Measuring curves Some floors have curved areas. This might be because the walls are curved, or because there are internal installations such as fireplace hearths or raised stage areas on the floor. One method of measuring a curve is to divide the shape into smaller parts and form a grid. You can do this on the floor surface itself with a piece of chalk, and then rub off the markings when finished. you’ve Here are the steps involved in producing a proportional sketch of a curved area. Run a chalk line on the floor between the two outside points of the curve. In the case of the curve shown at right, these points are A and B. Divide the length between the two points into equal parts and mark these divisions on the floor. Run vertical chalk lines from the marks (at 90 degrees to the original AB line) up to the edge of the curve. Measure each vertical line and write in the measurements on a proportional sketch of the area. Run horizontal lines (parallel to the AB line) the same distance apart as the vertical lines, to form a grid. Measure each horizontal line and note the measurements on your sketch. When you get the back to the office, you can use the proportional sketch to plot the points of the curve on the scale drawing. This will allow you to either draw the curve in a CAD program or use a ‘flexi curve’ ruler to manually form the shape and draw it with a pen. Learning activity Find a floor area with a curved detail. Make a proportional sketch of the curve using the technique described above. Share the finished sketch with your trainer and other learners in your group.
Measuring curves Some floors have curved areas. This might be because the walls are curved, or because there are internal installations such as fireplace hearths or raised stage areas on the floor. One method of measuring a curve is to divide the shape into smaller parts and form a grid. You can do this on the floor surface itself with a piece of chalk, and then rub off the markings when you’ve finished. Here are the steps involved in producing a proportional sketch of a curved area. Run a chalk line on the floor between the two outside points of the curve. In the case of the curve shown at right, these points are A and B. Divide the length between the two points into equal parts and mark these divisions on the floor. Run vertical chalk lines from the marks (at 90 degrees to the original AB line) up to the edge of the curve. Measure each vertical line and write in the measurements on a proportional sketch of the area. Run horizontal lines (parallel to the AB line) the same distance apart as the vertical lines, to form a grid. Measure each horizontal line and note the measurements on your sketch. When you get the back to the office, you can use the proportional sketch to plot the points of the curve on the scale drawing. This will allow you to either draw the curve in a CAD program or use a ‘flexi curve’ ruler to manually form the shape and draw it with a pen. Learning activity Find a floor area with a curved detail. Make a proportional sketch of the curve using the technique described above. Share the finished sketch with your trainer and other learners in your group.