dimension next to steel shape

[CecileRod]

I am looking at some old drawings and I noticed that for some for the steel shapes there is a number next to it in parenthesis. For example, in a roof plan it would say por one of the beams C8X11.5 (-2"). What does the -2" mean?

 

[MacGruber22]

Looks like top of steel elevation from a standard reference elevaton. That elevation should be in the plan notes.

"It is imperative Cunth doesn't get his hands on those codes."

 

[JedClampett]

MacGruber is correct. Sometimes this is done because of grating (Floor is 100'-0"; With 2 inch grating top of steel is 99'-10"). Other times it is done to avoid excessive coping.