TS 8798

TS 8798 is a terminology standard for building construction professionals working with dimensional tolerances. It organises derived terms and definitions used for the use, characteristics and examination of tolerances, providing a common language for describing the deviation types and tolerance concepts that arise when real construction work cannot be expected to match nominal dimensions exactly.

How tolerance vocabulary is structured

In construction, a deviation is the difference between an actual value and a reference value, while a tolerance states the permitted limits for that difference. Derived terms extend those basic ideas into more specific vocabulary, such as different kinds of deviation or tolerance classifications. This matters because the same term must mean the same thing in design documents, site inspection, manufacturing, and quality records if dimensional control is to be interpreted consistently.

General technical context in building construction

Dimensional tolerances are important in many construction areas, including reinforced concrete, steelwork, masonry, assembly and finishing, where alignment, clearance, level, flatness and straightness must be understood and checked in a controlled way. Vocabulary standards do not prescribe calculation methods or execution procedures; instead, they clarify the terminology used in specifications, inspection reports and technical communication. TS 8798 is referenced as equivalent to ISO 1803-2:1986, placing its terminology in line with established international usage.

• The standard covers derived terms and definitions related to building construction tolerances.
• Its focus is the vocabulary needed to study, specify and use dimensional tolerances.
• The document supports consistent use of deviation and tolerance terminology.
• It is a terminology standard rather than a method or performance standard.
• TS 8798 is referenced as equivalent to ISO 1803-2:1986.