📋 Symbols & Notes
- FF: Finish Floor Elevation
- BM: Benchmark reference point
- CL: Centerline of road/pipe
- Inv: Invert elevation of pipe
- Typ: Typical condition
Test: On C-plans, what does “Inv 102.5” mean?
🌎 C-Plan Civil Cheat Sheet
Learn to read grading, utilities, drainage, paving, and sitework notes on civil drawings.
⛰️ Grading & Contours
- Contours show existing (dashed) vs proposed (solid)
- Slope % = (rise ÷ run) × 100
- Swales & berms shaped by contour arrows
Test: A 5′ rise over 50′ run = what slope %?
💧 Drainage & Utilities
- Storm pipes labeled with diameter & slope (e.g., 12″ PVC @ 0.5%)
- Sanitary sewer shown with manholes & invert elevations
- Water lines often dashed with valve symbols
Test: A pipe tag “12″ PVC @ 0.5%” means?
⛏️ Earthwork & Volumes
- Cut/fill balance checked with grading plan
- Trench volume = length × width × depth
- Bedding/backfill shown in hatching & notes
Test: A trench 100′ × 2′ × 3′ = ? cubic yards
🚧 Paving & Sitework
- Asphalt paving shown w/ hatch patterns & callouts
- Concrete sidewalks, curbs, ramps labeled
- ADA slopes: max 1:12 ramp, 2% max cross slope
Test: What is the maximum ADA ramp slope?