trame
Page approvedn. f. · structural grid · column grid · grid module (the spacing)
Definition
Quadrillage régulier d'axes sur lequel on place les poteaux, les murs porteurs et parfois tout le projet. La distance entre deux axes consécutifs s'appelle aussi la trame ; l'espace entre deux files de poteaux est une travée.
A regular grid of axes on which columns, bearing walls and sometimes the whole project are placed. The distance between two consecutive axes is also called the trame; the space between two lines of columns is a travée (bay).
Diagram
Example sentences
Written (email, official document)
FRLe projet repose sur une trame de 5,40 m, qui détermine l'implantation des poteaux.
ENThe project is based on a 5.40 m grid, which determines the column layout.
Spoken (standard)
FROn est sur une trame de huit mètres, ça rend le parking facile.
ENWe're on an eight-meter grid, which makes the car park easy.
Spoken (informal)
FRIl a calé toute la façade sur la trame, même les fenêtres.
ENHe lined up the whole façade on the grid, even the windows.
Nuances and pitfalls
Trame (n. f.), travée, portée. The trame is the regular spacing of the axes; the travée (n. f.) is the space between two lines; the portée (n. f.) is the distance an element spans between its supports. In speech, the three are often mixed up.
Trame verte et bleue. In planning, trame verte et bleue means a network of natural habitats and watercourses: nothing to do with the structural grid.
Trame or quadrillage? A quadrillage simply means crossing lines (on paper, on a map); the trame is a grid with a function: it sets the dimensions and the position of the elements of the project.
Related terms
voilepoteaunuValidation
- French term, register, FR sentences : ✓ validated
- US/UK equivalents and EN sentences : ✓ validated
- Diagram : ✓ validated
Reviewed by Raphaël B. · 8 Oct 2026
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