1.7. CONVENTIONAL SIZES AND SYMBOLS

Conventional signs are used on building drawings to represent various building materials and conventional symbols are the short notations which are used to represent the actual object in building drawings. These are also called as civil engineering symbols which give approximate shape of the object.

Conventional symbols are simplified representations used in engineering drawings to depict different materials and objects. Instead of drawing a detailed version of an item, engineers use symbols that convey similar information in a more efficient manner. These symbols help communicate important details without cluttering the drawing, making it easier for readers to interpret the drawing at a glance.

Think of conventional symbols like emojis in text messaging. Just as emojis can quickly convey emotions or ideas without using a lot of words, conventional symbols give essential information about materials and objects without the need for intricate designs in architectural drawings.

The conventional symbols represent the object at a particular location of sanitary fittings such as towel rail, water closet, sink, wash basin, shower, and electrical fittings such as switch, ceiling fan, exhaust fan and even furniture like dining table, clothes cabinet, dressing table, etc. These are not drawn as per scale but drawn proportionately.

In building plans, different symbols indicate specific items such as sanitary fittings and electrical elements. For instance, a towel rail may have a unique symbol that distinguishes it from a sink or a shower. These symbols are designed to give a clear and proportionately accurate representation of where these elements will be located in a building, rather than being to scale, which simplifies the drawing and reduces confusion.

If you think of a treasure map, certain symbols represent locations of treasure, traps, or safe spots. Each symbol conveys significant information quickly and allows someone to navigate the map without confusion. Similarly, architectural symbols guide builders on what and where to install various fixtures in a building.

The Bureau of Indian Standards has recommended various types of conventional signs and symbols to fulfill the following objectives. (i) To save time, labor, material and space on drawing sheet. (ii) To avoid confusion and misunderstanding. (iii) To achieve quick identification details. (iv) To increase the speed in preparation of drawings. (v) To save time in reading and understanding the drawing. (vi) To avoid confusion in interpretation of details by the site-supervisors.

The use of conventional symbols serves multiple important goals in the realm of engineering drawing. They help streamline the drawing process by making it quick to read and interpret, minimizing the amount of material and space needed on paper. As a result, engineers and builders can work more efficiently and avoid misunderstandings that could lead to costly errors on-site.

Consider how traffic signs work: a stop sign instantly tells drivers to stop without needing any complex wording or explanation. These signs help maintain order and safety on the roads efficiently. Similarly, conventional symbols in building drawings facilitate clear communication, allowing architects and builders to interpret complex information quickly and accurately.

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