ABSTRACT
Like any other industry, the building industry has developed its own peculiar terminology for components that form a finished structure. These terms have grown up over the centuries and are the ones used in technical documentation, including the Building Regulations. If you refer to Figs 12.1 and 12.2 some of the major elements are indicated. Some of my readership may be familiar with most of the terms but obviously, if you are not, then you should examine the details in order that you can understand the basics. As you will note, Fig. 12.1 shows a typical house with the parts of the
elements ‘peeled back’ in order to view the underlying detail. Figure 12.2
have been (e.g. foundations, roofs etc.). When preparing a plan, it is essential that you use standard building terminology and are not tempted to invent your own. I have seen plans prepared by people who are not totally conversant with building construction describing say a purlin, as say a roof beam. This can be confusing to builders and BCOs. The use of non-standard terminology will also serve to highlight your inexperience. For those unfamiliar with any building terminology, I have listed some
of the major elements in a building and provided an outline description in Appendix C. However, the list is not exhaustive and I would recommend that you buy
a Building Dictionary.
