Vocabulary Flashcards
Abrasion
Wearing away by friction.
Absorption bed
A wide trench exceeding 36 in. in width containing a minimum of 12 in. of clean, coarse aggregate and system of two or more distribution pipes through which treated sewage may seep into the surrounding soil. (Also called a seepage bed).
Absorption Field
An arrangement of absorption trenches through which treated sewage is absorbed into the soil. (Also called a 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 (CMU)
The weight of water a concrete masonry unit absorbs when immersed in water, expressed in pounds of water per cubit foot of concrete.
Absorption of water by concrete masonry units (CMU)
The weight of water a concrete masonry unit absorbs when immersed in water, expressed in pounds of water per cubit 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 soil.
Absorption unit
Sabin (sound absorption unit)
Accelerator
An admixture used in concrete to hasten its set and increase the rate of strength gain (the opposite of a retarder).
Accessible
Describes a site, building, facility, or portion there of that complies with current standards and can be approached, entered, and used by a physically handicapped person.
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 finished, coatings, paints, and transparent finishes.
Acid Resistant Brick
a clay brick suitable for use in contact with chemicals; designed primarily for use in the chemical industry. Usually used with acid-resistant mortars.
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.
Acoustics
The science of sound; the production, transmission, and effect of sound.
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. (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.
Actual Size
The actual size of lumber is its measured size after seasoning and dressing
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 different types or degrees of disability.
Adhesion
The property of a paint film that enables it to stick to a surface.
Adhesive, drywall
Adhesives specifically intended for the application of gypsum board. A contact adhesive is and 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 a 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.
Ad Mixture
A material (other than Portland cement, water, or aggregate) used in concrete to alter its properties (such as accelerators, retarders, and air-retraining agents).
Adobe Brick
A large clay brick made of varying size, roughly molded and sun dried.
Age Hardening
The continuing increase in strength or long periods of time of aluminum alloys after heat treatment.
Agglomeration
Process for increasing the particle size of iron ores to make them suitable or iron working and steelmaking.
Aggregate
A hard, inert material mixed with Portland cement and water to form concrete. Fine aggregate has pieces 1/4” (6.4mm) in diameter and smaller. Coarse aggregate has pieces larger than 1/4” 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)
Airborne sound transmission
The transmission of sound through the air as a medium rather than through a solid, such as the structure of a building. Airborne sound is produced when a surface is caused to vibrate, thus producing alternating air pressures adjacent to the surface. The alternating pressures then radiate through the air in waves of higher and lower pressures.
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 Drying
(1) in coatings, paints, and transparent finishes, capable of forming a solid film when exposed to air at moderate atmospheric temperatures. (2) of wood, see seasoning.
Air-Entrained concrete
Concrete containing minute bubbles of air up to about 7% by volume
