TACTICAL DIAGRAMMING

BUILDING PRINCIPLES

All buildings are built for a purpose

• What a building is used for determines:• Size• Shape• Location• Contents

• Commercial and public buildings are easier to diagram than residences• Public access• Safety plans, especially

fire escape• Blueprints on file

Building limitations are an advantage for tactical diagramming

• Cardinal rule of contracting!• The ability to overcome construction design

difficulties is in direct proportion to the amount of money the builder is willing to spend

• If you’ve got the money we’ve got the way!• Large and expensive houses are more difficult

to diagram

• Owner additions and remodels• Likewise, those added without plans, building

codes or an understanding of building practices are more difficult

LOAD

Material LimitationsSpans

≤14' between supports

Bea

rin

g

Wal

l

LOAD

LOAD

Material LimitationsRafters & Trusses

~12-16 '

Bearing Walls• Two types of walls

• Partition—used to separate spaces for privacy• Bearing—short for “load bearing”

• Bearing walls are “structural”(They support the load above them)

• Cannot be easily moved• Provide reliable clues for location• They support bearing

walls above themon multi-storybuildings

Construction Methods• Stick framing most common type of

construction in North America• No framing member larger than 2"• Standard construction method in USA

• Has been used for more than a century

• Spans limited by material

• Timber-frame• Still used

for barnsand largecommercial buildings

Three Parts of a House• All dwellings have three areas (functions)

• Living• Sleeping• Food Preparation Living Area

Sleeping Area

Food Preparation Area

QUESTIONS?