Computer Aided Design (CAD) is an accepted tool for producing the documentation required for construction and management of facilities; it also provides for a common medium of information exchange. In fact, the true power and potential of CAD is the ability to re‑use and share the information contained within the CAD document. The key to realizing this potential is common organizing principlesBstandards for the production and dissemination of CAD information. The standard organization of files, layers and entities, as well as standardized software applications is essential for effective work and communication. Standards are necessary to ensure that:

CAD drawings and data created in one phase (e.g., design) are readily usable in subsequent phases (e.g., facility management).

Drawings and data are applicable for their intended use.

Drawings and data are compatible with the available CAD equipment and software.

Drawings and data created for one project or project discipline, are compatible with those created for others.

Drawings and data can be transferred and integrated with other applications, such as facility management.

Drawings and data created in one department of the University are consistent with those developed by the other departments.

CAD file names

The sheet identification format has its roots in traditional construction drawing techniques. CAD files must be named following the "8.3" (eight character file name followed by a three character extension) short file naming convention, where each file name has a maximum of eight characters, a dot, and a three‑character extension.

The eight character file names must follow the naming rules described in this section of the manual. Rules are described for sheet files.

The three character extension for CAD drawing files must be DWG.  The following naming convention is required for sheet file name.

Discipline code

The sixth character shows the letter that must be used for the first character of the discipline code shown in Table

Origins and registration of CAD data files

The origins of CAD model files must be defined at coordinates 0, 0, 0. This is typically the lower left corner of the building. For non‑rectilinear buildings a logical origin point shall be established.

The origin point must remain consistent between all model files in a project. This is critical for correct registration of different model files when referenced together, aligning the various views of the facility. Registration of electronic data must be maintained so the information will be usable in future applications.

The origin of each CAD sheet file should be at the lower left-hand corner of the sheet border and set to coordinates 0, 0, 0.

9.5  Entities and graphic representation

Curved Entities

Circles, arcs and ellipses shall be created as individual entities, not of line segments.

Drawing Limits

Drawing and extents must be checked to ensure there are no objects outside the drawing limits. Objects outside the drawing limits will slow the regeneration and manipulation of the drawing. All drawings shall be submitted with the drawing display zoomed to the drawing extents.

Entity Properties

Entity properties such as color and linetype shall be BYLAYER. For purposes of clarity, some symbol and block properties may not be set BYLAYER, but this should be avoided whenever possible.

CAD files should be delivered in the state described below.

Blocks should not be exploded.

  Drawings should be purged.

Drawings should be zoomed to extents.

Drawings should be left in paperspace if they use paperspace

The menu should be set to ACAD.

Plotting

Each sheet drawing file generally represents a single plotted drawing. The sheet origin point is the lower left‑hand corner of the sheet. The sheet border may be an xref file inserted at 0,0. No drawing entities should reside outside of the sheet's border. When saving a sheet file, make only the layers needed for correct plotting of the sheet visible. Plotting shall be set at a scale of 1"=1".

Sheet identification/numbering

Sheet sequence identifier numbers start at 01 and continue through to 99.  Sheet numbering systems vary and shall be approved before beginning the drawing set.  The CSI UDS guidelines shall be used unless an exception is approved by the Owner's Representative (see also the section on Sheet file names).