The Sheet Organization Module offers guidelines for systematically arranging drawings on sheets, ensuring consistency and compatibility with Drawing Set Organization standards. It defines sheet formats, drawing placement, and title block management, improving communication, quality control, data management, and coordination across design disciplines.
SHEET
ORGANIZATION
PAPER SIZE
Drawing sheet sizes must follow these specifications:
Sheet designation | Size in inches | Overall size |
|---|---|---|
B1 | 27.8” x39.4” | 707 x 1000 |
A0 | 33.1” x 46.8” | 841 x 1189 |
A1 | 23.4” x 33.1” | 594 x 841 |
A2 | 16.2” x 23.4” | 420 x 594 |
A3 | 11.7” x16.6” | 297 x 420 |
A4 | 8.3” x 11.7” | 210 x 297 |
ANSI A | 8.5x11 | 216 x 297 |
ANSI B | 11x17 | 279 x 432 |
ANSI C | 17x22 | 432 x 559 |
Legal | 14x8.5 | 356 x 216 |
SHEET LAYOUT
Sheets are divided into three main sections: the drawing area, title block area, and production data area. The drawing area and title block area are mandatory, while the production data area is optional. Each section includes information related to construction, project management or presentation, and project production. These areas should be defined by a border, tick marks, or other means to graphically separate them from each other.
Sheet margins refer to the space between the edge of the sheet and the sheet area. These margins may differ based on plotter capabilities, sheet size, and dimensions of the sheet area. The recommended minimum sheet margins are as follows:
Margin | Dimension |
|---|---|
Right margin | 20 mm (3/4 inch) |
Left margin | 40 mm (1-1/2 inch) |
Top and bottom margin
| 20 mm (3/4 inch) |
DRAWING AREA
The part of the sheet includes drawings, keynotes, key plans, schedules, and other graphics and text required to depict the work. It is divided into modules, with factors like sheet size, margins, title block area, and client requirements influencing the number and size of these modules. Standard module sizes might include 38 mm × 38 mm, 75 mm × 75 mm, or 150 mm × 150 mm. These modules should remain consistent throughout the drawing set, allowing easy use and transfer of standard graphic and text information.
Drawing blocks are modules that contain graphic or text data, identified by the drawing area coordinate system.
Drawing modules are arranged in columns (numbered) and rows (lettered), with each module identified by a letter and number. For example, a drawing in the lower-left corner, 2x2 modules, is identified as A1. The coordinates should ideally be outside the drawing area but can be placed inside if needed, appearing on the left, top, or all four sides. This system ensures consistent drawing identification throughout the project.
TITLE BLOCK
The section of the sheet contains information about the project, client, designer, sheet identification, and sheet management, essential for the sheet's user. Data blocks include the following:
Designer Identification Block
Names the designer or preparer of the sheet, included:
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Name, address, telephone, fax, email
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Preparer's logo, professional seals, certifications
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Names and addresses of consultants
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For design-build projects, may include the entire project team
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Professional Seal
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Legal requirement
Project Identification Block
Shows the project, included:
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Project name and address
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Building or facility name
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Construction phase sequence
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Project logo
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Owner/client's address, telephone, fax, and logo may also be included.
Issue Block
Records the chronological issues and revisions of the sheet.
Columns: Mark, Date, and Description. Data Fields Include:
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Phase issue dates
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Addendum issue dates
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Clarification dates
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Revision issue dates
Management Block
Holds management information for project filing and record keeping.
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Drawing preparer’s project number
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Owner’s contract number
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Owner’s project number
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File number
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Design/construction phase number
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CAD drawing file number
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Drawn by
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Checked by
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Copyright
Sheet Title Block
Indicates the type of information presented on the sheet.
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May include one or more types of drawings.
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Can show a single major type of information or multiple types (e.g., floor plan, schedules, details).
Sheet Identification Block
Includes key information about the sheet.
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Refers to the "Sheet Identification" section, as detailed in the Drawing Set Up Module
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Displays the discipline designator, sheet type designator, and sheet sequence number.
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Optionally includes the sheet count and total number of sheets in the set, either for all sheets or by discipline.
FORMATS FOR TITLE BLOCK AREA
Two standard title block formats have been established for sheet organization: horizontal and vertical text format. Regardless of the text format, the sheet identification block, sheet title block, and management block are always positioned horizontally.
Vertical Text Format: Title block text is oriented parallel to the right side of the sheet.
Horizontal Text Format: Title block text is oriented parallel to the bottom of the sheet.
PRODUCTION DATA AREA
The production data area is an optional section of the sheet containing details about the production process, often covered by the binding strip after assembly. Since some plotters can't print in the binding margin, this information may be added manually or in a preprinted block. It may include:
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Plotter Time and Date Block: Displays the plot’s time and date, usually near the A1 drawing block. Most CAD software can auto-insert this.
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Production Block: Contains management details about sheet production, such as:
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File path, sheet file name
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Default settings, pen assignments
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Printer/plotter commands, overlay drafting data
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Reference files, plotted layers
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Production hours
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COVER SHEET
The cover sheet is specific to the sheet organization and typically includes project details, owner information, and team members. It may feature images or logos and, if it includes project data like a list of sheets, abbreviations, or a key plan, it should be labeled with a general discipline designator (G), sheet type 0, and sequence number 01 (G-001).