Understanding Construction File Naming Codes on DKAD Drawings
This page contains tables to explain the codes on our drawings. Our drawings use a recognised standard for file naming, based on the British Standards for construction information, which have been largely adopted by the RIAI in Ireland. Follow this link to BIM Toolbox for the most up to date version of the conventions.
Our drawing title blocks, and file share locations use systems of codes to quickly identify files based on these 10 parameters:
- Project Number- there should be a standard number for the project used by all companies.
- Originator– the person or company who created the file. Our originator code is “DKAD”
- System or Volume– the building number (for complexes) or system (such as electrical) shown in the drawing. Most of our projects are one volume “00”.
- Level and Locations– the physical level of the building to which the file or drawing relates.
- Document Type– codes to identify as drawings, 3D models, schedules and other types of construction documents.
- Role– the job of the originator company, all our files are “A” for “architect”.
- Classification– refers to a classification library number like Uniclass, where required.
- Number– this is the traditional “sheet number” familiar to users of architects drawings.
- Suitability– refers to the suitability of the drawing: for construction, pricing, tender, design, etc.
- Revision– this is the number of times the drawing has been changed, with a decimal for work in progress iterations.
These are separated by hyphens. The last three parts tell you what the drawing is for, and whether it is the current version. It is a cumbersome system, but it is designed to aid collaboration if used by everyone. When project information is shared digitally, all companies work off a file share location; by using this naming convention, it will be easier to locate files in one very large folder.
The most relevant code tables are listed below.
Standard Codes for Levels |
||
| ZZ | Multiple levels | Where the file applies to multiple levels, for example a cross sectional drawing |
| XX | No level | For files that are not relevant to the levels, for example specifications or meeting minutes |
| GF | Ground floor | |
| 0 | Base level | For linear assets (for example roads) or where GF isn’t applicable |
| 1 | Level one | The first level primary level above ground level |
| M1 | Mezzanine one | Mezzanine level above level one |
| M2 | Mezzanine two | Mezzanine level above level two |
| B1 | Basement one | The first level below ground level |
| B2 | Basement two | The second level below ground level |
Drawing and Document Types
Drawings & Models |
|
| AF | Animation File (of a model) |
| CM | Combined model (federated mutlidiscipline model) |
| CR | Specific for the clash process |
| DR | 2D drawing |
| M2 | 2D model file |
| M3 | 3D model file |
| MR | Model rendition file (for example thermal analysis) |
| VS | Visualisation of a model |
Documents |
|
| BQ | Bill of quantities |
| CO | Correspondence |
| CP | Cost plan |
| DB | Database |
| FN | File note |
| HS | Health & Safety |
| IE | Information exchange file |
| MI | Minutes / action notes |
| MS | Method statement |
| PP | Presentation |
| PR | Programme |
| RD | Room data sheet |
| RI | Request for information |
| RP | Report |
| SA | Schedule of accommodation |
| CA | Calculations |
| SH | Schedule |
| SN | Snagging list |
| SP | Specification |
| SU | Survey |
Roles |
|
| A | Architect |
| B | Building Surveyor |
| C | Civil Engineer |
| D | Drainage, Highways Engineer |
| E | Electrical Engineer |
| F | Facilities Manager |
| G | Geographical and Land Surveyor |
| H | Heating and Ventilation Designer |
| I | Interior Designer |
| K | Client |
| L | Landscape Architect |
| M | Mechanical Engineer |
| P | Public Health Engineer |
| Q | Quantity Surveyor |
| S | Structural Engineer |
| T | Town and Country Planner |
| W | Contractor |
| Y | Specialist Designer |
| Z | General (non-disciplinary) |
This extract from PAS1192 shows the suitability codes.
Suitability codes for construction files.
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