Butte College

Course Outline

2026-2027 Catalog

WLD 26 - Symbol Reading, Blue Print Interpretation and Computations

Catalog Description

Transfer Status
CSU
Prerequisite
WLD 21 and NCCER Level I Welding Qualification
Corequisite
WLD 22, WLD 24, WLD 25, WLD 40, WLD 154
Unit(s)
3.00
  • Lecture: 17.00 Contact hours/34.00 Out of class hours/51.00 Total hours/1.00 Unit(s)
  • Lab: 102.00 Contact hours/0.00 Out of class hours/102.00 Total hours/2.00 Unit(s)
  • Total: 119.00 Contact hours/34.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)

Course Description: This course includes an introduction to blueprint reading and welding symbols interpretation as applied to measurement and computations of metal and pipe layouts. Included within the course are layout and marking tool techniques used in the welding industry. Techniques of fabrication, structured materials listing and assembly methods will be emphasized.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

  1. Develop basic skills of blueprint interpretation.
  2. Develop competence of the tools and equipment used for layout, fabrication and construction of welded structures.
  3. Demonstrate the safe and proper use of tools, methods of construction, fabrication, layout patterns and computations needed for the completion of metal and pipe structures.
  4. Interpret welding symbols on a variety of layouts and working drawings.

Course Content

Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic

Lecture

Lecture topics and suggested hours
TopicsLec Hrs

Introduction and safety

2.00

Basic lines and views

1.00

Sketching

1.00

Dimensions, notes and specifications

1.00

Structural shapes and sections

1.00

Transcribing measurements

1.00

Detail and assembly of prints

1.00

Welding symbols and abbreviations

2.00

Basic joints and weldments fabrications

1.00

Pipe welding symbols

1.00

Techniques used in layout

1.00

Welder computations

1.00

Material listings

1.00
Fabrication procedures and equipment1.00
Production techniques and equipment1.00
Total Hours:17.00

Lab

Lab topics and suggested hours
TopicsLab Hrs

Introduction and safety

2.00

Basic lines and views

4.00
Sketching6.00

Dimensions, notes and specifications

4.00
Structural shapes and sections6.00
Transcribing measurements6.00
Detail and assembly of prints6.00

Welding symbols and abbreviations

16.00
Basic joints and weldments fabrications12.00
Pipe welding symbols6.00
Techniques used in layout6.00

Welder computations

12.00
Material listings6.00
Fabrication procedures and equipment6.00

Production techniques and equipment

4.00
Total Hours:102.00

Methods of Instruction

  1. Demonstrations
  2. Discussion
  3. Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
  4. Instructor Demonstrations
  5. Laboratory Experiments
  6. Lecture
  7. Multimedia Presentations

Methods of Evaluation

  1. Exams/Tests
  2. Quizzes
  3. Homework
  4. Lab Projects
  5. Lab Mid-term Project, Lab Final Project

Examples of Assignments

Reading Assignments

  1. Read unit 1 and be prepared to discuss in class.
  2. Read assigned AWS journal article and be prepared to discuss in class.

Writing Assignments

  1. Write an essay explaining how the assigned AWS article can be implemented into the process and how it relates to the class.
  2. Describe in writing an order of operations for the assembly of a trailer project.

Out-of-Class Assignments

  1. Create a bill of materials, cut sheet, drawing, and assembly instructions for a assigned project.
  2. Answer review questions for unit 10.

Recommended Materials of Instruction

A.E. Bennett and Louis J. Sig. (2005). Blueprint Reading for Welders. Thomson, Delmar Learning, 8th.

The Goodheart-Wilcox Company, Inc. (2006). Math for Welders. The Goodheart-Wilcox Company, Inc..

National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). (2010). Welding Level Two. Pearson Education INC, 4th.

National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). (2010). Welding Level One. Pearson Education INC, 4th.

Other Learning Materials

All tools listed in the Butte College Welding Technology Program Guide.

Minimum Qualifications

Welding