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But in construction, there could be several reference points from which a vertical dimension could be taken. Architectural activities are filled with acronyms and jargon, which were and are established early in the architectural journey - particularly in architecture drawings. $(parent_node).find(".ReplyComments").append($(data).html());
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This is one that I do actually love, even though I need to get rid of it, but it fits really nicely in our text for dimensioning. As schedules remain flexible and more folks are able to work from anywhere, there has been a huge surge in the short-term rental market. flag_comment(action_referer);
What does AFF mean on a floor plan? callbacks: CKEDITOR.replace(el , { toolbar: [['Bold', 'Italic', 'BulletedList','NumberedList', 'Link', 'Image']], $("#arc_comment_" + data.id + ">.Top>.Right>.CommentModerate>ul>li>.FeaturingAction").html(co.feature.text).attr("rel", 30).attr("original-title", co.feature.title);
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Starting with the approved FFL as it depends on many factors, then based on finish layers the structural slab level is determined SSL.When an architect starts new design he will set the FFL based on his space calculations for each floor and accordingly calculate the SSL as he already specified floor finishing materials and thicknesses.Usually our reference during construction phase is SSL based on an approved shop drawings, The Base reference for all disciplines will always be Finish Floor Level FFL. Is it SSL is given first then you figure out the SFL then the FFL or the other way around, FFL is set first then the SFL then the SSL? title: 'Quote Centered', $(username[0]).find(".UserInfo").remove();
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}, { To read and understand blueprints properly, it is important to have a thorough knowledge of all the line types. Russian Works of Art. Know that you should never scale a drawing. alert(json.message); //arc_filterform(form);
The acronym AFF indicates that a vertical dimension should be taken from the top of the final finish flooring installed. Neither do I, as floor finish could change numerous times, and I don't want a hinkey number for my slab, unless we're depressing the slab. resize_enabled: true, {
Drawings, Engineering. url: '/post_comment'+suffix+'/' + (new Date().getTime()) + arc_pathname(document.location.pathname),
height: 300, Many wall-mounted items (and especially the blocking for them) might be installed before the finished floor; therefore, a worker on the site may dimension from the subfloor. They will be handed to client, contractor to read and bid and build. "subheading": { else
}, { Jordan Smith is the CEO and Founder of Smith House Company, a design+build firm based in Austin, Texas. If you see a note saying 8-0" AFF, it means that whatever is being referenced is 8 feet and zero inches above the surface of the finished floor (whatever you walk on, e.g. RCP: An RCP, short for Reflected Ceiling Plan, is a common drawing in an architectural set. Be sure to check the front section of the drawing set for the abbreviations used within. name: 'arc_token',
The size, orientation, and perceived mass of elements all play a role. window.location.reload();
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As for the acceptable tolerances, there is a level of precision that the Architects expect from the contractors. Thus the architects level usually sets what the SSL should be and this will be reflected to the structural drawings where the surveyor uses in staking out. Recognizing abbreviations and acronyms is a first step towards reading a propertys blueprints. }
{ This wall of text creams to me: "lack of construction experience". } callbacks: what does aff mean in architectural drawings?daily calendar widget what does aff mean in architectural drawings? plugins:'a11yhelp,basicstyles,bidi,blockquote,button,clipboard,colorbutton,colordialog,dialogadvtab,div,enterkey,entities,filebrowser,find,flash,font,format,forms,horizontalrule,htmldataprocessor,iframe,image,indent,justify,keystrokes,link,list,maximize,newpage,pagebreak,pastefromword,pastetext,popup,preview,print,removeformat,resize,save,smiley,showblocks,showborders,sourcearea,stylescombo,table,specialchar,tab,templates,toolbar,undo,wysiwygarea,wsc,archinect', $('.arc_reply_comment_box #comment_reply_form').submit();
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/* And if the wall section and interior elevations shows SSL or SFL, the builder and the supplier will give you according to whatever information that is in the contract docs. linkShowTargetTab: false, type: 'GET',
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}; $('head').append( link ); Arch sheets reference FFL. Many times the height of ceilings is indicated as 9 feet AFF which identifies the height of the ceilings, additional dimensions off of the finish floor, such as elevation of chair rails, crown moldings, wall hangings, etc. @atelier nobody, I think there's a grey area to adding notes on shop drawings or submittals. ".All-Comments-Header": "#comments_section";
is a commonly used acronym found on construction drawings. type: 'GET',
The links that lead to products on this page are affiliate links. // removePlugins: 'elementspath,scayt,menubutton,contextmenu', where piping serving existing fixture to be removed also serves fixtures that are to remain, piping This is highly subjective. }
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There are a slew more; a quick web search (finds over 3,300 of them! */
"https://secure" : "http://edge") + ".quantserve.com/quant.js"; $('.AnchorScroller').click(function() { SFL refers to the level at the top surface of the floor screeding or concrete topping. if(data > '')
These are concrete blocks (did someone say LEGO?) @non sequitur, sorry for the confusion. }, }
*/ Abbreviation used on construction plans and contract documents to indicate an elevation above the finished floor. } var modal_data = [];
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We also earn commissions from qualifying purchases at GBES.com. {
var elementClicked = $(this).attr("href"); Well never get rid of these pesky acronyms (which, of course, often mean different things in many different professions to add to the confusion), but hopefully, we can help broaden the understanding between architects and everyone else to make this whole process far more transparent and accessible. Also a sign that the American government messed up when the rest of the world was switching to metric and they failed. pasteBlockTags: ['ul', 'ol', 'li', 'p'], An example for this one are the handrails, guard rails, door heights, finished ceilung height and headroom clearances. function arc_comment_head_actions(suffix)
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Why are abbreviations used in construction? formattingAdd: { });
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Notes on shop drawings are only additional comments to the contract docs and usually a cause of many e-mails Understand the architectural sheets. extra_params = false; Exterior grids can be a PITA to measure from in the field. scayt_autoStartup: false, var animation_clone = '';
{
. You'd prefer a hinkey number typed into revit? Sign up for our weekly newsletters and get: By signing in, you agree to our Terms and Conditions }
during CA stage. $(this).modal(); "subheading": { data: {id: id, arc_token: window.arc_token},
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height: 300, removePlugins: 'liststyle,tabletools,contextmenu', // what the y position of the scroll is function detectOverlapping() ban_user(action_referer);
var scpt = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; Overall, the purpose of this post was to find out if there's a "set-in-stone" rule or standard that architects should follow when it comes to "which goes 1st" when indicating your levels (FFL, SFL or SSL); and to know the different reasoning behind it. notifyButton: - Anchor Bolt; A/C - Air Conditioner; A.D. - Access Door; ADD. $('head').append( link ); $('.GlobalSocialIcons').show(); resize_enabled: true, While our policy at Board & Vellum is to avoid using acronyms whenever we can, sometimes it's just unavoidable in architectural drawings. var height = lineHeight * (lineCount + 1);
Blueprints and building plans that are drawn by architects and engineers are technical drawings. {
Now, when an architect starts to design a storey, which one do you use as your Floor Level? modal_data = co['hide'];
lineWrapping: true, Where a typical condition is noted, it should be understood that similar conditions are the same unless specifically detailed or noted otherwise. suffix = (typeof suffix == "undefined")? "pullquote-right": { {
Thus the architects level usually sets what the SSL should be and this will be reflected to the structural drawings where the surveyor uses in staking out. if (extra_params === undefined) Thanks in advance for sharing. $('a.arc_edit_comment').hide();
var username = $(".comment_user_" + data.id + " .UserName").clone();
} if ($.client.os == 'iPhone/iPod') { It is your responsibility as the designer/architect to ensure that once your finishes are installed that the resulting space is acceptable and coordinate with your structural consultants accordingly. after the IFC dwg. formatting: ['p'], var OneSignal = window.OneSignal || []; return false; dxf file on your computer, and then double-click it to open it. AFF - Above Finish Floor This is an acronym commonly used in dimensioning. alert(json.message); scayt_autoStartup: false, 19th-21st Century Art. Typical specs are 9 ft ceilings (ff to finished ceiling), 7'0" window headers from ff and 6'8" door header above ff. type: 'POST',
imageUpload: '/redactor/upload', A.F.F. I notice Canadians like imperial and converting it to metric. { buttons: ['html', 'format', 'bold', 'italic', 'underline', 'lists', 'link', 'image'], Here's a partial list of some of the acronyms you'll see in architectural drawings. {
disableNativeSpellChecker: false, And you know what they say about assuming things! $('#' + el).redactor({ });
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what does aff mean in architectural drawings?html5 interactive animation best army base in germany is dr abraham wagner married is dr abraham wagner married This is an acronym commonly used in dimensioning. Architects commonly abbreviate measurements, such as edge distance (ED), far side (FS), and inner diameter (ID).
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pasteInlineTags: ['strong', 'br', 'b', 'em', 'i'], If you experience an issue, please check back later. { $("form.arc_ajax_comment .CommentForm").slideDown();
Design-Build vs. Design-Bid-Build: Whats The Difference? var destination = $(elementClicked).offset().top; var touch = ".comment_user_" + result.data.user_id;
title: 'Quote Left', This is someone who builds your project and hires sub-contractors to perform specific work (electricians, plumbers, etc.). return;
Though multiple devices make it seem not very easy, the user can work with the online tool, EdrawMax Electrical Diagram Maker, which can offer the user a user-friendly experience.The tool has a library with a wide range of electrical symbols that . The Difference Between Block Foundations and Poured Foundations. A skin disease persisted in mean for 6.7 years. ;). }
Archtoolbox is a Trademark of Aggregate Digital LLC. "figcaption": { You cant forget about the professional organizations that relate to architectural drawings. {
"pullquote-left": { Items to consider when you read a floor plan are abbreviated, such as not to scale (N.T.S.). 8-). });
This label is often used on drawings to describe elevations. $("#temp_append").remove();
Privacy Policy, 115 15th Avenue East, Suite 100, Seattle, WA 98112. $(this).prepend(animation_clone);
title: 'Quote Left', Yes, your assumptions, based as they are in your experience, are not typical whereas Non's, based as they are in his, are typical. toolbar: [['Bold', 'Italic', 'BulletedList','NumberedList' , 'Link', 'Image','FontSize','TextColor']], $(".BottomReply").show();
As my mom was so fond of saying, "Assuming makes an ass out of u and me.". Often, the L is drawn overlapping with the C. This will be found on dimensions and ensures that whatever is being referenced is aligned with the centerline of something. allowedContent: 'p br b i ol ul li strong em center; a[*]{*}(*); img[*]; span[*]{*}(*); iframe[*]', $(textarea).css('height', height);
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Use line thickness's. When drawing a floor plan or section, the walls that are being cut through should always be a heavier line weight. How finacially feasible is the digital nomad life once you get that precious wfh job?? $('#arc_new_comment').remove();
Say a building section drawing cuts through multiple finish types, does adding 4-5 spot elevations clarify or confuse the reader? 8. articles. var id = arc_pathname($(point).attr('href'), true);
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disableNativeSpellChecker: false, My role in the team was to help out with the production of drawings. "514px": "auto");
imageUploadError: function(json, xhr) ), smoke detector (S.D. }
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*/ function arc_editor(el) { });
The north arrow tells you about the orientation of the property. We dont bother with this and use a top of slab or under side of deck dimension. var remainingspace = windowheight - menuheight; AIA The American Institute of Architects. Dims to interior grids are an odd thing. Building architects and designers are responsible for communicating countless things about a buildings construction: where it should be located on the lot, how it should be built, what materials should be used, what it should look like, and where the MEP systems that make it function go. @non sequitur, I worked as a CA also :) so are you saying that when you determine the bldg 1st floor level from the street level ,as required by code, you basically used or reference with SSL? FYI, I am very well versed with the processes in constructing a building as I've worked for a GC doing a design-build for years before I join the Archi firm; and took part in planning and execution of various trades from the start of the construction up to the turn-over of the project. linkShowAdvancedTab: false, var link = $(''); $.each(data.counts, function(key, value)
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args: ['p', 'class', 'chat-answer', 'toggle'] In many cases, the elevation of the finish floor is a benchmark elevation, with other dimensions noted as AFF or above this finish floor height. { A.F.F. }); arc_editor_423( $('.editor').attr('id') );
} });
3. /* disableNativeSpellChecker: false, June 7, 2022 . guardians of the galaxy game dlc 13th Birthday Cakes for Girls. $.ajax({
So that you wont be in the dark when you look at your architectural plans, find out some of the basic measurement and technical abbreviations you might see. $('body').append("
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My opinion is that we're architects. var status = $(this).attr('rel');
GFC drawings (good for construction drawings) are construction drawings and specifications for a designated project. ), and masonry (Mas.). customConfig : '', Engineering drawing abbreviations and symbols are used to communicate and detail the characteristics of an . $(document).ready(function() $(".FeaturedComments").remove();
$('reply below ').insertAfter($(referrer));
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2. lineWrapping: true, To save space on blueprints and simplify information sharing, designers use a set of abbreviations and acronyms. });
{
});
He also said that this all depends on the policy of an office or a firm. skin: 'v2', Line colour is the colour of the line when printed. $(touch + ">.Top>.Right>.CommentModerate>ul>li>.FeaturingAction").html(co.feature.text).attr("rel", 30).attr("original-title", co.feature.title);
{
var link = $(''); if (($.client.os == 'Windows') && ($.client.browser == 'Chrome')) { TYP is simply an abbreviation for "typical.". args: ['h3', 'class', 'subheading', 'toggle'] }
}
language: 'en', {
var y = $(this).scrollTop(); language: 'en', formatting: ['p'], } linkShowAdvancedTab: false, We include some in a list on the cover sheet of our drawings, shown below. $(document).on('click', "a.arc_reply_comment", function()
args: ['p', 'class', 'figcaption', 'toggle'] I do not even bother thinking about the SFL. else if (status == '25')
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skin: 'v2', }, The space between the window and the opening is then shimmed with little bits of wood to make it plumb. formattingAdd: { }); And if it gets finished with 25mm thk finish, what happen to your compliance? title: 'Caption', Make a decision. Unless the contractor proposes an alternative detail due to site conditions or work around to make the detail more effective or simplifying the details, I find correcting details on shop drawings is a waste for effort and imageUpload: function(image, json) result = $.parseJSON(result);
}, is a commonly used acronym found on construction drawings. FYI, I am very well versed with the processes in constructing a building as I've worked for a GC doing a design-build for years before I join the Archi firm; and took part in planning and execution of various trades from the start of the construction up to the turn-over of the project. pasteBlockTags: ['ul', 'ol', 'li', 'p'], /* We use 100'-0" as top of main floor slab. $(".comment_user_" + data.id).slideUp();
OFCI Owner Furnished and Contractor Installed. } I have no preference in what way we call the base elevation out - I see positives and negatives in using both. $("#comment_moderation #submit_button").val(modal_data.submit);
{
Architects love acronyms and abbreviations. link.attr({ type: 'text/css', rel: 'stylesheet', href: '/css/archinect.chrome.mac.css?1', }); Modern & Impressionist Art. Our drawings communicate our ideas to clients and contractors and our specifications communicate the myriad of other details we cant draft. ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act of 1992, AIA: American Institute of Architects or American Insurance Association, AIEE: American Institute of Electrical Engineers, AISC: American Institute of Steel Construction, ANSI: American National Standards Institute, APCIA: American Property Casualty Insurance Association, ASCE: American Society of Civil Engineers, ASME: American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASTM: American Society for Testing and Materials, G.F.C.I. ), and fire alarm control panel (FACP). e.preventDefault();
link.attr({ type: 'text/css', rel: 'stylesheet', href: '/css/archinect.chrome.win.css?1', }); } $.fn.autogrow.resize = function(textarea)
Not only will you find abbreviations for "excavate" and the "property line," but you'll explore the different floor plan abbreviations like "RM" and "WIC.". See the difference? //arc_editor_423($(".arc_reply_comment_box .editor").attr('id'));
args: ['p', 'class', 'chat-answer', 'toggle'] And @ At: ACT: Acoustic Ceiling Tile: AD: Area Drain: AFF: Above Finished Floor: ALUM: Aluminum: ANOD: Anodized: BSMT: Basement: BYND: Beyond: BOT: Bottom . { imageUploadFields: extra_params, What is included in exterior elevation? action_referer = $(this);
As an Amazon Associate, Archtoolbox earns from qualifying purchases. Often abbreviated to "B&B" in the trade. }, You can't expect that level of precision. }, }, 500);
url: '/post_comment'+suffix+'/' + (new Date().getTime()) + arc_pathname(document.location.pathname),
title: 'Chat Question', Architecture and Structural Engineering dual major, Selling Predesigned Home Plans. 3. if (status == 'ignore')
What do all those letters mean? title: 'Subheading', linkShowAdvancedTab: false, if( typeof( arc_remove_editor_423 ) == 'function' ) {
} After spending a couple of years working with industry leading builders in Austin, Jordan and his wife Veronica struck out on their own to form Smith House Co.
args: ['p', 'class', 'chat-question', 'toggle'] {
"subheading": { }); height: 300, When indicating the height of a partial height wall. There is not right or wrong. { Whats the Difference Between Commercial and Residential Construction? {
args: ['p', 'class', 'chat-answer', 'toggle'] $(document).on('click', '.comment-rating .comment-rate', function(e)
$('.menu').click(checkMenuDelay); What Are Floor Plans & What Do They Show? });
else
success: function(data, status, xhr)
Anyways, based on the established grade, you measure your 1st Storey floor level from the established grade to SSL? $("#featured_comments_section #arc_featured_comment_" + data.id + " .arc_reply_comment").remove();
Above Finish FloorAFF - Above Finish Floor. CKEDITOR.replace(el , { type: 'POST',
}); $(el).ckeditor(function() {}, { resize_dir: 'vertical', "chat-answer": { var form = $(this);
pasteInlineTags: ['strong', 'br', 'b', 'em', 'i'], Mike. if (prev == 'hidden')
arc_editor_423($('form.arc_ajax_comment .editor').attr('id'));
// otherwise remove it { */ Homes and buildings must meet certain standards, guidelines and specifications. arc_editor_423('body_html');
Khwanchai Phanthong / EyeEm / Getty Images. It is something I have to get used to. if (!$("#featured_comments_section").length){
$('#' + el).redactor({ $(el).redactor('core.destroy'); Though using the sub-floor as the reference makes more sense to me, I want to make it as . FFL is always bound to change and is dependent on too many variables. { title: 'Chat Answer',
{
Blueprints and building plans that are drawn by architects and engineers are technical drawings. These are not firm set standards, just common lingo of the business. { }
Check them out below. title: 'Chat Question', }); });
}, We also work with dozens of intelligent, capable humans who are responsible for their own various portions of the project and don't need crutches. Then I give dimensions to things like grab bars as "AFF" - above finish floor. Minimize smudging In order for hand drawn architectural drawings to convey their meaning, they need to be neat. Project Base Point usually puts Level 1 FF at 0'-0"). Dictionary of Architecture and Construction. $(document).on('click', ".arc_view_hidden_comment", function()
That is why sometimes.I get a 395mm thk wall or 153mm studs. toolbarCanCollapse: false {
Most of these abbreviations are standard across the trades. else
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If you purchase from one of these links, I will receive a small commission at no cost to you. setTimeout(detectOverlapping, 200); (function($)
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{ imageUpload: '/redactor/upload', If you see a note saying 8-0 AFF, it means that whatever is being referenced is 8 feet and zero inches above the surface of the finished floor (whatever you walk on, e.g. var reply_container = $(".arc_reply_comment_box").parents(".ReplyComments");
TOS is the way to go. {
{
});
35.8% of the patients reported a longer disease course of up to 48 years. If all minimum clear heights are reference from SFL or SSL, how would you comply to the minimum requirements when there's about a 25mm difference between the SSL and the FFL? In the meantime, though, here is a quick little summary of some of the more common acronyms used by architects so you can start to feel a bit more informed when someone speaks to you in Archi-speak! var id = $(this).attr('href');
Periods. setTimeout(function() $(image).replaceWith(''); //disableObjectResizing: true, {
}, While contractors typically know what they all stand for, clients often do not. Architectural drawing acronyms. $("#arc_comment_" + data.id).removeClass("FeaturedComment");
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All rights reserved. }, Balled and burlapped - Field dug tree with the root ball wrapped in burlap. BIM cannot forget the minus sign and few sets are reproduced via photocopy, so degradation over multiple duplications is not really an issue. $(document).ready(function()
Reflected ceiling plans are an essential part of any set of architectural drawings. else /*
Architecture AFF abbreviation meaning defined here. The art and science of designing and building structures, or large groups of structures, in keeping with aesthetic and functional criteria. alert(json.message); that are stacked to form walls both for buildings and landscape walls. {
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You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. OneSignal.push(function() */ { //forcePasteAsPlainText: true, removePlugins: 'liststyle,tabletools,contextmenu',