Architecture, Building Groups Encourage Use of Nat'l CAD Standard

July 21, 2005

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The American Institute of Architects (AIA), Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) and National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) jointly released a formal invitation to CAD and other software vendors to use the U.S. National CAD Standard (NCS) version 3.1.

Among its functions, the NCS proscribes CAD layer names, drawing set organization, drafting conventions and notations. It also contains a symbols library and thousands of terms and abbreviations.

Adoption of the U.S. NCS by the building design and construction industry is voluntary. However, several government agencies have adopted the standard, while dozens of public and private organizations are in various stages of implementation for the design, construction and operation of building facilities, according to NIBS.

The U.S. NCS 3.1 is comprised of the AIA's CAD Layer Guidelines, the CIS Uniform Drawing System (Modules 1-8) and the Tri-Service Plotting Guidelines, as promulgated by the U.S. Department of Defense CAD/GIS Technology Center.

Descriptions of these components, compiled by NIBS, follows.

AIA CAD Layer Guidelines
These guidelines discuss layer name format, and provide exhaustive layer lists for over 20 types of layers. They include new layer lists for survey/mapping, geotechnical, civil, civil works, landscape, structural, fire protection, plumbing, mechanical and telecommunications.

CSI Uniform Drawing System (UDS)
Updated to reflect MasterFormat 2004 Edition, CSI's UDS is a standardized system for organizing and presenting building design information. This resource is used to organize and manage construction drawings for virtually any project and project delivery method, for the entire lifecycle of a facility.

Drawing Set Organization: Module 01
Establishes set content and order, sheet identification and file naming for a set of construction drawings.

Sheet Organization: Module 02
Provides format for sheets. Includes drawing, title block and production reference areas and their content. Also includes a coordinate-based location system and preferred sheet sizes.

Schedules: Module 03
Sets consistency in format, terminology and content. Additional guidelines include how to "build" a project-specific schedule and an organizational system for identifying and filing schedules.

Drafting Conventions: Module 04
Addresses standard conventions used in drawings: drawing orientation, layout, symbols, material indications, line types, dimensions, drawing scale, diagrams, notation and cross-referencing.

Terms & Abbreviations: Module 05
Provides standard terms and standard abbreviations used in construction documents and specifications. It provides consistent spelling and terminology, standardizes abbreviations and notes common usage.

Symbols: Module 06
Addresses commonly used standard symbols, classifications, graphic representation and organization in creating, understanding and fulfilling the intent of construction documents. The symbols are categorized using MasterFormat 2004 numbers and titles for easy referencing. This module is a product of a joint effort with the CADD/GIS Technology Center.

Notations: UDS Module 07
Provides guidelines for notation classification, format, components and location; use of notes; terminology; and linking to specifications.

Code Conventions: Module 08
Identifies types of general regulatory information that should appear on drawings; locates code-related information in a set of drawings; and provides standard graphic conventions. The module may be a tool to expedite code review by designers and plan review authorities.

Plotting Guidelines and Attributes of the U.S. Coast Guard
As promulgated by the U.S. Department of Defense CAD/GIS Technology Center.

In an effort to make the NCS easier to use, AIA, CSI and NIBS are offering software vendors the opportunity for a non-exclusive NCS license. The groups believe that the NCS would be easier to use if folded into a CAD program through "spell-check" functions, drawing templates or symbols library, for example.

The NCS coordinates CAD-related publications to allow consistent and streamlined communication among owners and design/construction teams. Use of the NCS, said NIBS, will result in reduced costs for developing and maintaining office standards and the transfer of building design data from design to facility management.

The NCS Project Committee, under the auspices of NIBS, updates and maintains the U.S. NCS.

Source: National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS).