Print Reading for Construction

Print Reading for Construction, 8th Edition by Walter C. Brown and Daniel P. Dorfmueller guides grade 9 through 14 students through the systematic interpretation and visualization of residential and commercial construction prints. Functioning as a combination text-workbook, it establishes essential technical skills before introducing learners to complex trade drawings and real-world project documents.

Instructional topics progress logically across primary construction concepts. Students examine fundamental lines, symbols, specifications, and building codes. Content expands into detailed architectural drawings, site plans, foundation prints, structural layouts, residential framing, and trade-specific plans covering plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and welding prints.

A central feature of the book is the included Large Prints folder, which supplies 140 foldout prints measuring 17 by 22 inches from residential and commercial construction projects. This hands-on component offers students direct practice reading complete plan sets, matching the needs of introductory technical and vocational training environments.