How the whole structure interior and exterior would look and function. buttons: ['bold', 'italic', 'lists', 'link', 'image'], }); } We also earn commissions from qualifying purchases at GBES.com. This process may be different with wood constructon but, most of the time, it can be applied as well. */ Yes! Now as a Canadian I must use imperial. As a Canadian I think we're definitely all good with both, no? $("#featured_comments_section #arc_featured_comment_" + data.id).remove(); var status = $(this).attr('rel'); allowedContent: 'p br b i ol ul li strong em center; a[*]{*}(*); img[*]; span[*]{*}(*); iframe[*]', $('reply below ').insertAfter($(referrer)); }, Jordan Smith. var y = $(this).scrollTop(); })(); if (($.client.os == 'Mac') && ($.client.browser == 'Chrome')) { 5. } { { Htr. } - Addition; ADJ. imageUploadError: function(json, xhr) $("#comment_moderation").modal(); language: 'en', else if(status == 'flag') if ($(this).find('.fas').length > 0) }, var windowheight = $(window).height(); } }); } $(parent).find('.fas').addClass('fal').removeClass('fas'); So the title page of the architectural package includes an abbreviations block to help you decode these custom abbreviations as you read the plans. The Value of Quality Design and Engineering on Construction Projects, The Importance of Documenting Your Project. height: 300, So far, that has been the process I've been working on site and in the design office. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. I think it was 2m max above the established grade. }, success: function(data, status, xhr) $("#featured_comments_section #arc_featured_comment_" + data.id + " .Right").remove(); var username = $(".comment_user_" + data.id + " .UserName").clone(); }; }, 500); $(touch + ">.Top>.Right>.CommentModerate>ul>li>.HidingAction").html(co.hide.text).attr("rel", 25).attr("original-title", co.hide.title); args: ['blockquote', 'class', 'pullquote-right', 'toggle'] Check them out below. dwg or . return false; } 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. This means that everything from the bathroom to the courtyard needs to be drawn to scale and considered carefully. $('#' + el).redactor({ That's why A.F.F. Periods. What is included in exterior elevation? title: 'Chat Question', 2. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. are indicated as a dimension AFF. $(".FeaturedComments").remove(); If the flooring still needs to be installed, the total thickness of the flooring needs to be accounted for. Typically, the rough opening is only 1 or so bigger than the actual dimension of the physical door or window. buttons: ['html', 'format', 'bold', 'italic', 'underline', 'lists', 'link', 'image'], callbacks: If youre someone who isn't quite sure, how do you go about figuring out your dream projects program? var button = this; /* }); buttons: ['html', 'format', 'bold', 'italic', 'underline', 'lists', 'link', 'image'], And you know what they say about assuming things! Above Finish Floor AFF - Above Finish Floor. Sign up for our weekly newsletters and get: By signing in, you agree to our Terms and Conditions The additional layers of the finish floor may not seem like a lot but can add up, especially when a topping like Gyp-Crete is installed. var container = $(this).parents(".Line"); If you experience an issue, please check back later. Yes, your assumptions, based as they are in your experience, are not typical whereas Non's, based as they are in his, are typical. callbacks: { Get the top AFF abbreviation related to Architecture. TOS is for the Structural drawings. customConfig : '', { type: 'POST', minHeight: 200, "subheading": { } music, artistic works (drawings, paintings photos and sculptures) computer software and architectural design 2. function arc_editor_basic(el) $(".arc_reply_comment_box").remove(); }, Performance & security by Cloudflare. Line weight is the thickness of a line. Do you want the level in the model to provide the element least likely to move? 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. What do all those letters mean? title: 'Chat Question', AFF is an acronym that stands for above finish floor. While SSL refers to the level at the top surface of the structural slab. } 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. data: {id: id, arc_token: window.arc_token}, Hope this adds to your lesson plan, or at least your wealth of trivia! What do you determine 1st when you design and carrying that over to your working drawings? $(el).redactor('core.destroy'); modal_data = co['ignore']; } } Are the door panels going to have various heights due to different floor finish thicknesses while maintaining the industry standard gap requirement for doors? If you cannot locate anything on the drawing with the dimensions given, get more dimensions from the Architect. args: ['blockquote', 'class', 'pullquote-right', 'toggle'] setTimeout(detectOverlapping, 200); The reason being is that, in the case of interior partitions, I like to show the required interior clearance of a room or required clearance of a corridor. $(parent_node).append(''); url: '/flag_entry', { They are typically reinforced with rebar during construction, and often are a stand-in for poured concrete. var OneSignal = window.OneSignal || []; Find Government Contracts, Bids & RFP Opportunities | BidNet } No, that isnt quite true; we absolutely love them, but we also rely upon them. Variables could be: 1) room function changes, 2) slab depressions, 3) transitions between finish material, etc. }); var top = $('#StickyBanner').offset().top - parseFloat($('#StickyBanner').css('marginTop').replace(/auto/, 0)); $("form.arc_ajax_comment .CommentForm").hide(); }, But, there are a lot more pieces and parts to a blueprint. var modal_data = []; { I will say that I've seen drawings as far back as the 30's use 100'-0" as the base elevation. Here's a partial list of some of the acronyms you'll see in architectural drawings. else if (data.status == 'block') resize_dir: 'vertical', $(form).replaceWith($(data).html()); .Thread img imageUpload: function(image, json) "chat-answer": { language: 'en', /*if( typeof( arc_editor_423 ) == 'function' ) { $(el).ckeditor(function(){ height: 300, Or they can be solid and continuous. $(".arc_comment_" + id).show(); elem.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? 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. title: 'Subheading', $(touch + ">.Top>.Right>.CommentModerate>ul>li>.BlockingAction").html(co.block.text).attr("rel", "block").attr("original-title", co.block.title); var reply_container = $(".arc_reply_comment_box").parents(".ReplyComments"); If you enjoy reading our blog as much as we enjoy writing it, that just makes our day! removePlugins: 'liststyle,tabletools,contextmenu', formatting: ['p'], plugins: ['codemirror', 'imagemanager', 'removeformat', 'alignment'], : AFF is the acronym for Above Finished Floor. }); Display and/or use of the information contained within this site constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. pasteBlockTags: ['ul', 'ol', 'li', 'p'], $("#featured_comments_section #arc_featured_comment_" + data.id + " .arc_reply_comment").remove(); return false; $(touch).removeClass("BlockedComment"); }); "pullquote-right": { selector = $(".CommentBanner").length ? { How are your door panels going to look? pasteBlockTags: ['ul', 'ol', 'li', 'p'], formatting: ['p'], plugins: ['imagemanager'], { elem.type = "text/javascript"; var height = lineHeight * (lineCount + 1); Arch sheets reference FFL. The links that lead to products on this page are affiliate links. }; } extra_params = false; Privacy Policy. { { function arc_editor(el) { These commissions have no weight on my opinions but will help me to continue to maintain and grow this website. The space between the window and the opening is then shimmed with little bits of wood to make it plumb. if (extra_params === undefined) if (data.status == 'ignore'){ $("").insertBefore("#arc_comment_" + data.id); As the Design Architect or technician, we should be able to communicate or translate the design to working drawings where it would show the clear intent of the design to the persons who are building it. All rights reserved. } I wanted to find out how he wanted to show the Architect's intent in the drawings so everyone are on the same page. An architectural drawing or architect's drawing is a technical drawing of a building (or building project) that falls within the definition of architecture.Architectural drawings are used by architects and others for a number of purposes: to develop a design idea into a coherent proposal, to communicate ideas and concepts, to convince clients of the merits of a design, to assist a building . skin: 'v2', The structural slab usually is at the same level throughout except when required to have a drop in level due to drop in FFL or due to structural.design. }); In new construction they can be really helpful to establish a base line to measure from. e.preventDefault(); Well never get rid of these pesky acronyms (which, of course, often mean different things in many different professions to add to the confusion), but hopefully, we can help broaden the understanding between architects and everyone else to make this whole process far more transparent and accessible. else /* } The pandemic has fueled a strong desire for individuals and families to get away from their everyday life and into something new, so let's talk through what it takes to get a property ready for renters. if ($(this).attr('full_modal_url') == undefined) { imageUploadError: function(json, xhr) else What is a typical detail? Drawings & Pastels. "pullquote-left": { { var button = this; $(document).on('click', '.StatsTrigger', function(e){ } 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. { } "chat-answer": { This is an instance where a client will purchase something, but will have the contractor install it (like appliances or closet systems). $(document).ready(detectOverlapping); imageUpload: function(image, json) }); }; what does aff mean in architectural drawings?daily calendar widget what does aff mean in architectural drawings? }); The north arrow tells you about the orientation of the property. success: function(result, status, xhr) CKEDITOR.instances[el].destroy(); url: '/update_comment_status', height: 300, - Above . This has been my practice and have seen some architects, GC, CM and PM do the same. { 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. link.attr({ type: 'text/css', rel: 'stylesheet', href: '/css/archinect.firefox.mac.css?1', }); { 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. $(el).redactor({ }); I am an architect. */ For me, when architects do their designs and working drawings, I always think about the 3 items - design, conteact docs and workmanship/constructability. Can that info be presented better elsewhere? Recognizing abbreviations and acronyms is a first step towards reading a propertys blueprints. }); { lineWrapping: true, Learn everything you need to know about reading blueprints in MT Copelands online class, taught by professional builder and craftsman Jordan Smith. 3. } args: ['p', 'class', 'figcaption', 'toggle'] } How finacially feasible is the digital nomad life once you get that precious wfh job?? else if ($(action_referer).hasClass('arc_ban_user')) { return false; var comment_id = $(parent).attr('rel'); */ Structures built in accordance with such principles.". }, }); imageUploadError: function(json, xhr) }, { { guardians of the galaxy game dlc 13th Birthday Cakes for Girls. $.ajax( They will be handed to client, contractor to read and bid and build. Are you confused by all the blueprint abbreviations that youre seeing? resize_enabled: true, Read a reflected ceiling plan using this concept. what does aff mean in architectural drawings?1986 high school basketball player rankings Consultation Request a Free Consultation Now. } 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. $('#StickyBannerNew').parent().css('height', ColBHeight); function arc_editor_feature_423(el, extra_params) title: 'Chat Answer', We have grading plans and landscaping that bridge the gap between finished floor elevation at the door threshold and whatever elevation the sidewalk (for example) is at. Here are the six most common types of symbols you will find on floor plans (versus other types of plans). Privacy Policy, 115 15th Avenue East, Suite 100, Seattle, WA 98112. flag_comment(action_referer); This is one that I do actually love, even though I need to get rid of it, but it fits really nicely in our text for dimensioning. OneSignal.init( } type: 'POST', { Engineering drawing abbreviations and symbols are used to communicate and detail the characteristics of an . if (!$(data).find(".arc_ajax_comment").length) { $(document).on('click', "#comment_moderation #submit_button", function() We care about the finished building. (function() { }, $(point).hide(); $(document).ready(function () { RO for me too. So far, that has been the process I've been working on site and in the design office. From my understanding, why FFL is always the point of reference in a storey is due to the following design reasons: 1. var elementClicked = $(this).attr("href"); else if(result.status == 'error') what does aff mean in architectural drawings? } Donna, do you do a lot of wood framed construction? Typical specs are 9 ft ceilings (ff to finished ceiling), 7'0" window headers from ff and 6'8" door header above ff. url: '/flag_comment', { { CKEDITOR.replace(el , { } Architectural activities are filled with acronyms and jargon, which were and are established early in the architectural journey - particularly in architecture drawings. $(".arc_comment_" + id).prev('.HiddenLine').remove(); This means architects and engineers need to maximize the space the best way they can. success: function(data, status, xhr) elem.async = true; name: 'arc_token', removePlugins: 'liststyle,tabletools,contextmenu', result = $.parseJSON(result); else if(status == 'ban') pasteInlineTags: ['strong', 'br', 'b', 'em', 'i'], else if (status == '25') And @ At: ACT: Acoustic Ceiling Tile: AD: Area Drain: AFF: Above Finished Floor: ALUM: Aluminum: ANOD: Anodized: BSMT: Basement: BYND: Beyond: BOT: Bottom . removePlugins: 'liststyle,tabletools,contextmenu', Thus, SK= sketch, and ASK or SKA= Architectural sketch. //forcePasteAsPlainText: true, return false; var scpt = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; formattingAdd: { $("#comment_moderation #submit_button").val(modal_data.submit); The competitive real estate market can add pressure to buying a home before you have the full picture. action_referer = $(this); As my mom was so fond of saying, "Assuming makes an ass out of u and me.". { Find out a few basic construction drawing abbreviations here. if (featured_comment_counter == 0){ pasteBlockTags: ['ul', 'ol', 'li', 'p'], }); $(image).replaceWith('

'); 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. The acronym AFF indicates that a vertical dimension should be taken from the top of the final finish flooring installed. Still, as much as theyre ingrained in this profession, I absolutely cant stand them. }, $("#arc_comment_" + data.id + ">.Top").prepend(''); forcePasteAsPlainText: true, title: 'Quote Centered', /* language: 'en', var menuheight = $('.MainMenu').height(); } pasteBlockTags: ['ul', 'ol', 'li', 'p'], if (action_referer != null) Here are some scenarios where you may see AFF used: Using AFF to indicate installation heights ensures that building codes, regulations, and ADA requirements are met. Our list of the top reference books for architects. { Your email address will not be published. Blueprints can be up to 50 pages long, with a lot of intimidating symbols, abbreviated text, and lines. imageUploadError: function(json, xhr) Price- price can be used to position the product a. . "pullquote-right": { While our policy at Board & Vellum is to avoid using acronyms whenever we can, sometimes it's just unavoidable in architectural drawings. }); There are a slew more; a quick web search (finds over 3,300 of them! }); In the construction industry, it is usually 6 to 10 mm difference from the original level. Notice how the reflected ceiling plan relates to the floor plan. $(point).html(co.show.text).attr("rel", 15).attr("original-title", co.show.title).attr("prev", 'hidden'); { title: 'Quote Right', "pullquote-centered": { 2. They are approved by local governing bodies and by clients. 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. When indicating the height of a partial height wall. { Donna & Chad, I do both (C/L of stud in my case), depending on what I'm trying to convey. { $("#featured_comments_section").remove(); } 8. articles. Are you the architect or the structural engineer? { }, type: 'POST', }; is a commonly used acronym found on construction drawings. }); And if it gets finished with 25mm thk finish, what happen to your compliance? modal_data = co['hide']; "pullquote-centered": { modal_data = co['block']; imageUpload: '/redactor/upload', $(el).redactor('core.destroy'); $("#arc_comment_" + data.id + ">.Top>.Right>.CommentModerate>ul>li>.FeaturingAction").html(co.feature.text).attr("rel", 30).attr("original-title", co.feature.title); toolbar: [['Bold', 'Italic', 'BulletedList','NumberedList', 'Link', 'Image', 'Source']], title: 'Chat Question', arc_external('.Thread', 150178787); var _qevents = _qevents || []; imageUploadError: function(json, xhr) args: ['h3', 'class', 'subheading', 'toggle'] toolbarCanCollapse: false You'd prefer a hinkey number typed into revit? imageUpload: '/redactor/upload', $('.AnchorScroller').click(function() { args: ['blockquote', 'class', 'pullquote-center', 'toggle'] data: data, toolbar: [['Bold', 'Italic', 'BulletedList','NumberedList' , 'Link', 'Image','FontSize','TextColor']], This website uses cookies. args: ['p', 'class', 'figcaption', 'toggle'] "subheading": { Drawings, Engineering. "https://secure" : "http://edge") + ".quantserve.com/quant.js"; 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. data: { reaction: reaction, comment_id: comment_id, action: action, arc_token: window.arc_token }, The acronym AFF indicates that a vertical dimension should be taken from the top of the final finish flooring installed. }, $.ajax( $(touch + ">.Top>.Right>.CommentModerate>ul>li>.FeaturingAction").html(co.feature.text).attr("rel", 30).attr("original-title", co.feature.title); args: ['blockquote', 'class', 'pullquote-right', 'toggle'] Abbreviation used on construction plans and contract documents to indicate an elevation above the finished floor. disableNativeSpellChecker: false, 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. He also said that this all depends on the policy of an office or a firm. $(parent).find('.rating-count[rel=' + key + ']').attr('original-title', data.reaction_users[key]); We do the exact same thing as you do, we just use 100'-0" as our base elevation callout. title: 'Caption', A ceiling height of 8' is not a true 8' at a granite floor finished area compared to the ceiling height at the exposed cement finish area. var id = arc_pathname($(point).attr('href'), true); }, 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). 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. 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. //toolbar: [['Bold', 'Italic', 'BulletedList', 'Link', 'Image', 'Youtube', 'Vimeo' ]], Ever heard of someone buying a house only to learn their big remodel dreams arent possible? { Read the text and ignore the dimensions and relative relationships of what is drawn. $.modal.close(); 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', var link = $(''); This is highly subjective. Builders and architects use "Project North" as a designation, which is different from the cardinal directions on a compass. disableNativeSpellChecker: false, Our GC actually get super pissy when dimensions are not to grids tho. /* 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. OneSignal.push(function() $(point).replaceWith('Flagged'); 4. articles. 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. title: 'Quote Centered', }); 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. }, } callbacks: if (result.status == 'success') $(document).ready(function () Items to consider when you read a floor plan are abbreviated, such as not to scale (N.T.S.). ;). else var lineHeight = parseInt($(textarea).css('line-height'), 10); { window.location.reload(); $(this).find('.rating-icon').addClass('fas'); }, else }, if (!$(referrer).hasClass('BottomReply')) imageUpload: '/redactor/upload', { imageUpload: '/redactor/upload', minHeight: 200, } */ $('#' + el).redactor({ }, $('#' + el).redactor({ { Whoa!). if(data > '') //toolbar: [['Bold', 'Italic', 'BulletedList', 'Link', 'Image', 'Youtube', 'Vimeo' ]], }); Thank you everyone for your comments. Abbreviation used on construction plans and contract documents to indicate an elevation above the finished floor. toolbarCanCollapse: false }); title: 'Quote Left', resize_enabled: false, There is not right or wrong. skin: 'v2', It was used so that if the minus sign was forgotten or missing, there would be no issue. Suggest AFF Architecture Abbreviation . 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. The following is a list of abbreviations found on a typical set of construction drawings designed to help you interpret information on your blueprints. If you purchase from one of these links, I will receive a small commission at no cost to you. allowedContent: 'p br b i ol ul li strong em center; a[*](*); img[*]; iframe[*]', Affiliate DisclosureThe links that lead to products on this page are affiliate links. }, A good example are the hotels or condominium. For example, a note may call out "sealant . minHeight: 300, imageUpload: function(image, json) I had a conversation today with colleagues about which Floor Level is the basis in determining the other Levels in a storey.