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.
Sections and Objectives
1. Civil Drawings |
2. Architectural Drawings |
3. Structural Drawings |
4. Mechanical Drawings |
5. Electrical Drawings |
6. Project Manual |
7. Specifications |

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


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