Construction Document Technician (CDT)

This book deals with interpreting information conveyed from the architect/engineer to the contractor by way of a legal document and with implementing that fundamental understanding. It discusses the many components of the legal agreement that binds the parties in a construction project:

  • working drawings
  • specifications
  • contract requirements of the Project Manual

A comprehensive understanding of the project’s construction documents is necessary to prepare an estimate for submitting a bid and to prepare a project schedule for controlling costs after the contract is awarded.

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Sections and Objectives

1. Civil Drawings
2. Architectural Drawings
3. Structural Drawings
4. Mechanical Drawings
5. Electrical Drawings
6. Project Manual
7. Specifications
sketch-book

Civil Drawings

  • Identify factors in site selection and planning

  • Understand how to read a topographic survey plan

  • Identify symbols used to classify various soil types

  • Understand how to read a site plan

  • Distinguish between an earth change plan and an erosion and sedimentation control plan

Architectural Drawings

  • The various types of drawings that comprise the working drawings of a project

  • The sheet sequence for a set of working drawings

  • Plan, section, and elevation symbols

  • Common abbreviations and dimensioning practices

Structural Drawings

  • Identify the types of structural drawings used for:

    • cast-in-place concrete
    • precast/pre-stressed concrete
    • structural steel

  • Understand how precast panels are erected

  • Become familiar with the various types of welding symbols

  • Understand how structural steel members are dimensioned

Mechanical Drawings

  • Describe the types of mechanical systems found in buildings:

    • HVAC
    • plumbing
    • Fire protection

  • Identify drawing symbols common to mechanical drawings

  • Understand the purpose of riser diagrams

Project Manual

  • Understand what comprises the project manual

  • Understand which documents become part of the contract and which do not

  • Identify information contained in the Invitation to Bid versus the Instructions to Bidders

  • Identify components of a bid form

  • Define the various types of bonds.

  • Distinguish between general and supplementary conditions.

Electrical Drawings

  • Identify common types of electrical equipment, lighting fixtures, and wiring systems

  • Identify types of over-current protection

  • Identify drawing symbols common to electrical drawings

  • Understand the purpose of single line diagrams

Specifications

  • Understand the organization and numbering system of the 2004 CSI Masterformat

  • Distinguish between the various types of specifications.

  • Understand the three parts that comprise a specification section.

*Construction Document Technician (CDT) is formerly known as
Construction Document Specialist (CDS) Part 1 – Construction Working Drawings and Project Manual

NEF-Online-Testing

NEF Examination Program Bulletin – online testing details