Scales used for checking printed drawings For checking dimensions on printed drawings related to roadways, bridges, and site work, which physical scale would a civil engineer most likely use?

Introduction / Context:
Different drafting disciplines use different physical scales. Understanding which scale applies ensures correct interpretation of printed dimensions and prevents costly field errors.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Civil projects often use decimal feet (for example, 1 inch = 10 feet, 20 feet, 30 feet, etc.).
• Architectural drawings commonly use feet-inches with fractional inches (for example, 1/4 inch = 1 foot).
• Metric projects use scales based on millimeters or meters.

Concept / Approach:
An engineer's scale is a triangular scale marked in decimal divisions (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60), matching typical civil plan scales. This makes it the appropriate tool for bridge and roadway drawings that specify distances in decimal feet.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Check the title block: civil plans usually list a decimal-foot scale that aligns with engineer's scale markings.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Metric scale: Used when the entire project is metric (millimeters/meters), not typical for many U.S. bridge projects.
• Architect's scale: Intended for building floor plans with feet-inches and fractional inches.
• None of the above: Incorrect because an engineer's scale is standard for civil work.

Common Pitfalls:
Using an architect's scale on a civil plan yields wrong readings because the divisions do not match decimal feet.

Final Answer:
engineer's