iii Preface P rint Reading for Construction is a textbook for those who wish to learn basic print reading and increase their knowledge of construction drawings. The term print reading, as used in this textbook, refers to interpreting and visualizing g g construction drawings. Print Reading for Construction is a combination text and workbook, or “write-in text.” The text tells and shows how, and the workbook provides space for meaningful print reading, sketching, and estimating activities. Actual construction prints used with the text can be found in the Large Prints folder. They provide realistic job experience. The text is equally applicable for students studying construction, estimating, or construction management. Print Reading for Construction is organized into sections based on a progression of topics from simple to complex. A list of Technical Terms opens each unit. Learning Objectives are presented to provide an overview of the content and define the most important skills you will learn in the unit. Each unit is followed by Test Your Knowledge questions. These brief questions will help you evaluate how well you understand the topics presented in the unit. Most units include two or more Activities that provide you with practical print reading experience. Many of these will make use of the residential and commercial prints contained in the Large Prints folder. The write-in text format with perforations allows you to remove pages from the book, complete assignments, and turn them in directly to the instructor. Using the Large Prints The Large Prints folder contains seven sets of construction prints for the building projects referenced in this text. There are 140 total prints in the folder package. Included are sets for four residential building projects and three commercial building projects. Print reading activities corresponding to each project are presented in this text. Three of the projects are referenced in the print reading activities in Units 8–17: • The Sullivan Residence • The Marseille Residence • Delhi Flower and Garden Centers Greenhouse and Sales Building The print reading activities for these projects appear at the end of each unit and are intended to be completed after studying the corresponding unit. There are four building projects referenced in the Advanced Print Reading Projects section of this text. These include two residential projects and two commercial projects: • Advanced Project A—Residence Mercedes Pointe • Advanced Project B—The North House Residence • Advanced Project C—Office and Warehouse • Advanced Project D—Cincinnati Manor Building The print reading activities for these projects are more extensive in scope and are intended for additional print reading practice.