Dimensions in the construction industry
A dimension is a derived unit used to measure a physical quantity such as length, width, height, distance, area, volume, mass and time.
Some of these units, such as area, can be obtained by the multiplication of two other dimensions, so for example (a x b) gives the area ab. Other measurements such as volume can be established by combining three linear measurements. The volume of say, a cylinder may be given by multiplying the area by the height (a x b x h).
A straight line has one dimension; an area has two dimensions and a volume has three.
Measuring velocity requires combining dimensions of length and time. Measuring force also requires combining various dimensions.
In construction, the dimensions most used are those concerning length to provide other dimensions of height, distance, area and volume. Measuring time is also important in construction, as is mass.
Dimensions are critical for co-ordinating building components and ensuring each fits correctly in its allocated place in a construction. Dimensionally co-ordinated products allow designers to select items which they can be confident will fit together (co-ordinate) dimensionally with the structure and other components to accepted tolerances.
Measurements are often included on drawings to give an overall understanding of size, or by wave of instruction to help workers setting out a project or manufacturing components.
The Geospatial Glossary, published by the Geospatial Commission, and accessed on 17 September 2022, defines the dimension of a mathematical space (or object) as: ‘…the minimum number of coordinates needed to specify any point within it.’ eg 1D, 2D, 3D etc.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Conversion of material volumes.
- Cubic metre.
- Floor area ratio.
- Gross external area.
- Gross internal area.
- How to take off construction works.
- International Property Measurement Standards.
- Land.
- Measurement.
- Measurement of existing buildings.
- Metric system.
- Net internal area.
- Place.
- Region.
- Space.
- Types of land.
- Units.
- Volume.
Featured articles and news
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.