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Architecture vocabulary · Building Elements and Structure

Structural grid

Meaning in architecture, with examples

nounCore term

In architecture, structural grid means: A regular pattern of lines on a plan that sets out where columns and main walls sit, with lines labelled by letters in one direction and numbers in the other.

In Turkish: aks sistemi, akslar, taşıyıcı aks sistemi

How it is used

Used daily by architects, engineers and contractors to locate things: 'on grid line C', 'between grids 3 and 4'. Architects choose the grid spacing to suit the uses below and above, for example parking spaces in the basement and offices on the upper floors.

Example sentences

  1. The structural grid is 8 by 8 metres, which works well for both offices and parking.

  2. Check the structural grid: column D4 sits right in the middle of the corridor.

Common collocations

  • grid line
  • grid spacing
  • column grid
  • regular grid
  • set out the grid
  • columnA vertical structural member, usually of concrete, steel or timber, that carries loads from beams and slabs down to the foundations.
  • structural systemThe set of connected elements, such as foundations, columns, beams, walls and slabs, that carries a building's loads safely down to the ground.
  • floor planA drawing that shows a building from above as if it were cut horizontally about a metre above the floor, showing walls, doors, windows and rooms.
  • beamA horizontal structural member that carries loads across an opening or between supports and transfers them to columns or walls.

More terms: Building Elements and Structure

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