This standard provides recommendations and guiding principles for setting and applying dimensional tolerances in the building industry, specifically within a modular coordination framework. It covers the concepts of manufacturing, erection, and induced tolerances, and how to calculate them to ensure proper fit and assembly of components, especially in prefabricated construction. This document is Part 2, focusing on principles and applications.
Recommendations for modular coordination in the building industry: Tolerances, Part 2: Principles and applications
Quick Reference Values
Basic Module (M)100 mm
Recommended Horizontal Multi-module3M (300 mm)
Secondary Horizontal Multi-module6M (600 mm)
Recommended Vertical Multi-module1M (100 mm)
Typical Joint Thickness Range0 to 20 mm
Key Formulas
J = T + C — Basic formula for Joint Width (J) relating Total Tolerance (T) and Clearance (C)
T = sqrt(T1^2 + T2^2 + ... + Tn^2) — Statistical summation of independent tolerances
Practical Notes
The core principle is to design on a 'planning grid' based on the 100mm module (M), which governs the placement of structural elements and components.
A clear distinction must be made between 'grid dimensions' (controlling dimensions) and 'component work sizes', with the difference accommodating joints and tolerances.
Effective implementation requires adoption from the very beginning of the conceptual design phase and consistent application across all project disciplines (Architectural, Structural, MEP).