Construction Mathematics Hopefully we will develop some shortcut strategies that you can employ in the field.

Mathematics Note: This course is not for mathematics majors

BCT 104 Construction Mathematics MEP Our goal is to learn some math, and some math tricks, that you can utilize in the field

Mathematics However, we may find ourselves stumped on occasion, and we will find a way out.

Tape Measures Framing Tape Measures are usually 25’ and 30’ long

Tape Measures Site Measurements and Surveyors will use longer tapes. 150’ and 200’ lengths are common

Tape Measures A Classic Cloth Tape Measure

Tape Measures Cabinetry and Finish Work will use a smaller, lighter 10’ or 12’ tape

Tapes This tape has imperial scale down to 1/32” and Metric scale

Calculators The Classic HP 48G can do many things, including accept programs

Calculators Any Scientific Calculator with keys for Pi, Square Root, Squared, Cosine, Sine, Tangent etc, will do

Calculators Use a calculator you are comfortable with

Calculators These may be more trouble than they are worth.

Scales Architects and Engineers use scale rulers, which allow them to represent actual size in a reduced form, while maintaining proportional relationships

Scales Most scales indicate a variety of different ‘Scales’ to choose from. House plans are typically drawn at ¼” = 1’

Scales By using scale, the drawing will fit on a page, and all relationships between pieces are accurately represented. The length of these rafters, however, must still be calculated

Scales The drawing does not represent the three dimensional nature of the rafters, which is assembled in our brains by viewing the plan, and the elevation, and putting two and two together

Scales Scale Models provide a quick and easy way to ‘test’ what a particular building configuration will look like

Scales Two different scale models shown in the foreground of the actual building.

Scale Architects use scale models to help Owners visualize what a particular design will look like, which is particularly helpful for Owners unfamiliar with reading drawings. This can also help a contractor understand a particularly challenging roof assembly or other unusual conditions.

Scale Real estate plans are often ‘Not to Scale’, forcing a potential tenant to rely upon the measurements provided on the drawing. The plans can rarely be ‘scaled from’. We will learn how to calculate square footages, Area, and also cubic feet, or Volume.

Calculators These may be more trouble than they are worth.

Exams In Class, you can use your calculator, and your Reference Guide, even on exams.

Construction Mathematics The Author of our book, Spencer Hinkle