Classification of building elements

In the Netherlands the 'Elementenmethode' is used for the classification of building elements. This method, based on the Swedish SfB, is developed into an object orientated classification, used for ordering building objects in e.g. CAD-systems, building estimations and documentation of related information. Although widely spread and used in the Netherlands as is, the method will become 'under construction' in order to include new developments and regulations concerning classification and to make it completely suitable to automation tasks. The responsible organization, the Royal Institute of Dutch Architects, BNA, did put this method on the Web, in order to enable all parties to contribute their comments and suggestions, which will be used for the new version.

This English page doesn't reflect the entire method: the general list of elements is given as well as a typical example. An element is subdivided in variants (see also the example).

Classification of building elements; overview

1

GROUND, SUBSTRUCTURE

54

Gas

11

Groundwork

55

Cold generation and distribution

13

Floor beds

56

Heat distribution

16

Retaining walls, foundations

57

Air treatment

17

Pile foundations

58

Monitoring climate and sanitary

2

STRUCTURE PRIMARY ELEMENTS, CARCASS

6

SERVICES, MAINLY ELECTRICAL

21

External walls

61

Electrical supply

22

Internal walls

62

Power

23

Floors

63

Lighting

24

Stairs and slopes

64

Communication

27

Roofs

65

Security

28

Building frames

66

Transport

3

SECONDARY ELEMENTS, OPENINGS

67

Building monitoring facilities

31

External wall openings

7

FACILITIES

32

Internal wall openings

71

Traffic facilities

33

Floor openings

72

User facilities

34

Balustrades, handrails

73

Food processing facilities

37

Roof openings

74

Sanitary facilities

38

Built-in system

75

Maintenance facilities

4

FINISHES

76

Storage facilities

41

External wall finishes

8

FITTINGS

42

Internal wall finishes

81

Traffic fittings

43

Floor finishes

82

User fittings

44

Stair and slope finishes

83

Food processing fittings

45

Ceiling finishes

84

Sanitary fittings

47

Roof finishes

85

Maintenance fittings

48

Finish packages

86

Storage fittings

5

SERVICES, MAINLY MECHANICAL

9

GROUND FACILITIES

51

Heat generation

90

Ground facilities

52

Drainage

0

PROJECT FACILITIES

53

Water

0-

Project facilities

The element; description

The description of an element is given by its general description, function, included parts, excluded parts and the method of measurement.

Building frames; space frames (28.3)

description

group of building frames of the building if they exists of walls, floors and roofs designed or fabricated as a single box construction and therefore not assigned to the groups (21.0) to (27.0)

function

constructive structure of the building

included

required material, labor, equipment and additional constructions

  • prefabrication and mounting of the construction
  • joints
  • conservation

excluded

finishes

measuring

space frames are measured in m³ and in m² projected area