Construction Software
Computer Automated Layout
By Thomas Scrutchfield
Sun, 19 Mar 2006, 12:56 PST

CAL / Computer Automated Layout is an idea, intended as an enhancement for existing CAD programs by providing such programs the additional ability to interpret and print the wall framing layout for any given structure, wood or steel, to include the exact placement, dimensions, and measurements of all framing components for each wall, in accordance with the blueprints, onto a rolled tape (much like cash register tape) for instant and accurate transfer to the actual wall plates by the builder. Each wall is individually numbered on the blueprints, corresponding length of CAL tape, and itemized parts list in a manner which makes it fairly easy to ascertain wall locations with, or without, the blueprints in hand.

Existing CAD programs can mathematically produce a complete list of building materials, as well as an itemized parts list of individual measures for each and every framing component as specified by the blueprints, yet the modern day builder is still crawling around on wet subfloors with ragged blueprints, deciphering, measureing, and scribbling the framing layout onto the wall plates in much the same way all carpenters have done for, and since, all of time.

CAL simply takes CAD to the next level by teaching it to display and print the framing layout for each wall, with all measures and details matching the blueprints, onto a cheap roll of tape for substantial increases in framing crew production and quality, with wall framing made easy for the do-it-yourself home builder. Cal can be incorporated into both residential and commercial building processes, and can also be used to display floor and ceiling joists, rafters and trusses, as well as the routing and placement of electrical, plumbing, HVAC, telecom, and security system components.

The CAL tape should be approximately 2 1/4" wide, allowing for at least 1" coverage of both upper and lower wall plates when placed together on edge, with about 1/4" center spacing for seperation of plates with a utility knife when ready to frame. The tape itself can be as common and inexpensive as cash register tape and attached to the wall plates with staples, tacks, nails, or an applied adhessive, with more durable, weather resistant, and self-adhessive materials as an option. Color codeing for quick identification and differation of components, doorways, and windows is also an option.

Completely eliminates the time necessitated to interpret blueprints, calculate measurements, and transfer the framing layout to the wall plates, as is the current and traditional method for attaining the wall framing layout.

Allows crew leaders time to oversee the wall framing process and concentrate on upcoming matters, as opposed to being rushed to interpret and transfer the wall framing layout to the wall plates ahead of the framing crew.

Provides a complete pre-calculated parts list, per wall and placement, for the sawman to start producing parts immediately, on or off the jobsite.

Provides a framing template which eliminates all guess work and induces error free construction by the journeyman, apprentice, or do-it-yourself home builder.

Serves as an unsupervised training aid and provides answers to most every conceivable question the apprentice may have, without asking.

Reduces the experience levels necessary for all framing crew members at all levels.

* Enables supervisors to easily dictate which walls are to be framed by who, and in what order, by issuance of the CAL tape.

Makes for easy prefabrication of common walls, gable walls, dormers, etc., on or off site.