Which of the following is defined as the area of a building measured at floor level?
- ACirculation area
- BCarpet area
- CPlinth areaCorrect
- DFloor area
Solution
Concept
Plinth area is the covered built-up area of a building measured at floor level of any storey.
Formula
Plinth area = Carpet area + Circulation area + Area of walls + other built-up areas
Step-by-step solution
1. Recall the standard definitions of building areas (IS 3861). 2. Plinth area = covered built-up area measured at the floor level of any storey. 3. Floor area = plinth area minus the area occupied by walls. 4. Carpet area = usable area only, without walls and circulation. 5. So the area measured at floor level is the plinth area.
Explanation
Plinth area is the total covered built-up area of a building. It is measured at the floor level of any storey, and it includes the walls. That is why the answer is plinth area.
Why the other options are wrong
A: Circulation area is only the area used for movement, like stairs, lobbies and passages. B: Carpet area is only the usable area, without walls and circulation. D: Floor area is plinth area minus the wall area, so it is not the full area at floor level.
Shortcut
Plinth area includes walls and is measured at floor level. Floor area excludes walls.
Common mistake
Choosing 'floor area' only because the question uses the words 'floor level'.
Correct answer: C) Plinth area