The meaning of bay in the construction industry
The term ‘bay’ has numerous applications in the construction industry.
- When used in relation to a window, (as in ‘bay window’), it describes a part of the construction (in plan and elevation) that protrudes outwards from the main building line and is partly or wholly glazed. Bay windows take various shapes such as curved, rectilinear, polygonal etc.
- An elevation can also be divided into bays, whether these are subtle, eg delineated by rainwater pipes or movement joints, or created by more three-dimensional features such as a crenulated configuration of the walls.
- A bay in a building can also describe an internal area that is demarcated by structural elements. For example, in a building that comprises a grid with columns spaced at 6m-centres in both x- and y-directions, the result on-plan will be the creation of bays measuring 6m x 6m – assuming measurements are taken to the grid centre-lines.
- Bay can also refer to an area that is connected to and forms a small annexe to a larger area, such as a subsidiary area used for some function connected to the activity of the main area, e.g a loading bay.
- Bay (or bays) can also refer to single parking spaces that are created by painted lines on the ground.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
A briefing on fall protection systems for designers
A legal requirement and an ethical must.
CIOB Ireland launches manifesto for 2024 General Election
A vision for a sustainable, high-quality built environment that benefits all members of society.
Local leaders gain new powers to support local high streets
High Street Rental Auctions to be introduced from December.
Infrastructure sector posts second gain for October
With a boost for housebuilder and commercial developer contract awards.
Sustainable construction design teams survey
Shaping the Future of Sustainable Design: Your Voice Matters.
COP29; impacts of construction and updates
Amid criticism, open letters and calls for reform.
The properties of conservation rooflights
Things to consider when choosing the right product.
Adapting to meet changing needs.
London Build: A festival of construction
Co-located with the London Build Fire & Security Expo.
Tasked with locating groups of 10,000 homes with opportunity.
Delivering radical reform in the UK energy market
What are the benefits, barriers and underlying principles.
Information Management Initiative IMI
Building sector-transforming capabilities in emerging technologies.
Recent study of UK households reveals chilling home truths
Poor insulation, EPC knowledge and lack of understanding as to what retrofit might offer.
Embodied Carbon in the Built Environment
Overview, regulations, detail calculations and much more.
Why the construction sector must embrace workplace mental health support
Let’s talk; more importantly now, than ever.
Ensuring the trustworthiness of AI systems
A key growth area, including impacts for construction.