Engineering drawing scales — when would an engineer’s scale be used? Select the scale expression that corresponds to the typical engineer’s (civil) scale used to read large-site drawings.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 1" = 100'

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Engineering drawings for civil and site plans commonly use “engineer’s scales,” which express distances as decimal feet (e.g., 1 inch on paper equals 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 100 feet in the field). In contrast, architectural scales use inches-to-feet in fractional form for buildings and interiors.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Engineer’s (civil) scales: 1"=10', 1"=20', 1"=30', 1"=40', 1"=50', 1"=100'.
  • Architectural scales: 1/4"=1'-0", 1/8"=1'-0", etc.


Concept / Approach:
Identify which listed scale is in decimal feet rather than architectural fractional feet. The option “1"=100'” means every inch on the drawing equals 100 feet in reality, a common civil scale for large sites and mapping where fine interior detail is unnecessary.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Separate architectural from engineering formats.Locate decimal-feet expression → 1"=100'.Confirm this matches engineer’s scale standards.


Verification / Alternative check:
Design standards and drafting textbooks list the standard engineer’s scale sets including 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 100 feet per inch.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 1/4"=1'-0", 1/8"=1'-0", 3/4"=1'-0" are architectural scales.
  • 1"=10 cm is metric and not a standard engineer’s (imperial) scale.


Common Pitfalls:

  • Confusing a prime symbol (feet) and quote (inches); ensure units are consistent.


Final Answer:
1" = 100'

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