Elevation Nomenclature
July 6, 2024 4:48 PM Subscribe
This drawing shows 2 elevation views of a concrete block wall. Is there architectural or engineering nomenclature to distinguish between the view broadside of the wall and the view looking edge on?
Best answer: So, the wall is like, for example, 10' long, the "broadside" elevation is the 10' long view; the edge on is just the single width of block that you'd see standing at the end of the wall, correct?
In my experience, elevations are generally referred to by cardinal directions or in rare circumstances relation of the side to the entry, so, either "north elevation" (or south, east, west, etc) or "front elevation" (or side, rear, left side, etc). But I don't think that's necessarily a rule as long as what you call it is clear to whoever needs to look at it. I might just go "front" and "side" for the wall drawings even if there is no particular "front" to it.
If I were documenting this wall for construction, I probably wouldn't have the side elevation - there's not really going to be much information conveyed by it unless you're putting a finish on it that doesn't match the "front". I would however, include a section through the wall showing where reinforcing and lateral ties go, and how it sits on its footing.
posted by LionIndex at 5:02 PM on July 6 [3 favorites]
In my experience, elevations are generally referred to by cardinal directions or in rare circumstances relation of the side to the entry, so, either "north elevation" (or south, east, west, etc) or "front elevation" (or side, rear, left side, etc). But I don't think that's necessarily a rule as long as what you call it is clear to whoever needs to look at it. I might just go "front" and "side" for the wall drawings even if there is no particular "front" to it.
If I were documenting this wall for construction, I probably wouldn't have the side elevation - there's not really going to be much information conveyed by it unless you're putting a finish on it that doesn't match the "front". I would however, include a section through the wall showing where reinforcing and lateral ties go, and how it sits on its footing.
posted by LionIndex at 5:02 PM on July 6 [3 favorites]
Best answer: To expand on LionIndex’s response, in construction documents, both elevations should be keyed to a plan view, with elevation markers making it clear exactly what you’re looking at. It doesn’t really matter what you call them if there’s a key plan.
posted by Kriesa at 5:27 PM on July 6 [2 favorites]
posted by Kriesa at 5:27 PM on July 6 [2 favorites]
Best answer: Another draftsperson basically agreeing with the above here. If I was documenting it in the absence of other coordinating plans I might call them face and end elevation or similar. It doesn't really matter as long as it's clear.
posted by deadwax at 10:10 PM on July 6 [2 favorites]
posted by deadwax at 10:10 PM on July 6 [2 favorites]
In theatrical drafting I would call this the "elevation" for the front view and the "section" for the side view. I'm not sure if that would be understood outside of theater/scenic construction.
posted by hovey at 11:55 AM on July 7
posted by hovey at 11:55 AM on July 7
In architecture a section cuts the main thing being shown, here it would show what's happening on the inside of the wall. If the view doesn't cut through anything it's not a section, it's an elevation instead.
posted by deadwax at 2:14 PM on July 7 [2 favorites]
posted by deadwax at 2:14 PM on July 7 [2 favorites]
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posted by SaltySalticid at 5:02 PM on July 6 [1 favorite]