Metric Dimensions

Figure 2-9.—Plot plan, contours, and symbols. openings are dimensioned to fall on 4-inch modular lines. This approach reduces building costs by coordinating building sizes with standard-sized building materials. For example, studs with finish are approximately 4 inches thick and are spaced on 16- or 24-inch centers. Plywood panels and drywall sheets come in standard 4-foot by 8-foot sheets. Figure 2-14 shows a modular light-frame house used for a small residential building. The building is laid out in such a way that standard modular-based building materials can be used. Often, modular construction is used to develop complete, finished panels or rooms. This process allows standard-size building parts to be fabricated, taken to the building site, and erected into place. METRIC DIMENSIONS Metric measurement is becoming more common in the United States on construction working drawings. NAVFAC drawings now have dimensions in both metric and English. The metric scale is used in place of the architect’s and engineer’s scales when measure- ments and dimensions are in meters and centimeters. 2-13