//forcePasteAsPlainText: true, RO for me. var selector = $(".All-Comments-Header").length > 0 ? Read a reflected ceiling plan using this concept. { $(this).modal(); AFF - Above Finish Floor This is an acronym commonly used in dimensioning. args: ['p', 'class', 'chat-question', 'toggle'] is a commonly used acronym found on construction drawings. url: $(form).attr('action'), From the materials that will be used for the inside of the building to the different materials and elements that you will find on the outside, everything will be outlined clearly in the architectural abbreviations on the blueprint. scpt.parentNode.insertBefore(elem, scpt); Featured Instructor. }); } type: 'POST', The structural slab usually is at the same level throughout except when required to have a drop in level due to drop in FFL or due to structural.design. They are approved by local governing bodies and by clients. $(".arc_comment_" + id).show(); resize_enabled: true, pasteBlockTags: ['ul', 'ol', 'li', 'p'], 2. b. at all locations where plumbing fixtures are to be removed, plumbing subcontractor shall remove piping (water, waste, vent) to a point beyond finish surface and cap off. toolbar: [['Bold', 'Italic', 'BulletedList','NumberedList', 'Link', 'Image']], toolbarCanCollapse: false Making your blueprint can be exciting, especially if you are working with your contractor or architect to build a new house or add on to your current real estate project. It's added to a note that applies throughout the drawing and saves you from pointing to each instance. { title: 'Caption', We include some in a list on the cover sheet of our drawings, shown below. var link = $(''); $("a.arc_reply_comment").show(); While I get it why some uses the Opening CL. type: 'POST', Arch sheets reference FFL. That is why sometimes.I get a 395mm thk wall or 153mm studs. }); { }); Remembering all of this shorthand can be tricky, especially when this is added to the challenge of reading all the symbols and deciphering the conventions that might be . Avoid smudging and making your sketches look messy. In many cases, the elevation of the finish floor is a benchmark elevation, with other dimensions noted as AFF or above this finish floor height. var lineHeight = parseInt($(textarea).css('line-height'), 10); $(".arc_reply_comment_box").remove(); height: 300, . alert(result.message); }, MT Copeland offers video-based online classes that give you a foundation in construction fundamentals with real-world applications. The size, orientation, and perceived mass of elements all play a role. This means that everything from the bathroom to the courtyard needs to be drawn to scale and considered carefully. For me, when architects do their designs and working drawings, I always think about the 3 items - design, conteact docs and workmanship/constructability. Notes on shop drawings are only additional comments to the contract docs and usually a cause of many e-mails 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. "pullquote-right": { data: {id: id, arc_token: window.arc_token}, linkShowTargetTab: false, 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. { success: function(data, status, xhr) url: '/update_comment_status', Find the . Privacy Policy. - Anchor Bolt; A/C - Air Conditioner; A.D. - Access Door; ADD. success: function(data, status, xhr) TOS is for the Structural drawings. formatting: ['p'], { - Above . $("#featured_comments_section #arc_featured_comment_" + data.id).remove(); return false; Designs concise architectural solutions for all sizes of residential, multifamily, and commercial / mixed-use projects throughout Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. Most architects and engineers will use this designation as a universal identification, understanding that the majority of individuals that are involved in construction will understand and follow. These commissions have no weight on my opinions but will help me to continue to maintain and grow this website. pasteBlockTags: ['ul', 'ol', 'li', 'p'], $("#arc_comment_" + data.id).addClass("FeaturedComment").removeClass("BlockedComment HiddenComment"); } All rights reserved. Here's a partial list of some of the acronyms you'll see in architectural drawings. A ceiling height of 8' is not a true 8' at a granite floor finished area compared to the ceiling height at the exposed cement finish area. { You cant forget about the professional organizations that relate to architectural drawings. plugins: ['imagemanager'], }; if(suffix != '_ios') $(document).on('click', 'a.arc_edit_comment', function(e) $(document).on('click', "#comment_moderation #submit_button", function() url: '/post_comment'+suffix+'/' + (new Date().getTime()) + arc_pathname(document.location.pathname), 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. But in construction, there could be several reference points from which a vertical dimension could be taken. "chat-question": { function arc_comment_head_actions(suffix) //toolbar: [['Bold', 'Italic', 'BulletedList', 'Link', 'Image', 'Youtube', 'Vimeo' ]], language: 'en', Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. success: function(result, status, xhr) :). { "chat-question": { @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? } title: 'Chat Answer', Most of these abbreviations are standard across the trades. imageUpload: function(image, json) height: 300, }); { var elementClicked = $(this).attr("href"); resize_enabled: true, function arc_editor(el) { }); }; $(image).replaceWith('

'); $("#arc_comment_" + data.id + ">.Top>.FeaturedCommentMarker").remove(); : Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, IEEE: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, ISO: International Organization for Standards, PCI: Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, RD: Roof Drain, Round, or Receptacle Distribution Panel, SS: Stainless Steel, Setscrew, Soil Stack, Service Sink, or Slop Sink. $(document).on('click', "a.arc_reply_comment", function() pasteBlockTags: ['ul', 'ol', 'li', 'p'], Jen, floors don't have to align to street level. Donna, do you do a lot of wood framed construction? that are stacked to form walls both for buildings and landscape walls. $('.TooltipUserstat').livequery(function(){ $('').attr( Hope this adds to your lesson plan, or at least your wealth of trivia! $(document).on('click', '.comment-rating .comment-rate', function(e) CKEDITOR.replace(el , { mode: 'xml', Dictionary of Architecture and Construction. } plugins: ['source', 'imagemanager'], $('head').append( link ); data: {id: id, arc_token: window.arc_token}, }*/ alert(json.message); I think there's a certain distance from street level/established grade to the "1st storey" level to call it 1st Storey according to the bldg code. } $.ajax( Be sure to check the front section of the drawing set for the abbreviations used within. $.ajax( Archtoolbox is a Trademark of Aggregate Digital LLC. Performance & security by Cloudflare. pasteBlockTags: ['ul', 'ol', 'li', 'p'], This has been my practice and have seen some architects, GC, CM and PM do the same. { $(image).replaceWith('

'); June 7, 2022 . So far, that has been the process I've been working on site and in the design office. $('a.arc_edit_comment').hide(); $(document).ready(function () toolbarCanCollapse: false }, 500); RCP: An RCP, short for Reflected Ceiling Plan, is a common drawing in an architectural set. Makes sense why I've seen it with the 100'-0" base elevation in drawings over 90 years old. Find Government Contracts, Bids & RFP Opportunities | BidNet ), laminated veneer lumber (L.V.L. $(el).redactor({ The information displayed on a floorplan includes typographic features, the rights-of-way, property lines, easements, and north arrow lines. function arc_editor_feature(el) { Whats the Difference Between Commercial and Residential Construction? // removePlugins: 'elementspath,scayt,menubutton,contextmenu', if (extra_params === undefined) /* else if(status == 'ban') data: $(form).serialize(), $(image).replaceWith('

'); So the title page of the architectural package includes an abbreviations block to help you decode these custom abbreviations as you read the plans. title: 'Subheading', pasteInlineTags: ['strong', 'br', 'b', 'em', 'i'], "figcaption": { $(document).on('click', "#cancel_reply_button", function() }); And if the contractor was on the design team I may give half a shit. var link = $(''); if (!$(data).find(".arc_ajax_comment").length) Also, someone told me, Architects lead the consultant team, therefore, its always the Architect (responsible for the finishes) will dectate the reference based on the top of the any finishes. $.each(data.counts, function(key, value) So that you won't be in the dark when you look at your architectural plans, find out some of the basic measurement and technical . var id = $(this).attr('href'); }, $(this).tipsy({gravity: 's'}); Receive a curated email with industry news focusing on practice, leadership, technology, and career growth. imageUpload: '/redactor/upload', var elem = document.createElement('script'); type: 'POST', return false; This is our professional organization that supports the profession of architecture, lobbies for us in the halls of government, and supports a variety of local and national events. allowedContent: 'p br b i ol ul li strong em center; a[*](*); img[*]; iframe[*]', @Donna and Chad, for interior fitouts, I use the finished wall to finished wall dimension like Donna. if (!$(container).find(".ReplyComments").length) url: '/flag_entry', Note that CAD programs will allow you to set up your lines in an infinite range of colours on the screen. }, imageUpload: function(image, json) { It is important that all local codes and standards are adhered to. }); Htr. music, artistic works (drawings, paintings photos and sculptures) computer software and architectural design 2. $('#arc_new_comment').html(data); What Does TYP Mean? link.attr({ type: 'text/css', rel: 'stylesheet', href: '/css/archinect.chrome.win.css?1', }); var textarea = this; arc_external('.Thread', 150178787); Hidden corridor discovered in Great Pyramid of Giza, Amazon hits the brakes on its new HQ2 headquarters project (for now), Iconic Frank Lloyd Wright-designed oceanfront home sells for $22 million in California, Heatherwick Studios first ever school features cascading terraces in Tokyo, New $4.2 billion JFK Terminal 6 expansion officially breaks ground, 'As a Black Architecture Firm, We Cannot Ignore the Fact That We Are Rare': A Conversation with Think Wilder Architecture. Price- price can be used to position the product a. . var top = $('#StickyBanner').offset().top - parseFloat($('#StickyBanner').css('marginTop').replace(/auto/, 0)); args: ['blockquote', 'class', 'pullquote-right', 'toggle'] Hence, they can be considered a visual map used during the various stages of construction, and incorporate detailed technical and architectural drawings of a structure. } $("").insertAfter($(point)); var y = $(this).scrollTop(); What Are Floor Plans & What Do They Show? { Anyways, based on the established grade, you measure your 1st Storey floor level from the established grade to SSL? if (!$(referrer).hasClass('BottomReply')) // removePlugins: 'elementspath,scayt,menubutton,contextmenu', That's why A.F.F. $("#comment_moderation .description").html(modal_data.description); Get the top AFF abbreviation related to Architecture. This has been an interesting thread. { formattingAdd: { modal_data = co['block']; } skin: 'v2', Affiliate DisclosureThe links that lead to products on this page are affiliate links. e.preventDefault(); minHeight: 300, minHeight: 300, window.location.reload(); When you think about mounting heights, it may seem obvious that the dimension would be taken from the floor level. }; "pullquote-left": { title: 'Subheading', "figcaption": { @non sequitur, sorry for the confusion. Therefore, youll see several abbreviations and acronyms on your blueprints and paperwork. imageUpload: function(image, json) 2.5 Roof Beam and Shuttering Layout. function arc_remove_editor(el) { }, { Homes and buildings must meet certain standards, guidelines and specifications. alert(json.message); OneSignal.init( $(touch + ">.Top>.Right>.CommentModerate>ul>li>.HidingAction").html(co.hide.text).attr("rel", 25).attr("original-title", co.hide.title); Jen C, the assumptions you've stated are not typical as I, an architect well versed in design and construction admin, never start any design as you've stated. if (extra_params === undefined) Its more like which one os determined 1st the FFL, SFL or SSL. if(e.isDefaultPrevented()) $.ajax( Architecture AFF abbreviation meaning defined here. An Approved for Constriction (AFC) means that d rawings and d ocuments are reviewed and approved by authorities of internal and external organisations including the client team members for the construction. You might also enjoy a few of the related posts below. Just so you know what the "Ext" and "FD" are, you should check out the common floor plan abbreviations including: Blueprints are nothing if they dont tell you what everything will be made of. Here are the six most common types of symbols you will find on floor plans (versus other types of plans). The space between the window and the opening is then shimmed with little bits of wood to make it plumb. removePlugins: 'liststyle,tabletools,contextmenu', var status = $(this).attr('rel'); imageUploadError: function(json, xhr) { title: 'Caption', { Measurements and equations are a big part of this.. plugins:'a11yhelp,basicstyles,bidi,blockquote,button,clipboard,colorbutton,colordialog,dialogadvtab,div,enterkey,entities,filebrowser,find,flash,font,format,forms,horizontalrule,iframe,image,indent,justify,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,wysiwygarea', AFF is an acronym that stands for "above finish floor". var prev = $(point).attr("prev"); var _qevents = _qevents || []; lineNumbers: true, $(this).tipsy({gravity: 's', html: true}); else if (status == '15') $("#temp-loader").remove(); }, 500); }); args: ['p', 'class', 'chat-question', 'toggle'] Conference : International Conference The Memory of the World in the Digital Age: Digitization and Preservation, Vancouver, Canada, 2012 Corporate author : UNESCO "figcaption": { args: ['h3', 'class', 'subheading', 'toggle'] linkShowAdvancedTab: false, args: ['blockquote', 'class', 'pullquote-left', 'toggle'] } if (prev == 'hidden') $("
" + $.trim($(user_html).text()) +"'s comment has been hidden.
").insertBefore("#arc_comment_" + data.id); The AutoCAD file will appear as a new Visio drawing. args: ['p', 'class', 'figcaption', 'toggle'] 2. /*if( typeof( arc_editor_423 ) == 'function' ) { $(parent_node).find(".BottomReply").remove(); $.modal.close(); imageUpload: '/redactor/upload', }, $('#StickyBanner').removeClass('fixed'); if ($(reply_container).find(".Line").length == 0) AFC : Approved for Construction, i.e. architectural demolition sheet shall remain intact and in good working order. callbacks: { How the whole structure interior and exterior would look and function. args: ['blockquote', 'class', 'pullquote-center', 'toggle'] He learned to build and weld while working on the farm with his grandad, and after earning a degree in Welding and Materials Engineering, he spent the next 10 years working in the heavy construction building everything from robots to ships to offshore oil . $('body').append(""); title: 'Quote Left', How are your door panels going to look? title: 'Quote Right', While SSL refers to the level at the top surface of the structural slab. { /* type: 'GET', { Russian Works of Art. It was used so that if the minus sign was forgotten or missing, there would be no issue. $.ajax({ AFF - Above Finish Floor This is an acronym commonly used in dimensioning. else url: '/reaction', $(parent).find('.fas').addClass('fal').removeClass('fas'); I don't think I've ever used FFL. scayt_autoStartup: false, args: ['blockquote', 'class', 'pullquote-left', 'toggle'] $('#' + el).redactor({ if (extra_params === undefined) } $("#featured_comments_section").find("#arc_featured_comment_" + data.id).remove(); Know that you should never scale a drawing. In new construction they can be really helpful to establish a base line to measure from. You need to consider the sequencing of construction when establishing your levels. Blueprints and building plans that are drawn by architects and engineers are technical drawings. suffix = (typeof suffix == "undefined")? if ($(action_referer).hasClass('arc_flag_comment')) minHeight: 300, These old cases are of special interest, since long lasting disease can affect not only the individual quality of life but also social aspects that touch society as a whole, such as high rates of sick leave, shortened . Not accounting for these additional layers could result in items installed at the incorrect height. Say a building section drawing cuts through multiple finish types, does adding 4-5 spot elevations clarify or confuse the reader? $(window).scroll(function (event) }, { else For me, all floor finishes must be at the same level to eliminate awkward transition strips or ramps between 2 different materials. }); The acronym AFF indicates that a vertical dimension should be taken from the top of the final finish flooring installed. $('.arc_reply_comment_box').html(data); Correct me if Iam wrong, FFL refers to the level at the top surface of floor finish. $(container).append('
'); Our GC actually get super pissy when dimensions are not to grids tho. if (result.status == 'success') 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. { But, there are a lot more pieces and parts to a blueprint. } We dont bother with this and use a top of slab or under side of deck dimension. $(point).hide(); In the construction industry, it is usually 6 to 10 mm difference from the original level. }, $('.arc_reply_comment_box #comment_reply_form').submit(); { Non Sequitor also steals all of the contractors calculators before they start. Often abbreviated to "B&B" in the trade. removePlugins: 'liststyle,tabletools,contextmenu', $(point).show(); } T.O.STEEL/B.O.DECK etc to describe structure. Copyright 2011-2023, Board & Vellum. Unless, design requires an area to have a lower FFL than the rest such as the shower area, utility rooom, etc. Or they can be solid and continuous. { skin: 'v2', Anyways, this is why I posted this item here to see what is the industry standards here in Canada or US. } { 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. //forcePasteAsPlainText: true, } Correct me if Iam wrong, FFL refers to the level at the top surface of floor finish. Line colour is the colour of the line when printed. When you start a design and putting that in working drawings, architects use FFL as the basis in designing a structure structure or the interior space. function arc_page_post_session() modal_data = co['ignore']; 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. } A change in dimension due to the point of referenece during installation usually ask a change directive. arc_editor_423('body_html'); callbacks: Product - does it have a competitive advantage a. If you cannot locate anything on the drawing with the dimensions given, get more dimensions from the Architect. customConfig : '', What is included in exterior elevation? action_referer = $(this); While SSL refers to the level at the top surface of the structural slab. Architectural activities are filled with acronyms and jargon, which were and are established early in the architectural journey - particularly in architecture drawings. }); { }, indentUnit: 4 ;). 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. args: ['blockquote', 'class', 'pullquote-left', 'toggle'] $(".ReplyHelp").remove(); The Difference Between Block Foundations and Poured Foundations. are indicated as a dimension AFF. $(".comment_user_1>.Top>.Right>.CommentModerate li .HidingAction,.comment_user_1>.Top>.Right>.CommentModerate li .BlockingAction,.comment_user_1>.Top>.Right>.CommentModerate li a[rel=ignore], .comment_user_1>.Top>.Right>.CommentModerate li .arc_flag_comment").remove(); } "https://secure" : "http://edge") + ".quantserve.com/quant.js"; { title: 'Chat Question', $(document).on('click', ".arc_view_hidden_comment", function() window.location.reload(); /* Dealt with them before. Whether youre a budding architect or just looking to build your own house and want to be up-to-date on the lingo, understanding all the different architectural drawing abbreviations can be important. elem.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ?