DOCUMENT RESUME

Ei 159 049 SE.024 884- .

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AUTHOR Clark, E. ; Rdat Caffdace Le s TITLE Metrication and Dimensional Coordination -4A Selected Bibliography.

INSTITUTION National Blireau of Standards (DOC) , Washington, D.C. Center foe-B ilding Technology.;..National Bureau ok Standards OC)i Washington t D.C. Inst. for Wlied

teChnolog . REPORT NO NBS-SP-458 PUB DATE Apr 77 NOTE 36p.; Some pages may not reproduCe clearly due small type .AVAILABLE FROM Superintendent pg Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,iWashingtBn, D.C. 20402 (Stock Number 003-003-01684-5; $1.36)

EDRS PRICE MF-$0.83 HC-$2.06 Plus Postaqe. DESCRIPTORS, *Adult Vocational Education; Building Materials;- *Construction Industry; *Meaurement; *Metric System; Modular Building Design;.*Techhical Mathematics; Vocational Education 'IDENTIFIERS' 4DimIsional Coordination ABSTRACT The United States changeover to -the. use of the SI (International' Metric) measurement language presents the consjtruction tindustry with the need to review an adapt many product standards and practices for the use of metric measu ment units. These adaptations

andch&nges can,bring'substantial ben P fits to the industry in the 7 - form of permanentYy recurring cost savings. A practice of potentially great benefit would be the incorporation'of dimensional coordination in the new metric standards for sizes of building products.For such 'benefits to be realized owever, the involved issues must be effectively addressed and the reghisite decisions made and implemented. Considerable lit*Tature pertinent to the issues and decisions' has been.publishedrin the United,States and in other -(primarily English-speaking) countries that have been implementing metriciation and dimensional coordination in the past .decade. This report aids construction industry consideration andresolution of medication decisions by providing a guide to the begt available resourcesiAelevant torthe issues. A list oX key issues and relevant questiont to those issues is presented and referenced to a' list of sources withabstracts. The key."issues'are; metrication,.diensional cnrdination, institutional arrangements, international interchange, and- general. (MP/Aut or)

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9 from the original document. 4!***************************************************4.***************** made the decision to convert to the SI metric This,is a *lilting of the functions of building' 'system.".It "aids trainers in deciding ' which components.Ad systems to be coordinated. -'employees need what type atid degree of metric training." The Ah, ide contains a sample lessen., Americanatiorial Standard Basis for the Ver- planI with a preost test. and answer F hat 1, tiralMinensionino.of Coordinated "Buildingb editorial guidelines__and a list ofp-essible re- Components and Systems, A62.7-1969. $ source materials. This standard establishes a rimhimodule. (4M. 4American National Standards Institute, New YOrk ifiertical dimension exceer s 20M) as the di- /merisional basis for coordigating vertical di- Request from mensioning. It also. establishes preferre41 veracal AmericaNational Standards Institute, inc.. dimensions .forbuilding 'components,tory 1.130 Broadly heights, ceiling, heights and floor-ceiling. sand- New York, New Y,prk 10018 .wich thickness. American NationalStandardBasisforthe Coordination of Dimensions of Building Mate: American National Standard Numerical Desig- Hats. and Equipment, A62.1-1957. nation of Modular Grid Coordinates, A62.8 1971. :''This standard establishes the standard grid based on the module of 'I in to !se ihe basis for This -standard establishes a system for the dimensional coordination. The grM, istoje,,, numerical identification of the various planes used to correlate building plans, with rcoordi-' in the three-dirnensional modular grid.' nated dimensions of building materials- and equipment. AmericanSocietyforTesting andMateiiaIs 464$13/ ( ASTM 1, Institute of Electrical and Electronic American National Standard Basis for the Co Engineers IIEEF), Standard for Metric Prac- ordination of Masonry, A62.2-1945. ASTM E 380-76 or IEEE 268-1976. This standard establishes that "coordinated Request from: sizes for masonry products shall conform to: ASTM the American Standard Basis for the Coordirk, 1916 Race Street tion of Dimensions of Building Materials arid", Philadelphia, Pa. 19103 Equipment, A62.1." or IEEE American National Standard Sizes of Clay and 345 East 47th Street Concrete Modular Nlasoory Units, A62.3-1946. New York, New York 1001,7

This .standard covers unit sizes(.stndard, This is American National Standard 2210.1- nominal and supplementary) /find variati 1976, a guidg. to the use of the SI measurement 1 well as standard joint thickness, for clay an language. It applies to the use of SI measure- concrete modular masoy units. ment units in engineering and other technical practice. Arnerican Nationatandard Sizes of Clay Flue inin_gss, A62.4 6. Bloomfield, Byron C.. NIA, Doors and Frames .. Dimensional and Installation Characteristic of This standard covers sizes, dimensions, and Modular Building Products and Materials,1, permissible size variations for clay flue linings. Modular Building Standards Association, Wash- American National Standard Basis for the Hori- ington, D.C., 1963, 37 pp. zontal Dimensioning of Coordinated. Building Components and Systems, A62.5-1968. Out of print. This standard establishes a unit equal to sixty This booklet is intended to assist draftsmen basic modules 160M Iin length as a systems and detailers of building projects.It contains module ISM) for the planning, dimensioning graphic illustrations of over thirty typical door and coordinating of building systems.It also and frame installations in common types of wall establishes preferred coordinating dimensions construction. Included are steel, wood and alu- for components. minum doors and frames for exterior and in- terior doors, and swinging, sliding arid folding American National Standard Classification for doOrs. All details are expres9ed in conventional Properties and Performances of Coordinated modular drafting. It is suggested that, if modu- Building Components and Systems, A62.6-1969. lar dimensioning is used in' details, the latter

7 P it \ NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS ( The Nntional Bureau of Standards` was established by an act of CoAgress March 3, 1901. The llureati's overall goal isto strengthen ;did .advance the Nation's( science and technology and facilitate their etfectivapplicationfor public benefit. To this end, the litireaur conducts research and provides: ,( I) a b:isiS for the Nation's physical n ,astirenient System, (2) scientific and teChn0logical services for industry and government, (3) a technical basis for equity in trade, and (4) technicale,iii.es to pro- mote public safety. the I1Ureau consists of the Institute for Basic Standards, the Institute for Materials Research, the Institute for Applied Technology, the Institute for Computer Sciences and Technology., the Office for Information Programs, and the Office of Experimental (technology Incentives Program.

'THE INSTITUTE FOR BASIC ;STANDARDSprovides the central basis within the United 'States of a complete and consistt ent system of physical measurement; coordinates that system with measurement systems of other nations; and furnishes essen- tial services leading to accurate,anti uniform physical measurements throughout the Nation's scientific community; industry, and commerce. The Institute consists of the Office of Measurement Services, and the following center and divisions:

i Applied Mathematics Electricity ,.-- Mechanics Heat Optical Physics Center for RadiatiOn Research Lab- oratory -Astrophysics' .Cryogenies-!.. Electromagnetics' Time and Frequency'.

THE INSTITUTE FOR MATERIALSRESEARCHconducts Materials research leadingo inpro.vid methods of measure-. merit, standards. arid data on thii properties of well-eharaeteriqitaterials needed by indu. ry, commerce, educational insti- tutions, and govs:diment: provides advisory and research service0 other Government agen ie;; and develops, produces, and distribettes standard reference materials. The Institute consists of the Office of Stanrd Rerence Materials, the Office of Air .t.nd Water Measurement, and the following divisions: ... Analytical,Chemistry Polyrflers Met: lurgy%".-4,- Inorganic Materials Reactor Radiation Physical Chemistry.

THE INSTUFU'IT. FOR APPLIED TECHNOLGI(provides technical servicesdeveloping andpromotingthe use of avail:. able technolOgy; cooperates with public and private organizs iri developing technological standards, codes, and test meth-.. odS; and providOs technical advice services, and information to GoVernment agencies and the public. The Institute consists of the following divisions and centers: Standards Application and Analysis Elect-ronic tvelinology '--.: Center for Consumer Product Technology: Product nyAnalysis;ProductEngineering Center for Building .I.echnology: Structures, Materials, and Safety; Building virokment: Technical Evaluation and Application Center for FireResearch: fireScience; Fire Safety Engineering.

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THE OFFICE OF EXPERIMENTAL TECHNOLOGY INCENTIVES PROGRAMse "ks to affect pUblic policy and process to facilitate technological change in the private sector by examining and experimenting with Government policies and prac-9 tices in order to identify and remove Government-related .barriers .-and to correct inhere tmarket Imperfections that impede the innovation poess. . THE OFFICE FOR INFORMATION PROGRAMSpromotes optimum. dissemination ant accessibility of scientific informa-- tion genezated within NHS: promotes the development of the National Stated; Reference Diita System and a system of in- formation analysis centers dealing with the broader aspects of the National N ..isurement System; provides appropriate services to ensure that the NBS staff has optimum accessibility to the scientific info matioof theorld. The Office consists of the following organizational units:

Office of Standard Reference Data Office of Information Activities -- Office t,if Techcal Publications Library Office.gff Internatitinal Standards Office of International Relations. '

Headquartersand LabrAtories at Gaithersburg, Maryland, unless otherWise-noted; mailing address Wash' gton, D.C. 20234. Located at Bali der, Colorado 80302.

'4 6 Metriciatibn and Dimensional Coorditlon- A Selected Bibliography 00719.6 ( Rdy E Clark and Canda 'e L. Roat

Center for Building Technolog* Institute for AppliedTechnology National Bureau of Standards Washington, D.C. 20234

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+0 4to ,0"t. EAU Of °)

--\U:S.,D.EpARTMNT OF COMMERCE, Juanita M. Kreps, 'Secretary

Dr. Betsy-Ancker-J4Wirtson,Assistant Secretary for Science and Technology NATIONAL BUREAU OF.STANDARDS, Ernest Ambler, Acting Director

'Issued April 1977 -R.

Iilirary of Congress Cataloging in Publication DatA, Clark. Roy E. Metrication and. dimensional 4110§.Spccial Publication; 458) Supt. of Does.. no.; C13.10:458 ( irI. Constructionindustry-54....ndardsUnited States Bibliography. 2. Metric systemBibliography. 3. Modular coordination ( Architecture ) Bibliography. Roat, Candace L.t joint .author. II. Title. III. Series:Unit., States.National B.Preau of Standards. Special Publication; 458. QCI00.U57 no. 458 [Z79I4.89] [TH420] , 602.. I s [624'.021 ] 76-608345 '-`'.

National bureau of Standards Special-Publication 458 Nat. Bur. Stand /(U.S.), Spec. Publ. 458, 32 pages (Apr. 19770 CODEN: XNBSAV

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U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 7,1 WASHINGTON: 1977

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t J ; Contents Page 1.Introduction 1' 2.Pu 'Tose and approach 2

3.List of key issues and questions 3

'3.1 Metri4on 3 3.2 Dimensional coordination 4 3.3Institutional arrangements 5 3.4 International interchange 5 3.5 General 6 4.List of sources with abstracts 6 5.Other bibliographies r-". 4 24

c PREFACE

This report was prepared to assist the budding community in the location of definitive information ono, lnetrication and dimensional coordination. With the passage of the metric Conversion Act of 1975 (Public Law 94-168), it is expected that activities and the need for information with regard to metrication in the building comitwity will accelerate. This report is one of a series developed under the Coordination of Metric Dimensions Program of the Office Of Building Standards and Codes Services, tenter for Building Technology, Institutp for Applied Tech- nology, National Bureau of Standards. Other published reports oo this subje.ct developed for theuse or. obuilding community include: NBS Technical Note 915, Metrication Problems in the Construction Codes and Standards Sector, June L976. . 1 Technical Note 938, Recommended Practice for the Use of Metric (SI) Units in Building Design and Construction, February 1977. These doopments are available from tile Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. ,.20402 or in microfilm 'from the National Technical Information Service (NTIS), Springfield, Vlynia 22161. / The priRcipal author of this document is Mr. Roy C)ark, technical writer,in the Architebtural.search Section of the Center for Building Technology. The work was conducted under the technical di.ction of Dr. Robert Wehrli7Chief, Architectural Research Section, and under the programmatic direction of Mr. Robert J. Kapsch, Assistant Chief, Office of Building Standard..and Coes Services, Center for Building Technology.

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James G. Gross. Chief, Office of Building Standards and Codes Services Center for Building Technology p

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a Metrication and Dimensional CoordinationA Selected"Bibliography Roy E. Clark and Candace. Roat 4 The ,United sates changeover tothe use of Ow SI(pnergational metric)Measurement language presents our construction industry with the need .to review and. adapt many product standards and practices for the tfse of metric Ineasurement units. These, adaptations and changes can bring substantial benefits to the industry in'the-ftirm,of tiermanently recurring cost savings. A practice of potentially great benefit would be the incorporation' of dimensiimaI coordination in the new metrif! standards for sizes of building products. 'For sdchbenefits to be realized, however! the involved issues must be effectively addressed and the requisite decisions made and implemented. Corisiderable literature pertinent to the issues Arid decisions has been 'published in the' United States and. in the other (primarily Engligli

Key words: Building codes and standards; construction in5 try; dimensional" coord nation; metric system; metrication; modular coordination; SI.

I. Introduction

The Unified States has" finally embanked officially on a tage is taken of the use of a simpler, systematic meas- Course of joining the rest of the world in theuse of the urement language and of the stimulus and opportunity metric system of .nieasurement: In July 1968, the then provided by the measurement change to revierth and Secretary of Commerce transmitted to the Congress update standards; procedures, product designs and the report of the three-year U.S. Metrie Study that had practices (a process normally ,retarded by difficult to been carried out by the National Bureau of Standards justify costs of change); at the behesh of the Congress. The Secretary accom- - Metric changeover presents a once 'ina lifetiihe panied the Aporl with a recommendation, based on opportunity to minimize, based on contemporary tee the findings of the study, that "the United States change nology and good design principles, the varieties of to the International' Metric System deliberately and sizes of 'vario'us pro ucts used in building. Since the carefully." In December 1975, after four years of con- product sizes, establiJ ed by standards are influenced' sideration of this 'issue by the Congress- and the body by the meitsur6rtent unused; adoptof metric politic, the President signed into law the Metric Con- .measurements implies, at Vte least, modification of version Act of 1975 that declarethe p)-k.y of the existing standards. The preferable course is the writing United States to.be "to coordinated plan fhe incrtas- of new staiidards, in order to avoid the awkward and ing use of the metric system in the United States and fractional numbers that result from convvertingjound to establish a United States Metric Board to coordinate numbers or fractions of inches and pounds info mili- the voluntary conversion fo the Metric system." meters and kilograms: Any rewriting of product stand- The challenge now facinn. the Nation is to accomplish , ardseven if only their "translation" to reasonable, the voluntary buccoordinaten snittto predominant use metric equivalentsshOuld be looked on as'a onetime of metric measurement units over the next decade or, chance to "clean house" of excessive variety of product so in. the least disruptive and -most efficient and bene- sizes, as well as obsolete practices,.that have come into ficial manner/ In order to meet this challenge, each use over the years. Pursuing this goal will rgduce costs sictor of ojir economy and society is going to have to of both manulacturinn. and distribution by(1)' per- examine its measurement use practices and determine mitting longer.irAnafracturing runs of each sits and how best to adapt them to the gr wing Ise .of metric, (2)reducing the warehousingand distribution capac- in the Nation., making every effort in this process to ity needed to stock all available sizes. secure the potential benefits of t e adaptation while/ This approach to cost savings through Metrication avoiding its potential pitfalls. is being followed by the Industrial Fasteneis Institute That a change of mpasurement language the part with its new Optimum Metric Fastener System shInd- , of-the construction industry would have ,widespread ard, now being processed internafionally as,the impact and ramifications is self evident. It would event-fied ISO Fastener System standard. Thissystem utilizes, ually touch, in some way, everyone from building les4'than one-half the number of different sizes (diam- 'designers to building users. The disruptions and costs eters Ias any other existing threaded/fastener standard of such a shift could be large for the industry and for to cover the same size range. A similar effort to mini- the Nation. However, the metric changeover does offer mize the diversity of needed: product sizesis being VP- the potentialfor the construction industryas for the made by the automobile manufacturers as they adopt country as a whOleof permanent, recurring cost say- new product standards components such as fan ings.. This potential can be realized only if full advan- . belts. The construction industry likewise has an oppor- / C-

tunity. torealize lonklorm savings by minimizing Our search was' conduetedfily throught (through rationalizing) the variety of sizes of manu- following repositories and facturedproticts kitituses.Although complete- analysis of the potential benefits of reduction in num- ' Department of Housing and Urban Developme bers of sizes has not been performed, it is believed that library; the long term benefits could, be substantial. 'Industrialization Forum index;', This effort could be cdrtfed one step further. There has been developed in this counter and abroad a meth- catalog of the Graduate? School of Design of Flax- odology Ad discipline that greatly faciJitates the. onsite -- yard Uni'ersity A availablrj in facsimile- at theLLUI) assembly of manufactured and pre-cnt,cquiponents into libi.ary ; buildings. It is variously referred to as 'dimensional or National Burean`df,,Standards library; modular coordination or precoordination. ,The use of., this apprach to desirm and construction requir .s that Generic Modules Bibliography of the Ro rchi- ,AP4 tectural Institute of Canada Committee on Gen ric the sizes of componentssuch as door sets, wiows, Modules; and bricks, concrete masonry units, wall panelsbe tail- 4-4 ored to multiples of a basicdimensienal module, so collection of the Metric Information Office of the .that they will readily fit together yi.ithout cutting at . National Bureau of'SlandardsI which contains most adjusting. Here again, the development of new produ of the. official publications and ny nongovern- standards in metric dimension offers a unique..oppor- mental materials from the count cs current y going tunity to incorporate moditlar dimensioning into the metric or recently having done so clew standards, thus making coordinated products' avail! . able For those designers. rho desire to take advantar, With a comprehensive listing of apparently relevant of them. Many comments ors, as far backs the tie references compiled, we °Whine)) as many of the docu- of the UPS: Metric Study (1970) see Refer nce N. 49 ments as %as possible. Some items, althoujh listed in insee.1--have suggestedthatmetriccn eover library catalogs, were unavailable even from the Li- for till construction industry could rbe econ brary of Congress or through other interlibrary loan justed oply,if adoption of dimerisional cgor ination efforts. Such items have for the most part been omitted' wee joined with it. This belief seems to be supported on the double ground that-e (11 they could not be re- by te-experiences of the other English-speaking,court- viewed and evaluated, and (2)in any case they are triesroir gding, metric atticularly the United King- app, entlynot usefully available. dom and Atitaliain obining the adoption of this T two authors read and annotated the available methodology with their me is changeover. "". materi Is;keeping in nth-id the issues and not4g those The information presented in sections 3" and 4 of addre. -ed by a .given item. Obviously refe'rens of a this report demonstrates that metrication and dimen- more omprehensive nature arelikelyto touch on sional coordination, although quite different in nature, seversssues. 1 are closely interrelated at the present juncture for the The selection of references for inclusion \itthis U.S. constructio. industry. They share many of the hibliography was made on an issue by issue 'basis. same pr.ohlems Ofsimplementationi7Attempting to sep- The set of references associated with each issue was (arlately evaluate the benefits, costs, and other effects reviewed in toto. and the one or several items that of each is a complex aild many faceted task. be=t address the issue selected. Thus, the bibliography listed in section 4 consists of those references selected for at least one issue, and is by no means exhaustive 2. Purpose and Approach r even comprehensive. , . All participahts in the actnity of building-land 'readers desirinft to explore matters of metrica- planners, architects and,designers, manufac4rs, sup- tion or dimensional coordination to gjreater depth, we pliers, builders and contractors, and building managers have listed in section 5 several bibliographies that do and ownersface the need in ,the near future to at cover more comprehensively the world literature on least understand the implications and 'impacts of U.S, these subjects. metric changeover On this activity. Many of these par- The issues presented in section 3 are followed by ticipants 'will be makinglby intent or by default numbers identifying the particular references (in the etucial decisions concernin\ the adaptation of the `list in section>) th",pt relate to the issue in qukstion. construction industry to the metric measurement en- Perusal of sections 3 and 4 will reveal that tvo gen- vironment.' In this covtext, the present publication is eral problems have been identified:(1'There exist intended to serve as an annotated guide to the extai gapsfor some identifiedissues, Aoseful -sources, literature pertinent to the situation. were located. (2) Some worthwhile k erences are ei- ther out of print or only available with difficulty from The approach taken was firstto identify the key such repositories as the lihrary9or,The Department of 0-issues and-'questions tat appear to be fa ing 'the Housing and Urban Development or the Library of \. various elements of building and construction n regard Congress. for these materials we have endehvored to to metrication. Then we searched for the sources that ,. convey in the abstr5ct the key information contained best addressed these questions. rin the document.

2 A" 3.,. List of Key ISstises. QtfestionS ' builders, for members of the various trades, for . building managers and users? A W have -sought to identify b the general and (19) parti.:ul'ar issues that will be facing ill oparts of the construction industry in the era, of metric changeover: -Are incentivesnecessary ,,,Ichanoeover F cluestiqns ivikseyeral :references, the kciet'gnce some segments of the industry? For example, nu iers havA, been ranked in a,:roirgh order .of corn- :should tradesmen be-Veimhursed for the acqui- pre ensiveness, overall 'Value or. timeliness. However, sition of necessary .metric tools? Should local thi. ranking will rnit.necesserilY serve the purposes of authorities be subsidized in their adaptation of ,ev. ry inquirer, since some 'may. well be interested in a building codes? pr titular approach to a. question that is better served 58, 19, 20. (These do not address the general by a reference further down in the order. question, only the issue of tools.) Numbers encld,sekl in parentheses ()indicate sourccs Nsh.iinot dealing comprehensively with the ques- -(4) Education and information needs tion; do Couch on it prIrtially or tangentially.,, In those cases where an issue is. not followed by any -How will textbooks, educational programs and reference numbers, our search. (did not turn up any courses for the° construction industry be appro- sources usefully addressing the issue. With a view to priately updated to reflect the use of metric afuture, updated editionofthispublleation,the measurements? r ,..luthors would appreciate hearinfrom readers who Cscover informative references on s id ises-or bet- ter sources on others of the issues, -How should_eraployees, including' tradesmen, be taught the metric system? 3.1Met tion 3, 39, 60,38, (14), p20) (1) TheU.S. situation -WhSt -educational or informational efforts vis- a-vis the general woulFbe- necessitated -Why is the United States changin the use o by the aclUn of ofmetric measurement the the metric system of measureme constructio dustry, and who shoul re- 36, 60, 59, 19, 58 sponsiblefor such efforts? (19) -What is the policy of the United States con- cerning metric changeover-the nature of the -What about building managers ers-how national legislation and the role of the-various willtheir `information needs affected by4 governments: Federal, State and local? metric chaTover? 59, 45, 36 J -What are the likelyattitudes toward metric 15) Design, drawing and 'codes changeover on the part of various participants in the industry: professionalsre.g. architects, -What will be the impacts ofetrication on the structuralengineers,managers),tradesmen design process? (e.g. carpenters, pipefitters, electricians, brick- 23, 15, 61, 52, 34, (42) layers), building material suppliers, or cons tractors and subcontractors? -What are the implications of hard versus soft 58,49,52,11,29 conversion* for the design process?6 - 61, 23 (2) Metric Lwhat it is . -Whatmetricicales,a(ndpracticesare best used -What is the SI or Systeme International d'Uni: on drawings? tes and how is it correctly employed? 39, 14, 15 "( 45, 5, 38, 44, 46; 60, 39, 35, 41, 50, 62 -How will metrication affect structural design -What, SIunits,multiplesandsubmultiples and enosineering? should be used in construction activities'? 23, 3'9, 42, 12 39, 41, 35, 15, 38, 60, 62 -What is the principle of geometriCal similarity (3) Costs and benefits- of design' and what canit. contribute to .the adaptationofstructural tometric -What are likely economic, costs and benefits measurement?' of adapting to the use of metric measurements: for architects and designers, for mannfacturqs n1.rLtothrfabrication products and torn Imenteinround 'furd suppliers, for contractors and subcontrdc- nninlicrednoirric ft"it. Aontinuangto ploycustomary but.1,,crillinu kfilininweinic ,ineasores, which usually art awkward tors,fOrindustrializedbuilders,for home numbers of units. MO.

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17. t implication:of, metrication 'for .2Dimensional Coordination U. ding codes and standards? 5, 31 (1) at it is (6) Onsite activities What is dinwfisional or modular coordination? 15, ,16, 13, 25, 54, 62, 64 4Iow will metrication affect the measurement of '4 land? (2) Possible benefita:, 39 -7-Whal, are, the potential benefits of dimensional What will be the effects of metrication on onsite coOydination? . . * assembly activities? 15, 16,-47, 39,521, .38, 41, 48, 1 (37) What are the, potential imifacts of dimensional coordination on building costsfordifferent What are the implications of hard versusoft types or cOnstruction? conversion* for onsite activities? 21, 57;54,17,41. Could implenientation of iiimensioital coordina- (7) Suppliers tion ha'ye noticeable effect on materials, con- suption by the industry? What are the implication* of metrication for (38), (22), (264 product and engineering standards? 1960, ight theadoption of dirrien,sional coordination affect energy consumption an the construction What are potential effects'of me14, changeover industry? on the various elements of the building Mate- rials and supplie's' industry, inoWirig the local hth-dware or do-it-yourSelf outlet? (31 How "it can Ite implemented (See also number 7, below.)

Ht can dime.[ions (8) Particularconstructions °typesbenefits/prob. be 'coordinated. across lents v rious types ofroducts and what are the p ects for reding te variety of sizes of pr facated comp.). en (y.indOws,dclOr sets, Are there particular problems or bene ro f trusses; etc.)a with such coordina- industrialized- Or factory building in ad - tion 7 "'A to the metric measurement language?' 51 What should be the tequence, timing, and priclr-L. Are trierepart_cu1 1 aripTblems or benefits to ities for implementing dinienMaon coordina.7- clInxentional stick b &ling from- the adoption tibn? 1-of metric measurement? ( Is acceptance and irnplementatiort of modular ---2Are there antr,.paitietlar problemor bensfits coordination likely- to be affected_ by -.regional for commercial, industrial, or public constnic- -differences? tion from the adtptf8ri of metric measurement? (4) Informationandeducatiorki, availableor (9) Existing'buildingets, needed "What educational efforts and approaches within rt.What/trill be the effects of metrication of the the industry would be necessitated by adoption , construction industry on building mainienancre of Ahe dicipline of dimensional coordination? activities"? 56 =What existing U.S. standards apply to dimen- How 'will changeover to-the use of mettic meA- sional coordinatioct? ureinents affect repair and remodelling of old 4, 54,48 ac buildings? z t international (ISO) standards relate to , 56, (9) dimensional coordination? geter to tootnote on pap 3. 30,21

1 \f 1 r4 EL (5) How itm,acts design (8) .AppliCatiOn to particular types' of cOnistruction i.. , .. . , . . -...... -How .does. dimensional coordination -Does the use of dimensional.. coordination offer. (' design process?. . particular, potential. benefitstoindugtrialized,'

1', 15, 23, 16, 32,.18,'13, 17, 41, 6, 54, (.53), building? Might itoiler possibilities of more: : 27, 48' . .. individualized designwithii,!factorysbuilding a ... constraints? -What are the implications of diMensional coor- 54:53, 63 .. dination iorstrtiqtiifaldesign? 4 s 15, 1,48 -How does dimensional coordination apply to .451'14/' " f conventional residential Construction? --Hmbean dimensional coordination relate to the .*47, 22, 26,18 human needs-of building users?,-cr- .61; 23, 33 - I' - Are-:there-particular benefits, or'cois in apply- ingdirnensional 'criOrdination inte construc- ..(6) How it impacts the technical. aspects of huilding- ciowof multifamily residential orommerciay 11 industrial' buildings? -What are-the potential effects of dimensional coordination on the "quality of the assembly' . .vti , job? ,. 3..3Institutional Arrangements 18(23,,26; (20) -.8 - v . . --....,, . . ' -What institutions and resources a e avallablel-or --41fat arellie effects of using dimensionally co- are needed-to facilitate implementation of metric dinated designs and materials' on the tools, measurement find dimensionalcoordination by fhe equ etit and lab r needed at the job-site? U.S. construe ion induttry? 1, 22,.-1. 42, (21) . ' '35, 59, 2,1315, 54. -How does he dimensiOnaLcoo dindions meat- odology affetk technical problerns'atni practices --Mat is the American Natiohal. Metric Council? of materials,and.coMpOrients? What is its role in U.S. metrication and what does 1, 28, 10, 7, 63, 64 it hatve to offer' the construction' industry.? 2, 62 -How can existing stocks of bu ding materials in old -"customary' sizes be ized along. with 3.4International Interchange --"coordinated" rnric sizes? 1 -Flow are the other "English-mea,surement" kipun- ;4 Ctries going Aabout the metrication of their construc- " -How will ado p tion of dime siorially coordinated tion indusitries? ,t sizes forbuildingcomponents affect the repair 39;24, 8, 40; 20 and remodelling of old buildings? . (9) ' -What lessons can bearned from the experience of ,other countries indopting modular coordind (7) impact on suppliers tion asa'. correlatewith changeover to use of metric measuredie- s -1-'ow can the dimensional coigyLlination disci- 40, 18, 8, 55 v. pline be 'effectivelyinfiiseA into the product stanAards-making ,process*as new, mettle/ill- fzother countries mensional staWrds for building materials and What as been the experienc inte use of dimensional coordin" tion in build- . components are,developed? in 1, 18', 54;22 Are incentives necessary for some industry par- tiCippts-are some likek to incur a cost in - What are the opportunities for.andpotential bene- adopting dimensional col7r-dination that is not fits and costs from U.S. participation infilter- compensated by 'a reasonable benefit? national( metric) standardizatioand harmoniza-:- `' tion of building matials, procts, and prac- tices? What are the potential effects of widespread (2) v dimensional coordination of compo- nents on the sr tious elements of the building -Flow may export/import of building oriiponents, materials and supplies in ity-including thee bet affected by U.S.' adoption of metiliclased. local hardware or do!it-y self Outlet? mensional coordination? (21), (51)

4., 3.5General 2. American National Metric Council, Metrication: ,IIths and RealitiesFacingthe Issues, Wash- incrton, D.C., April 1976. -.-Are there other' for the construction in- T dustry with which conversion to metric dimension- ing or implementation of dimensionalcobtdina- Request from: Lion may conflict? American National Metric Council 1625'Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. -Washington, D.C. 20036 . . Are there significant incentives for some industry This is the second annual report of the Ameri- participants to continue using customary meas- can National Metric Council 1 ANMC I, aprivate- urements? sector organization, formed in 1973 under the sponsorship of Lhe American National Stand- ards Institute,' to help manage voluntary metric .1What are the implications of metrication and implementation in the 'United States. The Coun- dimensional coordination for do-it-yourself repair cil is governed by a Board of Directors repre- and remodelling activities (f the home owner? senting most activities in the nation that are affected by growing taw of metric. This report ,focuses on the many myths as well as realities of metric changeover that have emerged dung 4. List: of Sources with Abstracts the past Year of growing metrication eVoil in the U.S. Myths and realities are, onsideied: (1) Sources are listed alphabetic:ally: by author (if iden- for the metric situation of the nation as a whole, tified ); otherwise by originatinginstution),-.., or by (2) for the national legislation enacted in De- .title., cember, 1975 (see Reference 59), and (3) for standards activity during metric changeover: 1. Adams. Myron W. and Prentice Bradley, A62 One section discusses the developing uniformity Guide for Modular CoordinationAguideto in the Nation regarding metric practicei.e., Assist Architects and Engineers- in how we will use the SI as we go metric. Modular Coordination to Building Plans and A second theme of the report is "facing the Details, Boston. Massachusetts: Modular Service issues," under which the sector committees of Association, 1946, 275 pp. the ANMC describe the status and prospects of metric activities in their respectviz sectors of Out of print.. economic or 'other .activity. The council has organized,todate, thirtysector committees which are actively addressing such specific tasks This book is a guide to modular coordination and issues as: identification of standards needs, ft-is engineers_ and architects.' It begins wick a relevant laws and regulations, soft versus hard discussion of the goals and benefits of modular conversion, time requirements fortransition, coordination and explains the economics of and measurement unitselection. The sector standardization. The "general method and prin. committees are organized into five broad group- ciples.of modular coordination" and their "con- ings,-with the chairmen of there committees form- -nection with the various stages of the archi- ing five coordinating committees: Materials, En. tect's work"'are presented. This includes infor- gineering Industries; Consumer Products, Edu- mation on (1) drawing procedures and draft- cation and Industrial Training, and Construc ing symbols for architecture,I 2 Ithe'standard tion Industries. 4" grid, 131 dimensioning symbols, 1.1 ) sample The report also describes the current status modular details, and (5Iapplications ofdi- of metrication activity in Canada and the latest mensional coordination to working drawingS. experience of Great Britain, South Africa, Aus- Much of Lhe book is concerned with the appli- tralia and-.New Zealand. / cationofmodular coordinationtovarious building, components andthethenexisting 3. AmericanNationalMetricCouncil,hi-service status of the components as to their standardiz- Training Sector Committee, Metric Education zation and coordination. Components covered Guide for Employee Training. include(1I masonry. (21 wood frame,(3) windows. doors, 151 glass block, (6) skel- Request from: eton frame, and 17)stairs. Examples of di- ANMC mensiOnally coordinar;id working drawings for ciEducatiOn Guide actual buildings are presented. 1625 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. Appendices cover the derivation of the stand- Washington. D.C, 20036 ard basis for modular coordination and three approved' Americanstandardsformodular This publication "provides general training coordiiration. guidelines for companies that have voluntarily

6 ,..._..- -.made" the decision to convert to the SI metric This,is a *lilting of the functions of building' system." .It "aids trainers in deciding ' which components.Ad systems to be coordinated. '-'employees need what yype atid degree of metric training." The Ah, ide contains a sample lessen., American-zNational Standard Basis for the Ver- planI with a preost test. and answer F hat 1, tiralDlinensionino.of Coordinated "Building editorial guidelines,___and a listof_--p-essihle re- Components and Systems, A62.7-1969. $ source materials. This standard establishes a Muhimodule (4M 4American National Standards Institute, New YOrk ifiertical dimension exceer s 20M) as ,The di- /merisional basis for coordi rating vertical di- Request from mensioning. It also establishes preferr41 veracal AmericaNational Standards Institute, inc.. dimensions .forbuilding 'componentsstory 1.130 Broadly heights, ceiling, heights and floor-ceiling sand- New York, Nework 10018 .wich thickness. American NationalStandardBasisforthe Coordination of Dimensions of Building Mate: American National Standard Numerical Desig- Hats. and Equipment, A62.1-1957. nation of Modular Grid Coordinates, A62.8- 1971. This standard establishes the standard grid based on the module of 'I in to i5e ihe basis for This standard establishes a system for the dimensional coordination. The grM, is toje., numerical identification of the various planes used to correlate building plans, with coordi- in the three-dirnensional modular ;rid.' nated dimensions of building materials and equipment. , 5. AmericanSocietyforTesting andMateiiaIs dOgrA ASTM I; of Electrical and Electronic American National Standard Basis for the Co- Engineers IIEEF)., Standard for Metric Prac- ordination of Masonry, A62.2-1945. tice,AST1.1. E 380-76 or IEEE 268-1976. This standard establishes that "coordinated! Request from: sizes for masonry products shall conform to ASTM the American Standard Basis for the Coordirka,:, 1916 Race Street tion of Dimensions of Building Materials arid", Philadelphia, Pa. 19103 Equipment, A62.1." or IEEE American National Standard Sizes of Clay and 345 East 47th Street Concrete Modular Nlasoory Units, A62.3-1946. New York, New York 1001,7

This .standard covers unit sizes(.stndard, This is American National Standard 2210.1- nominal and supplementary) /find variati 1976, a guidg. to the use of the SI measurement 1 well as standard joint thickness, for clay an language. It applies to the use of SI measure- concrete modular masoy units. ment units in engineering and other technical practice. Arnerican Nationatandard Sizes of Clay Flue lininos, A62.4 6. Bloomfield, Byron C., NIA, Doors and Frames Dimensional and Installation Characteristic of This standard covers sizes, dimensions, and Modular Building Products and Materials,1, permissible size variations for clay flue linings. Modular Building Standards Association, Wash- American National Standard Basis for the Hori- ington, D.C., 1963, 37 pp. zontal Dimensioning of Coordinated. Building Components and Systems, A62.5-1968. Out of print. This standard establishes a unit equal to sixty This booklet is intended to assist draftsmen basic modules 160M Iin length as a systems and detailers of building projects.It contains module ISM) for the planning., dimensioning graphic illustrations of over thirty typical door and coordinating of building systems.It also and frame installations in common types of wall establishes preferred coordinating dimensions construction. Included are steel, wood and alu- for components. minum doors and frames for exterior and in- terior doors, and swinging, sliding arid folding American National Standard Classification for doOrs. All details are expres9ed in conventional Properties and Performances of Coordinated modular drafting. It is suggested that, if modu- Building Components and Systems, A62.6-1969. lar dimensioning is used in' details, the latter

7 . A

can pe 'transferred' directly onto.the,Working The authOr emphasizes thei portance of edu- drawings ofbuildingprojectsand ;tan. be cation And information flown a conversion further related..to the working drawing plans effort. 'and sections. r ting in efficiencies in drafting 'N arut,d imension 9. Brick Manufacturers' Association of- Nev South Walesi.Aus`,tralia ),Brici PevelopmentDivi- 7. Bonshor, R. B. an Harrison. The Relation- sion. Metric Brickwork, Technical Note No. 8, Jan 1971, 10 pp. '- ship between Component Si'. ' and Joint Dimen- , .'" sion Building Research F.stablishinent Current 'PaperCP 5:71. Februiry 1971. Request from: .. 4 Brick Development Division Reprinted from: Building, Vol. 219, No.6652; The Brick Manufacturers' Association of NSW 13 Nov .t9,70, lip:111-150 -I-12 Railway He._ Burwood2134,NSW, Australia Tequest NM: ublications Officer.Inforniation Division This pdbecation discusses the followinr, as- Building Research Station pects of metric brickwork: 111dimensional co- Garston, Watford. "01)2 7JR, Great Britain ordination, including preferred modules,: format 'sizevs.' manufacturisig size. andpreferred In the context of building with,components, nietric sizes of brick. 121 bricke cavity walk this paper sets out procedures that may be used ,d(31' brick veneer wall;.1 .1) brick dimensional to determine the relationshiP between compo-. .1tolerances, 151 type and spacing of wall ties in neat size and joint dimensioh. Itis becoming cavity walls,161measurement of brickwork recognized that the utilization of a (modular) 1 the number of bricks per rn.' is given 'for, tradi- dimensional framework -f6r planning purposes tional and .metric modular sizes of bricks), and and for rationalizing\the ranges of "nominal" I ) metric linear measurement for brickwork sizes of componentswhile necessdryis only (e.g., the centimeter will not be used I. TV doc- the first step toward'.the securing of fit in real ument states that comparisons of (Australian) terms. Beyond this stage,is required examina- ' traditional and modular metric bricks show tion in turn of each proposed situation of use their differences in measurement tO. be sufficientt of a component. Then, for each situation.sizing ly negligible that existing buildings can easily of the component must lake realistic,accothat of > be altered or'exteaded.by using the new metric the dimensional deviations operatinginthat brick. situation andthedimensionallimitswithin which a joint suitablefor the situation can 10. Building Industrialization Research and Develop- function adequately. Finally, the various solu- ment Group, Washington UniversimN.S.t. Louis. tions must be reconciled. It is implicit that "fit" Component Building andiltle Organization of is a term with functional as well as dimensional the Building Process: A Study' of Joints and implications and thus-that. if buildings are to Jointing,-197,3, 3 vols., 220,203and 167 pp. function satisfactorily, fit must' take precedence over interchangeability. Joints do not. in gen- Request from: eral, function so well that reduced performance National Technical inforniation Service is acceptable. U.S. Department of Commerce

Springfield, Virginia 22161 . 8. Bowen, Gordon, Metrication Experience inthe Order Nos: Vol. 11PB-223 255 ),V. 2 I PB- finite(' Kingdom, Building Research, Vol. 10,.- 223 3,561,Vol. 3 (PB-223 256) No. 1, Jan:Mar -1971, pp.31-36. 1, See Reference 11.1 Thisisthe report of an applied research project that investigates the organitional as- . This pa er. by the Director of the British pects of industrialized building. It examines and Metricatior oard, discusses the experience of compares"open"and"closed ".component metrication and the adoption of dimensionaLco- building systems, .,riving examples and showing ordination in the construction industry in the how the creation of the appropriate administra- United Kingdom. Both shifts were begun simul._ tive eonditionS can lead to innovations in build- taneously, butthe implementation of dimen- ing technology; particularly in the case of joints siodlal coordination has lagged behind metrica- arid jointin4, keolumes 1 and2contain the proj- tion. Metric conversion was mainly carried out ect Information System tabstracts;summaries by existing. professional organizations through of interviews and case studie). Volume 3 con- the leadership of the British Standards Institu- tains Factual Information Idiscussion, of key lion. Other organIzations that were involved terms, recommendations. on. joint design, gloss- the construction industry's conversion are ary) and Debate (an analysis and synthesis of scribed and their rolesexplained in this article. the results of the case studies).

8 11. Building, Research Institute, U.S. National Acad- the kilogram is the unit for measuriing mass. emyofSciences,MetricationinBuilding. It cannot he Used to express force, which must. Building Res .arch.Vol.10, No.1 (entire he measured in newtons. issue r, Jan:1 ar 1974. '(See References' 8, 21, 40, 52, 61.1 13. Callender, John H. (Editor-in-Chief I, Time-Saver Standards for Architectural Design Data (Fifth This issue consists of 10 papers originally Edition I, New, York: McGral'y Hill, 1974, 1042 presentedatthe Conference "Metricationin PP. BuildingDesign,Production, and Cqnstruc- tion," held in Wasqin;"ton, D.C.,27 November This is a comprehensive handbook of stand- 1973. The first seven articles present reactions.. ards arid infornialion useful for all who. design; of Various elements of the United States con-. ,cmistruct .or maintain buildings. One section struction industrytometric conversion. The ( authored by B. C. Bloomfield, AIA.:Executive change.is seen as inevitable and most of the Director. of the Modular Building Standards authors call' for a planned, coordinated effort in Association)discusses modular coordination. converting.Advlintages.aswellas expected The theory is briefly presented. -Then the prin:, disadVantfiges and problems are described. Hard ciple. of joint-centerline to joint-centerline di- Vssoft conversion is discussed. 'Metrication is mensioning is described. It/ is used here with seen by some as an opportunity to, impler dent multiples of the stand-Nrd, /four 4,1-let)module. dimensional coordination. The role of volunteer Wdular drafting and its three conventions standards committees is discussek.and- the im- the grid, the arrowhead, aria the dorare dis- portance of education is stressed. elast three cussed. Assenibly of modular masonry units is articles discuss the experience of three other used as an example of thuse of modu' lar di- countries (Canada. the.;17nited (Kingdom and mensiquing. The authors suggests that modular Australia )with metrication and dimensional co- coordination will not ad'versely affect freedom ordination. of design. Five steps to pranning on a modular system_ are eloborated: (1) preliminary draw- 12. Burges-. H. J., Head, Engineering, Section, (U.K.) ings. (21 selection if overall dimensions ( 31 Timbr,Research and Development Associati6n, identification'of signifiCant details. al develop-. Timber in Construction. paper presented at a ment of modular details, and (5.1 correlation of conference held bv the U.K. Metrication Board details on working drawings. on 11 July 1971. A section on:modular clay masonry units dis- cusses (.1) sizes, (2) relations, to the grid, (3) Request from: estimating quantities, and j41 vertical coursing. Metrication Board Another short section..pregents sizes of modtilar 22. K ingsway concrete masonry units. London WC2B 6LE -) England ,,14. Construction. IndustryTrainingBoard.Pro- grammed F earning Section; Scales. on Metric Drawings. CITB Learning Text, London, 1968, This paper Consider`sthe.prospective impact 27 pp. (in the United;Kingdom) of metric changeover on wood product sizes. particularly in the con- Request from: text of strutural design in timbet. It discusses ConstructionIndustcyTraining Board the concept q weometrical similaritysaid to Metric Training Aids, Radnortkuse he detailed ia Timber Research and Develop- London Road, Norbury merit.Associationleaflet I,andillustratesits London, S.W. 16 usefulnessforadaptingexisting -designs. to metric dimensioning. Geotnrical similarity es- This is a programmed workbook'on scales for 4'9 .stabliAes that,if the depth of a beam is in- metric drawings. instruction Sand practice ques- creased iOr decreased Iby a certain percentage. tions are given on IN reading scales' on draw- thenits'Span may he,lengthen. ed( must be ings, 1.21 the Meaning of the scales. (3) scales shortened only )by the same percentage. For recommended for use By the British Standards example. an existinv design using inch .size Institution, 111. finding'amisSing dimension timber can he used in'olio by converting tl a drawing,5 drawing to scale. 16) finding wood sizes at 25 mm tot en inch and the ,spans a missing scale. A practice test is,4ven at the

. by a corresponding0 mm to the foot. Accept- end of the . boOk along .with rules- for writing ance of. this slight ,shrinking "bf-,the design sizes the decimal and the tlfousands marker. (United rnakee...unnecessary- calculations to`Iiistifv" the States .practice. as to recommended scales -for metric version. . metric drawings and recommended unit usage The paper makes- a misguided re erence to has not vet been firmly establishedHowever. using the kilogram as the unit of forcefor this publication offers an excellent model for normal structural design purposes.n; the SI adaptation to U.S. needs:

. 11 . 9 15. Crocker, Alan E.. Module and -Metric: The Theory (3)a, Canadian article on the meaning of and Practice of Dimensional Coordination in modular coortlinatiou:and how it,can be applied -Metric, New York: Praeger Publishers,Inc., in1.'rtaiitifacturing.in huilding design and on 1971, 135 pp. constructiononstruction job. (41 a description of a say_s- tern for modular coordination, (5) a methodof This book describes metrication and dimen- relating various building components to each sional coordination in simple terms. It explains other suoh 'that flexibility to small increments how the two can be combined, the benefits to is achiey'ed by combinations of large sizes, (6) be derived from the combination, and the use a report of modular practice in the Minneapolis- of dimensional coordination in ,translating de- St. Paul area. where the majoity of construction signers' ideas into buildings. The book explains industry personnelfeelit. has bnefited the thepurpose of dimensional, coordination and- industry. .and (7) a survey of'systems of Le Corbusier. of both basic (length, area,"'volume Iand de- rived units important to the building industry. 17. Demarest, William, Jr., The Five Fundamentals of The author suggests that a change to dimen- Modular Drafting. AmeriCan Institute of A..rchi- sional coordination accompany th_e' change to tects, Washington, D.C., undated. metric so that the advantig,,es of both can be` obtained simultaneously. The book includes de- Out of print. tailed discussion of the application of the theory of dimensional coordination to, building design, This pamphlet describes the basic principles ,and speculation as to how metrication and di- of preparing drawings in ,modular measure, mensional coordination could affect the build- ,namely: (11Ile sure that any design modules ing process and the manufacture of Ifiildings used are in mdltiples of 4 in. 121 Begin all de. components. tailseven hasty s etcheswith the gridlines. 131Give nominal or "grid" dimensions on 16. Darlington. R. P., AIA, M. W. Isenberg. PE, and small-scale layout rawirigs.(4)Use arrows D. A. Pierce, AIA (eds.), Modular Practice:' and dots to indica. respectively,dimensioning The Schoolhouse and the Building Industry, to a gridline andmensioning to a point not o New York: Johp,Wiley and Sons, 1%2, 194pp. the grid. 151 ertical dimensions are coor - atecl from :.(ridlie coinciding with nominal finished floor. level((topof subfloor or of slab- This handbook; prepared by the Modular on-ground with wood-frame construction, other- Building Standards, Association, begins with a wise, 1/s" above actual finished floor). description of the concept of modular cooraina- ,. tion--and the different grid types used as refer- ence systems in the design .and construction of 18. Department of the Environment (U.K.), Prop- buildings. The three basic tools of modular di`- erty Services Agency. Going Metric in the Con- mensibning on drawings are then presented: struction Industry: Bulletin No. 4. Six Case the4 in grid, the dimensionirp, arrow and the Studies, London, 1972, 64 pp. dimensiOning dot. T e differetdimensioning techniques are discos d. Ex anations accom- Request from: panied by many examplerawings cover the Building Information Room following topics as they relate to modular co- Lunar House ordination:(1 )designing with the modular Wellesley Road grid,- (2 -) the development' of working drawings Croy'vkor\ CR9 3EL, England (a smaller scale can usually be used with modu- lar dimensioning ),13) application of modular This bulletin describes sevetlal of efirst dimensioning in plaits to building dimensions, metric. dimensionally coordinate t ruction columns, doors and windows, and partitions, projects in the United Kingdom. It wasi nteled. (1) elevations and sections, 15 Idetails, and (6) to provide early feedback to the industron emlineering, drawings. Benefits derived from theexperience obtainedfrom the e"pilot" modular coordination by the contractor as well efforts. The first section is a general ummaq, as some problems for manufacturers of building and lists tasks made easier, as well as se made components are discussed. The handbook states m re difficult, by -the use of the m tric system that researchon materials, components and am dimensional coordination. for architects, construction methods ). Standards and education quantity surveyors, structural engineer ,serv- are needed if modular coordination isto be ices engineers, estimators and, site staff.tarting used increasingly in the future. to use the metric system' seemed generate Appendices include 11 Y definitions of terms,. fewer problems than adopting dimensional co- (2)a brief history of modular coordination, ordination. The case study projects generally'

10 at achieved a degree of accuracyinexcess of This article is a subjective account of char* expectation. , This isprobably attributableto to the met ie1,stern by the construction indus- greater thanikkmal attention and supervision try ini thenited Kingdom. The government having been7givenhowever no one reported chose the British Standard's InstitutionI BSI') that the better' accuraw"hadincreased %costs. to be the foc44-oint for the change. The Con- Recommendations on pap' er s'izeutrales, and struction InduStry Division of BSI formed a' grids to use on contract drawino.s'gr-ew out of Metric Panel, which develed the changeover the reappraisal 14orertig methot.ds"that accom- program. making use of aopinion question- panied the, eonv rsi°n to metric and dimen- naire submitted to all those n the industry. A .sional cOordination. high -level Igdvemment-BSI Idecision was made taken up with the cas e. to link dimensional coordination with metrica- stu,dies of the six buildings. A general descrip- tion. The author states the pOential' benefits of. )4 of each building is given, followed by. a this approach to the prodtuit manager, the build- "'=disco Slon of the ways in 'which dimensional ing designer, the contr4._tor- and the developer. coordination was applied in its design and con-. :ALLmakes two specific suggestions for the United struAion. Working, drawings of various,cono- ' States, based on the U.K. experience:(1)a .;a1 T. .Lppirents are shown, and ,problems and decision National .Metric Board should be formed early --:,-oncernipg them in relation to the 'dimension on, and (2)a poor of , speakers lecturing all ,-coordination-discipline are discussed. over the country is needed to awaken, eVeryone to the changeover. -9. De Simone, Daniel v.; A Metric America: Today (19731 most drawings and contract cision whose time has come. National BuredY,'61':-.1 documents are metric, except those for small Standards Special Publication, SP 3 , JUly addition or remodeling work and those which 1971, 170 pp. flow frOm a few -last ditchers. The problem .of joints and tolerances remains, mainly because Request from: A of the change to dimensional coordination. The Superintendent °I-Documents theory has,been done, but what will take some U.S. tovernment Printing Office time is the feedback. The author suggests that Washington, D.C. 20402 employees be taught at the outset only what

SD Catalog No. C13.10:345 .1 they must know for theiriobs, and that all their old measuring instruments be taken away. The This is the final, overall r port of the U.S. Construction Industry Training Board helped ,MetrieStudy, a 3-year .investigation conducted a great deal in the training of construction in: dustry employee's ^ ',by' the National Bureau of ,Standards pursuant (see Reticence 14 for one tce the mandate of the Metric Study Act of 1968 example). assess the impact on The United States of increasing worldwide use of the metric system. 21. Economic Commission fcfr Europe (ECE), Dimen- The report describes the history and back- sional Coordination in Building: Current .Trends ground of iretric use in this country, what a and Policiesin ECE Countries, New York, ( metric changeover would arid would not mean United Nations, 1974. for the Nation, and the world context for a decision.Appendices, describe how theU.S. Request from : ' Metric Study was planned and carried out and United Nations present a biblography of Metric Study and im- Sales Section portant 'related reports. (Twelve supplemental New York, N.Y. reports were published by theU.S. Metric Sales No. E.74.II.E.3 Study as the detailed record of the investiga- tions.)'- This report is based on; the response of 20 The findings and conclusions contained in 'ECE countries to a, questionnaire issued by a this report constituted the bask for the recom- Working Party of the Building Industry review- mendation to the Congress by tie then Secretary ing progress made in-4'e fbeld of standardization or Commerce that the United States "change and dimensional coordination in building. to, the International Metric System deliberately The report first describes the 'purpose of di- and carefully .. .through a coordii?ated na- mensional coordination: to make possible the tional program...with a central coordinating massproductionofbuildingcomponents body responsive to all sectors of o,,)ar society" Cthatwillalso.. fittocetherwithoutonsite_ a recommendation finally taken up in the Metric modification. A, briefhistory'ofinterna- ConVersion Act of 1975, enacted in December tional cooperation concerning dimensional co- of that, year. ordination and a description of the role and documentation of such organizations asthe 20. Dunstone, 'Philip, Change to Metric, Construe- Europ-SanProductiyity Agency, theInterna- 'tion Specifi0r, Jan. 1971, pp. 26-33. tional Organizatirrrt for Standardization

11 4 L ,,(ISO). andthePe'rm'anent Commissionon The primary concern was to reconcile the use of Buildin s of the Council 'of Mutual Economic standard brickwork witlt, other components in Aid areresented. 4 buildings that are -designed ,-ar planned to fa __rli-he, pri ciples of dimensional coordination cilitate methodical construction,i.e.,with a , in buildino.r, 'including the -basic module -of minimum of waste, either of labor or of, mate- 100 Om multiodules, and intra-modular 'sizes rials, and with a desirably increasing use of pre- are /then discued. A country-by-country de- fabrication and of "dry" construction.' esults ' scription of preerI sizespyork sizes and tol- reported include measufed'dimensions of the erances, and standard ensions of sheet mate-, buildingsaserected. rials and joints is include /- The reporqescribes.lhe:thods of applica- 23: Fairweather,,, Leslie, ARIBA', and Jan A. Sliwa,4 tion of dimensional coordiriation-and the prob- Diping, DipArch, ARIBA, The VNR Metric , . lems related to it in each countlie following Handbook, New York: Van Nostrand Rejnhold

inforrhaticin is presented for each contry :(1) 'Co., 1969, 206 pp. , ` the natiorcaLbuilding policy involving stdai'd-_, iiation and dimensional coordination,(2) ill This handbook, first published in England, is extent of promotion of dimensional coordination --,<_a-comprehensive reference of basic metric de- - (which ranged from lairs in half of the coun- -crata-Pix..st,itediscusses some of the implica- tries to education and dissemination of informa- tions and difficUltIeof canging to the metric tion in all countries), and(3)a list of the system in the cons ruction ndustry'. The (U.K.) authorities and institutions concerned with di- program of metric c ,angeoverispresented, mensional coordination in buildirT; along with some positive and negative conse- A subject-by-subject account of the results quences of the change. Rounded and rational- achieved and experience gained by each coun- ized dimensions ( soft and hard conversion) are try makes up Part V. The following areas are discussed. The authors suggest that, with the covered: (1) use of modular grids, (2)appli- conversion, the manufacturer-oriented standards cation of standardized controlling 'dimensions, for all aspects of the building be replaced by (3)stageof development of type design, especial- user requirements. A check list of 'such require- ly with regard "to the application of dimensional ments is presented as a guide to-the types of coordination, (4). economics obtained through questions that should be addressed. the application of modular design, standard Next, the book presents a 'basic description controlling dimensions and type design,(5) of the metric system- and of SI units.It dis- advantages and disadvantages experienced in cusses notation and drawing Office practice, and the application of dimensional coordination,(6) the, progress of public sector and other official use of standardized modular components,(7) bodies involved (in the U.K.) in metrication and experience gained byenterprisesproducing dimensional coordination. The basic features of .building mater' ls, components and equipment, dimensional coordination are described. Some (8) experience fined by building enterprises, 40 pages are devoted to basic design data, in (9)difficulties eerienced in obtaining modu- metric units, for the following areas: anthro- lar components nd (10) use of modu com- Romorphic, internal and external circulation and ponents in system building. 'car parking, heating, thermal Vulation and The questionnaire on dimensional coordina- codlensation, lighting, soul, and structural tion in building that was used to collect the design.Another80pagescontainrecom-

information is presented in Annex I. ECE and 1 mended basic measurements and 'data needed ISO recommendations and ISO international for the design of buildings of fifteen) different standards are listed in Annexes II and, III. usage types. A selective bibliography and con- - - version factors and tables are included. , 22. Edmondson, P.D.,Dimensional Coordination Methods in Ratio alised Traditional Housing, 24. Gossage, S. M, Canadian Experience' in Metric CPTB Technicalote, September 1968,19 pp- Conversion, Building Research, Vol. 10, N,/ 1, Jan/Mar1974, pp. 27-30(see Reference 11) . Request from: This paper, by the Chairman of the Canadian Clay Pioducts Technical Bureau Metric Commission, gives a 'brief history and Drayton House description of the organization for conversion k Gordon Street to the metric system in that country. The na- London W.C. 1, England tional Metric Commission was established in June1971,'to investigate the implications of This paper describes two experiences of build- Metrication and develop a.,,plan for change. The ing traditional row- or townhouses to dimen- seventeen members of the 6ommission are wide- sionally-coordinated (4" module) designs. The ly representative of the economy. houses were built for Local Authorities, using Ten steering committees, with members from traditional materialse.g., brick and block walls. different segments of the economy as well as

12

,13 from the 'federalNxernment, are organized un- This booklet is a detailed ekPlanatiOn of the der the Netric Commission. Steerinr. committee application of the principles and criteria con.: , No. 5 represents and serves tne Co-nstruttion ,tained in the A62 Guide to ModularCoordina= Industry. 'Under the steering committees are tioh titi design and drafting practiceea'rticular- sector committees which represent an indiVidual ly to the preparation of working, wings. It interest or grolip of interests. Their duties are shows how the modular rgethodolo simplifies (1 Ito determine the metric units to be used in and reduces .the latter task by enab ing the use their industry, (2I to set priorities for the writ- modular (i.e'., repetitive) details. ing of metric standards, (3) to set priorities for the .revision of legislation and regulations from 28. Interdepartmental Sub-committee for Compo gnt 4 imperial to metric units, and (4)to devise a Coordination(U.K..), Dimensional- Coordina- specific conversion plan for their industry. Also tion for Building---Deng with components: under the steering committees are task forces an appreciatiop of the problems of fit that arise or working groups that study particular prob- and techniques that may be used in solving lems of interest. them D.C, 21, 1972, 46 pp. The Canadians foresaw a three phase conver- sion process:(1)investigation, (2) planning Request from: .and scheduling, and (3) implementation. The Component Co-ordination Group author stresses the importance for the change- Room 108, Cleland House, Page Street over of metric education as well as of'its ac- London SW1P 4LL, Great. Britain ceptance bir, the public This publication results from work carried 25. Housin. andome Finance Agency, Washington, out within the British Standards Institution that D.C.,r'Basic'Principles of Modular Coordination; will form the revision to BS '3626: Recommen- 1953, 29 pp. dations for a System ofToleiances and Fits for Building.It provides guidance for those in- volved in system designing on the use of the Out of print. principles set out in the revision to BS 3626 and on the selection of component work sizes, This pamphlet is a brief illustrated descrip- and dimensionally suitable jointing techniques. tion of the criteria and standard, for 4" modu- It also gives the designer an appreciation of the lar ebordinaion presented in the A62 Guide for problems inherent in the use of compon Modular Coordination.Ittreat:thebasic that he can choose the appropriate aRs, o module, modhlar dimensions, modular masonry, overcoming them and conveying heecessary modular coordination with varying,int thick- information to the builder. e:t nesses, modular coordinatihn of dissimilar mate- rials, (i.e.,fontings, foundationwallswood 29. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, frame or masonry (walls, and floors), modular International Associationof Machinists and . framing, and modular products (such as in- Aerospace Workers, and United Brotherhood of terior wall facings or blanket insulation). ,$ Carpenters and Joiners, Metric Conversion: Un- answered Questions and a Practical Solution Metric Monitoring and Assistance Boacd,'Wash- 26. 'Housing and Home Finance Agency, Washington, ington, D.C., undated, 15 pp. D.C., Building Better from Modular Drawings The Modular Method in Building Construc- tion, Jan 1954, 22 pp. Out of print. This pamphlet argues against metrication. It Out of print. discusses the past recommendations of the AFL- CIO concerning metrication. Fault is found with - This pamphlet shows howconstruction draw-, the metric study conducted by the National 'ings are much more clear and readableand /. Bureau of Standards. The pamphlet argues that the implied construction more easily visualiz- too many questions are still unanswered to make able and realizablewhen they are based 'on a metrication a national policy. The claim is made demonstrates how that metrication would only add to this coun- modular designgrid.It try'sproblems., with the economy and with cutting and fitting of materials at the job' site energy, and thatit would also tend to accel- are minimized. erate a trend towards economic concentration. $ Conversion is seen as not helping our world 27. Housing and Home Finance Agency, Washington, trade, but ,creating employment problems at D.C., The Modular Method in Dwelling Design, home. The pamphlet goes on to state that letting May 1951, 54 pp. the "costs lie where they fall"isunfair.It asserts that the woricer will also feel other nega -.

Out of print. I tive impacts, only some of .which' collective

.1 .16 bargaining can help protect_against. It is sufP,- This standard giyes deAions oi the e terms Tested that an independent Metric 'Nonitoring used for the study anH applilt. tiOn of tolerances and Assistance Board be formed (o conduct in building. . further. research int,o metrication and to provide full reimbursernent to;,workerg for newly ac- - Joints in BuildingVocabulary, International quired metric tools as well as special unemphiy- Standard ISO 24-14 (197.11. r (. ment and job placement assistance, relocation allowances, technical- assistance, and education This standard defines' terms used to describe and retraining opportunities including, financial building joints, their constituent parts assistaw for apprenkice training porgrams. design in building construction. v r- 30. International Organization'forStandardization Joints in BuildingFundamental P (ISO) Design,Inter ationalStandard (1972). Request from:. 'et.z;,..1. American Natiwnal Standards Institute Thisstandard "outlines some basic principles 1430 Broadway for air design of joints in ,buildings." Three New York, New York 10018 pertie,1,of joints are distussed: (1) gegmetri- al, (21 structural, ,and (3) environmental. Modular CoordinationBasic Module. knter- Modular Coordination Coordinating Sizes for national Standard ISO 1006 (19731. boorsetsExternal and Internal. International This standard establishes 100mm as the in- Standard ISO 2776 0.974). ternational standardized value, ofthebasic module in for countriA using the foot-inch This standard give the coordinatedsizes system of measurement I -,The module is to be (width and height)for eternal and internal represented by the letter M. doorsets. Modular CoordinationMultimodule for Hori- Modular CoordinationCoordinating Sizes for zontal Coordinating Dimensi-ons, International Rigid Flat Sheet. Boards Used in Building, In- Standard ISO 1040 (1973). ternational Standard ISO 2777 (1974).

Tlnstandard fixesthe Values of several This Standard specifies coordinating sizes for Itimodules for horizontal coordinating di- rigid flat sheet 'boards used in building. Lengths mensions used in modular coordination. are 18M, 21M, 24M, 27M, 30M and widths are 6M, 9M, 12M, (1M 100 mm). Modular Coordination StoreyHeightsand Room Heights for Residential Buildings, Inter- Modular CoordinationPrinciples and Rules, `national Standard ISO 1789 (1973). International Standard ISO 2848.(19.74), This standard fixes the sizes for, modular This standard specifies the aims of modular heights of storeys as: 26M, 27M, 28M and 30M coordination and states the general principlesik (IM --- 100 mm)'. It fixes the sizes for modular and rules to be applied in determining the sizes heights of rooms as: 20M. 21M, 22M, 23M, of building components and equipment and of l 24M, 25M, 26M, 27M and 28M. assemblies and buildings themselves. Kitchen Equipm. nt _Coordinating Sizes, Inter- Modular CoordinatienReference Linesof national Standard ISO 3055 (1974). HorizontalControlling Coordinating Dimen- sions ISO Recommendation R 1790 (1970). This standar'cl defines sizes (heights, and lengths) for pmpOnents of kitchen eqt_t This recOmmetitlation fixes the 'position of merit in dwellings. the reference lines of horizontal controllingco- ordinating dimensions. JointinBuildingGeneral Check-List of Joint Functions, International Standard ISO 3447 Modular CoordinationVocabulary,Interna- tional Standard ISO 1791 (1973). This standard gives a general check list of This standard gives definitions ofterms used functions of joints in`buildino..forisein their in modular coordination. design. Design aspects coveredare (1) environ- mental factors. (2) capacity to withstandstress, Tolerances for BuildingVocabulary, Interna (31 safety, 14) accommodation of dimensional tional Standard ISO 1803 ,(1973). deviations, (5) fixing of components, (6) 4. A pekrance, (7) economic duraOity,(9) This book discusses the author's invention of maintenance, and (10) sent condhions. a proportioning grid rule, which he calls the Modulor. It is a measure based on mathematics . , . . 31. Klipsch, Robert J. 0 t ofuilding Standards and the human scale and is intendeilio be used and Codes Service's;enter for 'Building Tech- in designing in architecture and mechanics. The nology.. National Bureau,-of Standard's, Metri- 'hook presents a history of how the Modulor was cation: Buifdinr Codeand Standards, paper . ,derived`and dev and an explanation of it. prepared for the Engi eerin,,,, Society of Balti- The author fs (Sat(Sat the'Modulor, being har- more Metrication Semi ar, 30'. Oct 1975. monious, "I s itself to an infinity of combi- . nation?' as well as `,tensuressunity with diver- 4 5 i s ..... sity." The Am of using the Modulor are ex- To be pkiblished in The BaltimoreEngineer. plained as (1) to harmonize, (2) to standardize,I' 2Ind (3) to reconcile the obstacles brought.about This paper discu ses the current metric situa- by the differences between the metric and the tion in 'the United . tates, the experience of and foot- and -inch systems of measurement. The book the rationale for linkage of dimensional coordi- includes "pel exercises" using the Modulor; nation with metricatiem; and the implications of illustrated examples of how" the .author applied both for building codes and standards. It uses the. Modulor;nd/examples of pleasing designs several hypothetical examples to illustrate the that, upon Measurement,M were fditkad to agree probleins inherent in reasonably adapting build- with the measure or the Moduloi: ing standards to metre units.. . 34. Lindsay, Arthur, FRIBA, Changing to Metric, 32. Kent, S. R., Modular Drafting Manual: A Guide The Building Economist, Aug 1970, pp. '48, 49, to the Application of Modular tCoordination in 68. Desirm Technical Paper No. 1.23, Division of Banding Research, National Research Council, This article is a lighthearted (and reassuring) Ottawa, Canada, Aug 1961, 40 pp. ' talk given by a British architect practicing in Belgium to British architects practicing in &eat Request from: Britain about his experiences in working in the Publications Division metric system. The author describes himself 'as National Research Cotincil of Canada completely bilingual as regards imperial and Ottawa,atiada K1A OR6 metric. Mr. Lindsay suggests that his audience will remember quickly the nnitsand dimensions that they will neeto know. He offers some This manual is well characterized by its title. Measurement com arisons, useful in getting a A hrief description of modular (or dimensional) "feel", for the new units. He advises against the coordination and some historical background use oraiAs, such as rulers with both metric and information are first given. Topics treated in- imperial units marked off, as they tend to be clude (1) the module and its use, (2) tolerances confusing and inhibit learning of the new sys- and joints, (3) preferred sizes of components, tem. The change is described as really nothing use (4) of grids(including modular space but the substitution of one setof. plannirw, structural, and modular grids), (5) established units for another. The newnew 'Units just dot and arrowhead conventions, and (6) neu- happen to be much simpler to use than those' tral zone and disMacement principle. The. man- 4c which we are accustomed from our childhood, ual then presents four examples of the selection but .which most of us still have the greatest dif- 'of planning grids- and shows the relationship of ficultyrememberino components to the .grid. These examples illus.: 0. trate the application of modular design to four common types of construction: (1) metal frame 35. Mahaffey, Charles T., Metrication ProbleriNin the and prefabricated panel walls, (2), metal frame Building Codes and Standards Sector, National and masonry, :(3) wood frame and (4) wood Bureau of Standards, NBS Technical.Note 915, O'frame and masonry. Typical drawings are shown June 1976, 21 pp. and discussed. An appendix contains illustrated definitions of terms related to dimensional co- Request from: 'ordination. Superintendent of Documents U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402 33. Le Corbusier, translated by Peter De Francia and, Ama Bostock, The Modulor: Harmopious SD. Catalog No.. C13.46:915 Measure to the Human Scale Universal{Ap- plicable to Architecture and Mechanics, Cam- This reportdiscusses the problems the build- bridge, Massachusetts: MIT Press, 1954, 243 ing codes anstandards .sector is likely to en- pp.. -counter withetrication. A brief description of 9 r. 15' ) SI units and the coherence of the metric system the Metric conversion Act of 175. The act:. is followed by an explanation of which units provides foi the establiShment of 'a U.S. Metric will most/likely be used in the .construction ° Board, which is responsible for a broad prd- industry. Examples are presented of conventions gram of plannng, coordinationrand public eilu- s. fox, usage of SI units employed in other court- -chtion tofacili ate, coordinated and efficient in tries., crease in ihese of the rpettitc system. Thf 4 '''.author discusses the backgrousitd andreasons for Dimensional or modular coordination, del this momentous national deci4on.He observes scribed and a brief history of itsuse in the that among the sectors of AmeIican life already ' United KiAngdom is given. The British Standards participating, in the changeover are induStry, togetfier with the planners of U.K. many retailers, education and some state gov- metrication, decided ithat: since sizes of prod- e°rfilnents. The metrication activities underway. ucts and components' bad' to be changed for in several Federal aikaies are reported. Finally', metrication, they might as well be .coordinated the article describes the.`expected minimal im- at the same time. In order to obtain the flexibil- 7 pact of the gradual changeoveron the average ity needed, by designers and the practical size tlitizen in his erver'yday living activities.`' range limitations needed by 'product manu,`--. . \ facturers, preferred dimensions werti selected. The author feels that, ,if diniensional coordina- 37. Metric Conversion ard(Australia), Builders' qon is to accompany metrication in this coun- and General Hardware,Oct 1974. try, there must be early national agreement on Request from: the bases for applying the principles of dimeri-; Metric Conversion Board sional c 'nation. The author stresses that a \ 18-21 Chandos Street coordinated e the part of the fragmented St. Leonards NSW 2065 building induStr,is needed for a change to Australia metric and dimensional, coordination: Codes and standards promulgators ,need to This pamphlet lists converted metric sizes for plan hnd set up now an organizational structure many items associated with the building and engineering industries. Item)included are tools to deal w,ith their share of the metric conversion ispecificcd by linear dimensions or by mass problems: Two of the problems,are (1) coordi- weight I1"; bolts, nails, screws, chain, fencing nating the introduction of SI units and dimen- wire, paints and brushes, rope, kitchen utenOls, sional coordination model documents used in the and building material building regulatory system and-12I timing. and generally. MetricASI) units used in building(and engineeringare listed coordinating the introduction of the model doc- and hard and soft conversion are defined. uments into state and local laws. These codes and standards grolips must first, though, develop a position on selecting SI units to be used in 38. Metric Conversion Board (Australia), Metric In- the building indUstry, and develop standards formation for.Building Trarlpsmen, 58pp.

,k explIcating the principles and methodsof di- ';mensional?Nur dination. Request from: Metric Conversion Board The author urges education on the metric 18-24 Chandos Street system and 'dimensional coordination for mem- St. Leonards 2065, N.S.W.' bers of metric committees, members of model Australia code organizations. officialsin state and big This, Australiapocket book is designed to city building departments and federal building help tradesmen understand and be able to work regulatory an.encies, as well as for building code inspectors., in metric units. It gives specific, practical infor- mation on units of length, areas volume, mass, temperature and time. It goes on to "indicate 36. . America Joins a Metric World, reprint from the units to be usecl in specific trades and de- Dimensions, Vol. 60, N'o.. 2, Feb. )976, pp 69. scribe some of the more important changes in the material sizes and supply,". inchiding di- IRequest mensionalljt coordinated sizes. Building com- from: ponents in Aurtralia willincreasingly be in Office of Technical 'Publications preferred sizes designed around the prgfertpd National Bureau of Stapdards metric module of 300, mm. This dirngisiiinal Washington, D.C. 20234 . coordination should mean less waste of material and time on the building site. Additional infor- This article discusses the national policy in mation is presented on the prefixes used with support of metric measurement, and of coordi- metric units and the units used for force, 'en- nating the increasing use' of metric in the U.S. ergy, pressure, power. and, electricity supply, on a voluntary basis that was established by and lighting.

16 p anp ea cool-nate e ma n mp ement- 39.. Milton, H. J., FRAIA, Metric Conversion in Build- ody is the Metric(4: nvetsion Board, which ing and Construction, Metrics Handbook: SAA has eleven advispry mittees. The Building MH4-1972; Metric Conversion'Board) (Aus- 'and Construction Advisory Committee has four tralia);'.1972, 96 pp. sector committees:(1)Building sector,(2) Request from: Building Supply sector, (3). Civil Engineering Standards Association of Australia and-Architectural sector,, and ,;(4Government Standerds'House. 4,0-86 Arthur Street Construction sector. These sector committees North Sydrtey;NSW, Australia 2060 are responsible for developing basic programs 4t id methods for conversion irr their respective This is a comprehensive handbook for the ,1 ectors. , application orthe SI measurement language fo, The author lists a number of objectivv of the, all aspects of Iiithe absence of a metic Cha'n'geover process in the. Wilding and similar U.S.-oriented publication, it is ciitobably Construction industry. Only the first has to 'do the best available reference fon such informs` with ;`change4o the most up to date version of tion. Of the handbooks available from other .the metrie-systerri ,in the most efficient and eco- countries, it is the least vricumbered with ihfor- nokicaA Ginner." The rest are concerned with mation extraneous, to U:S. users, althoughif, modernizing manufacturing processes, .proce:, doeS ofnecessityinclude: data on standard dureg; practioes, standards, codes, documenta- metric sizek,of materials and products that are tion and 'in the industry; reduc- l'at least premature, if not inapplicable, in the ing, unnecessary .variety of products and proce- U.S. dures; and making possible the use of dimen- 'the book presents and- discusses, the S ts sionally coordinated products and systems hy

for the measurementf all quantities invo ved in all who wish to avail.themselves of this disti- . the industry, from and surveying 'to li.,hting pline. The auth r states tha these objectiv4,are and acoustics. Itescrites mental images and fairly demandin,g, ost of them co`nld.he recognition pots for getting a.,"feel".for the achievedwithoutmetrication,butthat r, the' new units. 'Itt ats conversion and hoo to changeover provides the necessary stimulus of correctly prresentnnierical values/in, SI units, an enforded change as an opportunity for re- metric drawing practice, and metric measuring view of the exiting situation. instruments and equipment. The principles of The process.by whIch the timetable for con- dimensional coordination are described, along struction industry conversion was developed is with the advantages expected from it.Included dekribed, and the timetable; itself,is shown,. are a good-practice check list for Metric pro- Three general phases are involved in,the.change- jects, a guide to managin'g metric change in an over process:(1) 'planning and preparation, ornnanization, and a guide for the training of (2) 'implementation, and (3) finishing-off. The staff and operatives. importance of all parts of the industry adhe- The first section of the book describes the ing to the guideline timetable is stressed. The, background and planninp. for the change in government construction sector has adopted a Australia. and jiresents,and discusses the agreed- leading role on metric conversion matters, in on timetable for changeover by the Australian order to impart the initial momentum to the industry. The. metrication 'experience of Aus- change. The article concludes with a list of Do's tralia, in geneial, and of their construction in- and Don'ts based on the Australians' experience. dustry is regarded by many U.S. observers as copstituting the most .efficient and successful 41. Ministry of Public Building and Works (U.K.), Model yet demonstrated for changeover from Metrication in the Construction Industry, No. 1: 'the use of English to the use of metric measure- Metric in Practice, HMSO, London, 1970, 52 pp. ments. 40. Milton, Hans J.,. FRAIA, Metric Conversion Request from: The Australian Approacfi,, Building Research, . HMSO Vol. 10, No. 1, Jan 'Mar 1974, pp. 37-4 (see 49. High Holborn -London,,W:C.1 Reference 11). England This paper, by the Director of Metric Con- versionfortheAustralian. Departmentof The first section of this British publication Works, discusses 'Australia's experience with disCusses the reasons for metric conversion in metric conversion. The author -sees conversion, the U.K., why the Ihternational System of Unit$ as an opportunity for "rationalization through r( SIwas chosen, and the scope of retraining metrication."lie. also IoffersAustralia as a needed by tho.e working in the construction model for conversion' in the United States. industry. Guidelines for learning and apprecia- The background of the change in Australia is ting metric, units are presented, along with rules forn uniformity of measurement expressions, es- presented and the approach characterized as - 17 pecially on drawings. The second section de- This bulletin describes ways in whic °using, - -scribes the coherent SI system and its units, designed !Ainthe -fecommended me is frame- including base or primary units, supplementary work, can bbuilt--Using existing' mPerial still-its, derived units and without speck& ..,(or "customary' dimensional cortmbnents with names decimal multipN and submultiples, and 4. only minor adjustments in positioning. This in- permitted non-SI Units. The third section is an formation is seeas necessary during the tran- ',introductionto dimensional coordination. A sitionperiod, when metric conip nents will not defititiOri of the ,concept is givenjalonrr with always be available aid existinimperial' corn-*- ,.,..,...-. the recomMendfd basic multiples of size4Pis- ponents, dsibed in: m ric dimensions by cussd are: controlling dimensions and practi- m'aniiiacturers,--will-haN;e to be used. informa- Cal applications of-them,zones and theircwt. __L; tiqn is given on ('external walls, 12)separat- '" tents, and baskspace and work size. A.-list of "kt, ;ing, walls, (3) brickwork, (4) windows, .(5) 5 bene ts of dimeugicnel -eporditiat -if WinSIOW.1 "brickwork, 161, private irdernal savi desigkine\md effort, reduccost of ' staircases, (7) tiimbernper floors, 40- .door. components resulting froM `,/he oefftocy tof 'sets,191r- partition's, \(.101balb§,- bearer .units, . standardization,increasedsiteprod ctivity .kitchen fittings; ,K111 siteapfilied finishes and bringinr-r reduced site labor '',,eost, anti,\reran, (121 irtternal plan Layout-,, t .1'..:::, quirkerr1Milding atless coat. _y , 44.National gurean of ,iandards,'" Bf_l'ef History Of Measurement Systems with tit 42'' 'Ministry of Public Building dhd Works (U. Chart of fhe Modernized: Metric System, Special Publicatioo ..\ Metrication in the Construction Industry-3u .304A Revised Aug. 1975 letin No. 2. Calculations in SI Units: Structural, Civil, Heating, Ventilating London, 1970, 148 Request from: PP. Superinterident of Document's- U.S. Government Printing Office Request from: Washington, D.C. 20402 SD Catalog No. C13.10:304A HMSO .-1 49 High Holborn or London, W.C.1; England Office of Technical Publicktions National Bureau of Standards Washington,, D.C 20234 This publication was designed to assist British civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers in the This pamphlet gives a brief history of.Ae de- transition from imperial to the use. of metric velopment of measurement systems, particularly measurements. It illustrates typical calculations the English and metric systems of weights and in SI units for the engineer, with particular em- measures. The English system, commonly used phasis on the ubiquitous unit of force, the new- in the U.S. today, developed through customary ton in SF.' The base and supplementary, units use in many cultures.. Royal( English)edict atid prefixes for multiples and submultiples are also helped to shape it,thr)lugh standardization listed, followed by the derivations of the derived for commercial needs, The Metric Sy§tem was units used in engineering. The important rela- created in France in 1790 to meet the growing tionships between force, mass and weight in the need for a single, world-wide coordinated meas- SIE measurement language are discussed and urement system. Because the metric system was basic equations for hydraulic pressure anden- a "base -10" or ."decimal" system,. itspread ergy are illustratedr Most of `the publication is inpidly throughout the world. Tire, pamphlet taken up with example problems showing appli- observes that, in 1875, the U.S. 'and sixteen cation of base and derived units to funda- other'tountries signed the Treaty of the.Meter mental problems of applied mechanics and to making the metric system an international stand- civil, mechanical and electrical engineering cal- ard. In 1960 this system was revised and mod- culations. ernized and is now referred /fo as ,Le Systeme International d'UnitesThe International Sys- tem of Units or SI. A center chart gives basic 43. National Building Agency (U.K.), Metric Hous- information about this modernized metric 'sys- ingThe Ti,..nsitional Period: A guide to using tem. It includes the current definitions of. the existing imperial components .within the metric seven baseounits, the two supplerentary units dimensional framework, LondOn, Feb, 1969, 24 / for angular measure and the commonly used pp. 2 derived units, the prefixes used to iqrm multi- -pies and submultiples of SI units, and some Request from: . common conve sionfactors, betweencusto- The National Building Agency mary and SI u its.(This chart, without the NBA House history of tnea ment systems, i§alsotavailagle Arundel Street in wall chart ;fie from the Superintendent of London WC2, England Documents as,NBS Special Publication 304.) r 41/ 1) 45. National Bureau of Standards, Metric System of units in technical and nontechnical practice. It Weights andi Measures, Cwide,kes for/ Use, contains several "tables (extracted from Refer- Federal Register, ;Vol. 40, NE. 119, 19 Jun ence 50) that list:' (1) SI base units, (2) SI .., 1975, p. 25837. ` dervied units With special names, (3) examples of SI derived units expressed in terms of base Request from: / , orspecial name units, (4) SI prefixes, ,(5)' units ,, Office of Techhical Publications acceptable for...use with the SI and (6) conver- National bureau of Standards ' sion factors (from customary units) for some Washinglori, D.C. 20234 common physical quantities. It also 'contains a .

style guide on the writing of SI units and sym- , ' , boll. A brief discussiorvis included 'on the shiftA The Metric Conversion' Act of 1975, Public in the treatment of "weight" (mass) and force Law 94168 1"Reference 59) states that ".`metric that is involved in the use of the SI measure- system-of ineasurertrene means the Internation- ment language. "--"a-1 system of Units as established by the General , Conference of Weightsnd Measures in 1960 47. National Forest ProductsAssociation,s "tABrief and .asir4erprated ornieladifiedfor the United Description of the UNIClakIwMethod of House Statesby)the,,Secretary ot_Commerce." This ,Construction (*UNIOOM is the Trademark and J-,FwedeVal-Register Notice has been Published pur- Service Mark of the National2Forest Products . suant .to a similar provision' in -P.L. 93 -380, 1, Association), 1964, 24 pp. Elementary and Secondary. Education- Amend- anents of 1974. It iinplementation'of-the ,Secre-' Request from: . tary's responsibilities under that ad, this notice National Forest Products Association, sets forth guidelings for the use of the SI, as 1619 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. interOreted 'and modified for the United States Washington, D.C. 20036 by. the National Bureau of Standards on 4zehalf, 6f the Secretary af Commerce. Two tables list -4: ;;Phis pamphlet desbribes the pi inciples and (1) the seven base',units for independencquan- pce.4,racti., of, a 'system. of modular design stand- titiespl,tias: two. supplementary units for plane ards for the wood framing and construction of ansolid angle, and (-2) the seventeen SI houses. BasF4 on multipjes of 4 in, the stand- derived unit'S with special names (derived from ,ards 'define eomponents for home building, pri- the nine-units). madly: modular floor systems4modular exterior All other SI derived units are based on these wall components, modular roof systems and in- 26 units. Additional table's list (3) examples of terior partition units. Use of such components is SI derived units- expressed in terms of base said, to give rise to typical dirfiensional coordi- units, and (1')examples of SI derived units nation benefits of: simpler drawings, labor sav- expresed,,by means of special name units. A ings and fa. s er erection, and reduced builder fifth table lists Qae sixteen prefixes used to form and supplierventory costs. multiples and subinultiples of the SI units. The . . 4 notice also lists (6) certain non-SI, but widely- 48. National "---LuberManufactuTers,Association, used units that are accepted for continued use Washinafon, D.C., Thai UNICOM Method of in the U.S., (7) other non-SI units whose con- House, Constr ctionD, n Principles:. Man- tinued use (internatibhally; as well as in the ual No. 1, Apr. 1962, 122 pp) U.S.)is subject tofuture review, and(8) metric units, listed in the act of 1866 that legal: Out of print. ized the metric system of Ieights and measures ..in the United States, but which are tint part of The UNICOM Method of House Construction the International Systern of Units and are` re there- Fabrication of Components: Manual No.2, fore no 1on,,ter accepted for use in, the U.S. Dec. 1963, 248 pp. ." : 46. National Bureau of Standards, ..NBS guidelines Out of print. for Use of the Metric System, LC1056, Revised Aug 1975. These two manuals prestnt a method of house co structiqn LUNICOMI established by the Na- Requestfrom:ki tioI Lumber Manufacturers' Association for Office of Technical Publications usey the residential builder. The approach is National Bureau of Standards baseon coordinated ',nodular dimensioning. Washington, D.C. 20234 (See Reference 47 for a brief, in priiit, descrip- tion of the method.) Manual No. 1 describes the design principles This publication provides a complete set of of UNICOM (the concept of modular coordina- guidelines for the use of the SI measurement tion being basic) and discusse,'the advantages

19 of usingit. The book then pre!.fents modular This is an approved translation of Le Sys- standards for design of floor systems, exterior time International d'Unilk", a publication of the wall components, and roof systems. (Thse are, International Bureau of Weights and Measures, of course, established on a. inch bask module. Sevres, France, describing the International Sys- They presumably could be readily adapted to tem cab UnitsI SI I. This edition was issued in the 100 millimeter module.) order to promote knowledge and understanding Manual No. 2 comprises standards for the oftheSIthroughouttheEnglish-speaking fabrication of floor construction, interior partti world. The three ,classes of SI unity are intro- lions, trussed rafters, gable end training, and Anced (i.e., base,'supplementry, and d rived). conventional roof framing. Definitions and symbolsare given for t se and ;4uppleineritary units. Expressions a derived 9. Odoni, Jeffrey V. led.), U.S. Metric Stalely Interim units are presented. A chart lists the prefixes Report: Testimony of Nationally Representative which are used -to obtain decimal multiples and, Groups, National Bureau of Standards Special submultiples of /the SIunits. Also listed are Publication SP 3.15-12, July 1971. units outside the International System that are II. Iused with SIunits,(2) accept/4 tempo- rarily, or (3) to be avoided. Appendices-contain Request from: ) decisions of the General Conference '.on Superintendent of Documents Weights and Measu res. and the U.S. Government Printing.Office International Committee for Weights and Measuresconcern- Washington,D.C. 20.102 ' ing units of measurementand the International Sly) Catalog No. C 13.10:315-12 Systems of .Units, (2) practical realizations of the definitions of some important units and (3.1- ThisIN one,of the twelve lupplemental reports a description of the organs of the Metre Con- of the U.S. Metric Study Isee Reference 19). It vention: The International Bureau of Weights contains summaries a the inputs obtained at a and Measures, the International Committee_ e series of seen Metric Study Conferences th4t,./7 Weights and Measures and the General Confer- amounted to open public hearings to gather in- ence on Weights and Measures. formation for the study. Organizations and asso- ciations of various kinds=professional, techni- 51. Parenteau, Henri-Paul, The Management of Mod- cal; labor, trade, education, 'consumerwere ular Design, Industrialization Forum, Vol. 3, invited to make presentation's to these confer- No. 1, Oct 1971, pp. ences, each of which was devoted to an activity or a common area of interest. One of the con- The author feels that modular design bridges ferences wlis concerned with the construction that, gap betWeen the need for diversity.of prod- 'industry, and inputs were received from 26 ucts and the efficiencies that could be gained construction-related groups. Another was ad- by mass production in the construction indus- dressed to the concerns of labor, and obtained try. It allows for both flexibili4e4rt design and the viewpoints of 45 unions, including several industrialization. However, with this. flexibility in construction fields. comes complexity, and electronic processing is Although the positions representedinthis .often needed tooptimize management decisions: report were generally basedin view of their Prefabricated modular ,partition units are used dateon meager information as to the true as an example in illustrating a method of opti- implications and effects of a U.S. metric change- mizing component combinations.. The purpose over, and some of them have been invalidated or of the prccedure is to minimize the overall cost modified by subsequent developmeni's, they pro- of putting up panels, taking into account differ- vide at least a___tarting point for assessing the ent costs of production and of site assembly, by 5ttitudes of the .various elements of the con- establishing an optimal list of panel sizes, for struction industry toward metricationinthe production. industry.I More recent views of some of these The procedure is basicallyan iterative recnr elements may be found in Reference 58.) sion with a conditional step. A formula and the algorithm of the procedure for a computer pro- 50. Page, Chester and Pant Vigoureux (editors), The gram is given. The article also suggests some practical constraints which add to the complexi- International System of Units (SI),U.S. Na- tional Bureau of Standards, Special Publication ties of the problem. 330, July 1974. 52. Simmons, H. Leslie, NIA,. Metrication in .Archi- tectural Practice, Building Research, Vol. 10, Request from: No. 1, Jan/Mar 1974, pp 21-26 (see Reference. Superintendent of Documents \ 111. U.S. Government Printing Office Washington. D.C. 20402 This articlelGesses the 'position of the archi- SD Catalog No. C13.10;330/3 tectural profession vis-a-vis the, metric change-

20

.ss over that .is taking"( Ke in the U.S. The ;matt r activities. and their dimensional requirements, notes that the AIAits been supporting metric through to preparing the performance specifica- conversion since 1( 44. In recent years the In- -ihat 'stage, the tools of modular coordi- stitute has testified to the Congress concerning, nation n y become applicable, provided that on the one hand, the potential chaos in the the flexibility of the new approach is not lost. construction industry in particular that could he (IF abstract I e produced by continuation of unsupervised evo- 5 lutionary conyersion, and on the ,other, the ex- 5,1Smith, Russell W., Jr.(ed.), Precoordination * cellent opportunity for unification and simplifi- Basis for Industrialized Building: Proceedings cation in theindustry that could be of I) Conference .Held at Gaithersburg, Mary- providedby awellcoordinated change- land; 21 -26 Sep 1969, National Bureau of over effort. It is the authhr's opinion that the Standards, Building Science Series (BSS) 32, building industry is plagued" with mismatched Jan 1971, 136 pp. 7and uncoordinated products and procedures due to a lackadaisical attitude toward unification of Request from: the industry. Metrication, he feels, will not by National Technical InformationService itself help this situation but, since we must U.S. Department of Commerce start over with .,standards anyway, the change- Springfield, Virginia 22161 over provides a probably one-time opportunity Order No. COM 71-50078 togreatly improve the situation.itclearly should not be lost: Furthermore, in view of our These are the proceedings of a conference rapid move into an era of 'systems building, held at the National Bureau of Standards under incorporation of modular dimensional coordi- the, auspices of American National Standards nationisalso anessentialelementinthis Institute Committee A62. The papers discuss changeover. precoordination, both dimensionally and func- tionally, of building components and systems. 53. Sinopli,Nicola,Modular DesignforSystem The first group of papers discusses theex- Building; Industrialization Forum, 1(_?73. Item perience with dimensional precoordination of No. 2582. Great Britain, Denmark, Canada, the United States and 'the USSR. Functional precoordina- This article, which describes a research proj- tion is the subject of the next group of papers. ect sponsored by the National Research Council Two papers address a general appraisal of pre- (Italy I, shows how dimensional criteria can he ciiordination. The point is made that much of integrated into the early phases of system de- the technology we then had was 'underutilized sig, instead of being considered near the end because of lack of awareness on the part of those an conventional modular coordination. in the industry. One possible approach of an The systems approach, with its interdisciplin- architect todesignwith precoordination is pre- ary and methodological basis, is generating an seuteda method of component assembly con- increasing concern for processesparticularly struction that allows unlimited design variety for the early, critical phases of system design. within the "system." Hitherto, dimensions have, been selectedat a A group of papers by ANSI Standards Com- late stage of the design process:it seems de- mittee A62 reviews the status of precoordina- sirable, that they should hean integral pnrt of tion in the U.S. The final set of papers addresses---7 the design considerations from the start. System the communications needed for coordination. design starts by annalysis of activities, leading The national standards needed for the applica- to a definitionin qualitatiyeand then in quan- tion of existing technology are explicated. Pre. titative termsof required performance. Activi coordination is also related to the following ties suggest forms and dimensions: operational activities: (1) automated architectural drawing, models of the activities allow the activitiesto (2) automated cost estimating, and (3)com- be described, so that heycan be combined into puterized specifications. environmentalnitPredominant activities can be described im lular terms, called "activity- 55.Stone, Leslie J. F., FRICS, In Britain they've modules." Activity-modules suggest "geometric 'thoughtmetric', The BuildingOfficialand coordinating shapes," determining in'turn form- Code Administrator, May 1972, pp. 10-17;re- modules and form-networks (ultimately,cata- printed in NBS (National Bureau of Standards) logs of typical form-modules and form-netWorks IR 73-421, An Overview of the Factors Impact- can he formed). ing Metrication of the U.S. Housing Industry. Performance specifications involve explicit and implicit dimensional criteria for the boii nd- Request N 73-421 from: aries between, and main features of,envron- National Technical Information Service ,mental units. In practical terms, itis p ssible U.S. Department of Commerce to proceed step by step from an analysis of:,/, Springfield, Virginia 22161 21 Order No. COM 74-11224, price $4, proble in the United Kingdom than in the United S --tatesor, perhaps it is just a problem This article di cusses the early experience of with w ch the English have had more experi- the UnitedKin/Morain metric conversion of ence, than we.) The paper proceeds to disyss, the construction industry. General information on the basis of the thenknown plans for metric on actions of the national government. is given product standards; the anticipated impact of

. first.At leastthree changes are involved in metric changeover on the use of products in countries with legal systems based on imperial each of the categories. The a.utkor concludes, (or other Iunits:(11legislation6)define 4 '...in my experience, there is alecist no limit metic units, (2) amendment of existing legisla- to the ingenuity of the maintenance supervisor, tion that contains references to measurements in engineer, operative or fitter and I have no-doubt customary units, and (3 metrication of. national at all that he will take almost all of the com- standards. The author suggests that integrated paratively few difficulties in his stride and that planning must accompany the change and all there will be little extra cost. The essential point sectors must be involved simultaneously. is to examine each situation cooly without prej- Metrication in the construction industry in udice or illconceived notions of the effect of the the U.K. is summarized as I1 )the adoption of change and proceed inthe normal rational SI units, (2) the adoption of the technique of manner." dimensional coordination, and (3) rationaliza- tion of the sizes of components that are not sig- 57. Sweett, Cyril, FRICS, Modular Coordination anir."'\ nificant to dimensional coordination. Progress Building Costs, Modular Qfierly, Londo, in the following areas is then described:(1) Spring 1959, pp. 21, 22. standards to he metricated,(2)projects de- signed in metric, (31 training in metric, and (4) metrication of building materials and com- _Thisarticleisanearly,tut nevertheless ponents. valuable consideration of the ,potential effects A number of difficulties were encountered . of modular coordination on the cost of finished some resulting from the decision or the govern- buildin,rr's. The author observes-that, since modu- ment not to make conversion mandatoryand lar coordination was then just developing from these are discussed. The article concludes with a the pure research stage into the .initial develop- list of the benefits expected to be obtained in ment stages, statements about its possible cost the construction industry through conversion implications must be highly conjectural. Flow- to the metric system and the use of dimensional ev r, he offers several peri,trating insights i coordination. ' the subject. th respect to the cost actions of material supples,theclaimthat standardizationof 56. Stone, Leslie J.F., Metricdtion Officer,(U.IC.) Many pr ducts should lead to 'economies in pro-, Ministry of Public Building and Works, Metri- duction iquestioned. While coordination''Stand- cation and Maintenance, unpublished paper, ardizes dimensions, it does not infl uch 1970. cost factors as the quality, or the inutiae design. Furthermore, economies ofroductio Request from: do not result, directly from standardization of Building Information Room products, but only from standardization of the Lunar House production systemwhich product standardiza- Wellesley Road tion perMits but does not make inevitable. With Croydon CR9 3EL some products, modularization of sizes may England even cause an otherwise unnecessary size in- crease and a consequent cost penalty. This is a preliminary survey of the effects of It is in the operations of building that modu- metrication-induced changes in building prod- lar coordination may offer its greatest,etonornic uct sizes on buildino. maintenance and repair advantage. For dry construction ( ,prefab- activities. The paper lists the different types of ricitation I, coordinated components will provide products and materials that may become in- the solution to several erection difficulties, there- volved in such activities, categorizes them by by reducing construction costs as well as en- expected degree of measurement change impact, hancing the efficacy and usability of prefabri- and enumerates the many types of buildings cation, itself. Costs arise from the whole process thatThave to be maintained. The author points of building development. Modular coordination out that buildings in his country may and prefabrication envisage an entirely different additionto"modern"or"lateGeorgian, set of circumstances on site, which would doubt- "Edwardian," "Victorian" or "pre-Victorian": less give rise to an entirely new set of costing i.e., as much as 300 years old. (,Compatibility of circumstances.Whatoverallimpactsuch contemporary products and materials with ex- changes might have on building costs is an open isting buildings would appear to be more of a question.

22 58. U.S. Congress, Con.version to the Metric System of including construction. The author points out Wqights and Measures, Hearings before the that three systems of measurement units nee Subcommittee on Science, Research. and Tech- to be considered: (11 English or "customary" nology of the Committee on Science and Tech- units,, (21 metric units, and (3) the Interna- nology, U.S. House of Representatives; Ninety- tional System of Units, or SI. After describing fourth TLongress, First Session, April 29, 30; why the U. S. is moving and must move in the May 1, 6, 7, 8, 1975, No. 12. direction of changinr, over to predominant use of the`SI (not only the other English-speaking Request from: countries, but the 120 or so "metric". countries Committee on Science and Technology, are now: doing so), the article proceeds to a U. S. House of Representatives, clear explInation ofjovhat the SI isand of Suite 2321, what is not SI, evegthough it may be' metric. Rayburn House Office Building, Ittreats "soft" verses "hard" conversion of Washington, D. C. 20515 dimensions, opportunities for optimization, the interrelatedness of measurements and standards This is the recrd of the most comprehensive (and of change thereinproper SI usage in set of hearings on metric legislation and the engineering design and specification, proper metric issue held by the Congress inrecent employment of significant figures in converting years. It includes testimony on 'behalf of: the . dimensions, and how to best learn the new meas- AFL-CIO, theInternationalBrotherhoodof urement language. Electrical Workers, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, the M. W. 61.- Wehrli Robert, AIA, Metrication and the Con- Kellogg Co.(engineeringConstruction),the structionIndustry:PotentialProblems and American Iron and Steel- Institute, the Ameri- Promising Opportunities, MA Journal, May can Institute of Architects, the American Na- 1974, pp. 50-53 and 64. (Also in Reference'll) tional Standards Institute, the National Society of Professional Engineers, the Engineers Joint This article discusses the advantages and dis- Council, and the International Association of advantages of soft and hard conversion to the Bridge, Structural and Ornamental Iron Work- metric system of measurement. Soft conversion, e rs. the mtrse,expression of the; measurement of a traditional product in metric units, is seen as 59. U. S. Congress, Public Law 94-168, 23 December inadequate for the construction industry. Hard 1975, Metric Conversion Act of 1975. conversion, the physical alteration of a product for simplification of measurement in metric, is Request, from: seen as necessary. The author discusses three A Congressman or Senator, types of hard conversion of standards tob'e .or considered: (1) Engineering standard should . , be changed to=- metric. (2) To avoid mismatch Officgf Technical Publications between, the \size of,building components- and National Btirearitaft'ArnizArds to reduce on-site labor, cutting and waste, mod- ,\".Washington",, ular standards should be set. The module of 10 ,centimeters is used in nearly all EutOpean This act ilei5lares '4 the United countries. (3) HumOn standards also should be States 1to. rdl,n i d; plan the increasing consideredinsetting both engineering and Ilse of lh'Metri Iinexha syit modular standards. New product. standards of Units)in ,::c5-001,:ty: to `establish a should be baged on individual and social needs ,U. S. Metric B the Voluptary and scale. conversinn toxt re;QY,t Systenif The guard is to consist7Of 11.7;'n)ein Cis,. Chosen to represent Addendum: various sectors of our national life and economic activity. One board member is to be from the construction industry. The list of duties of the 62. Lally, Andrew,' Metrication in the Construction Metric Board characterizes the way in which it Trades, ASTM StandardilationNews,Feb' is to go about planning and coordinating metric 1976, pp. 8-17. changeover in the United States. This article discusses the problems and op- 60. Wandmacher,Cornelius,. MetricationSI in portunities of metric changeover for the con- America, Engineering Issues, ASCE, Vol. 101, struction industry from the vantage point of mem- No. E11, January 1975, pp. 25-35. .bership on the Construction Industries Coordi- nating Committee of the Ameiican National This article ..surveys the measurement siina . .Metric Council.Itincludes alistof recom- tion of the U..S. and its implications. for engi- mended SI units for use' in construction activi- neering. and for engineering-related activities ties.

23 c; a. , 63. Blachere, G., Account of the Principles of Modu- iiig; 3,--dimensioning (joints) ;and,'4 4manu- lar Coordination: Industrialization in Building, facturingsizesof elements and components NBS Technical Note 710-14 Building Research (tolerances). Translation, -Mar 1,972, 15 pp. r:; Request from:. Ad' Other Bibliographies Superintendent of Documents it ....__. U.S. Government Printing Office Washington, D.C. 20102 .1. Hochscl tfle fiir angewandte Kunst,. Vienna, Modu- lago-ordination, Tolerances, Joints and joint. SD Catalog No. C13.46:710-1 ing, 1936-4972, 1973, Prepared for the For- This paper discusses the conventions funda- scbungauftrag des Bundesministeriums fn.!. mental to modular coordination, particularly Raumordnung, Bauwesen, and Stiidtebau, Boon- within the context of its use in industrialized Bad Godesberg, B.R.D. (1300 entries, covering building. the world literature). 64. Modular Co-ordination in Building, Terminology 2. Govefnment of the U.K Department of the En- and Rules for the Positioning and Dimension- vironment library, Metric BibliographyA se-. ing of Modular Elements, Netherlands Draft lection of the most important material of interest Standard NEN 2880, Jul 1975. to the Construction Industry, 6th revised edition, Jan 1972. (Covers essentially U.K. materialin- ft Request from: cludedim6isional coordination). Netherlands Normalisation Institute Polakweg 5, Rijswijk, Netherlands 3. F. Feather, Leslie and J.A. Shwa, The VNR etric Handbook (item 23 in this report) con= This Draft Standard describes the principles ins an extensive bibliography on metrication of the "tartan" grid for modular coordination. d dimensional coordination. It was written to provide rules for the rational- ization of buildings or parts thereof on the 4. Royal Arrhitecfural Institute of Canada, Ottawa, basisof modularcoordination. TheDraft Committee on Generic Modules, Generic Modules Standard assumes that: (1) principle decisions Bibliography, 1971. come before detailed decisions, and (2) princi- ple decisions do not imply specific materials. 5. American National Standards Institute, New York, Therebyitbecomes possible to separate de- A Bibliography of Metric Standards, Jun 1975 - cisions during the decision-makingprocess in (includes American NationalStandards, ISO in such a way that, in each decision phase, not (International Organization forStandardization) less and above all not more will be laid down Standards and Recommendations, TEC (Inter- than is necessary at that point. With that the national Electrotechnical Commission). Recom- Draft Standard offers a basis, not just forco- mendations and CEE (International Committee ordination, butatthe same time forbetter on Rules for the Approval of' Electrical Equip- communication in the building process. ment 1Specifications). The, Draft Standard deals with modularco- 6. Australian Metric Conversion Board (18-24 Chan- ordination(and metrology)inafour-level dos Street, St. Leonards, N.S.W. 2065. Australia) structure: 1main rules modular coordination from time to time publishes lists of its publica (main rules tolerances and fits) ;2position- tions of interest to the construction industry.

24. , 148S-114A (REV. 7-73) - U.S. DEPT. OF COMM. i. Pt niLiCAiON OR REPORT NO. 2.,Gov't Accession 1 Recipient's Accession Nob. BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA INICL 4 SHEET' ,NBS SP-458 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5. Publication Date . .. April' 1977 Metrication and Dimensional Coordination - -ASelected 6. Performing Organization Code B i lit i.ography 01 t __ 463.01 7. AUTHOR(S) 8. Performing Organ. Report No. Roy E. Clark and Candace L. goat NBS SP-458 9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS 10. Project/Task/Work Unit No. NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 11. Contract/Grant No. WASHINGTON, D.C. 20234 ,.,?: E:i! 12. SponsoringOrganization Name and Complete Address (Street; City, State, ZIP) 13. Type of Report &. Period Covered . Final Same as item 9 - 14.-Sponsoring Agency Code 1 . NBS 15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

. . Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: ,76- 608345,- _

16. ABSTRACT (".4 200-word or less factual summary of m I si ificantinformation.If document includesa significant bibliography or literature survey,mention ithere.)

The United States changeover to-the use of the SI (International metric) measurement' language presents our construction industry with the need to review and adapt many product standards and practices for'the use of metric measure ent nits. These adaptatiOns and changes can bring substantial benefits to th- industry.in the form of permanently recurring cost savings. A practice of potentia ly great benefit would be the incorporation of dimensional coordination in. the new metric standards for sizes of building- products. For such benefits.to'be.realized, however, the involved-issues must be, effectively addressed and the requisite decisions made andimpleMented. Considerable Yiterature.pertinent to the issues and de isibnsilas been published in the United States and in the other (prjmarily Englis s eaking)'countries that have been impleMenting metrication and dimens'onal coordina ion in the past -decade.ThisL

report aids construction indUstry,consid ration:and resolution of metrication , . decisions by providing a guide to the st'available sources,relevant to the'issues..

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17. KEY WORDS (six to twelve entries; alphabetical order;capitalize only the first of the first keyword unless a pyoper name;separated by semicolons) j >'Buildingcodes*and standards; Construction industry; Dimensional coordination; JMetric system; trication; Modular. coordination; SI ,

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