what does aff mean in architectural drawings?

var touch = ".comment_user_" + result.data.user_id; toolbar: [['Bold', 'Italic', 'BulletedList','NumberedList', 'Link', 'Image']], [1] 2. imageUploadError: function(json, xhr) 8. articles. scayt_autoStartup: false, This means architects and engineers need to maximize the space the best way they can. Dictionary of Architecture and Construction. { indentUnit: 4 Copyright 2011-2023, Board & Vellum. type: 'GET', buttons: ['bold', 'italic', 'lists', 'link', 'image'], var lineHeight = parseInt($(textarea).css('line-height'), 10); //forcePasteAsPlainText: true, In new construction they can be really helpful to establish a base line to measure from. Your IP: Anyways, based on the established grade, you measure your 1st Storey floor level from the established grade to SSL? Is it the FFL, SFL or SSL? }, data = $("#temp_append").clone(); elem.type = "text/javascript"; title: 'Chat Question', window.location.reload(); //arc_filterform(form); $.fn.autogrow.resize = function(textarea) what does aff mean in architectural drawings? $(parent).find('.rating-count').removeAttr('original-title').hide(); allowedContent: 'p br b i ol ul li strong em center; a[*]{*}(*); img[*]; span[*]{*}(*); iframe[*]', }); AFF - Above Finish Floor This is an acronym commonly used in dimensioning. modal_data = co['show']; Our GC actually get super pissy when dimensions are not to grids tho. }*/ if ($.trim($(this).val()) != '') 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. is a commonly used acronym found on construction drawings. elem.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? $('.GlobalSocialIcons').hide(); - Anchor Bolt; A/C - Air Conditioner; A.D. - Access Door; ADD. window.location.reload(); appId: "9b46cc1e-e63b-4f52-b5c6-2283f5ba4cb4", }); } plugins: ['source', 'imagemanager'], skin: 'v2', Builders and architects use "Project North" as a designation, which is different from the cardinal directions on a compass. }, linkShowAdvancedTab: false, Read a reflected ceiling plan using this concept. toolbarCanCollapse: false var parent_node = $(".arc_reply_comment_box").parents(".Line"); args: ['blockquote', 'class', 'pullquote-center', 'toggle'] What Does TYP Mean? callbacks: }, 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. $.ajax({ }, { } title: 'Subheading', { A Guide to Reflected Ceiling Plans - archisoup | Architecture Guides what does aff mean in architectural drawings?1986 high school basketball player rankings Consultation Request a Free Consultation Now. }); $(el).ckeditor(function(){ }, 700); title: 'Chat Answer', { minHeight: 300, In the construction industry, it is usually 6 to 10 mm difference from the original level. $(touch + ">.Top>.Right>.CommentModerate>ul>li>.FeaturingAction").html(co.feature.text).attr("rel", 30).attr("original-title", co.feature.title); "subheading": { what does aff mean in architectural drawings? if (action_referer != null) If youre someone who isn't quite sure, how do you go about figuring out your dream projects program? $(el).redactor({ $(container).append('

'); We include some in a list on the cover sheet of our drawings, shown below. In our sets, we use TOS throughout as the benchmark (plans, sections, elevations) and then reference "AFF" to indicate hold dimensions for ADA things, etc. imageUpload: function(image, json) customConfig : '', { removePlugins: 'liststyle,tabletools,contextmenu', How is AFF used in construction? 8-). Do you need the fixed level to be the surface that's walked on or the structure that holds it up? 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. imageUpload: '/redactor/upload', } 3. arc_editor_423('body_html'); allowedContent: 'p br b i ol ul li strong em center; a[*]{*}(*); img[*]; span[*]{*}(*); iframe[*]', //disableObjectResizing: true, else 2023 LoveToKnow Media. 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. Project Base Point usually puts Level 1 FF at 0'-0"). $('head').append( link ); I notice Canadians like imperial and converting it to metric. $.fn.autogrow = function() }, $(point).replaceWith('Flagged'); Get the top AFF abbreviation related to Architecture. { action_referer = null; Typical specs are 9 ft ceilings (ff to finished ceiling), 7'0" window headers from ff and 6'8" door header above ff. }); He also said that this all depends on the policy of an office or a firm. While you may not have much to do with the architectural drawing side of construction acronyms, it can still prove very valuable for any one . 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', }); { }); { Donna & Chad, I do both (C/L of stud in my case), depending on what I'm trying to convey. $('#StickyBanner').addClass('fixed'); Although most of these abbreviations are standard for all drawings, some architects may use their own abbreviations that are not standard or commonly known. What do all those letters mean? } var user_html = $("#arc_comment_" + data.id + ">.Top>.user-title").clone(); Russian Works of Art. $.ajax( Why are abbreviations used in construction? Conference : International Conference The Memory of the World in the This is especially important when meeting ADA requirements and building codes. Help make Archtoolbox better for everyone. From my understanding, why FFL is always the point of reference in a storey is due to the following design reasons: 1. }else{ $("#reply_body_html").autogrow(); "pullquote-left": { imageUpload: '/redactor/upload', } function arc_comment_head_actions(suffix) toolbarCanCollapse: false link.attr({ type: 'text/css', rel: 'stylesheet', href: '/css/archinect.chrome.mac.css?1', }); $(referrer).find('.animate').remove(); Construction acronyms: The most important acronyms in - Sitemate $('#StickyBanner').removeClass('fixed'); else if (data.status == 'unblock') clearInterval(textarea.interval); }, 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. { "subheading": { { CKEDITOR.replace(el , { $(document).on('click', ".arc_view_hidden_comment", function() Though using the sub-floor as the reference makes more sense to me, I want to make it as . else if(result.status == 'error') $(".comment_user_" + data.id).slideUp(); $(image).replaceWith('

'); $(document).ready(function () Canada uses both units. formattingAdd: { { { var elementClicked = $(this).attr("href"); Say a building section drawing cuts through multiple finish types, does adding 4-5 spot elevations clarify or confuse the reader? args: ['blockquote', 'class', 'pullquote-center', 'toggle'] allowedContent: 'p br b i ol ul li strong em center; a[*](*); img[*]; iframe[*]', }); extra_params = false; }); buttons: ['html', 'format', 'bold', 'italic', 'underline', 'lists', 'link', 'image'], var selector = $(".All-Comments-Header").length > 0 ? Makes sense why I've seen it with the 100'-0" base elevation in drawings over 90 years old. } Correct me if Iam wrong, FFL refers to the level at the top surface of floor finish. (function($) 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 rigs before transitioning to residential construction. Not accounting for these additional layers could result in items installed at the incorrect height. Thanks in advance for sharing. var link = $(''); $(user_html).find(".UserName").css("display", "inline"); The Difference Between Block Foundations and Poured Foundations. scayt_autoStartup: false, 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. else Avoid smudging and making your sketches look messy. Its more like which one os determined 1st the FFL, SFL or SSL. }); $(document).ready(detectOverlapping); "pullquote-centered": { url: '/update_comment_status', "chat-answer": { args: ['blockquote', 'class', 'pullquote-left', 'toggle'] Yes FFL is on top of any floor finshes ( ceramic tile, wood flooring, vinyl floor, granite stone, pavers, etc.). $('.TooltipUserstat').livequery(function(){ $(".arc_comment_" + id).prev('.HiddenLine').remove(); disableNativeSpellChecker: false, title: 'Chat Answer', Arch sheets reference FFL. So the title page of the architectural package includes an abbreviations block to help you decode these custom abbreviations as you read the plans. { imageUploadError: function(json, xhr) Be sure to check the front section of the drawing set for the abbreviations used within. 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. { args: ['h3', 'class', 'subheading', 'toggle'] what does aff mean in architectural drawings? $(document).on('click', '.StatsTrigger', function(e){ if (extra_params === undefined) }, }); removePlugins: 'liststyle,tabletools,contextmenu', { See the difference? Find out a few basic construction drawing abbreviations here. var lineCount = Math.ceil(textarea.value.length / (textarea.cols + 20)); 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. height: 300, data: {user_id: id, ban_close: 1, arc_token: window.arc_token}, codemirror: { BIM cannot forget the minus sign and few sets are reproduced via photocopy, so degradation over multiple duplications is not really an issue. type: 'POST', I will say that I've seen drawings as far back as the 30's use 100'-0" as the base elevation. var remainingspace = windowheight - menuheight; customConfig : '', type: 'POST', } pasteBlockTags: ['ul', 'ol', 'li', 'p'], Therefore, youll see several abbreviations and acronyms on your blueprints and paperwork. { $('#arc_new_comment').hide(); See all Fine art. height: 300, }, 500); lineWrapping: true, Suggest AFF Architecture Abbreviation . title: 'Quote Centered', When indicating the mounting height of things like grab bars, towel bars, coat hooks, etc. var reply_container = $(".arc_reply_comment_box").parents(".ReplyComments"); { What does SK, and ASK actually stand for? | Mike Holt's Forum modal_data = co['ignore']; This is an acronym commonly used in dimensioning. If you found an error or out of date information in this article (even if it is just a minor typo), please let us know. $(document).on('click', ".CommentAction", function() - Adjust; A.F.F. RO for me too. } title: 'Quote Centered', "pullquote-right": { Our drawings communicate our ideas to clients and contractors and our specifications communicate the myriad of other details we cant draft. MT Copeland offers video-based online classes that give you a foundation in construction fundamentals with real-world applications. $(document).on('click', "#cancel_reply_button", function() title: 'Chat Question', { resources. } }); */ skin: 'v2', Also, whichFloor Level serves as the basis of setting the other levels in a storey? setTimeout(function() Architects love acronyms and abbreviations. Typically a powder room with a sink, but every now and then I see a true WC, featuring a door and a toilet and thats it. 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 . Here's a partial list of some of the acronyms you'll see in architectural drawings. Learn everything you need to know about reading blueprints in MT Copelands online class, taught by professional builder and craftsman Jordan Smith. $('reply below ').insertAfter($(referrer)); /* { 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 . if (featured_comment_counter == 0){ An architect can help you understand the potential of a house before you even make an offer. While contractors typically know what they all stand for, clients often do not. arc_external('.Thread', 150178787); } }); }, Find the . Blueprints and building plans that are drawn by architects and engineers are technical drawings. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. A change in dimension due to the point of referenece during installation usually ask a change directive. else if(status == 'flag') The interesting thing about architecture, is that while everyone thinks we are designers and detailers, what we truly are when you look at the root of everything we do, is communicators. $(".ReplyHelp").remove(); 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. return false; PDF P0.1 - Plumbing Abbreviations, Symbols, and - Rpm Line colour is the colour of the line when printed. @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? url: '/reaction', } { featured_comment_counter++; 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. $("#arc_comment_" + data.id).removeClass("HiddenComment"); Mike. resize_dir: 'vertical', You need to consider the sequencing of construction when establishing your levels. We also earn commissions from qualifying purchases at GBES.com. $.fn.autogrow.resize(textarea); The Value of Quality Design and Engineering on Construction Projects, The Importance of Documenting Your Project. 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 . Yes! 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 . } I have no preference in what way we call the base elevation out - I see positives and negatives in using both. { modal_data = co['flag']; SFL refers to the level at the top surface of the floor screeding or concrete topping. 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. var scpt = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; function update_comment_status(point) There is not right or wrong. } var windowheight = $(window).height(); scrollTop: $('.arc_reply_comment_box').offset().top-200 "subheading": { $(textarea).css('height', height); var action_referer = null; } $(point).html(co.unfeature.text).attr("rel", 15).attr("original-title", co.unfeature.title); e.preventDefault(); else if (status == '30') toolbarCanCollapse: false Arhitectural drawing Levels: FFL vs SFL vs SSL - Archinect } args: ['blockquote', 'class', 'pullquote-left', 'toggle'] } $('a.arc_flag_entry').click(function(e) { e.preventDefault(); It is something I have to get used to. linkShowTargetTab: false, CKEDITOR.replace(el , { { Commonly used abbreviations and acronyms on blueprints. Can that info be presented better elsewhere? 2. Just to add a little seasoning: dimension RO or center of opening? ;). 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. } } 49th Annual Meeting of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Dermatologische $("#arc_comment_" + data.id + ">.Top>.Right>.CommentModerate>ul>li>.HidingAction").html(co.hide.text).attr("rel", 25).attr("original-title", co.hide.title); { Are you sure you want to block this user and hide all related comments throughout the site? { suffix = (typeof suffix == "undefined")? } var form = $(this); }); { plugins: ['codemirror', 'imagemanager', 'removeformat', 'alignment'], $('#' + el).redactor({ Screeding or concrete topping or mortar or substrate usually accommodates the difference between the structural slab and the floor finishes. args: ['blockquote', 'class', 'pullquote-center', 'toggle'] if ($(parent_node).find(".ReplyComments").length > 0) $.modal.close(); "https://secure" : "http://edge") + ".quantserve.com/quant.js"; height: 300, Architecture and Structural Engineering dual major, Selling Predesigned Home Plans. var modal_data = []; $.ajax( Contemporary Art . /* All of our drawings and documents are filled with them. type: 'GET', $('#StickyBannerNew').parent().css('height', ColBHeight); Is there a point of differentiation 2. Basic Architectural Abbreviations for Drawings | YourDictionary Are you confused by all the blueprint abbreviations that youre seeing? } pasteInlineTags: ['strong', 'br', 'b', 'em', 'i'], //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,vimeo,youtube', args: ['p', 'class', 'figcaption', 'toggle'] if( data > '' ) { "pullquote-right": { } What do you determine 1st when you design and carrying that over to your working drawings? }); args: ['p', 'class', 'chat-question', 'toggle'] FFL is always bound to change and is dependent on too many variables. else }).blur(function() else var ColBHeight = $('.ColContent').outerHeight(true); data = $.parseJSON(data); TOS is for the Structural drawings. "chat-answer": { This process may be different with wood constructon but, most of the time, it can be applied as well. { function arc_editor(el) { $.fn.autogrow.resize(textarea); }); $(this).find('.rating-icon').addClass('fas'); args: ['p', 'class', 'chat-question', 'toggle'] alert(json.message); */ The acronym AFF indicates that a vertical dimension should be taken from the top of the final finish flooring installed. $("

").insertAfter($(point)); var reaction = $(this).attr('rel'); "chat-question": { arc_editor_423($('form.arc_ajax_comment .editor').attr('id')); $(image).replaceWith('

'); $('').attr( "pullquote-left": { But, there are a lot more pieces and parts to a blueprint. Imagine that the ceiling below you is transparent (see-through). 6. url: '/post_comment'+suffix+'/' + (new Date().getTime()) + arc_pathname(document.location.pathname), This means that everything from the bathroom to the courtyard needs to be drawn to scale and considered carefully. 3. { title: 'Quote Centered', } var button = this; /* Required fields are marked *. { resize_dir: 'vertical', Construction Drawing Abbreviations - The House Plan Shop { Thats why A.F.F. 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. These commissions have no weight on my opinions but will help me to continue to maintain and grow this website. 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. It was used so that if the minus sign was forgotten or missing, there would be no issue. scayt_autoStartup: false, Jen, floors don't have to align to street level. . $(this).tipsy({gravity: 's', html: true}); $("#arc_comment_" + data.id + ">.Top>.Right>.CommentModerate>ul>li>.FeaturingAction").html(co.feature.text).attr("rel", 30).attr("original-title", co.feature.title); This is unnecessary in a Revit environment and is a sign that your QA /QM department is from the hand drafting / CAD generation. type: 'hidden', { imageUpload: '/redactor/upload', 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. Items to consider when you read a floor plan are abbreviated, such as not to scale (N.T.S.). { disableNativeSpellChecker: false, what does aff mean in architectural drawings?jogging in the park logic grid answer key. } resize_enabled: false, }, Now as a Canadian I must use imperial. As a Canadian I think we're definitely all good with both, no? $(el).ckeditor(function() {}, { How to Read a Reflected Ceiling Plan: 9 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow }); title: 'Quote Left', Be it in Revit or CAD or manual drafting. Do you want the level in the model to provide the element least likely to move? Our experience with satisfying our client's needs ranges in scale from vacation cabins to remodels to urban residences to podium-construction mixed use and commercial buildings. { */ Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. { In my experience, whatever we call out, the Contractor actually uses the top of slab as his reference, for everything from floor-to-floor heights to door heights. { Performance & security by Cloudflare. The acronym AFF indicates that a vertical dimension should be taken from the top of the final finish flooring installed. Whether youre a budding architect or just looking to build your own house and want to be up-to-date on the lingo, understanding all the different architectural drawing abbreviations can be important. var id = arc_pathname($(this).attr('href'), true); language: 'en', return false; skin: 'v2', $(touch + ">.Top>.Right>.CommentModerate>ul>li>.BlockingAction").html(co.block.text).attr("rel", "block").attr("original-title", co.block.title); } Structure will always come first since it gets installed before the finishes - obviously - so you can't expect your formwork trade or carpenter to check your finishes schedule to gauge the thickness of finish.

what does aff mean in architectural drawings? 2023