Graphics: Civil Project Drawings

Topographical Mapping & Survey

A detailed map of land surface features, showing both natural and man-made elements along with their elevations.

Contour Lines

Lines on a map produced from connecting points of equal elevation, used to determine the shape and slope of the land.

Rule 1

Same Elevation

Rule 2

V's Point Uphill

Rule 3

Uphill vs. Downhill

Rule 4

Occur in Pairs

Rule 5

Form Circles

Rule 6

Don't Cross

Rule 7

Spacing Indicates Slope

Rule 8

Pits / Depressions

Site Testing (Geotechnical Reports)

The process of analyzing soil and rock conditions on a site to determine its suitability for construction, summarized in a Geotechnical Report.

Site Planning & Access

The process of determining the layout for staging areas, material storage, and phasing needs for a construction project.

Site Clearing and Demolition

The removal of all man-made items (buildings, pavement) and natural items (trees, rocks) from a site before construction begins.

Overall Site Plan Components

The comprehensive site plan incorporates drawings from civil, architectural, and electrical disciplines.

Site Safety

The planning and implementation of measures to ensure the construction site is safe for all workers and visitors.

Grading & Drainage

The process of moving earth to create the desired land shape (grading) and installing systems to control water flow (drainage).

Site Rough Grading For Drainage

The initial reshaping of the land to create a level, stable, and properly sloped surface that supports a construction project and directs water.

Storm Sewer Piping Systems (RCP & HDPE)

Underground pipes used for storm drainage, typically made of Reinforced Concrete Pipe (RCP) or High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE).

Storm Sewer Structures

Components of a drainage system such as Inlets, Manholes, Culverts, Junction Boxes, and Curb Inlets used to collect and direct water.

Underground Storm Sewer Detention Systems

Large underground structures designed to temporarily hold excess stormwater and release it slowly to prevent flooding.

Final Grading

The final shaping and smoothing of the soil to meet the exact elevations specified in the plans before paving or landscaping.

Electrical Service (Site Utility)

The infrastructure that brings primary electrical power to the construction site and building.

Sanitary Sewer (Site Utility)

The system of underground pipes that carries wastewater from the building to a municipal treatment facility or septic system.

Natural Gas (Site Utility)

The pipeline system that supplies natural gas to the building for heating and equipment.

Domestic Water (Site Utility)

The main water supply line that provides potable (drinkable) water to the building for daily use.

Irrigation Systems (Site Utility)

A dedicated water supply system designed specifically for watering landscaping.

Public/Private Water – Fire

The water supply system, either from a public main or a private source, dedicated to providing water for fire suppression.

Fire Sprinkler Systems

The network of pipes and sprinkler heads inside a building that connects to the main fire water supply.

Fire Hydrants

Connection points on the site's fire water line where firefighters can access a large volume of water.

Fiber/Cable (Site Utility)

The underground or aerial lines that provide internet, phone, and television services to the building.

Paving Surfaces

Materials used to create finished surfaces for roads, parking lots, and sidewalks, such as Concrete, Asphalt, or Compacted Base.

Site Access Points (Approaches)

The designated entry and exit locations for vehicles onto the construction site from a public road.

Overall Site Plan w/ Building Footprint

The main drawing showing the complete layout of the site with the precise location and outline of the building.

Curbs

Concrete or stone borders along the edge of a street, parking lot, or sidewalk used for drainage and to define the paved edge.

Building Sidewalks

Paved walkways immediately adjacent to the building.

City (Public) Sidewalks

Paved walkways located in the public right-of-way, often parallel to the street.

Misc. Site Concrete Items

Various small concrete structures on a site, such as equipment pads, light pole bases, or retaining walls.

Site Lights

Light poles and fixtures used to illuminate exterior areas like parking lots and walkways.
Outbuildings / Service Areas

Erosion Control - SWPPP

The practice of preventing soil from being washed away by wind or water, governed by a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).

EPA/TCEQ

Regulatory agencies responsible for environmental protection; the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is federal, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is for Texas.

SWPPP Devices

Materials used for erosion control, such as Silt Fences, Sand Bags, Drain Guards, Erosion Control Mats, and Blankets.

Soil Reinforcement

The use of materials like geotextile fabrics or hydro mulch to strengthen and stabilize soil, preventing erosion.