert typically consists of the following components:

• Reinforced Concrete Slab: This forms the top portion of the culvert, which supports the weight of the
road or embankment above and distributes the load across the culvert.

• Abutment Walls: Concrete walls on either side of the culvert channel water and prevent soil erosion. The
walls are designed to be strong enough to bear the pressure from the surrounding soil.

• Wing Wall: The bottom of the culvert is a floor slab that directs water flow through the culvert. It is
also constructed using reinforced concrete to provide durability.

T-Beam Bridge

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A T-beam bridge is a type of bridge commonly used in road and railway construction. It is designed to withstand
heavy loads and is made up of T-shaped beams that are used to support the deck of the bridge. The T-beam
bridge is one of the most common bridge designs due to its efficiency, strength, and simplicity.

Structure of T-Beam Bridge

The T-beam bridge consists of the following key components:

• T-Beams(girders): The main structural elements of the bridge are T-shaped beams, where the top portion
(flange) acts as the bridge deck, and the vertical portion (web) provides support. These beams are usually
pre-stressed or reinforced concrete beams.

• Bridge Deck Slab: The deck of the bridge is placed on top of the T-beams. It serves as the surface for
vehicles, trains, or pedestrians to travel on.

• Pier: The T-beams rest on vertical piers that transfer the load to the foundation below.
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 8cm*12cm string course

530

40

10mm 25
8
20
Ea
rth 30 16mm
Sl 30
op

SB 40 25 8 20 90 45 30
GL
e1

35
:1
Bed Level

Half Section Elevation at ABCD

90

45
30

15
75
140
135

F
35

45 75 45
45

Half Sectional Elevation View at BCEF

8cmWearing Course

170
E
500
C D
String Course 8cm*12cm

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15
A B
Half Sectional View at ABCD

RCC SLAB CULVERT

 Figure 3.12: RCC T-Beam Deck Section

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3.8 Title Block and legends
3.8.1 Title Block
A title block in an AutoCAD drawing typically includes essential information to ensure proper identification,
organization, and documentation of the drawing. Here are the key details to include:
• Project Name: Title or description of the project

• Client/Owner Name: Name of the company or individual to whom drawing is submitted.

* Drawing Information
• Drawing Title: Name of the specific drawing (e.g., ”Foundation Plan”)

• Drawing Number: Unique identifier for the drawing (e.g., ”S-101”)

• Revision Number/Date: Indicates updates or changes to the drawing

• Scale: Scale at which the drawing is created (e.g., ”1:100”)

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• Sheet Number: Page number in a set (e.g., ”Sheet 3 of 10, A1 etc”)

* Designer & Approval Information

• Prepared By: Name of the drafter or engineer who created the drawing

• Checked By: Name of the person who reviewed the drawing

• Approved By: Name of the authority approving the drawing

• Date: Date when the drawing was created or revised

* Company Information
• Company Name: Name of the firm responsible for the drawing

• Address: Office address of the company

• Contact Information: Email, phone number, website

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3.8.2 Legend and Symbols
The legend in building drawings provides necessary information to read the drawings correctly. It typically
includes: Architectural Symbols- Doors, Windows, Stairs
Structural Elements - Beams, Columns Footings
Electrical Symbols-Switches , Outlets, Lighting Fixtures
Plumbing Symbols-Pipes, Valves, Fixtures
Mechanical Symbols-HVAC Ducts, Vents, Units

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Figure 3.13: LEGEND AND SYMBOL

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Figure 3.14: Architectural Symbols

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3.9 Importing, Exporting and Plotting
3.9.1 Importing Files into AutoCAD
AutoCAD supports multiple file formats for importing data.

Importing External Files

• DWG/DXF: Goto file and open the file from specific location in your computer

• PDF: Use PDFIMPORT command and then enter f and open the pdf from your computer to convert the
PDF drawing into AutoCAD entities.

• Images (JPG, PNG, TIFF): Go to insert and ATTACH to insert an image from your computer as a
reference.

• Excel/CSV Data: Use TABLE or DATAEXTRACTION to link external spreadsheet data we can also use
SW-DTM for importing data from excel .

• KMZ/KML (Google Earth): Use GEOGRAPHICLOCATION to insert georeferenced data.

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3.9.2 Exporting Files from AutoCAD
AutoCAD allows exporting drawings in various formats.

Common Export Formats

• DWG/DXF: Use SAVEAS to convert to an older AutoCAD version.

• PDF: Use EXPORT → PDF or PLOT with a PDF plotter.

• Images (JPG, PNG, BMP): Use PLOT or EXPORT with image formats.

• CSV (Coordinate Data): Use DATAEXTRACTION or LISP scripts to extract point data.

• KMZ/KML (Google Earth): Use MAPEXPORT to save georeferenced data.

3.9.3 Plotting (Printing) in AutoCAD

Plotting generates hard copies or PDF versions of drawings.
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Setting Up a Plot
1. Open PLOT or press Ctrl + P.

2. Select the Printer/Plotter (e.g., DWG to PDF, a physical printer, etc.).

3. Choose a Paper Size (e.g., A4, A3, ANSI, ARCH).

4. Set the Plot Area:

• Extents (entire drawing)

• Window (select a specific area)

5. Choose a Plot Scale (e.g., 1:100).

6. Select a Plot Style Table (CTB/STB) for color and line weight control.

7. Preview and click OK to plot.

8. Or We can print using Layouts

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Batch Plotting (Multiple Sheets)
For plotting multiple layouts at once:

• Use PUBLISH to plot multiple sheets or batch export to PDF.

• Select multiple layouts and set the output format.

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