ISO 6707-1:2004

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 6707-1
Third edition
2004-06-15
Building and civil engineering —
Vocabulary —
Part 1:
General terms
Bâtiment et génie civil — Vocabulaire —
Partie 1: Termes généraux
Reference number
©
ISO 2004
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©  ISO 2004
The reproduction of the terms and definitions contained in this International Standard is permitted in teaching manuals, instruction
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ii © ISO 2004 — All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword.iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope. 1
2 Vocabulary structure. 1
3 Types of building and civil engineering works. 1
3.1 Base terms. 1
3.2 Civil engineering works . 2
3.3 Civil engineering works — Transport. 5
3.4 Buildings. 12
4 Spaces. 14
4.1 Base terms. 14
4.2 Spaces associated with particular parts of the building . 15
4.3 Functional spaces. 17
4.4 Spaces associated with circulation and movement. 18
5 Parts of building and civil engineering works . 20
5.1 Structural parts. 20
5.2 Dividing and enclosing parts. 29
5.3 Openings and associated closing parts. 36
5.4 Services, fitments and equipment . 40
5.5 Other parts. 46
6 Materials. 55
6.1 Base terms. 55
6.2 Earth and stone. 57
6.3 Wood and timber. 57
6.4 Functional materials. 61
7 Operations, documentation and equipment . 65
7.1 Operations. 65
7.2 Documentation. 71
7.3 Equipment. 72
8 Persons involved in projects and users. 74
9 Characteristics and performance. 75
9.1 Base terms. 75
9.2 Size and dimensions . 76
9.3 Functional properties. 79
9.4 Testing properties. 87
10 Environment and physical planning. 88
Annex A (informative) Synonyms and alternative spellings used in Great Britain/United Kingdom
(GB) . 91
Annex B (informative) Alphabetical index of US synonyms . 93
Alphabetical index . 99

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 6707-1 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 59, Building construction, Subcommittee SC 2,
Terminology and harmonization of languages.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO 6707-1:1989), which has been technically
revised.
ISO 6707 consists of the following parts, under the general title Building and civil engineering — Vocabulary:
— Part 1: General terms
— Part 2: Contract terms
iv © ISO 2004 — All rights reserved

Introduction
With the growth in the number of international construction projects and the development of the international
market in construction products, there is an increasing need for agreement on a common language in the
domain.
This part of ISO 6707 is a first step towards a complete set of general terms for use by the construction
industry. It will be updated as further terms and definitions are agreed upon.
ISO 6707 includes terms and concepts that are commonly used in documentation governing construction work
as well as terms used to specify products and works. It is important to note that when used in legislation some
general construction terms have a narrower interpretation and hence the definition given in this International
Standard will not apply.
The adoption of this International Standard by the various national construction industries will improve
communication in the design, execution and maintenance of construction works within those industries. Its use
in other standards will aid harmonization and provide a basis for specialist terminology.

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 6707-1:2004(E)

Building and civil engineering — Vocabulary —
Part 1:
General terms
1 Scope
This part of ISO 6707 defines general terms to establish a vocabulary applicable to building and civil
engineering.
It comprises
a) fundamental concepts, which may be the starting point for other, more specific, definitions, and
b) more specific concepts, used in several areas of construction and frequently used in standards,
regulations and contracts.
2 Vocabulary structure
The terms are arranged within categories to allow ready comparison of related concepts and are
alphabetically indexed.
Where a given preferred term designates more than one concept, each concept has been treated in a
separate entry and, when used in different subject areas, cross-referenced with the other(s). Where a given
term designates more than one concept within the same subject area, the concepts are listed in separate
consecutive entries and the terms individually numbered.
Where a preferred US or other equivalent exists, this has been given in bold face following the preferred term
and annotated by the respective country code. Where no US or other equivalent is given in bold, this signifies
that the preferred term is the accepted term in the English-speaking countries. A term following the preferred
term not given in boldface type is a non-preferred synonym.
In most countries, synonyms and alternative spellings exist for the preferred terms used in this part of
ISO 6707, and a list of synonyms and alternative spellings is given in Annex A. To facilitate a ready
comparison with US synonyms and alternative spellings, these are given in Annex B. To facilitate the locating
of any term given in the Vocabulary, irrespective of preference or country of origin, the alphabetical index lists
all preferred and non-preferred synonyms, without the respective country code being indicated.
Where there is no corresponding term in English to represent a concept for which a term exists in the French
language, a translation of the definition is given, and the lack of a corresponding term is indicated by five dots
(. . . . .).
3 Types of building and civil engineering works
3.1 Base terms
3.1.1
construction works
construction US
everything that is constructed or results from construction operations
3.1.2
civil engineering works
civil engineering project US
construction works (3.1.1) comprising a structure (3.1.4), such as a dam (3.2.24), bridge (3.3.19), road
(3.3.1), railway (3.3.3), runway, utilities, pipeline (3.2.32), or sewerage system (5.4.40), or the result of
operations such as dredging, earthwork (7.1.6), geotechnical processes, but excluding a building (3.1.3) and
its associated site (3.1.6) works
NOTE Associated siteworks are included in US civil engineering projects.
3.1.3
building
construction works (3.1.1) that has the provision of shelter for its occupants or contents as one of its main
purposes; usually partially or totally enclosed and designed to stand permanently in one place
cf. building (7.1.4)
3.1.4
structure
construction works (3.1.1) having a structure (5.1.2)
cf. structure (5.1.2)
3.1.5
external works
sitework US
construction works (3.1.1) or landscape work on land (10.1) associated with, and adjacent to, civil
engineering works (3.1.2) or a building (3.1.3)
3.1.6
site
area of land (10.1) or water where construction work (7.1.1) or other development is undertaken
3.2 Civil engineering works
3.2.1
earthworks
result of change of existing terrain
3.2.2
excavation
result of digging, lifting and removing earth, fill (6.4.9) or other material(s) (6.1.1) from the ground (6.2.1)
3.2.3
embankment
section of earthworks (3.2.1), often formed by cut (3.2.5) or fill (6.4.9), where the formation is above or below
original ground level (9.2.33) and whose length (9.2.18) usually greatly exceeds its width (9.2.16)
3.2.4
bund
berm US
low embankment (3.2.3)
3.2.5
cut
material (6.1.1) excavated in bulk
NOTE 1 Resulting in a cut (3.2.6).
2 © ISO 2004 — All rights reserved

3.2.6
cut
void that results from bulk excavation (3.2.2) of material (6.1.1)
NOTE 2 The result of a cut (3.2.5 ).
3.2.7
cut and fill
earthwork (7.1.6) technique for lessening or increasing a variation in ground level (9.2.33) by using material
(6.1.1) excavated from higher ground (6.2.1) to raise the level (9.2.32) of lower ground or the reverse
3.2.8
. . . . .
excavation (3.2.2) in which the substructure (5.1.4) is built
3.2.9
made ground
fill US
ground (6.2.1) that has been formed by using material (6.1.1) to fill in a depression or to raise the level
(9.2.32) of a site (3.1.6)
3.2.10
bund wall
retaining earthworks US
wall (5.1.7) that forms an enclosure around a storage tank and used to retain the contents in the event of tank
failure
3.2.11
dumpling
mound US
large mass of ground (6.2.1) intended to be excavated but temporarily left as a support during construction
work (7.1.1)
3.2.12
trench
long, narrow open excavation (3.2.2), usually with vertical sides
3.2.13
shaft
vertical or steeply inclined excavation (3.2.2), usually of limited cross-section in relation to its depth (9.2.15)
3.2.14
borrow pit
area within which earthwork (7.1.6) takes place in order to produce material(s) (6.1.1) for earthworks (3.2.1)
3.2.15
borehole
hole, usually vertical, bored to determine ground (6.2.1) conditions, for extraction of water, other liquids or
gases, or measurement (7.1.25) of groundwater level (9.2.32)
3.2.16
retaining wall
wall (5.1.7) that provides lateral support to ground (6.2.1) or that resists pressure from a mass of other
material (6.1.1)
3.2.17
diaphragm wall
wall (5.1.7) made of concrete (6.4.15) constructed in a trench (3.2.12) temporarily supported by bentonite
(3.2.18) suspension
cf. diaphragm wall (5.1.67)
3.2.18
bentonite
clay that swells as it absorbs water; formed by the decomposition of volcanic ash
3.2.19
. . . . .
watertight construction (5.5.6) consisting of a raft and walls (5.1.7) providing a basement (4.2.12)
3.2.20
. . . . .
construction (5.5.6) for road(s) (3.3.1) or water in precast concrete (6.4.21) or steel, of cylindrical, circular
or oval shape
3.2.21
water tower
civil engineering works (3.1.2) that comprises a large water tank raised above ground level (9.2.33)
3.2.22
silo
structure (3.1.4) for the storage of a large volume of loose material (6.1.1)
3.2.23
breakwater
long structure (3.1.4) in a body of water designed to protect a harbour or shore from waves
3.2.24
dam
barrier (5.2.9) constructed to retain water in order to raise its level (9.2.32), form a reservoir (3.2.38), or
reduce or prevent flooding
3.2.25
flood bank
embankment (3.2.3) built up to retain or control the level (9.2.32) of flood water
3.2.26
cofferdam
structure (3.1.4), usually temporary, built to support the surrounding ground (6.2.1) or to exclude water or
soil (6.2.2) sufficiently to permit work within it to proceed safely without excessive pumping
3.2.27
swale
slightly inclined, often heavily vegetated or paved with gravel, stone (6.2.4) or concrete (6.4.15) and at times
swampy, depression, constructed to contain water and other liquids
3.2.28
irrigation
artificial distribution of water to land (10.1), usually for growing crops
4 © ISO 2004 — All rights reserved

3.2.29
weir
structure (3.1.4), over which water may flow, used to control the upstream water level (9.2.32) in a
watercourse (10.8) or other channel (5.4.16), and/or to measure the flow (9.3.41)
3.2.30
penstock
lock gate US
gate, usually rectangular, that moves vertically between guides
3.2.31
spillway
passage for the discharge of excess water from a reservoir (3.2.38) or channel (5.4.16)
3.2.32
pipeline
long continuous line of pipe(s) (5.4.17), including ancillary equipment, used for transporting liquids or gases
3.2.33
aqueduct
conduit (5.4.14) for conveying water over long distances, and including the supporting structure (5.1.2)
3.2.34
water supply adit
tunnel (3.3.18) driven from a shaft (3.2.13) to an aquifer to increase available water supply
3.2.35
culvert
transverse drain (5.4.38) or waterway structure (3.1.4) under a road (3.3.1), railway (3.3.3) or canal
(3.3.64), or through an embankment (3.2.3), in the form of a large pipe (5.4.17) or enclosed channel (5.4.16)
3.2.36
headworks
intake and associated works at the upstream end of a water engineering (7.1.11) scheme
3.2.37
rising main
water main or pressurized section of drain (5.4.38) or sewer (5.4.41) through which liquid is pumped to a
higher level (9.2.32)
3.2.38
reservoir
pond, lake or basin (3.3.67), either naturally occurring or man-made, for storage, regulation and control of
water, other liquids or gases
3.3 Civil engineering works — Transport
3.3.1
road
way mainly for vehicles
3.3.2
exit
designated point of departure from a road (3.3.1)
cf. exit (4.4.17)
3.3.3
railway
railroad US
national or regional transport system for guided passage of wheeled vehicles on rails
3.3.4
tramway
streetcar US
local transport system for guided passage of wheeled vehicles on rails
3.3.5
aerial ropeway
cableway US
lift US
local transport system for guided passage of cabins or containers carried on cables (6.4.53) on intermediate
supports
3.3.6
underground railway
subway US
railway (3.3.3) that operates mainly below ground level (9.2.33)
3.3.7
mass transit railway
railway (3.3.3) for the rapid movement of high passenger load densities in urban areas
3.3.8
monorail
railway (3.3.3) that has a single running rail with beam (5.1.12) support
3.3.9
track
assembly (5.5.5) of rails, sleepers (3.3.10), fastenings (5.5.72) and ballast or other forms of support, for
passage of vehicles
3.3.10
sleeper
tie US
member providing vertical and lateral support to rails of a railway (3.3.3) or tramway (3.3.4)
3.3.11
airfield
defined area including any building(s) (3.1.3), installation(s) (5.4.3) and equipment, for the arrival, departure
and movement of aircraft
3.3.12
airport
area containing an airfield (3.3.11) and facilities for handling passengers and cargo
3.3.13
noise barrier
structure (3.1.4) provided to deflect and absorb noise
6 © ISO 2004 — All rights reserved

3.3.14
noise bund
noise barrier US
sound barrier US
noise barrier (3.3.13) in the form of an embankment (3.2.3)
3.3.15
subgrade
upper part of the soil (6.2.2), natural or constructed, that supports the load(s) (9.3.19) transmitted by the
overlying structure (5.1.2) of a road (3.3.1)
3.3.16
road formation
grade US
surface of subgrade (3.3.15) in its final shape after completion of earthwork (7.1.6)
3.3.17
pavement
road (3.3.1), runway or similar construction (5.5.6) above the subgrade (3.3.15)
3.3.18
tunnel
horizontal or sloping underground enclosed way of some length (9.2.18)
3.3.19
bridge
civil engineering works (3.1.2) that affords passage to pedestrians, animals, vehicles and service(s) (5.4.1)
above obstacles or between two points at a height (9.2.20) above ground (6.2.1)
3.3.20
arch bridge
bridge (3.3.19) that has one or more arch(es) (5.1.8) as its main structure (5.1.2)
3.3.21
bow string bridge
bridge (3.3.19) that has an arch (5.1.8) and its tie (5.1.23) as the main structure (5.1.2)
3.3.22
cantilever bridge
bridge (3.3.19), the main structural member(s) (5.1.3) of which are cantilever(s) (5.1.18)
3.3.23
cable stayed bridge
bridge (3.3.19), the main structural member(s) (5.1.3) of which are cantilevered beam(s) (5.1.12) in a deck
(5.1.38), supported by a tower and one or more inclined cable(s) (6.4.53) connected to the top of the tower
3.3.24
suspension bridge
bridge (3.3.19), the main structural members (5.1.3) of which are catenary cables (6.4.53) from which the
deck (5.1.38) is suspended
3.3.25
floating bridge
bridge (3.3.19) supported by water
3.3.26
movable bridge
bridge (3.3.19) over a waterway, the deck (5.1.38) of which can be moved
3.3.27
bascule bridge
movable bridge (3.3.26), the deck (5.1.38) of which is counterbalanced and hinged on a horizontal axis
3.3.28
vertical lift bridge
drawbridge US
movable bridge (3.3.26), the deck (5.1.38) of which can be raised vertically
3.3.29
swing bridge
movable bridge (3.3.26), the deck (5.1.38) of which can be rotated about a vertical axis
3.3.30
skew bridge
bridge (3.3.19) where the angle between the longitudinal axis and the lines of support is not a right angle
3.3.31
viaduct
bridge (3.3.19) composed of a large number of spans
3.3.32
. . . . .
bridge (3.3.19) crossing a space (4.1.1) at a great height (9.2.20)
3.3.33
footbridge
bridge (3.3.19) for the use of pedestrians
3.3.34
railway platform
elevated structure (3.1.4) for entraining and detraining passengers and goods
3.3.35
highway
parkway US
freeway US
way over which the public has the right to pass, this right possibly being restricted to specific classes of traffic
(10.5)
3.3.36
carriageway
roadway US
that part of the road (3.3.1) or highway (3.3.35) constructed for use by vehicular traffic (10.5), including
auxiliary traffic lane(s) (3.3.50), passing places and lay-by(s) (3.3.37)

8 © ISO 2004 — All rights reserved

3.3.37
lay-by
stopping lane US
emergency lane US
part of the highway (3.3.35) set aside for vehicles to allow them to draw out of the traffic lane(s) (3.3.50) and
wait for short periods
3.3.38
motorway
interstate highway US
freeway US
parkway US
limited access road (3.3.1) with dual carriageways (3.3.36) that is not crossed on the same level (9.2.32) by
other traffic lane(s) (3.3.50), for the exclusive use of certain classes of motor vehicles
3.3.39
vehicle restraint system
guardrail US
barricade US
structure (5.1.2) that provides a level system of containment for errant vehicles so as to limit damage or injury
3.3.40
hard shoulder
emergency lane US
service lane US
surfaced strip, adjacent to and abutting a carriageway (3.3.36), intended for use by vehicles in the event of
difficulty or during obstruction of the carriageway
3.3.41
road safety fence
road safety rail US
vehicle restraint system (3.3.39) installed alongside or on a central reserve (3.3.49) or a road (3.3.1) in the
form of one or more horizontal members mounted on posts (5.1.56)
3.3.42
road safety barrier
barricade US
vehicle restraint system (3.3.39) alongside a carriageway (3.3.36) in the form of a continuous low wall
(5.1.7) or similar construction (5.5.6)
3.3.43
crash cushion
impact barrier US
energy-absorbing device installed in front of a rigid object to reduce the severity of impact of a vehicle
3.3.44
arrester bed
safety ramp AU
emergency ramp US
area of land (10.1) adjacent to a road (3.3.1), filled with a particular material (6.1.1) and designed to
decelerate and arrest errant vehicles, generally located on long downhill portions of a road
3.3.45
cycle track
bicycle path US
way or separated part of a road (3.3.1) for use only by pedal cycles
3.3.46
kerb
curb US
border, usually upstanding, at the edge of a carriageway (3.3.36), hard strip, hard shoulder (3.3.40) or
footway (3.3.58)
3.3.47
soft shoulder
strip alongside a carriageway (3.3.36) not intended to support vehicular traffic (10.5)
3.3.48
verge
shoulder US
part of highway (3.3.35) alongside a carriageway (3.3.36) and at approximately the same level (9.2.32),
exclusive of embankment (3.2.3) or cutting slopes
cf. verge (5.2.41)
NOTE It can include footway(s) (3.3.58) and cycle track (3.3.45).
3.3.49
central reserve
median US
area that separates the carriageways (3.3.36) of a road (3.3.1) with dual carriageways
3.3.50
traffic lane
strip of carriageway (3.3.36) intended to accommodate a single line of moving vehicles, frequently defined by
road marking(s) (5.5.69)
3.3.51
underpass
way below another road (3.3.1) or structure (3.1.4) designed to facilitate traffic (10.5) movement
3.3.52
flyover
overpass US
way above another road (3.3.1) or structure (3.1.4) designed to facilitate traffic (10.5) movement
3.3.53
. . . . .
way that is situated below a way taken for reference
3.3.54
. . . . .
way that is situated above a way taken for reference
3.3.55
traffic calming
traffic restraint US
speed bump US
encouragement of restrained and considerate behaviour by means such as road (3.3.1) humps and
reductions in width (9.2.16) of the travelled way
10 © ISO 2004 — All rights reserved

3.3.56
contraflow
detour US
temporary movement of two traffic (10.5) streams in opposite directions routed on one side of a road (3.3.1)
with dual carriageways (3.3.36)
3.3.57
footpath
way for the use of pedestrians
3.3.58
footway
sidewalk US
walkway US
that portion of a road (3.3.1) reserved exclusively for pedestrians
3.3.59
service area
rest area US
land (10.1) with access to and from a highway (3.3.35) used for the provision of certain amenities and
services
3.3.60
vehicle park
parking lot US
parking area US
area that is prepared and intended for the parking of a number of vehicles
3.3.61
multi-storey car park
parking garage US
building (3.1.3) in which motor vehicles are parked on different storeys (4.1.2)
3.3.62
parking space
parking stall US
area intended for the parking of one vehicle
3.3.63
building line
sight line US
line that defines the extent of a building (3.1.3) beside a road (3.3.1) so as to ensure adequate sight lines
3.3.64
canal
channel (5.4.16) constructed to carry water, usually for navigation, but which can also be used for water
power, irrigation (3.2.28), collecting rainwater run-off (10.24) or drainage (5.4.35) of surface water (10.23)
3.3.65
canalized river
river in which the water level (9.2.32) has been changed to form a canal (3.3.64) by the use of locks (3.3.66)
and weirs (3.2.29) placed at intervals along its course and thus rendering it navigable
3.3.66
lock
enclosure on a river, canal (3.3.64) or at the entrance to a non-tidal dock (3.3.69), with movable watertight
gates through which vessels pass and proceed from one water level (9.2.32) to another
cf. lock (5.5.40)
3.3.67
basin
harbor US
partially enclosed or sheltered area of water where vessels may be moored or docked
3.3.68
berth
pier US
place where a vessel can be moored, usually for loading and unloading of cargo or passengers
3.3.69
dock
port US
basin (3.3.67) for shipping
3.3.70
dry dock
dock (3.3.69) with gates from which water may be drained or pumped, leaving it dry to enable a vessel to be
built or repaired
3.3.71
pier
structure (3.1.4), usually open, projecting from the shore and used as a promenade or to provide berth
(3.3.68)
cf. pier (5.1.54)
3.3.72
dolphin
isolated structure (3.1.4) or strong point used either to manoeuvre a vessel or to facilitate holding it in position
in a berth (3.3.68)
3.3.73
cul-de-sac
road (3.3.1) accessible from only one end
3.3.74
roundabout
rotary US
portion of a road (3.3.1), usually at a junction, on which traffic (10.5) moves in one direction around a central
element
3.4 Buildings
3.4.1
housing
building(s) (3.1.3) for residential use
3.4.2
dwelling
unit of housing (3.4.1)
12 © ISO 2004 — All rights reserved

3.4.3
flat
apartment US
dwelling (3.4.2), mainly on a single storey (4.1.2), within a larger building (3.1.3)
3.4.4
maisonette
duplex US
duplex apartment US
dwelling (3.4.2) of more than one storey (4.1.2) within a larger building (3.1.3)
3.4.5
house
building (3.1.3) designed as one dwelling (3.4.2)
3.4.6
bungalow
small house (3.4.5) of one storey (4.1.2)
3.4.7
. . . . .
building (3.1.3) of large volume other than an agricultural or industrial building (3.1.3)
3.4.8
store
warehouse US
storage space US
building (3.1.3) or space (4.1.1) within a building devoted to the storage or distribution of supplies or
merchandise
3.4.9
office building
building (3.1.3) used principally for administrative or clerical work
3.4.10
shop
store US
retail shop US
building (3.1.3) or space (4.1.1) within a building for the sale of merchandise or the provision of services
involving the receiving and returning of goods
3.4.11
. . . . .
small shop
3.4.12
factory
building (3.1.3) or group of buildings used principally for the manufacture of goods
3.4.13
workshop
shop US
building (3.1.3) or space (4.1.1) within a building that serves as a work space for a particular manual or
mechanical activity
3.4.14
joinery shop
cabinet shop US
millwork shop US
place where joinery (5.5.18) is manufactured
3.4.15
air terminal
building (3.1.3) or group of buildings where passengers or goods, or both, transfer or are transferred to or
from aircraft
3.4.16
framed building
curtain wall building US
building (3.1.3) that relies wholly or mainly on a frame (5.1.74) rather than on loadbearing walls (5.1.7) for
strength and stability
3.4.17
steel-framed building
framed building (3.4.16) in which steel is the main structural material (6.1.1)
3.4.18
timber-framed building
post and beam construction US
framed building (3.4.16) in which timber (6.3.2) is the main structural material (6.1.1)
NOTE In the US, when the width (9.2.16) or thickness (9.2.24) of the timber (6.3.2) used as the main structural
material (6.1.1) is less than 100 mm, the term wood frame construction is used.
3.4.19
platform-frame building
platform frame construction US
timber-framed building (3.4.18) which, for strength and stability, relies wholly or mainly on loadbearing walls
(5.1.7) that have studs (5.1.55) on sill plate(s) (5.3.46) supported by the floor (5.2.10)
3.4.20
balloon-frame building
balloon frame construction US
timber-framed building (3.4.18) which, for strength and stability, relies wholly or mainly on loadbearing walls
(5.1.7) and that has studs (5.1.55) in the exterior walls extending in one piece from sill plate (5.3.46) to wall
plate (5.1.60) below the roof (5.2.20)
4 Spaces
4.1 Base terms
4.1.1
space
area or volume bounded actually or theoretically
4.1.2
storey
story US
space (4.1.1) between two consecutive floors (5.2.10) or between a floor and a roof (5.2.20)
NOTE In the US, this term does not apply to attic(s) (4.2.2) or space(s) (4.1.1) partly or wholly below ground level
(9.2.33).
14 © ISO 2004 — All rights reserved

4.1.3
room
enclosed space (4.1.1) within a storey (4.1.2), other than a circulation space (4.4.1)
4.1.4
bay
structural subdivision of a building (3.1.3) or other structure (3.1.4)
4.1.5
extension
addition US
addition to an existing building (3.1.3)
4.1.6
protected space
space (4.1.1) to which entry by undesired people or objects is prevented
4.2 Spaces associated with particular parts of the building
4.2.1
loft
attic US
space (4.1.1) below a pitched roof (5.2.23) with limited access, not intended for habitation and frequently
used for storage
4.2.2
attic
loft US
room (4.1.3) mainly contained within the space (4.1.1) below a pitched roof (5.2.23)
NOTE In the US, a loft can also be a space (4.1.1) having a high ceiling (5.2.17) that can accommodate multiple
storeys (4.1.2) for habitation.
4.2.3
basement storey
storey (4.1.2) directly below the ground floor (4.2.5)
4.2.4
sub-basement
any storey (4.1.2) under the basement storey (4.2.3) of a building (3.1.3)
4.2.5
ground floor
first floor US
storey (4.1.2) that provides principal access at or near ground level (9.2.33)
4.2.6
first floor
second floor US
storey (4.1.2) above ground floor (4.2.5)
4.2.7
second floor
third floor US
storey (4.1.2) above first floor (4.2.6)
4.2.8
mezzanine
intermediate and partial storey (4.1.2), usually between the ground floor (4.2.5) and first floor (4.2.6), and
usually fully or partially open on one or more sides
4.2.9
external balcony
accessible platform that projects from the external face of a building (3.1.3)
4.2.10
internal balcony
recessed balcony US
accessible platform recessed from the external face of a building (3.1.3)
4.2.11
porch
veranda US
space (4.1.1) in front of an external door (5.3.3), recessed into a building (3.1.3) or covered by a projection
from it
4.2.12
basement
usable part of a building (3.1.3), situated partly or entirely below ground level (9.2.33)
NOTE In the US, basement is a term for a space (4.1.1) having less than half its clear height (9.2.20) below ground
level (9.2.33), while cellar (4.2.19) is a term for a space having more than half its clear height below ground level.
4.2.13
arcade
mall US
covered passage (4.4.4), usually with shops (3.4.10) on one or both sides
4.2.14
gallery
mezzanine US
upper space (4.1.1), bounded by a balustrade (5.2.66) (5.2.67), within and open to a larger space
NOTE In the US, gallery is a term that is often used to describe a small shop (3.4.10), such as an art gallery.
4.2.15
balcony
upper accessible platform within a storey (4.1.2), not fully enclosed by wall(s) (5.1.7)
4.2.16
courtyard
external space (4.1.1) bounded by building(s) (3.1.3), wall(s) (5.1.7) or fence(s) (5.5.74)
4.2.17
forecourt
front yard US
front garden US
courtyard (4.2.16) in front of a building (3.1.3)
4.2.18
wing
part of a building (3.1.3) that is subordinate to the main part
16 © ISO 2004 — All rights reserved

4.2.19
cellar
basement (4.2.12) used for storage, heating plant (5.4.11) and for purposes other than habitation
NOTE In the US, cellar is a term for a space (4.1.1) having more than half its clear height (9.2.20) below ground level
(9.2.33), while basement (4.2.12) is a term for a space having less than half its clear height below ground level.
4.2.20
loading bay
recess containing a platform for the loading and unloading of vehicles
4.3 Functional spaces
4.3.1
activity space
space (4.1.1) required for an activity, including the space occupied by equipment for the task
4.3.2
. . . . .
minimum space (4.1.1) required for carrying out an activity, around a given appliance (5.4.7)
4.3.3
working space
staging area US
staging space US
additional space (4.1.1) formed alongside a trench (3.2.12) or other excavation (3.2.2) to facilitate work
below ground level (9.2.33), or other space required on site (3.1.6) to enable construction work (7.1.1) to
be carried out
4.3.4
toilet
restroom US
powder room US
room (4.1.3) in which WC suite(s) (5.4.9) and/or a urinal or urinals, and wash basins, are installed
4.3.5
WC
toilet US
room (4.1.3) in which a single WC suite (5.4.9) is installed
4.3.6
washroom
room (4.1.3) in which one or more wash basins are installed
4.3.7
office
space (4.1.1) within a building (3.1.3) used principally for administrative or clerical work
4.3.8
hall
auditorium US
assembly room (4.1.3)
cf. hall (4.4.5)
4.3.9
terrace
patio US
external horizontal area, usually for people, often fitted with a balustrade (5.2.66) (5.2.67)
4.3.10
verandah
veranda US
porch US
roofed terrace (4.3.9) along the side of a building (3.1.3)
4.3.11
inspection pit
test pit US
pit for inspection of substructure(s) (5.1.4) and service(s) (5.4.1)
4.3.12
light well
light shaft US
air shaft US
unroofed space (4.1.1), bounded on all sides, which provides daylight to more than one storey (4.1.2) of a
building (3.1.3) and may provide ventilation
4.3.13
basement area
window well US
unroofed space (4.1.1) below ground level (9.2.33) and external to a building (3.1.3), which provides light
and air to room(s) (4.1.3) in a basement (4.2.12)
4.3.14
basement access
areaway US
unroofed space (4.1.1) below ground level (9.2.33), which provides access to room(s) (4.1.3) in a basement
(4.2.12)
4.4 Spaces associated with circulation and movement
4.4.1
circulation space
space (4.1.1) for the movement of people, goods or vehicles
4.4.2
means of access
access US
egress US
public or private way of approach or entrance for pedestrians or vehicles
4.4.3
corridor
hall US
passage US
narrow enclosed circulation space (4.4.1) that gives access to room(s) (4.1.3) or other space(s) (4.1.1)
18 © ISO 2004 — All rights reserved

4.4.4
passage
walkway US
narrow circulation space (4.4.1) bounded on both sides and intended for pedestrians
NOTE A passage may or may not be covered.
4.4.5
hall
entrance hall US
hallway US
corridor US
passage US
central circulation space (4.4.1) that provides access to one or more room(s) (4.1.3)
cf. hall (4.3.8)
4.4.6
entrance hall
foyer US
vestibule US
lobby US
large circulation space (4.4.1) within, and at the entrance to, a building (3.1.3)
4.4.7
access balcony
external corridor US
internal balcony (4.2.10) or external balcony (4.2.9) that gives access to a number of units of
accommodation
NOTE The units of accommodation may include separate dwellings (3.4.2) or other types, such as offices (4.3.7).
4.4.8
walkway
catwalk US
construction (5.5.6) that provides elevated lateral access
4.4.9
crawlway
crawlspace US
space (4.1.1) that provides access to service(s) (5.4.1), high enough to crawl through
4.4.10
gangway
catwalk US
narrow circulation space (4.4.1) that provides access to furniture (5.5.3), machinery and other equipment
4.4.11
service duct
service space US
duct (5.4.12) that provides activity space (4.3.1) for inspection and maintenance (7.1.40)
4.4.12
air lock
enclosed space (4.1.1) having two doors (5.3.3), situated between two environments (10.3) with different air
conditions, making it possible to pass from one environment to the other without significant disturbance to
either
4.4.13
lobby
entry foyer US
enclosed gathering space (4.1.1), usually near an entrance, that gives access to rooms (4.1.3) or other
spaces
4.4.14
lift well
elevator shaft US
space (4.1.1) in which the lift car (5.4.30) and the counterweight (if any) move, enclosed by the bottom of the
pit, the approximately vertical walls (5.1.7) and the ceiling (5.2.17)
4.4.15
stairwell
space (4.1.1) around which a stair (5.5.20) is disposed
4.4.16
stair enclosure
the faces of the walls (5.1.7) bounding a stair (5.5.20)
4.4.17
exit
designated point of departure from a building (3.1.3)
cf. exit (3.3.2)
5 Parts of building and civil engineering works
5.1 Structural parts
5.1.1
foundation
construction (5.5.6) for transmitting force(s) (9.3.22) to the supporting ground (6.2.1)
5.1.2
structure
organized combination of connected parts designed to provide some measure (9.1.7) of rigidity
cf. structure (3.1.4)
5.1.3
structural member
part of a structure (5.1.2) intended to resist force(s) (9.3.22)
5.1.4
substructure
foundation US
part of a structure (5.1.2) wholly or mainly below the level (9.2.32) of the adjoining ground (6.2.1) or a given
level
5.1.5
superstructure
part of a structure (5.1.2) above the substructure (5.1.4)
20 © ISO 2004 — All rights reserved

5.1.6
carcass
building shell US
building (3.1.3) that is structurally complete but otherwise unfinished
5.1.7
wall
vertical construction (5.5.6) that bounds or subdivides a space (4.1.1) and usually fulfils a loadbearing or
retaining function
cf. partition (5.2.45)
5.1.8
arch
curved structural member (5.1.3) that spans an opening or recess, designed to carry load(s) (9.3.19)
between points of support
5.1.9
springing
plane at the end of an arch (5.1.8), from which it springs
5.1.10
relieving arch
arch (5.1.8) built into a wall (5.1.7) to relieve
...