Print Reading for Arch Terms and Definitions

Aggregate

Sand, Gravel, Rock, or other material used along with cement and water to make concrete

Arc

Portion of a circle

Balloon Framing

A wall framing method in which wall studs run the entire height of the building, from foundation to roof plate

Basement Plan

A drawing showing the top view of the basement, often with foundation

Beam

A horizontal structural member used between post, columns, or walls.

Bond beam

reinforced concrete beam running around a masonry wall to provide added strength

Building codes

Laws and standards specifying requirements for building construction

Circumference

Perimeter around a circle

Cleanout

An opening in the waste pipe of a plumbing system for rodding out the drain

Column

A vertical structural member

Concrete

Structural material comprising water, gravel, sand and cement

Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU)

A masonry Unit made of concrete measuring 8’’x8’’x16’’ long

Detail

A type of drawing showing a specific detail of the construction

Diameter

The length of a line running between two points on a circle, through the center of the circle

Duct

Round or rectangular pipe, usually metal, used for transferring conditioned air in a heating and cooling system

Elevation

A drawing of the front, sides, or rear view of a structure

Face Brick

A select brick made of clays and chemicals to produce a desired color and effect for use in the face of a wall.

Floor plan

A plan view showing room sizes and locations and many construction details

Footing

The base of a foundation wall or column

Foundation plan

A plan view showing the dimensions and details of a building’s foundation system, including footings, walls, and piers

Framing plan

A plan view showing the layout of the structural members supporting a floor or roof.

Gage system

Classification method used for metal materials less than 1/4’’ in thickness

Gravel

Rock aggregate material ranging in diameter from 1/4’’ to several inches

Header

The horizontal structural member over a door or window opening

HVAC

Abbreviation for the system that produces the movement of heated or cooled air within a building

Hydration

A chemical reaction between cement and water that results in the hardening of concrete

Interior elevations

Elevation view of a building’s interior

Joist

One of a series of wood or metal framing members used to support a floor or ceiling

Legend

A list of symbols and their corresponding meanings, used in a set of prints

Loadbearing partitions

Interior walls that carry the ceiling or floor load from above

Lumber

Wood that has been cut to specific dimensions for structural use

Mechanical plan

A plan view drawing showing the location of mechanical equipment in a building

Monolithic slab

A concrete slab system in which the slab and footings are cast as one continuous unit

Mortar

Cementitious substance used as a binding agent for masonry units

On Center

Spacing measurement referring to the distance between the centers of adjoining studs, joists, or other building components

Plan North

An assumed north direction that is aligned with the building

Plan View

A drawing that shows one floor of a building from directly above

Platform framing

A wall framing method in which wall studs run the length of a single story

Plot Plan

A drawing showing the location of a building on its plot of land and various details of the land

Plumbing plan

A plan drawing showing the layout of the water distribution and drainage systems.

Rafter

One of a series of structural members of a roof

Receptacle

An electrical outlet into which the appliances and other electrical devices can be connected by means of a plug

Reinforced concrete

Concrete that is cast with steel reinforcement bars, which provide additional strength

Reinforcing bars

Steel bars placed within forms and surrounded by concrete

Riser

The vertical member of stair

R-value

A numeric classification for insulating value.

Schedule

A list of details or sizes for building components such as doors, windows, or beams

Section

View showing the building as if it were cut apart

Sheathing

The boards or panels that cover the studs and rafters of a building to which finishing materials are applied

Sill plate

Wood board attached to the top of a foundation wall, onto which the wall frame is attached

Site plan

A drawing showing the location of a building on its plot of land and various details of the land

Slab-on-grade

A concrete slab supported by ground

Specifications

The written directions issued by architects or engineers to establish general conditions, standards, and detailed instructions to be used on a project

Top Plate

The horizontal framing member running above wall studs

Working drawings

A set of drawings providing the necessary details and dimensions to construct the object