ban_user(action_referer); $(document).on('click', '.comment-rating .comment-rate', function(e) $(this).find('.fas').removeClass('fas').addClass('fal'); There are different symbols for different types of doors . url: '/edit_comment'+suffix+'/' + (new Date().getTime()) + '/' + id + arc_pathname(document.location.pathname), indentUnit: 4 We do the exact same thing as you do, we just use 100'-0" as our base elevation callout. }, }, $(this).attr('href', full_modal_url); This has been my practice and have seen some architects, GC, CM and PM do the same. toolbarCanCollapse: false } $(point).replaceWith('Flagged'); success: function(data, status, xhr) after the IFC dwg. $(window).scroll(function (event) Just to add a little seasoning: dimension RO or center of opening? $("#arc_comment_" + data.id).prev('.HiddenLine').remove(); ), smoke detector (S.D. $(document).ready(function () buttons: ['bold', 'italic', 'lists', 'link', 'image'], An example for this one are the handrails, guard rails, door heights, finished ceilung height and headroom clearances. return false; return false; formatting: ['p'], Sometimes they cant be pulled out (for a variety of reasons), or sometimes we just forget (as theyre so ingrained already in everything we do that you can often gloss over them), but our mission is to eliminate them from our discourse. That is why sometimes.I get a 395mm thk wall or 153mm studs. imageUpload: function(image, json) args: ['p', 'class', 'chat-answer', 'toggle'] $(parent).find('.fas').addClass('fal').removeClass('fas'); $("#temp-loader").remove(); }); type: 'POST', BIM cannot forget the minus sign and few sets are reproduced via photocopy, so degradation over multiple duplications is not really an issue. args: ['p', 'class', 'chat-question', 'toggle'] what does aff mean in architectural drawings? Ever heard of someone buying a house only to learn their big remodel dreams arent possible? }); HVAC - Heating, ventilation and air conditioning, ADA - Americans with Disabilities Act of 1992, AIA - American Institute of Architects or the American Insurance Association, AISC - American Institute of Steel Construction, ANSI - American National Standards Institute, ASCE - American Society of Civil Engineers, ASME - American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASTM - American Society for Testing and Materials, IEEE - Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, ISO - International Organization for Standards. url: '/post_comment'+suffix+'/' + (new Date().getTime()) + arc_pathname(document.location.pathname), Architectural activities are filled with acronyms and jargon, which were and are established early in the architectural journey - particularly in architecture drawings. { Required fields are marked *. var id = $(this).attr('href'); For example, a note may call out "sealant . How is AFF used in construction? Russian Works of Art. 1. They are typically reinforced with rebar during construction, and often are a stand-in for poured concrete. disableNativeSpellChecker: false, Check them out below. mode: 'xml', } The competitive real estate market can add pressure to buying a home before you have the full picture. { $(".arc_reply_comment_box").remove(); $(".comment_user_" + data.id).slideUp(); function arc_editor_feature(el) { 1. else if (status == '25') var link = $(''); Are you the architect or the structural engineer? { /* Materials are also often abbreviated such as gypsum (Gyp. Imagine that the ceiling below you is transparent (see-through). toolbar: [['Bold', 'Italic', 'BulletedList','NumberedList' , 'Link', 'Image','FontSize','TextColor', 'Source']], Now that youve mastered the architectural arts, you might want to give electrical abbreviations a try, especially when you talk with the electrician. var id = arc_pathname($(this).attr('href'), true); extra_params = false; Construction acronyms: The most important acronyms in - Sitemate $('head').append( link ); Yes FFL is on top of any floor finshes ( ceramic tile, wood flooring, vinyl floor, granite stone, pavers, etc.). The following is a list of abbreviations found on a typical set of construction drawings designed to help you interpret information on your blueprints. $(el).ckeditor(function() {}, { this.destroy(); { flag_comment(action_referer); var lineHeight = parseInt($(textarea).css('line-height'), 10); The Cooper Union Promotes Russian Architecture. Architects mostly deals with the design. { { } title: 'Chat Question', buttons: ['bold', 'italic', 'lists', 'link'] e.preventDefault(); Architectural Title Blocks: Standards and Conventions, What Does Poch Mean & How Does It Differ From a Hatch. skin: 'v2', Recognizing abbreviations and acronyms is a first step towards reading a propertys blueprints. linkShowAdvancedTab: false, var reaction = $(this).attr('rel'); function detectOverlapping() Mike. They show the scale, type, materials, finishes, fixtures and electrics of a ceiling, and how the ceiling relates to the floor (although an RCP is not a reflection of a floor plan). success: function(data, status, xhr) if (y >= top) } extra_params = false; }, link.attr({ type: 'text/css', rel: 'stylesheet', href: '/css/archinect.firefox.mac.css?1', }); Display and/or use of the information contained within this site constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. e.preventDefault(); title: 'Quote Right', }); 15th-18th Century Art. }); $(touch + ">.Top>.Right>.CommentModerate>ul>li>.FeaturingAction").html(co.feature.text).attr("rel", 30).attr("original-title", co.feature.title); }, title: 'Chat Answer', With things like windows and doors, the hole made in the framing to accept it is always bigger than the actual window or door, allowing it to be put into place. The list of abbreviations used in a set of architectural drawings varies from office to office. He also said that this all depends on the policy of an office or a firm. True, the surveyor who set the levels in the site, sets his point/ stakes based on the structural levels but this is not the case in design. Most architects and engineers will use this designation as a universal identification . $("#arc_comment_" + data.id + ">.Top").prepend(''); Modern & Impressionist Art. e.preventDefault(); modification is done complying with comments (if any). /* @SneakyPeteI believe you are refering to "those" contractors. } title: 'Chat Answer', This is where all the building element finish levels are referenced from. action = 'remove'; $(el).ckeditor(function() {}, { linkShowTargetTab: false, They're confusing, mysterious, and do nothing to help us communicate with the people we serve. $(document).ready(function () { linkShowTargetTab: false, } $(this).tipsy({gravity: 's'}); $('#arc_new_comment').html(data); You cant forget about the professional organizations that relate to architectural drawings. var prev = $(point).attr("prev"); $("#arc_comment_" + data.id).removeClass("HiddenComment"); To save space on blueprints and simplify information sharing, designers use a set of abbreviations and acronyms. Donna, do you do a lot of wood framed construction? { var referrer = $(this); }); If the flooring still needs to be installed, the total thickness of the flooring needs to be accounted for. featured_comment_counter++; $('.arc_reply_comment_box').html(data); if (prev == 'hidden') } Architectural drawing Tips. I hate it when architects/ designers tell me that we can make correction or notes on shop drawings to figure out the proper details. It ends up being very Us vs. ), laminated veneer lumber (L.V.L. $('.GlobalSocialIcons').show(); 2. $(point).html(co.hide.text).attr("rel", 25).attr("original-title", co.hide.title); plugins: ['source', 'imagemanager'], //disableObjectResizing: true, 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. }); To indicate how low a pendant light fixture or ceiling fan should be hung from the ceiling. }, Conference : International Conference The Memory of the World in the */ Find the . value: window.arc_token { { Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. }, } }); is a commonly used acronym found on construction drawings. $("#arc_comment_" + data.id).hide().removeClass("FeaturedComment BlockedComment"); If you experience an issue, please check back later. scayt_autoStartup: false, Jen, floors don't have to align to street level. if ($.trim($(this).val()) != '') In the door or window schedule, we always indicate the size of the item. function arc_editor_feature_423(el, extra_params) imageUpload: '/redactor/upload', }else{ OFCI Owner Furnished and Contractor Installed. 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. width: expression(document.body.clientWidth > 514? { - Above Finished Floor; A.F.G. "figcaption": { A license agreement allows you to use the artist copyrighted material for a set period . scayt_autoStartup: false, Classes include professionally produced videos taught by practicing craftspeople, and supplementary downloads like quizzes, blueprints, and other materials to help you master the skills. There are a slew more; a quick web search (finds over 3,300 of them! For the installation of controls like light switches and mixing valves. //OneSignal.log.setLevel('trace') 100'-0" was used way back because it was more readable and 0'-0". - Adjust; A.F.F. imageUploadFields: extra_params, return false; 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. What Does "TYP" Mean? What is a typical detail? The space between the window and the opening is then shimmed with little bits of wood to make it plumb. /* $("#featured_comments_section #arc_featured_comment_" + data.id).remove(); The Difference Between Block Foundations and Poured Foundations. mother elephant kills buffalo 18th Birthday Cakes. Also a sign that the American government messed up when the rest of the world was switching to metric and they failed. if(data > '') Most of these abbreviations are standard across the trades. $('#' + el).redactor({ "pullquote-left": { $(".arc_comment_" + id).show(); */ chinatown milan italy 16 Birthday Cakes. The AutoCAD file will appear as a new Visio drawing. A good example are the hotels or condominium. The art and science of designing and building structures, or large groups of structures, in keeping with aesthetic and functional criteria. While I get it why some uses the Opening CL. 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. { RO for me. Blueprints can be up to 50 pages long, with a lot of intimidating symbols, abbreviated text, and lines. //toolbar: [['Bold', 'Italic', 'BulletedList', 'Link', 'Image', 'Youtube', 'Vimeo' ]], if (result.status == 'success') Our list of the top reference books for architects. 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. You might also enjoy a few of the related posts below. In my experience, whatever we call out, the Contractor actually uses the top of slab as his reference, for everything from floor-to-floor heights to door heights. If you cannot locate anything on the drawing with the dimensions given, get more dimensions from the Architect. When dimensioning to the center line of a wall outlet. Are you confused by all the blueprint abbreviations that youre seeing? args: ['p', 'class', 'figcaption', 'toggle'] And if the contractor was on the design team I may give half a shit. extra_params = false; These commissions have no weight on my opinions but will help me to continue to maintain and grow this website. }, Makes sense why I've seen it with the 100'-0" base elevation in drawings over 90 years old. From my understanding, why FFL is always the point of reference in a storey is due to the following design reasons: 1. Non Sequitor also steals all of the contractors calculators before they start. title: 'Quote Left', $(document).on('click', '.StatsTrigger', function(e){ } suffix = (typeof suffix == "undefined")? }; "pullquote-left": { Blueprints and building plans that are drawn by architects and engineers are technical drawings. if (status == 'ignore') Your IP: Center of opening in wood framing, R/O for openings in masonry. url: $(form).attr('action'), Architects love acronyms and abbreviations. GFC drawings (good for construction drawings) are construction drawings and specifications for a designated project. if (!$(container).find(".ReplyComments").length) Architecture and Structural Engineering dual major, Selling Predesigned Home Plans. Them, and if you have a timid personality, youre often likely to assume you know what an acronym means instead of asking. formatting: ['p'], resize_dir: 'vertical', /* } $("#reply_body_html").autogrow(); function update_comment_status(point) function arc_comment_head_actions(suffix) $(document).ready(function(){ setTimeout(function() var status = $(this).attr('rel'); . AFF / Above Finish Floor - What Does AFF Mean in Construction? var animation_clone = ''; var id =arc_pathname( $(this).attr('href'), true); skin: 'v2', All rights reserved. They also show doors in the room below using dotted lines, and occasionally other . Can that info be presented better elsewhere? Do you want your contractor to need to do math? the surface of the tile, not the underlay) in that room. var prev = $(this).attr("prev"); This is unnecessary in a Revit environment and is a sign that your QA /QM department is from the hand drafting / CAD generation. }); Minimize smudging In order for hand drawn architectural drawings to convey their meaning, they need to be neat. extra_params = false; var link = $(''); Yes, your assumptions, based as they are in your experience, are not typical whereas Non's, based as they are in his, are typical. $(window).resize(detectOverlapping); } { } TYP is simply an abbreviation for "typical.". disableNativeSpellChecker: false, }, 500); }, } { what does aff mean in architectural drawings? */ $(document).on('submit', 'form.arc_ajax_comment', function(e) Often abbreviated to "B&B" in the trade. if($(this).is('.login_trigger')) The most common scenario where this acronym is important is when workers install elements during rough-in. :). { Where a typical condition is noted, it should be understood that similar conditions are the same unless specifically detailed or noted otherwise. These sheets will usually be numbered " A ", such as "A 001", or A1-X, A2-X, A3-X and so forth. Youll see this after some architects names (like mine) which signify that they are members of the organization. $(touch).removeClass("BlockedComment"); Well, probably a really nasty door knob, as well. { 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. A.F.F. $("#reply_body_html").keyup(function(e) }); $(point).html(co.feature.text).attr("rel", 30).attr("original-title", co.feature.title); }); And @ At: ACT: Acoustic Ceiling Tile: AD: Area Drain: AFF: Above Finished Floor: ALUM: Aluminum: ANOD: Anodized: BSMT: Basement: BYND: Beyond: BOT: Bottom . 2.5 Roof Beam and Shuttering Layout. title: 'Quote Centered', Line colour is the colour of the line when printed. var scpt = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; { }, 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. $.fn.autogrow.resize(textarea); $('#' + el).redactor({ }).appendTo(form); $.ajax({ data: {id: id, arc_token: window.arc_token}, 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. Drawings & Pastels. Structures built in accordance with such principles.". You'd prefer a hinkey number typed into revit? url: '/update_comment_status', $('').attr( Construction Abbreviations Commonly Used in Blueprints }; imageUploadError: function(json, xhr) title: 'Quote Left', When indicating the height of a partial height wall. $('head').append( link ); { Here's a typical architecture drawing with a smattering of abbreviations and their actual meanings. 194.163.132.5 Sorry for any inconvenience. url: '/post_comment'+suffix+'/' + (new Date().getTime()) + arc_pathname(document.location.pathname), } $(point).html(co.unfeature.text).attr("rel", 15).attr("original-title", co.unfeature.title); var selector = $(".All-Comments-Header").length > 0 ? Anyways, this is why I posted this item here to see what is the industry standards here in Canada or US. { If you see a note saying 8-0 AFF, it means that whatever is being referenced is 8 feet and zero inches above the surface of the finished floor (whatever you walk on, e.g. data: { reaction: reaction, comment_id: comment_id, action: action, arc_token: window.arc_token }, AIA The American Institute of Architects. arc_remove_editor_423($('form.arc_ajax_comment .editor').attr('id')); { All of the code requirements regarding minimum and maximum heights and clearnces are based on the finishes and not from the SSL ( Top of Slab) or SFL (Top of floor screeding or concerete topping). { }); { else { 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. { Here's a partial list of some of the acronyms you'll see in architectural drawings. I wanted to find out how he wanted to show the Architect's intent in the drawings so everyone are on the same page. function arc_remove_editor_423 (el) { If your priority is making the contractor not have to think, use SSL. } Privacy Policy, 115 15th Avenue East, Suite 100, Seattle, WA 98112. - Above . ), and fire alarm control panel (FACP). Also, whichFloor Level serves as the basis of setting the other levels in a storey? $(document).on('click', "#comment_moderation #submit_button", function() }, // whether that's below the form height: 300, })(jQuery); RO for me too. plugins: ['imagemanager'], title: 'Caption', } if ($.client.os == 'iPhone/iPod') { }); 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. }, //disableObjectResizing: true, if (data.status == 'ignore'){ "pullquote-left": { title: 'Caption', what does aff mean in architectural drawings? pasteBlockTags: ['ul', 'ol', 'li', 'p'], { removePlugins: 'liststyle,tabletools,contextmenu', $(".arc_comment_" + id).prev('.HiddenLine').remove(); 3. SFL refers to the level at the top surface of the floor screeding or concrete topping. $('').insertBefore(".comment_user_" + data.id); type: 'POST', 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. url: '/reaction', If you enjoy reading our blog as much as we enjoy writing it, that just makes our day! else if (status == '30') This is an acronym commonly used in dimensioning. CKEDITOR.replace(el , { As for the acceptable tolerances, there is a level of precision that the Architects expect from the contractors. }); }); }); @non sequitur, sorry for the confusion. title: 'Quote Centered', This means that something should be provided as a separate line item as an alternate to what is otherwise drawn. codemirror: { } { $('.AnchorScroller').click(function() { music, artistic works (drawings, paintings photos and sculptures) computer software and architectural design 2. $('#arc_new_comment').slideDown(); When you think about mounting heights, it may seem obvious that the dimension would be taken from the floor level. This is (in my experience) a holdover from CAD where there would be real problems if a drafter forgot the minus sign for negative elevations. }, }, 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. else if(data.status == '15') The acronym AFF indicates that a vertical dimension should be taken from the top of the final finish flooring installed. $(this).tipsy({gravity: 's', html: true}); formattingAdd: { var button = this; $(".BottomReply").show(); imageUpload: '/redactor/upload', What is a typical detail? //arc_editor_423($(".arc_reply_comment_box .editor").attr('id')); "chat-answer": { alert(json.message); 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. While our policy at Board & Vellum is to avoid using acronyms whenever we can, sometimes it's just unavoidable in architectural drawings. */ "subheading": { 49th Annual Meeting of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Dermatologische customConfig : '', } 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? appId: "9b46cc1e-e63b-4f52-b5c6-2283f5ba4cb4", var touch = ".comment_user_" + result.data.user_id; Or they can be solid and continuous. $.modal.close(); title: 'Chat Question', resize_dir: 'vertical', var button = this; An architectural drawing or architect's drawing is a technical drawing of a building (or building project) that falls within the definition of architecture.Architectural drawings are used by architects and others for a number of purposes: to develop a design idea into a coherent proposal, to communicate ideas and concepts, to convince clients of the merits of a design, to assist a building . if (e.keyCode == 13) modal_data = co['unblock']; pasteBlockTags: ['ul', 'ol', 'li', 'p'], alert(json.message); See all Fine art. linkShowAdvancedTab: false, alert(json.message); { What I meant was if the 1st floor is a few mm higher than the street level ( being the datum point or the reference grade . { lineWrapping: true, pasteBlockTags: ['ul', 'ol', 'li', 'p'], Drawings, Engineering. AFF - Above Finish Floor This is an acronym commonly used in dimensioning. during CA stage. $(".arc_reply_comment_box").remove(); args: ['p', 'class', 'chat-question', 'toggle'] Click File > Open > Browse. Idk why so many F to confuse ppl, if is not too complicated project, I just do: FFL/T.O.F.F:finish floor level, top of finish floor. }); imageUploadError: function(json, xhr) } skin: 'v2', I don't think I've ever used FFL. $("#arc_comment_" + data.id + ">.Top>.Right>.CommentModerate>ul>li>.FeaturingAction").html(co.feature.text).attr("rel", 30).attr("original-title", co.feature.title); What does AFF mean on a drawing? $(document).ready(function() callbacks: We dimension to face of stud (top and left) in new construction because the contractors suck as doing math. True, the surveyor who set the levels in the site, sets his point/ stakes based on the structural levels but this is not the case in design. $(".FeaturedComments").remove(); How finacially feasible is the digital nomad life once you get that precious wfh job?? else if(status == 'flag') var referrer = $(this); imageUpload: function(image, json) resize_enabled: true, $('head').append( link ); //toolbar: [['Bold', 'Italic', 'BulletedList', 'Link', 'Image', 'Youtube', 'Vimeo' ]], Reflected ceiling plans are an essential part of any set of architectural drawings. Blueprints and building plans that are drawn by architects and engineers are technical drawings. Measurements and equations are a big part of this.. What are your thoughts on this one? }).blur(function() AFF - Above Finish Floor This is an acronym commonly used in dimensioning. .Thread img Architecture Definition Includes Construction & Design - ThoughtCo if(CKEDITOR.instances[el]) { $(button).replaceWith(''); Find number: "FN" meaning "find number" refers to the ordinal number that gives an ID tag to one of the constituents in a parts list . Designs concise architectural solutions for all sizes of residential, multifamily, and commercial / mixed-use projects throughout Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. { These commissions have no weight on my opinions but will help me to continue to maintain and grow this website. "pullquote-centered": { toolbarCanCollapse: false { Bad habbits, or shall I say, Bad practice dies hard. Make a decision. linkShowAdvancedTab: false, customConfig : '', /* "subheading": { SFL refers to the level at the top surface of the floor screeding or concrete topping. And what can we do as designers to help? On the other hand, for new constructon, I do both - CL of stud and show finish to finish wall dimension for areas where certain clearances are required.