OLIN GLOSSARY Flashcards
ABRASION
wearing away by friction
ABSORPTION BED
A wide trench exceeding 36 in. (910 mm) in width containing a minimum of 12 in. (305 mm) of clean, coarse aggregate and a system of two or more distribution pipes through which treated sewage may seep into the surrounding soil. Also called seepage bed.
ABSORPTION COEFFICIENT
The ratio of the sound-absorbing effectiveness of 1 sq ft (0.09 m2) of a material to 1 sq ft (0.09 m2) of a perfectly absorptive material at a specific frequency; usually expressed as a decimal value (such as .70) or as a percentage.
ABSORPTION FIELD
An arrangement of absorption trenches through which treated sewage is absorbed into the soil. Also called disposal field.
ABSORPTION OF SOUND
The ability of a material to absorb rather than reflect sound waves striking it by converting sound energy to heat energy within the material.
ABSORPTION OF WATER BY CLAY MASONRY
The weight of water a brick or other clay masonry unit absorbs when immersed in either cold or boiling water for a stated length of time, expressed as a percentage of the weight of the dry unit.
ABSORPTION OF WATER BY CONCRETE MASONRY UNITS
The weight of water a concrete masonry unit absorbs when immersed in water, expressed in pounds of water per cubic foot of concrete.
ABSORPTION RATE
The weight of water absorbed when a clay brick is partially immersed for 1 minute, usually expressed in either grams or ounces per minute. Also called suction or initial rate of absorption.
ABSORPTION TRENCH
A trench not more than 36 in. (910 mm) in width, containing a minimum of 12 in. (305 mm) of clean, coarse aggregate and a distribution pipe, through which treated sewage is allowed to seep into the soil.
ACCELERATOR
An admixture used in concrete to hasten its set and increase the rate of strength gain (the opposite of (retarder).
ACCESSIBLE ROUTE
A continuous, unobstructed path connecting all accessible elements and spaces in a building or facility that can be negotiated by a person with a severe disability using a wheelchair and that is also safe for and usable by people with other disabilities.
ACID
Corrosive chemical substance that attacks many common building materials, decorative finishes, coatings, paints, and transparent finishes.
ACOUSTICAL CORRECTION
The planning, shaping, and equipping of a space to establish the best possible hearing conditions for faithful reproduction of wanted sound within the space. See also acoustics.
ACRYLIC
(1) In carpet, a generic term including acrylic and modified acrylic (modacrylic) fibers. Acrylic is a polymer composed of at least 85% by weight of acrylonitrile; modacrylic is a polymer composed of less than 85% but at least 35% by weight of acrylonitrile.
(2) In glazing applications, a transparent plastic material.
“ACTUAL DIMENSION”
The actual measured dimension of a masonry unit, piece of lumber, or other construction material or assembly. See also nominal dimension.
ADAPTABILITY
The capability of certain building spaces and elements, such as kitchen counters, sinks, and grab bars, to be altered or added so as to accommodate the needs of persons with and without disabilities, or to accommodate the needs of persons with different types or degrees of disability.
ADHESIVE, DRYWALL
Adhesives specifically intended for the application of gypsum board.
A contact adhesive is an adhesive used to bond layers of gypsum board or for bonding gypsum board to metal studs.
A laminating adhesive is an adhesive used to bond layers of gypsum board.
A stud adhesive is an adhesive used to attach gypsum board to wood supports.
ADHESIVE, TILE
Prepared organic material, ready for use with no further addition of liquid or powder, which cures or sets by evaporation; distinguished from mortars by the absence of siliceous fillers (sand) that are included in mortars either at the plant or in the field.
AGE HARDENING
The continuing increase in strength for long periods of time of aluminum alloys after heat treatment.
AGGREGATE
A hard, inert material mixed with portland cement and water to form concrete. Fine aggregate has pieces ¼ in. (6.4 mm) in diameter and smaller. Coarse aggregate has pieces larger than ¼ in. (6.4 mm) in diameter.
AGING
The period of time in which a heat-treatable aluminum alloy is allowed to remain at room temperature, after heat treatment (heating and quenching), to reach a stable state of increased strength. See also artificial aging.
AIR CHAMBER
A piece of pipe about 10 in. (250 mm) long installed above the hot and cold valves of fixtures such as sinks, lavatories, and clothes washers to cushion the rush of water as the valve is closed and prevent water hammer.
AIR ENTRAINED CONCRETE
Concrete containing minute bubbles of air up to about 7% by volume.
AIR GAP
The unobstructed vertical distance between the mouth of a water outlet and the flood level rim of the water receptacle. The water outlet may be a faucet, spout, or other outlet; the receptacle may be a plumbing fixture, tank, or other receptacle.
ALCLAD SHEET
A clad product with an aluminum or aluminum alloy coating having high resistance to corrosion. The coating is anodic to the core alloy it covers, thus protecting it physically and electrolytically against corrosion.
See also clad alloy.
ALKALI
A soluble mineral salt present in some soils. Alkalis are chemical substances characterized by their ability to combine with acids to form neutral salts. They are damaging to many coatings, paints, and transparent finishes.
ALLOY
The material formed when two or more metals, or metals and nonmetallic substances, are joined by being dissolved into one another while molten. See also brazing alloy and clad alloy.
ALLOY DESIGNATION
A numerical system used in designating the various alloys of aluminum.
ALLOYING ELEMENT
Element added in steelmaking to achieve desired properties.
ALUMINA (AL2O3)
A hydrated form of aluminum oxide found in bauxite and in ordinary clays.
AMBIENT SOUND
A continuous background sound that is a composite of
individual sounds coming from exterior sources, such as street traffic, and interior sources, such as ventilating equipment and appliances, none of which can be identified individually by a listener. Also called background noise.
AMBULATORY
Able to walk without assistance or difficulty.
AMPERAGE
Electrical rate of flow, measured in amperes (amps) and comparable to gallons per minute (gpm) in a fluid medium. The strength of a current of electricity.
AMPERE (AMP)
A unit of electrical current equivalent to that produced by 1 volt applied across a resistance of 1 ohm. One coulomb of electricity in every second.
ANCHOR
A piece or assemblage, usually metal, used to attach parts (e.g., plates, joists, trusses, studs, sills, masonry, windows, doors, and other building elements) to wood, concrete, or masonry.
ANODIC COATING
A surface coating applied to an aluminum alloy by anodizing.
ANODIZING
Applying an electrolytic oxide coating to an aluminum alloy by building up the natural surface film using an electrical current (usually dc) through an oxygen-yielding electrolyte with the alloy serving as the anode.
ANTIOXIDANT
A compound added to other substances to retard oxidation, which deteriorates plastics.
ANTIQUE FINISH
A finish usually applied to furniture or woodwork to give the appearance of age.
A MAJOR ARCH
span greater than 6ft that carries a load equal to a uniform load greater than 1,000 psf
typically known as a tudor arch, semicircular arch, gothic arch, parabolic arch
rise to span ratio greater than .15
MINOR ARCH
max span of 6ft carrying a load that does not exceed 1,000 psf
typ known as, jack arch, segmented arch, or multi-centered arch
a rise-to-span less than or equal to .15
ARCHITECTURAL BARRIER
A physical condition in a building or facility that creates unsafe or confusing conditions or prevents accessibility and free mobility.
AROMATIC SOLVENTS
Group of organic compounds derived from coal or petroleum, such as benzene and toluene.
ASHLAR MASONRY
Masonry composed of rectangular units usually larger in size than brick with sawed, dressed, or square beds bonded with mortar. Ashlar masonry is also described according to its pattern bond, which may be coursed, random, or patterned.
ATMOSPHERIC VACUUM BREAKER
A simple mechanical device consisting essentially of a check valve in a supply line and a valve member (on the discharge side of the check valve) opening to the atmosphere when the pressure in a line drops to atmospheric. Also called a siphon breaker.
ATTENUATION
Reduction of the energy or intensity of sound.
AVERAGE TRANSMISSION LOSS (TL)
The numerical average of the transmission loss
values of an assembly measured at nine frequencies. It is a single-number rating for comparing the airborne sound transmission through walls and floors.
BACK BLOCKING
A single-ply gypsum board installation procedure for reinforcing butt-end or edge joints to minimize surface imperfections such as cracking and ridging.
BACKFLOW
The unintentional flow of water into the supply pipes of a plumbing system from a nonsupply source.
BATTER
Recessing or sloping a wall back in successive courses; the opposite of corbel.
BAUXITE
A raw ore of aluminum consisting of
45 to 60% aluminum oxide,
3 to 25% iron oxide, 2.5 to 18% silicon oxide,
2 to 5% titanium oxide, other impurities, and
12 to 30% water.
This ore varies greatly in the proportions of its constituents, color, and consistency.
BAYER PROCESS
The process generally employed to refi ne alumina from bauxite.
BEARDING
Long-fi ber fuzz occurring on some loop pile fabrics, caused by fibers snagging and loosening due to inadequate anchorage.
BENEFICIATION
Concentrating process used to increase the iron content of ores prior to use. See also agglomeration.
BINDER
(1) In paint and coatings, the vehicle ingredient with adhesive qualities (linseed oil, resins, etc.) that binds
the pigment and other ingredients of a coating, paint, or transparent finish into a cohesive film and facilitates bonding with the underlying surfaces.
(2) In terrazzo, a cementitious or resinous material that
gives the matrix adhesive and other important physical properties.
BLEACHING
(1) The process of lightening raw wood.
(2) The process of restoring discolored or stained wood to its normal color or making it lighter.
BLEEDING
MASONRY / the loss of water from a masonry unit having low suction when it comes in contact with morrot OR the loss of water from mortar due to low water retention when it contacts a masonry unit. bleeding causes floating
CONCRETE / appearance of excess water rising to the surface shortly after placing of concrete
COATINGS / discoloration of a finish coat by coloring matter from the underlying surface or coat of finishing material
PLASTICS / diffusion of a colorant out of a plastic part into adjacent materials
BLEND TO A COMMON LEVEL
The meeting of two or more surfaces so that there is no abrupt rise or drop in the surface.
BLISTERING
The formation of bubbles or pimples on a coated, painted, or transparent finished surface caused by moisture in the underlying material (wood, masonry, concrete, etc.); caused by adding a coat of coating, paint, or transparent finish before the previous coat has dried thoroughly or caused by excessive heat or grease under a coating, paint, or transparent finish.
BLOW MOLDING
Shaping thermoplastic materials into hollow form by air pressure and heat; usually performed on sheets or tubes.
BLUSHING
Describes opaque lacquer that loses its gloss and becomes flat or clear lacquer that turns white or milky.
BOARD FOOT
A measure of lumber. One board foot is the equivalent of a piece of lumber whose nominal dimensions are 1 in. (25.4 mm) thick, 12 in. (305 mm) wide, and 12 in. (305 mm) long.
BOND BEAM
Course or courses of a masonry wall grouted and usually reinforced in the horizontal direction. Alternatively, maybe made of reinforced concrete. Serves as a horizontal tie of wall-bearing courses for structural members or itself as a flexural member.
BOND COURSE
A masonry course in which the units overlap more than one wythe of masonry.
BOND RUBBER CUSHIONING
Rubber or latex cushioning adhered to a carpet at the mill.
BONDERIZING
Process to improve paint adhesion on steel by dipping lightly galvanized (see galvanizing) objects in a hot phosphate solution to form a surface film of zinc phosphate.
BOND, STRUCTURAL
Tying wythes of a masonry wall together by lapping units over one another or by connecting them with metal ties.
BRAZING
A welding process in which the filler metal is a nonferrous metal or alloy with a melting point higher than 800°F (426.67°C) but lower than that of the metals joined. A brazing alloy is an alloy used as filler metal for brazing. In aluminum the brazing alloy is usually in the 4000 Series of alloys.
A brazing sheet is an unclad or specially clad sheet for brazing purposes, the surface of which has a lower melting point than the core. Brazing sheet of the clad type may be clad on either one or two surfaces.
BRICK GRADE
Designation for the durability of a unit, expressed as SW for severe weathering, MW for moderate weathering, and NW for negligible weathering.
BRICK TYPE
Designation for facing brick that controls tolerance, chippage, and distortion. Expressed as FBS, FBX, and FBA for solid brick and HBS, HBX, HBA, and HBB for hollow brick.
BRITISH THERMAL UNIT (BTU)
A measure of heat quantity equal to the amount of heat required to raise 1 lb of water 1°F (0.5556°C) at sea level.
BROADLOOM
Carpet woven on a broad loom in widths of 6 ft (1829 mm) or more.
BROWN COAT
The second plaster layer in three-coat work, which provides additional strength and a suitably true and
plane surface for the application of the finish coat.
BUILDING DRAIN
The lowest part of a building’s drainage system. It receives the discharge from soil, waste, and other
drainage pipes inside the walls of a building and conveys it to a point 3 ft (914 mm) outside the building walls, where it joins with the building sewer.
BUILDING SEWER
The horizontal piping of a drainage system, which extends from the end of a building drain to a public sewer, private sewer, individual sewage disposal system, or other point of disposal. A building sewer begins at a point 3 ft (914 mm) outside the building wall, where the building drain ends. Also called a house
sewer.
BUILDING STORM DRAIN
A type of building drain used for conveying rainwater,
surface water, groundwater, subsurface water, and cooling condensate; or a combined building sewer, extending to a point not less than 3 ft (914 mm) outside the building wall, where it joins with a storm sewer or combined storm and sewage sewer.
BULKED CONTINUOUS FILAMENT (BCF)
Continuous strands of synthetic fiber made into yarn without spinning; often extruded in modified cross section such as multilocal, mushroom, or bean shape, or textured to increase bulk and covering power.
BURLING
Removing surface defects such as knots, loose threads, and high spots to produce acceptable quality after weaving; also, filling in omissions in weaving.
CALCIUM CHLORIDE
An accelerator added to concrete to hasten setting (not to be considered an antifreeze).
CALENDERING
A process for producing plastic film or sheeting by passing the material between revolving heated rolls.
CAMBIUM
A thin layer of tissue that lies between a tree’s bark and its wood. The cambium subdivides to form the new wood and bark cells of each year’s growth.
CANT
A log slabbed on one or more sides.
CANT STRIP
A triangular filler between a roof and a parapet wall.
CAPACITY INSULATION
The ability of masonry to store heat as a result of its mass, density, and specific heat.
CAPILLARIES
(1) Thin-walled tubes or vessels found in wood.
(2) In concrete, channels that absorb water and are interrupted by entrained air bubbles.
CASE HARDENING
Hardening of the outer skin of an iron-based alloy by promoting surface absorption of carbon, nitrogen, or cyanide, generally accomplished by heating the alloy in contact with materials containing these elements and rapid cooling.
CAST IRON
High-carbon iron made by melting pig iron with other iron-bearing materials and casting in sand or loam molds; characterized by hardness, brittleness, and high compressive and low tensile strengths.
CAULKING COMPOUND
Semi drying or slowdrying plastic material used to seal joints or fill crevices such as those around windows
and chimneys. Either elastomeric or acrylic joint sealants are generally used today where caulking compounds are called for. See also sealant, joint.
C/B RATIO
The ratio of the weight of water absorbed by a clay masonry unit during immersion in cold water to the
weight absorbed during immersion in boiling water. An identification of the probable resistance of clay brick to the action of freezing and thawing.
CESSPOOL
A covered and lined underground pit used as a holding tank for domestic sewage and designed to retain the organic matter and solids, but to permit the liquids to seep through the bottom and sides. Cesspools are almost universally prohibited in this country and are not acceptable as a means of sewage disposal.
CHALKING
Formation of a loose powder on the surface of a coating or paint after exposure to the elements.
CHASE
A groove or continuous recess built in a masonry or concrete wall to accommodate pipes, ducts, or conduits.
CHECK
A lengthwise separation of wood, the greater part of which occurs across the annual growth rings. A check that passes entirely through a piece of wood is called a split.
CHECKING
Type of coating, paint, or transparent finish failure in which many small cracks appear in the surface.
CIRCUIT VENT
A branch vent that serves two or more traps and extends from in front of the last fi xture connection of a horizontal branch to a vent stack.
See also loop vent.
CIRCULATION PATH
An exterior or interior passageway from one place to another for pedestrians, including, but not limited to, walks, hallways, courtyards, stairways, and stair landings.
CLAD ALLOYS
Alloys having one or both surfaces of a metallurgically bonded coating, the composition of which may or may not be the same as that of the core, and which is applied for such purposes as corrosion protection, surface appearance, or brazing.
See also alclad sheet
and alloy.
CLADDING
Bonding thin sheets of a coating metal with desirable properties (such as corrosion resistance or chemical inertness) over a less expensive metallic core not possessing these properties. Copper cladding over steel may be applied by hot dipping; stainless steel and aluminum cladding by hot rolling.
CLEAVAGE (ISOLATION) MEMBRANE
A membrane such as saturated roofing felt, building paper, or 4 mil (0.1 mm) polyethylene film, installed between the backing and a mortar bed to permit independent movement of a tile finish.
COATING
mastic or liquid-applied surface finish, regardless of whether a protective film is formed or only decorative
treatment results.
There are two categories of coatings: coatings and special coatings. Materials called coatings in this book are those that are usually applied in the shop or factory on metal, glass, porcelain, wood, and other materials. They include such products as Kynar coatings on metal, anodizing on aluminum, and liquid-applied colored finishes on wood doors and cabinets.
Some coatings are virtually identical to paint, the major differences being that they are applied in a shop or factory and are usually sprayed on rather than being brushed or rolled on.
Special coatings are relatively thick, high-performance architectural coatings, such as highbuild glaze coatings; fire-retardant coatings; industrial coatings, such as those used in sewage disposal plants; and cementitious coatings. Special coatings are usually applied in the field.
See also fi re-retardant coating or paint, paints, and transparent finishes.
COKE
Processed form of bituminous coal used as a fuel, a reducing agent, and a source of carbon in making pig iron
COLD FLOW
Permanent change in dimension due to stress over time without heat.
COLD FORMING
Forming thin sheets and strips to desired shapes at room temperature, generally with little change in the mechanical properties of the metal; includes roll, stretch, shear, and brake forming.
See also cold working.
COLD WORKING
(1) In aluminum, forming a metal product at room temperature by means of rolling, drawing, forging, or
other mechanical methods of forming or shaping. Cold rolling is the forming of sheet metal by rolling at room temperature metal that has been previously hot rolled to a thickness of about 0.125 in. (3.2 mm).
(2) In steel, shaping by cold drawing, cold reduction, or cold rolling at room temperature; generally accompanied by an increase in strength and hardness. COLD DRAWING is shaping by pulling through a die to reduce the cross- sectional area and impart the desired shape; generally accompanied by an increase in strength, hardness, closer dimensional tolerances, and a smoother finish. COLD FINSIHING is cold working that results in finished mill products. COLD REDUCTION is cold rolling that drastically reduces sheet and strip thickness with each pass through the rolls; generally accompanied by an increase in hardness, stiffness, and strength and resulting in a smoother fi nish and improved flatness. COLD ROLLING is a gradual shaping between rolls to reduce the cross-sectional area or impart the desired shape; generally accompanied by an increase in strength and hardness.
See also cold forming and hot working.
CLOSER COURSE
the last masonry unit laid in a course.
COLLAR JOINT
Interior longitudinal vertical joint between two whythes of masonry.
COLORANT
Concentrated color added to coatings and paints to make specific colors.
COLORFAST
Fade resistant
COLOR UNIFORMITY
Ability of a coating or paint to maintain a consistent color across its entire surface, particularly during weathering.
COLUMN
A vertical structural member acting primarily in compression, whose horizontal dimension measured at right angles to its thickness does not exceed three times its thickness.
COMBINATION PROCESS
A process used to retrieve additional alumina and soda from the red mud impurities of the Bayer process.
COMMON ALLOY
An alloy that does not increase in strength when heattreated (non-heat-treatable). Common alloys may be strengthened by strain hardening.
COMMON WALL
A wall that separates adjacent dwelling units within an apartment building or adjacent tenants in townhouses and other buildings; also called a party wall.
COMPOSITE WALL
A multiple-wythe wall in which at least one of the wythes is dissimilar to the other wythe or wythes with
respect to type or grade of masonry unit or mortar.
COMPOUNDING
The thorough mixing of a polymer or polymers with other ingredients such as fi llers, plasticizers, catalysts, pigments, dyes, or curing agents.
COMPRESSION MOLDING
Forming plastic in a mold by applying pressure and, usually, heat.
CONCRETE
A composite material made of portland cement, water, and aggregates, and sometimes admixtures.
CONCRETE MASONRY UNT
CMU
A masonry unit having portland cement as its
primary cementitious material.
DECORATIVE CMU is one of various available types of concrete masonry units with beveled face shell recesses or other articulation or texture.
FACED CMU is one that has a special ceramic, glazed, plastic, polished, or ground face.
SLUMP BLOCK is a CMU produced so that it will slump or sag before it hardens; for use in masonry wall construction.
SPLIT-FACE BLOCK is a solid or hollow CMU that is machine fractured (split) lengthwise after hardening to produce a rough, varying surface texture.
CONDENSATION
The change of water from its gaseous form (water vapor) to liquid water; the liquid water so collected.
CONDENSATION POLYMERIZATION
A chemical reaction in which the molecules of two substances combine, giving off water or some other simple substance (see polymerization).
CONSISTENCY
The relative ability of freshly mixed concrete to fl ow, as measured by a slump test.
CONSTRUCTION
The method by which a carpet is made (loom or machine) and other identifying characteristics, including the number of pile rows per inch, pitch, wire height, number of shots, yarn count and plies, total pile yarn weight, and pile yarn density.
CONSTRUCTION JOINT
A joint placed in concrete to permit practical placement of the work in section with predefined boundaries.
CONTINUOUS CASTING
A process in which molten metal is used directly to produce semifinished products such as slabs or billets, bypassing ingot teaming, stripping, soaking, and rolling.
CONTROL JOINT
(1) A joint placed in concrete to form a plane of weakness to prevent random cracks from forming due to drying shrinkage and temperature changes.
(2) A prefabricated metal accessory intended to relieve shrinkage, temperature, or structural stresses in plaster, thus minimizing cracking.
COPING MASONRY UNITS
forming a finished cap on top of an exposed pier, wall,
pilaster, chimney, and the like, to protect the masonry below from penetration of water from above.
COPOLYMER
A polymer formed by the combination of two or more different monomers.
COPPER STAINING
stain usually caused by the corrosion products of copper screens, gutters, or downspouts washing down on a finished surface. Can be prevented by painting the copper or applying a transparent finish to it.
CORBEL
A shelf or ledge formed by projecting successive courses of masonry out from the face of a wall.
CORE
The innermost portion of plywood, consisting of either hardwood or softwood sawed lumber, veneer, or composition board.
CORNER CRACKING
Cracks occurring in the apex of inside corners of gypsum board surfaces, such as between adjacent walls or at walls and ceilings.
CORNER FLOATING GYPSUM BOARD
Gypsum board installation procedure that eliminates some mechanical fasteners at interior corners and permits sufficient movement of boards to eliminate corner cracking.
CORRECTION LINES
East-west reference lines used in the rectangular survey system, located at 24-mile intervals to the north and south of a base line.
CORROSION
Physical deterioration, decomposition, or loss of the cross-section of a metal due to weathering, galvanic
action, or direct chemical attack.
Galvanic action is corrosion produced by electrolytic action between two dissimilar metals in the presence of an electrolyte.
Direct chemical attack is corrosion caused by a chemical dissolving of the metal.
Weathering is galvanic or chemical corrosion produced by atmospheric conditions.
COULOMB
unit of electrical charge equal to the number of electrons conducted past a point in 1 second.
COUNT
A number identifying yarn size or weight per unit of length (or length per unit of weight), depending on the carpet spinning system used (such as denier, woolen, worsted, cotton, or jute system).
COURSE
(1) Compass direction from one reference point to the next for each leg of a metes and bounds survey. An angular course is a compass direction in degrees,
minutes, and seconds, stated as a deviation eastward or westward from due north or south; used in metes and bounds descriptions and surveys.
(2) One of the continuous horizontal layers of masonry units, bonded with mortar. One course is equal to the thickness of the masonry unit plus the thickness of one mortar joint.
COVERAGE
Area over which a given amount of coating, paint, or transparent finish will spread and hide the previous surface; usually expressed in sq ft/gal (m2/L).
CRAZING
(1) Numerous hairline cracks in the surface of newly hardened concrete.
(2) Similar cracks in a paint or coating.
CRIMPING
Method of texturing staple and continuous filament yarn to produce irregular alignment of fibers in carpet
and increase their bulk and covering power; also facilitates interlocking of fibers, which is necessary for spinning staple fibers into yarn.
CROSSBAND
A layer of veneer in a plywood panel whose grain direction is at right angles to that of the face plies.
CROSS FURRING
Furring members installed perpendicular to framing members.
CROSSLINKING
A chemical reaction in which adjacent polymer molecules unite to form a strong three-dimensional network; usually occurs during the curing of thermosetting plastics.
CROSS SLOPE
The slope of a pedestrian way that is perpendicular to the direction of travel. See also running slope.
CROWN, JOINT
The maximum height to which joint compound is applied over a gypsum board joint.
CRYOLITE SODIUM
Aluminum fluoride used with alumina in the final electrolytic reduction of aluminum. Found naturally in Greenland; generally produced synthetically from alum, soda, and hydrofluoric acid.
CUBING
The assembling of concrete masonry units into cubes after curing for storage and delivery. A cube normally
contains six layers of 15 to 18 blocks (8 × 8 × 16 in. [203 × 203 × 406 mm]) or an equivalent volume of other size units.
CUE
A device that alerts a user to an upcoming condition; includes audible, visual, and textural signals.
See also detectable warning.
AUDIBLE CUE is a sound or a verbal alert.
TACTILE CUE is one that can be detected by touch.
VISUAL CUE is one that can be seen.
CURB RAMP
A short ramp cutting through a curb or built into it.
CURE
To change the properties of a polymeric system into a final, more stable condition by the use of heat, radiation, or reaction with chemical additives. Sometimes referred to as set.
CURING
(1) The hardening of a concrete masonry unit (CMU). Atmospheric pressure steam curing is a method of curing CMUs, using steam at atmospheric pressure usually at temperatures of 120°F (48.89°C) to 180°F (82.2°C). Also called low-pressure steam curing. High- pressure steam curing is a method of curing CMUs, using saturated steam (365°F [185°C]) under pressure, usually 125 to 150 psi (87.88 to 105.46 Mg/m2). Also referred to as autoclave curing. Moist curing is a method of curing CMUs using moisture at atmospheric pressure and temperature of approximately 70°F (21.1°C).
(2) The process of keeping concrete moist for an extended period after placement to ensure proper hydration and subsequent strength and quality.
(3) Final conversion or drying of a coating, paint, or transparent finish material.
CURTAIN WALL
An exterior non-loadbearing wall. Such walls may be anchored to columns, spandrel beams, structural walls, or fl oors. See also panel wall.
CUSHIONING
Soft, resilient layer provided under carpet to increase underfoot comfort, to absorb pile-crushing forces, and to reduce impact sound transmission. Also called underlay or lining; see also padding.
CUT PILE
A carpet face construction in which the pile is cut level so that it stands erect in a low, dense, plush, even surface.
CUTTING IN
Painting of an edge, such as wall color at the ceiling line or at the edge of woodwork.
CYLINDER TEST
A laboratory test for compressive stress of a fi eld sample of concrete (6 in. [152.4 mm] in diameter by 12 in. [305 mm] in length).
DAILY DEGREE DAY
The numerical difference between 65°F (18.3°C) and the average of all recorded temperatures on a given day that are lower than 65°F (18.3°C).
DAMP COURSE
A course or layer of impervious material that prevents capillary entrance of moisture from the ground or a lower course. Often called DAMP CHECK.
DARBY
A tool used to level freshly placed concrete. Commonly long flat piece of metal or wood.
DARBYING
Smoothing the surface of freshly placed concrete with a darby to level any raised spots and fi ll depressions.
DEAD LOAD
The weight of all permanent and stationary construction or equipment included in a building.
DECAY
The decomposition of wood substances by certain fungi.
DECIBEL
A logarithmic unit expressing the ratio between a sound being measured and a reference point.
DEGRADATION
A permanent change in the physical or chemical properties of a plastic evidenced by impairment of these properties.
DEGREE
A unit of angular measure equal to the angle contained within two radii of a circle that describe an arc equal to 1/360th of the circumference of the circle;
also used to defi ne an arc equal to 1/360th of the circumference of a circle.
DEGREE DAYS HEATING
The sum of the daily degree days when the temperature dropped below 65°F (18.3°C).
DELUSTERED NYLON
Nylon on which the normally high sheen has been reduced by surface treatment.
DENIER
System of yarn count used for synthetic carpet fibers: number of grams per 9,000 meters of yarn length;
one denier equals 4,464,528 yards per pound or 279,033 yards per ounce.
DETECTABLE WARNING
A standardized surface texture applied to or built into walking surfaces or other elements to warn visually impaired people of hazards in the path of travel. See also cue.
DEW POINT
The temperature above freezing at which air becomes saturated and condensation occurs. See also frost point.
DIMENSIONAL STABILITY
The ability of a material to retain its dimensions in service.
DIRECT CHEMICAL ATTACK
Corrosion caused by a chemical dissolving a metal.
DISABILITY
A limitation or loss of use of a physical, mental, or sensory body part or function.
DISCONTINUOUS CONSTRUCTION
A construction method used to separate a continuous
path through which sound may be transmitted. Examples include the use of staggered studs, double walls, and the resilient mounting of surfaces.
DISPERSION
The distribution of a finely divided solid in a liquid or a solid.
DISTRIBUTION LINE
Open joint or perforated pipe intended to permit soil absorption of effluent. Distribution box helps ensure the even distribution of waste into the soil and ensure longevity of the septic system.
DIVIDER STRIPS
All-metal or plastic-top metal strips provided in a terrazzo fi nish to control cracking due to drying shrinkage, temperature variations, and minor structural movements; are also used for decorative purposes and convenience in placing a terrazzo topping.
DRAIN
A pipe that carries wastewater or waterborne wastes in a building drainage system.
DRAINAGE SYSTEM
That piping that conveys sewage, rainwater, or other liquid wastes up to a point of disposal, such as the mains of a public sewer system or a private septic disposal system. See also vent system and drain, waste, and vent (DWV) system.
DRAIN WASTE, AND VENT
The collection of pipes that facilitates the removal
of liquid and solid wastes and dissipates sewer gases.
DRAWING
The process of pulling material through a die to reduce the size, to change the cross-section or shape, or to harden the material.
DRESSED LUMBER
Lumber that has been surfaced with a planing machine.
DRIER
An ingredient included to speed the drying of coatings, paints, and transparent finishes.
DRIP
A projection shaped to cause water to flow away from a lower surface, thus preventing it from running down the face of the lower surface.
DRYING
The various stages of curing in a coating, paint, or transparent finish film.
Dust-free is the stage of drying when particles of dust that settle on the surface do not stick to it.
Tack-free is the stage of drying when the surface no longer feels sticky when lightly touched.
Dry enough to handle is the stage of drying when the film has hardened sufficiently so that the object or surface may be used without marring.
Dry enough to recoat is that stage of drying when the next coat can be applied.
Dry enough to sand is the stage of drying when the film can be sanded without the sandpaper sticking or clogging.
DRYING OIL
A coating, paint, or transparent finish vehicle ingredient, such as linseed oil, which, when exposed to the air in a thin layer, oxidizes and hardens to a relatively tough elastic film.
DRY LUMBER
Under Product Standard PS 20–70, lumber with a moisture content of 19% or less.
DRY ROT
A term that is loosely applied to many types of decay, which in the advanced state permit wood to be easily
crushed to a dry powder. This term is a misnomer since all fungi require moisture.
DRY WELL
A covered and lined underground pit, similar to a seepage pit but intended to receive water free of organic matter, such as from roof drains, floor drains, or laundry tubs. Used as an auxiliary to a septic disposal system to avoid overloading the septic tank absorption system. (Also called leaching well or
leaching pit.)
DUCTILE
Capable of being drawn out or hammered; able to undergo cold plastic deformation without breaking.
DURABILITY
The ability of a coating, paint, or transparent fi nish to retain its desirable properties for a long time under expected service conditions.
DUSTING
The appearance of a powdery material at the surface of a hardened concrete.
DYE OR DYESTUFF
Colored material used to change the color of a coating or paint with little or no hiding of the underlying surface.
DYNE
A unit of force, which when acting on a mass of 1 gram accelerates it 1 centimeter per second per second.
ECHO
A reflected sound loud enough and received late enough to be heard as distinct from the source.
EDGING
The finishing operation of rounding off the edge of a concrete slab to prevent chipping or damage.
EFFLORESCENCE
Deposit of soluble salts, usually white in color, appearing on the exposed surface of masonry, concrete, or plaster.
EFFLUENT
Partially treated liquid sewage flowing from any part of a septic disposal system, septic tank, or absorption system.
EGGSHELL FINISH
Surface sheen midway between flat and semigloss.
ELASTIC DEFORMATION
Deformation caused by a stress small enough that when the stress is removed, the material returns to its original shape. See also plastic deformation.
ELASTICITY
The ability to recover the original size and shape after deformation.
ELASTIC LIMIT
The amount of stress that, if exceeded, will cause a given material to deform or set permanently.
ELASTOMER
(1) A material that at room temperature can be stretched repeatedly to at least twice its original length and that, upon release of the stress, will return
instantly and with force to its approximate original length.
(2) A rubberlike substance.
ELECTROGALVANIZING
Electroplating with zinc to provide greater corrosion resistance.
ELECTROLYSIS
Also called galvanic corrosion. An electrochemical decomposition that results when dissimilar metals are
each contacted by the same electrolyte, such as water. The process is similar to that which takes place in an automobile battery. One metal acts as a cathode, the other as an anode. When the electrolyte
causes an electrical current to flow from one metal to the other, the anodic metal dissolves and hydrogen ions accumulate on the cathodic metal. Electrolysis can also take place in a single metal when one
portion of it is cathodic and another portion is anodic if an electrolyte makes a bridge between the two portions.
ELECTROLYTE
A nonmetallic substance in which electricity is conducted by the movement of ions.
ELECTROMOTIVE FORCE
Something that moves or tends to move electricity.
ELECTROPLATING
process that employs an electric current to coat a base metal (cathode) with another metal (anode) in an electrolytic solution.
EMULSION
Mixture of liquids (or a liquid and a solid) not soluble in each other, one liquid (or solid) being dispersed as
minute particles in the other, base liquid, with the help of an emulsifying agent.
ENAMEL
A coating or paint capable of forming a very smooth, hard film, sometimes using varnish as the vehicle; may be flat, gloss, or semigloss.
ENAMEL HOLDOUT
Property of producing a tight fi lm that prevents the penetration of subsequent enamel coats to underlying surfaces; prevents unequal absorption and uneven gloss.
END WALL
The wall along the short dimension of a room.
ENGINEERED BRICK MASONRY
Masonry in which the design is based on a rational, accepted structural engineering analysis.
EQUILIBRIUM MOISTURE CONTENT
The moisture content at which wood neither gains nor loses moisture when surrounded by air at a given relative humidity and temperature.
EROSION
Wearing away of a coating, paint, or transparent finish film caused by exposure.
ETCH
A surface preparation for a coating, paint, or transparent finish by chemical means to improve adhesion.
EVAPORATION
The change of water from a liquid to a gas.
EXPANDABLE PLASTIC
A plastic suitable for expansion into cellular form by thermal, chemical, or mechanical means.
EXPANSION STRIPS
Double divider strips in a terrazzo finish separated by resilient material and provided generally for the same purpose as divider strips, but where a greater degree of structural movement is expected.
EXTENDER
(1) In plastics, a low-cost material used to dilute or extend high-cost resins without appreciably lessening the properties of the original resin.
(2) In coatings, paints, and transparent finishes, an inexpensive but compatible substance that can be added to a more valuable substance to increase the volume of material without substantially diminishing its desirable properties; in coatings and paints, extender pigments improve storage and application properties.
EXTERIOR WALL
Any outside wall of a building other than a party wall.
EXTERNAL CORNER
A projecting angle formed by abutting walls or a vertical surface and soffit (not to be confused with exterior, meaning exposed to the weather).
EXTRUDE
To form lengths of shaped sections by forcing a plastic material through a shaped hole in a die.
EXTRUSION
(1) In aluminum, a product formed by extruding. (a) An extrusion billet is a solid, wrought, semifi nished
product intended for further extrusion into rods, bars, or shapes. (b) An extrusion ingot is a solid or hollow cylindrical casting used for extrusion into bars, rods,
shapes, or tubes.
(2) In plastic, forcing plastic material through a shaped orifice to make rod, tubing, or sheeting.
FACED WALL
A wall in which the facing and backing are of different materials and are bonded together to exert common action under load.
FACE SHELL
The side wall of a hollow masonry unit or clay tile.
FACING
A part of a wall that is used as a finished surface.
FADING
Loss of color due to exposure to light, heat, or weathering.
FASTENER TREATEMENT
Method of concealing gypsum board fasteners by successive applications of compound until a smooth surface is achieved.
FEATHEREDGING
(feathering) Tapering gypsum board joint compound to a very thin edge to ensure inconspicuous blending with adjacent gypsum board surfaces.
FEATHER SANDING
Tapering the edge of a dried coating, paint, or transparent finish film with sandpaper.
FERROUS ALLOYS
Composite metals whose chief ingredient is iron (ferrum), metallurgically combined with one or more alloying elements.
FIBER SATURATION POINT
The stage in drying (or wetting) of wood at which the
cell walls are saturated with water but the cell cavities are free of water, being approximately 30% moisture content in most species.
FIBER WOOD
A comparatively long (1/25 in. [1.016 mm] or less to 1/3 in. [8.47 mm]), narrow, tapering unit closed at both ends.
FIELD
(1) In ceramic tile, the general area of the tile excluding trim.
(2) In gypsum board, the surface of the board exclusive of the perimeter.
(3) In masonry walls, the expanse of wall between openings, corners, and the like, principally composed of stretchers.
(4) In resilient flooring, the area of a floor within the borders.
FIGURE
The pattern produced in a wood surface by annual growth rings, rays, knots, and deviations from the regular grain.
FILL
The sand, gravel, or compacted earth used to bring a subgrade up to a desired level.
FILLER
(1) In plastics, a relatively inert material added to modify the strength, permanence, or working properties or to lower the cost of a resin.
(2) In coatings, paints, and transparent finishes, a pigmented composition for filling the pores or irregularities in a surface in preparation for finishing.
FERROALLOYS
Iron-based alloys used in steelmaking as a source of desired alloying elements.
FILM
(1) In plastics, plastic sheeting having a nominal thickness not greater than 0.010 in. (0.254 mm).
(2) In coatings, paints, and transparent fi nishes, a thin application generally not thicker than 0.010 in. (0.254 mm).
FINENESS MODULUS
A measure of the average size of an aggregate, calculated by passing the aggregate through a series of screens of decreasing size.
FINISH COAT
The final decorative plaster layer in either two-coat or three-coat work.
FINISHED MILL PRODUCTS
Steel shapes that can be used directly in construction. Bars are hot-rolled or cold-drawn round, square, hexagonal, or multifaceted long shapes, generally larger than wire in cross-section. Also hot- or cold-rolled rectangular flat shapes (flats) generally narrower than sheets and strip.
Backplate is a cold-rolled, flat, carbon-steel product that is thinner than sheet and wider than strip, generally coated with zinc, tin, or terne metal.
Foil is a cold-rolled flat product less than 0.005 in. (0.127 mm) thick.
Plate is a hot-rolled flat product generally thicker than sheet and wider than strip.
Sheet is a hot- or coldrolled flat product generally thinner than plate and wider than strip.
Strip is a hot- or cold-rolled fl at product generally narrower than sheet and thinner than plate.
Structurals are hot-rolled steel shapes of special design (such as H beams, I beams, channels, angles, and tees) used in construction.
Terneplate is backplate or sheet metal that has been coated with terne metal. Tinplate is backplate that has been coated with tin.
Tubular products are hollow products of round, oval, square, rectangular, or multifaceted cross-sections. In construction, round products are generally called pipe; square or rectangular products with thinner wall sections are called tube or tubing.
Wire is a cold-finished product of round, square, or multifaceted cross section, generally smaller than bars; round wire is cold drawn, 0.005 in. (0.127 mm) to less than 1 in. (25.4 mm) in diameter; flat wire is cold
rolled, generally narrower than bar.
FIRE DIVISION WALL
A wall that subdivides a building to resist the spread of fi re. It is not necessarily continuous through all stories to and above the roof. See also fi re wall.
FIREPROOFING
A material or combination of materials built to protect structural members to increase their fi re resistance.
FIRE-RETARDANT COATING OR PAINT
A coating or paint that will significantly
(1) reduce the rate of flame spread,
(2) resist ignition at high temperatures, and
(3) insulate the underlying material to prolong the time required for the material to reach its ignition, melting, or structural weakening temperature.
FIRE WALL
A wall that subdivides a building to resist the spread of fire and that extends continuously from the foundation through the roof. See also fire division wall.
FIXTURE-UNIT
A mathematical factor used by engineers to estimate the probable demand on a drainage or water supply system (volume, duration of flow, and intervals between operations) by various plumbing fi xtures.
FLAKING
Form of coating, paint, or transparent finish failure characterized by the detachment of small pieces of the film from the surface or previous coat; usually preceded by cracking or blistering.
FLANKING PATH
A wall or fl oor and ceiling assembly that permits sound to be transmitted along its surface. Also, an opening that permits the direct transmission of sound through the air.
FLASHING
(1) In masonry construction, a thin, relatively impervious sheet material placed in mortar joints and across air spaces in masonry walls to collect water that may penetrate the wall and to direct it to the exterior.
(2) In masonry manufacture, the step during the burning process of clay masonry units that produces varying shades and colors in the units.
(3) In resilient flooring, the bending up of resilient sheet material against a wall or a projection, either temporarily for the purpose of fitting or permanently to form a one-piece resilient base.
FLASH POINT
Temperature at which a coating, paint, transparent finish, or solvent will ignite; the lower the flash point, the greater the hazard.
FLASH SET
Undesirable rapid setting of cement in concrete or mortar.
FLAT
Dull, nonreflective; opposite of gloss.
FLAT APPLICATOR
Rectangular flat pad with an attached handle that is used to paint shingles, shakes, and other special surfaces.
FLAT FINISH
Finish having no gloss or luster.
FLATS
Term applied to flat coatings and paints.
FLATTING AGENT
Ingredient added to coatings and paint to reduce the gloss of the dried film.
FLITCH
(1) A portion of a log sawed on two or more sides and intended for manufacture into lumber or sliced or sawed veneer.
(2) A complete bundle of veneers laid together in sequence as they were sliced or sawed.
FLOATING
(1) A concrete slab fi nishing operation that embeds aggregate, removes slight imperfections, humps, and
voids to produce a level surface and consolidates mortar at the surface.
(2) A condition in which a layer of water occurs between a mortar bed and a masonry
unit, usually due to bleeding, causing the unit and the mortar to fail to bond with each other. In this condition, the unit is said to float.
(3) Separation of pigment colors on the surface of applied paint.
FLOCKED CARPET
Single-level velvety pile carpet composed of short fibers embedded on an adhesive-coated backing.
FLOW
The ability of a coating, paint, or transparent finish to level out and spread into a smooth film; materials that have good flow usually level out uniformly and exhibit few brush or roller marks.
FLUX
A mineral that, due to its affinity to the impurities in iron ores, is used in ironworking and steelmaking to separate impurities in the form of molten slag.
Basic flux is a mineral, such as limestone or dolomite, used in basic furnaces to make basic (low-phosphorus) steel. Neutral flux is a mineral
FOOTING
The base of a foundation, column, or wall used to distribute the load over the subgrade.
FORGING
The working (shaping) of metal parts by forcing between shaped dies. Press forging is shaping by applying pressure in a press. Hammer forging is shaping by application of repeated blows, as in a forging hammer. See also hot working.
FORM
A temporary structure erected to contain concrete during placing and initial hardening.
FOUNDATION WALL
A load-bearing wall below the floor nearest to exterior grade serving as a support for a wall, pier, column, floor, or other structural part of a building.
FRAMES
Racks at the back of a jacquard loom, each holding pile yarn of a different color. In Wilton carpets, two to six frames may be used. The number is a measure of quality as well as an indication of the number of colors in the pattern, unless some of the yarns are buried in the backing.
FREEZING CYCLE DAY
A day in which the air temperature passes either above or below 32°F (0°C). The average number of freezing cycle days in a year equals the difference
between the mean number of days when the minimum temperature was 32°F (0°C) or below and when the maximum temperature was 32°F (0°C) or below.
FREQUENCY
The number of complete cycles of a vibration occurring in each second, measured in cycles per second (cps) and expressed in hertz (Hz).
FROST POINT
That temperature below freezing at which condensation occurs. See also dew point.
FUNGICIDE
Agent that helps prevent mold or mildew growth on paint.
FURNACE, BLAST
Tall, cylindrical masonry structure lined with refractory materials, used to smelt iron ores in combination with fluxes, coke, and air into pig iron.
FURNACE, STEEL
Masonry or steel structure lined with refractory materials, used to melt pig iron, scrap metal, and sometimes agglomerated ores, ferroalloys, and
fluxes into steel. A basic oxygen furnace is a suspended, tilting vessel that uses highpurity oxygen to oxidize impurities in hot pig iron and other iron-bearing materials to produce low-phosphorus (basic) steel. An electric arc suspended furnace is a kettle that melts scrap metal, ore, and sometimes ferroalloys with the heat of an electric arc to produce steels of controlled chemical composition. An electric induction furnace is a steel-encased, insulated magnesia pot in which metal, scrap, and ferroalloys are melted with the heat of an electric current induced by windings
of electric tubing; used chiefly to produce small quantities of high-grade steels such as alloy, stainless, and heat-resisting steels. An open hearth furnace is a
masonry structure with a hearth exposed to the sweep of flames in which hot pig iron, scrap metal, and fluxes are melted and oxidized by a mixture of fuel and air to produce basic or acid steel.
FURRING
A method of finishing the interior face of a concrete or masonry wall to provide space for insulation, to prevent moisture penetration, or to provide a level, plumb, and straight surface for finishing. Furring consists of metal channels or studs or of wood strips or studs.
FUSION-BONDED CARPET
Carpet made by fusing carpet yarn and a backing, then cutting the substrates in two, making two pieces of carpet.
FUZZING
Temporary condition on new carpet consisting of an irregular appearance caused by slack yarn twist, “snagging” of fibers, or breaking of yarn. Can be remedied by spot shearing.
GALVANIZING
Zinc coating by electroplating or hot dipping, which produces a characteristic bright, spangled finish and protects the base metal from atmospheric corrosion.
GANG GROOVED
Plywood panels produced by passing them under a machine with grooving knives set at certain intervals.
GAUGE
The distance between tufts across the width of knitted and tufted carpets, expressed in fractions of an inch.
GLAZE
Used to describe several types of finishing materials. Glazing putty is a compound of creamy consistency applied to fill surface imperfections. A glazing stain is
very thin, semitransparent, and usually pigmented with Vandyke brown or burnt sienna, applied over a previously stained, filled, or painted surface to soften or blend the original color without obscuring it. A glaze
coat is a clear finish applied over previously coated surfaces to create a gloss finish.
GLAZING COMPOUND
Dough-like material, consisting of vehicle and pigment, that retains its plasticity over a wide range of
temperatures and for an extended period of time. Either elastomeric or acrylic joint sealants are generally used today where glazing compounds are called for.
See also sealant, joint.
GLOSS
Shiny, reflective surface quality; term sometimes used broadly to include coatings, paints, and transparent finishes with these surface properties.
GLUELINE
The line of glue visible on the edge of a plywood panel. Also applies to the layer of glue itself.
GRADE
The designation of the quality of wood, steel, and other materials and products made from them, such as plywood.
GRADED AGGREGATE
An aggregate containing particles of uniformly graduated size from the fi nest fi ne aggregate size to the maximum size of coarse aggregate.
GRADED SAND
A sand containing particles of uniformly graduated size from very fi ne up to ¼ in. (6.4 mm).
GRAIN
The direction, size, arrangement, appearance, or quality of the fi bers in wood. Cross-grained wood is sawed with the fi bers not parallel with the longitudinal
axis of the piece. This grain may be diagonal, in a spiral pattern, or a combination of both. Diagonal-grained wood is sawn at an angle with the bark of the
tree such that the annual growth rings are at an angle with the axis of the piece. Edge-grained wood is sawn parallel with the pith of a log and at nearly right angles
to the annual growth rings, making an angle of 45 to 90 degrees with the wide surface of the piece. Also called quartersawn wood and vertical-grained wood.
Flat-grained wood is sawn parallel with the pith of the log and nearly tangent to the annual growth rings, making an angle of less than 45 degrees with the surface of the piece. Also called plain-sawn wood.
Open-grained wood is a common designation for wood with large pores, such as oak, ash, chestnut, and walnut.
GRAINING
Simulating the grain of wood by means of specially prepared colors or stains and the use of graining tools or special brushing techniques.
GRAIN RAISING
Swelling and standing up of wood grain caused by absorbed water or solvents.
GRAIN STRUCTURE
The microscopic internal crystalline structure (size and distribution of particles) of a metal that affects
its properties, known as austenitic, ferritic, and martensitic. Austenitic steels are tough, strong, and nonmagnetic. Austenitic stainless steels have a chromium content of up to 25% and a nickel content of up to 22% and can be hardened by cold working. Ferritic steels are soft, ductile, and strongly magnetic. Ferritic stainless steels usually have a chromium content of 12 to 27% and are not hardenable by heat treatment. Martensitic steels can be made very hard
and tough by heat treatment and rapid cooling. Martensitic stainless steels have a chromium content of 4 to 12%.
GREAT CIRCLE
A line described on a sphere by a plane bisecting the sphere into equal parts. The equator is a great circle, as are pairs of opposing meridians.
GREEN CONCRETE
Freshly placed concrete.
GREEN LUMBER
Under Product Standard PS 20-70, lumber with a moisture content of more than 19%. Unseasoned lumber that has not been exposed to air or kiln drying.
GRIN
Condition in which the backing shows through sparsely spaced pile tufts. A carpet may be grinned (bent back) deliberately to reveal its construction.
GROSS CROSS-SECTIONAL AREA
In masonry, the total area of a section perpendicular
to the direction of the load, including areas within cores, cellular spaces, and other openings in the material.
GROUND COAT
Base coat in an antiquing system; applied before graining colors, glazing, or other finish coat.
GROUNDS
Nailing strips placed in concrete and masonry walls as a means of attaching trim, furring, cabinetry, or equipment.
GROUT, MASONRY
(1) Mortar of a consistency that will flow or pour easily without segregation of the ingredients. (2) A liquid mixture of cement, water, and sand of pouring consistency.
GROUT, TILE
A formulation used to fill the joints between tiles; maybe cementitious, resinous, or a combination of both.
GUSSET PLATE
Wood or metal plate used as a means of joining coplanar structural members in trusses. Gusset plates lap the butt joints between members.
GYPSUM BOARD
A panel consisting of a noncombustible core of calcined gypsum, surfaced on both sides with a covering material specifically designed for various uses with respect to performance, application, location, and appearance. Wallboard is a class of gypsum board used primarily as an interior finished surface. Lath is a class of gypsum board used as a base for gypsum plaster. Backing boards are gypsum boards that serve as a base to which gypsum wallboard or tile is applied. Sheathing is a class of gypsum board used as a base for exterior finishes. Edges are gypsum board extremities that are paperbound and run the long dimension of the board as manufactured. Ends are gypsum board extremities that are mill- or job-cut, exposing the gypsum core, and run the short dimension of the board as manufactured.
HARDBOARD
A dense panelboard manufactured of wood fi bers with the natural lignin in the wood reactivated to serve as a binder for the wood fibers.
HARD-BURNED
Clay products that have been fired at high temperatures. They have relatively low absorptions and high compressive strengths.
HARDNESS
Cohesion of particles on the surface of a coating, paint, or transparent finish as determined by the ability to resist scratching or indentation.
HARDWOOD
The botanical group of trees that are broad-leaved and deciduous. The term does not refer to the actual hardness of the wood.
HEADER
A masonry unit that overlaps two or more adjacent wythes of masonry to provide structural bond. Also called bonder.
HEADER COURSE
A continuous bonding course of header brick.
HEAD JOINT
The vertical mortar joint between ends of masonry units.
HEARTWOOD
The wood that extends from the pith to the sapwood, the cells of which no longer participate in the growth process of the tree. Heartwood may be impregnated
with gums, resins, and other materials, which usually make it darker and more decay resistant than sapwood.
