What is section layout?

The section layout of a building or structure shows the layout of its foundation in the basement according to its drawings so that the excavation can be carried out where necessary and the shape and layout of the building are precisely determined. It is structured according to the basic layout diagrams and specifications provided by the engineer or architect. To understand the shape of a building, we must understand some technical terms related to this function.

Depending on the design, the term "section" usually refers to the appearance of a building as if it had been cut into half or cut off from another imaginary plane, usually, but not a regular plane. This is presented as a section diagram. This can be useful when designing or representing structures such as buildings as it gives a sense of transcendence in areas such as rooms and even building fabric, and this may reveal relationships between building components that may not be visible in planes or heights.

Section drawing

Stage drawing or section drawing shows the perspective of a building if it has been cut into half or cut in another imaginary plane.

In buildings, this can be helpful as it gives an idea of ​​using spaces and surrounding structures (usually across a straight plane) that can reveal relationships between different parts of buildings that may not be visible in the plan drawings. The layout drawings are actually a kind of section but cut across the structure in a horizontal rather than a straight plane.

The direction of the cut-off plane is often represented in the plan diagrams and at the height of the long and short dash line, called the phase plane. If there are a number of sections, a line may have an arrow indicating the direction taken to perspective and letters at each end indicating the name of the section drawing.

The scale of a phase drawing will depend on the size of the drawing structure and the level of detail that needs to be displayed. Sections can reflect the whole structure, or they can focus on a specific area, road or meeting. In this, they may be similar to composite diagrams but differ in that they usually do not include details of the merging process.

Different types of hatches can be used to distinguish between different types of parts in detailed drawings of sections. Existing levels of hatching should be applied to other common objects, for instance, double diagonal lines indicate brick formation, wave signaling, and so on.

Vision sections include 3D rendering of spaces beyond the stage plane and can be used to give a graphic representation of the relationship between spaces and structural elements and their depth which can be very helpful in trying to interpret a complex design.

Growing up, category drawings can be automatically generated with 3D modeling software, including viewing sections where needed.

3-storey house architectural drawing for construction stage.
CC BY-SA 4.0 | Image credits: https://commons.wikimedia.org | Christophe Krief

Wall section

In brief, a wall section is a technical drawing that shows the internal parts and function of a specific wall for construction works. Both exterior and interior walls can be incredibly complex and made of all kinds of building materials and construction techniques, so it is not uncommon for a single size to fit everything, which is why their connection is so important.

Part of the wall is one of the main tools used to communicate the building structure. We have mentioned that the parts of the wall explain in detail what the foundations, wall, floor, and roof are made of. Therefore, some of the things we have touched on the need to be considered.

For instance, what kind of foundation a building will need. What will the building itself be, a two-story building or a skyscraper? Insulation also needs to be considered along with its location.

The length of the window and doors and the pitch of the roof and building materials. All of these notes come together to help create a functional wall section.

Regular wall details save time and help builders have easy access to information and create a better building effect.

  • Use notes and directions to hit your mark.
  • Use the diagrams to describe your notes.
  • Start a new sheet where the wall is different.
  • Mark your walls using custom symbols and characters.

The most important feature of the wall sections follows the rules of structure and codes. We found that the planes could be changed but technical recommendations should be followed to avoid disaster. Depending on the type of building to be constructed, we should consider the foundation and type of floor, type of wall, type of roof, part of the wall, and other factors in achieving a sustainable but pleasing aesthetic construction.

Purpose of detail drawings

Detailed drawings provide a one-part geometric outlay. In construction, this could be a commercial, private, and public building or building. There are several purposes for detailed drawings. One of them is to demonstrate compliance with the standards and codes of construction.

These compliance features may include building codes and regulations, general procedures, requirements within certain frameworks, building details, detailed form, and much more. All of this is done because it is almost impossible to put these complex details into a standard system diagram.

Data drawings allow for clarity of transmission of information. This also provides a growing sense of awareness to know important information such as size, specification details, and other important pieces involved in the construction process. It is very important to point out that detailed drawings should not be confused with "detailed design drawings" or "functional drawings."

Drawings of relevant design details are achieved when the design is developed in an integrated and accurate way for its size. This includes all the elements of a structure and how they all work together. With functional drawings, we have limited knowledge of image structure. This is usually used by the contractor or anyone who is directly involved in the construction to carry out his work. It is therefore important to point out that not all design and performance drawings will be required for detailed drawing details.

Context and Applications

This topic is important for professional exams in both undergraduate and postgraduate studies and in particular:

  • Bachelors of Technology in Civil Engineering
  • Masters of Technology in Civil Engineering

Practice Problems

1. What is the built-up covered area of a building measured at floor level of any storey called?

  1. Plinth area
  2. Carpet area
  3. Total area
  4. Covered area

Answer: Option a

Explanation: Plinth area is the built-up covered area of the building measured at floor level of any storey.

2. What should be the minimum width of the staircase?

  1. 1.5 meter
  2. 1.2 meter
  3. 0.9 meter
  4. 0.75 meter

Answer: Option c

Explanation: The minimum width of the staircase should be 0.9 meters clear of the railing.

3. What is a set of rules that specify the standards for the constructed objects such as buildings and non-building structures called?

  1. Procedure
  2. Building codes
  3. Building bye-laws
  4. Building terms

Answer: Option b

Explanation: A building code is a set of rules that specify the standards for constructed objects such as buildings and non-building structures.

4. What refers to the appearance of a building if it has been cut in half or cut off from another imaginary plane?

  1. Section drawing
  2. Section layout
  3. Section design
  4. Drawing details

Answer: Option b

Explanation: Section layout is the appearance of a building if it has been cut into half or cut off from another imaginary plane.

5. Which of the following can create a functional wall section?

  1. Length of window
  2. Length of door
  3. Length of roof
  4. All of the above

Answer: Option d

Explanation: The length of the window and doors, and the pitch of the roof and building materials come together to help create a functional wall section.

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