Illustrated Dictionary, Exercises of Civil Engineering

Download Illustrated Dictionary and more Exercises Civil Engineering in PDF only on Docsity!

RS Means

ILLUSTRATED

C ONSTRUCTION

DICTIONARY

Student Edition

John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

v

Contents

Preface vii

Acknowledgments ix

Terms and Defi nitions 1

Appendix 355

ix

Acknowledgments

This edition would not have been possible without the work of the RSMeans engineering staff. The editors also thank John Schaufelberger at the University of Washington and Clark Cory of Purdue University for their review of the material and recommended revisions for this student edition. Finally, a special thanks to the American Association of Cost Estimators (AACE) for allowing us to reprint some of their invaluable cost engineering terminology.

A

A

Actl actual a.d. air-dried AD access door, air-dried, area drain, as drawn ADA Americans with Disabilities Act ADAAG Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines ADD addendum (on drawings), addition (on drawings) Addit additional ADF after deducting freight (used in lumber industry) ADH adhesive ADI after date of invoice adj adjacent, adjoining, adjust, adjustable ADS automatic door seal af audio frequency AFE Association for Facilities Engineering (formerly the American Institute of Plant Engineers) AFL-CIO American Federation of Labor and the Committee for Industrial Organization AFUE Annual fuel utilization effi ciency AG above grade AGA American Gas Association AGC Associated General Contractors Agg, Aggr aggregate AGL above ground level AH, A HR, amp hr ampere-hour AHERA Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act AHU air-handling unit AI Asphalt Institute

Abbreviations

a acre, ampere A area, area square feet, ampere A&E architect-engineer AAMA Architectural Aluminum Manufacturers Association AASHTO American Association of State Highway and Transportation Offi cials ABC aggregate base course, Associated Builders and Contractors ABS acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, asbestos-bonded steel ABT air blast transformer, about ac, a-c, a.c. alternating current a.c. asphaltic concrete (a.c. paving) AC air conditioning, alternating current (on drawings), armored cable (on drawings), asbestos cement ACB asbestos-cement board, air circuit breaker ACC accumulator Access. accessory ACD automatic closing device ACEC American Consulting Engineers Council ACGIH American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists ACI American Concrete Institute, Association of Construction Inspectors ACM asbestos-containing material, asbestos-covered metal ACS American Ceramic Society ACSR aluminum cable steel reinforced, aluminum conductor steel reinforced Acst acoustic

Entries marked with an asterisk (*) are reprinted with the permission of AACE International. Copyright © by AACE International; all rights reserved.

AIA

A

asbe asbestos worker ASC asphalt surface course ASCE American Society of Civil Engineers ASCII American Standard Code for Information Interchange ASEC American Standard Elevator Codes ASES American Solar Energy Society ASHRAE American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air- Conditioning Engineers ASIS American Society for Industrial Security ASME American Society of Mechanical Engineers asph asphalt ASR automatic sprinkler riser ASSE American Society of Sanitary Engineering ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials AT asphalt tile, airtight ATB asphalt-tile base ATC acoustical tile ceiling; architectural terra-cotta, automatic temperature control ATF asphalt-tile fl oor atm atmosphere, atmospheric aux auxiliary av, ave, avg average A/W all-weather AW actual weight AWEA American Wind Energy Association AW&L all widths and lengths AWG American wire gauge AWI Architectural Woodwork Institute AWPI American Wood Preservers Institute AWS American Welding Society AWWI American Wood Window Institute

Defi nitions

abaciscus, abaculus 1. A tessara or small square stone used in mosaic tile. 2. A small abacus. abamurus A masonry buttress for the support of a wall. abandonment 1. To surrender the right or claim of interest without specifi cally transferring it. 2. The act of deserting one ’s obligations under a contract frequently manifested by removing personnel, materials, and equipment from the job site. abate 1. To cut away in stone or to beat down on metal in order to create fi gures or a pattern in relief. 2. To reduce or decrease con- centrations of pollutants. abatement 1. The encapsulation or removal of building materials containing pollutants (such as lead or asbestos) to prevent the release of or exposure to fi bers. 2. In lumber industry, the amount of wood lost as waste during the process of sawing or planning. abatvent A wall louver that restricts wind from entering a building, but admits light and air.

AIA American Institute of Architects, Asbestos Information Association AIC ampere interrupting capacity AIEE American Institute of Electrical Engineers AIMA Acoustical and Insulating Materials Association AISC American Institute of Steel Construction AISE Association of Iron and Steel Engineers AISI American Iron and Steel Institute AITC American Institute of Timber Construction AL, alum aluminum Allow, ALLOW allowance ALM alarm ALS American Lumber Standards alt altitude ALT alternate ALTN alteration ALY alloy AM ante meridiem AMB asbestos millboard AMD air-moving device amp, Amp ampere ANFO ammonium nitrate fuel oil mix ANL anneal Anod anodized ANSI American National Standards Institute AP access panel APA The Engineered Wood Association (formerly the American Plywood Association) APC acoustical plaster ceiling, American Plastics Council APF acid-proof fl oor API American Petroleum Institute APPA The Association of Higher Education Facilities Offi cers (for- merly the Association of Physical Plant Administrators) Appd approved Approx approximate APR air-purifying respirator Apt apartment APW Architectural Projected Window AR as required, as rolled ARC W, ARC/W arc weld ARS asbestos roof shingles ART artifi cial AS automatic sprinkler ASA American Standards Association asb asbestos ASBC American Standard Building Code

abuttals

A

abuttals The properties adjacent to a parcel of land or body of water and which mark the boundaries of that land or water body. abutter A property owner contiguous or within a specifi ed distance from a parcel of land. Accelerated Cost Recovery System (ACRS) A method of cal- culating depreciation of assets placed in service from 1980 to 1986 for federal income tax purposes. Replaced by the Modifi ed Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) by the Tax Reform Act of 1986. accelerated depreciation Asset depreciation at a faster rate than the straight-line method. Examples include the 200% or 150% declining balance methods. accelerating admixture An admixture for hydraulic concrete that shortens setting time and inhibits early strength development. accelerator An additive that, when added to paint, concrete, mortar, or grout mix, speeds the rate of hydration and thereby causes it to set or harden sooner. accelograph An instrument used to measure displacement during an earthquake. Often installed in buildings to measure movement. accent lighting Fixtures or directional beams of light arranged so as to bring attention to an object or area. acceptance Compliance by an offeree with the terms and conditions of an offer. acceptance, fi nal (partial) The formal action by the owner accept- ing the work (or a specifi ed part thereof), following written notice from the engineer that the work (or specifi ed part thereof) has been completed and is acceptable subject to the provisions of the contract regarding acceptance.* acceptance certifi cate A dated and signed document issued to a contractor by an owner certifying that all the work of a construction project is complete and in accordance with all provisions of the contract.* accepted bid The proposal or bid a contractor and an owner or owner ’s representative use as the basis for entering into a construction contract. access 1. The means of entry into a building, area, or room.

2. A port or opening through which equipment may be inspected or repaired. access connection A ramp or roadway for entering or exiting an arterial highway. access control system Computerized building security equipment, such as badge readers, designed to protect against unauthorized entry into buildings or building zones. access door or panel A means of access for the inspection, repair, or service of concealed sys- tems, such as air-conditioning equipment. access fl ooring A raised fl ooring system with removable panels to allow access to the area below. This type of fl ooring is frequently used in computer rooms because it provides easy access to cables. accessible That which is easily removed, repaired, or serviced with- out damaging the fi nish of a building.

accessible route A continuously unobstructed path connecting all accessible elements and spaces of a building or facility.

accessories In the placing of concrete, the items used to assemble scaffolding, shoring, and forms, other than the wales, frames, and the forms themselves.

accessory building A secondary building on the same lot adjacent to the main building.

access to the work The right of the contractor to ingress and egress, and to occupy the work site as required to reasonably perform the work described in the contract documents. An example of denial of access to the work would be on the segment of a sewer installation project where no easements or work limits are indicated, but the contractor is ordered, after contract award, to conduct operations within a narrow work cor- ridor necessitating different or unanticipated construction meth- ods (e.g., use of sheeting).*

accolade Ornamental treatment over an arch, doorway, or window formed by two ogee curves meeting in the middle.

accordion door A retractable door, usu- ally fabric-faced, hung from an overhead track and folding like the bellows of an accordion.

accordion partition A retractable partition having the same features as an accordion door.

accouplement 1. In architecture, the pairing of pilasters or columns, as in a colonnade or buttress. 2. In carpentry, a tie or brace between timbers.

accumulator (surge drum, surge header) 1. A pressure vessel whose volume is used to maintain a constant pressure. 2. In refrigera- tion, a storage chamber for low-side refrigerant.

acetone A highly fl ammable organic sol- vent used with lacquers, paint thinners, paint removers, and resins.

acetylene A carbon gas which, when com- bined with pure oxygen and ignited, produces an extremely hot fl ame used in gas welding and metal cutting.

acetylene torch The torch used for welding and cutting. Contains compressed acety- lene and oxygen.

access door or panel

accessible route

accordion partition

acetylene torch

active leaf

A

AC generator A generator that produces alternating current.

achromatic color White, color- less light.

acid- and alkali-resistant grout or mortar A grout or mor- tar that is highly resistant to prolonged exposure to alkaline compounds, acid liquids, or gases.

acid etch (aciding) A method of cleaning the latence from concrete by washing it with an acid solution and rinsing with water.

acid-proof fl oor A fl oor that resists deterioration when exposed to acid.

acid resistance A measurement of a surface ’s ability to resist the corrosive effect of acids.

acid-resistant brick Brick that resists deterioration caused by exposure to acid. This type of brick should be laid with acid-resistant mortar.

acid soil Soil with a pH value of less than 6.6.

acid steel Steel made with a silica fl ux or in a silica-lined furnace.

acorn nut Nut with hexagonal base and rounded top that encases the end of the screw.

acoustical A term used to define systems incorporating sound control.

acoustical barrier A building system that restricts sound transmission.

acoustical block (acoustic block) A masonry block with sound- absorbing qualities, usually defi ned in terms of its NRC (noise reduction coeffi cient) rating.

acoustical board A construction material in board form that restricts or controls the transmission of sound.

acoustical ceiling A ceiling system constructed of sound-control mate- rials. The system may include lighting fixtures and air diffusers.

acoustical door A door constructed of sound-absorbing materials and installed with gaskets around the edges.

acoustical enclosure (acoustical booth, acoustical room) An enclosure constructed of acoustical materials for privacy in speaking, listening, and recording, as in a recording studio or a telephone booth.

acoustical lining Insulating material secured to the inside of ducts to limit sound and provide thermal insulation.

acoustical materials Materials that absorb and isolate sound and reduce reverberation, including felts, tiles, boards, and plasters.

acoustical metal deck A metal decking that includes a sound- absorbing material installed at a small additional cost per square foot.

acoustical panel Modular units composed of a variety of sound- absorbing materials for ceiling or wall mounting.

acoustical reduction factor A value, expressed in decibels, that defi nes the reduction in sound intensity that occurs when sound passes through a material.

acoustical sprayed-on material A fi brous material with acoustical properties applied to a surface by spraying through a nozzle. acoustical tile A term applied to modular ceiling panels in board form with sound-absorbing proper- ties. This type of tile is sometimes adapted for use on walls. acoustical transmission factor The reciprocal of the sound reduction factor. A measure of sound inten- sity as it passes through a material, expressed in decibels. acoustical wallboard Wallboard with sound-absorbing properties. acoustical window wall Double-glazed window walls with acoustical fram- ing. This type of wall system is used particularly at airports. acoustic lining Insulating material secured to the inside of ducts to attenuate sound and provide thermal insulation. acoustics 1. The science of sound transmission, absorption, genera- tion, and refl ection. 2. In construction, the effects of these prop- erties on the acoustical characteristics of an enclosure. acquiescence A term frequently used when owners of adjacent prop- erties agree on a boundary between their properties, if the original boundary is diffi cult or impossible to establish. acre A common unit of land-area measurement equal to 160 square rods, or 43,560 square feet. acre foot A unit of volume measurement equal to one acre times one foot thick. The acre foot is used to measure the volume of water or ore deposits. acrylic See acrylic resin. acrylic fi ber Fiber produced from polymerized acrylonitrile, a liquid derivative of natural gas. A tough economical fi ber commonly used in commercial and residential carpets and draperies. acrylic plastic glaze A clear plastic sheet that is bonded to glass and that increases the ability of the glass to resist breaking and shattering. acrylic resin (acrylate resin) In construction, clear, tough, thermo- plastic resin manufactured in sheet and corrugated form, used as an adhesive, and as the main ingredient in some caulking and sealing compounds. action item An element of work, design, research, or other task to be competed before a specifi c date or time, such as the before a subsequent meeting of involved parties. action level The point when a concentration of hazardous materials reaches a level where OSHA regulations dictate protective steps be taken. activated sludge Sludge that has settled out of oxygenated sewage. active earth pressure The horizontal component of pressure exerted on a wall by earth. active leaf In a double-leaf door, the leaf to which the latching or locking mechanism is attached.

AC generator

acoustical metal deck

acoustical tile

acoustical wallboard

aerate

A

additive A substance that is added to a material to enhance or modify its characteristics, such as curing time, plasticity, color, or volatility.

additive alternate A specifi c alternate option for construction specifi cations or plans that results in a net increase in the base bid.

address system An electronic audio system with a microphone and speakers installed for either fixed (permanent) or mobile use. Wiring for a permanent system should be done prior to any finish work.

addressable system An advanced fi re alarm or security system that provides for easy monitoring, remote testing, and quick location of an alarm condition.

adhesion The binding together of two surfaces by an adhesive.

adhesion-type ceramic veneer Ceramic tile or veneer attached to a backing by mortar, grout, or adhesive only. No anchors are used.

adhesive Generally, any substance that binds two surfaces together. In construction, the term is used principally in the wallboard and roofi ng trades.

adiabatic process A thermodynamic process occurring in the absence of heat gain or heat loss.

adit 1. The entrance or approach to a building.

2. The entrance to a mine.

adjustable base anchor An attachment to the base of a door frame above a fi nished fl oor.

adjustable clamp A temporary clamping device that can be adjusted for position or size.

adjustable square (double square) A carpenter ’s tool used for marking and scribing lumber. An adjustable square usually incorporates a level bubble.

adjustable wrench A wrench with a jaw that can be adjusted to fi t differ- ent size nuts or bolt heads.

adjusted base cost The total estimated cost of a project after adding or deducting addenda or alternatives.

adjuster A representative of the insurance company who negoti- ates with all parties involved in a loss in order to settle the claim equitably. An adjuster deals with the policyholder, repair contractor(s), witnesses, and police (if necessary), and acts as a middleman between these parties and the insurance company.

adjusting nut A threaded nut used for alignment of an object. Often coupled with a locking nut to secure it in position.

adjusting screw A screw used for alignment of an object. Often coupled with a locking nut to secure it in position.

adjustment The determination of: (a) the cause of a loss, (b) whether it is covered by the policy, (c) the dollar value of

the loss, and (d) the amount of money to which the claimant is entitled after all allowances and deductions have been made. admixture An ingredient other than cement, aggregate, or water that is added to a concrete or mortar mix to affect the physical or chemical characteristics of the concrete or mortar. The most common admixtures affect plasticity, air entrainment, and curing time. adobe Earthen, sun-cured brick. A relatively labor-intensive, but low-embodied energy material, adobe absorbs excess heat during hot days and releases it during cool nights, thereby moderating a building ’s internal temperature. adobe brick A large, roughly formed, unfi red brick made from adobe and straw. adsorbed water Water that is held on the surface of materials by electrochemical forces. This water, such as that on the surfaces of aggregate in a concrete mix, has a higher density and thus different physical properties from those of the free water in the mix. adsorbent A material that has the ability to extract certain substances from gases, liquids, or solids by causing them to adhere to its surface without changing the physical properties of the adsorbent. Activated carbon, silica gel, and activated alumina are materials frequently used for this application. adsorption The process of extracting specifi c substances from the atmosphere or from gases, liquids, or solids by causing them to adhere to the surface of an adsorbent without changing the physical properties of the adsorbent. ad valorem Latin for based on value. Real property taxes, as they are based on the value of real property, are an ad valorem tax. An ad valorem tax is levied in proportion to value. advance payment A partial payment to a contractor made shortly after the contract is signed. Similar to a down payment. advance payment bond The generic term for the assurance of per- formance provided by a contractor to an owner that any money advanced to the contractor will be properly used to pay for proj- ect costs. advance slope method A method of placing concrete in which the sloped face of the fresh concrete moves forward as the concrete is placed. advance waiver of liens A waiver of all the contractor ’s rights to fi le mechanic ’s or materialmen ’s liens against the owner for nonpayment for work performed. Such advance waiver may be a condition of the own- er’s contract. advertisement for bids Published notice of an owner ’s intention to award a contract for con- struction to a constructor who submits a proposal according to instructions to bidders. adz A long-handled tool with a curved blade set perpendicular to the handle. Used for dressing lumber. adz-eye hammer A claw hammer with a long eye for receiving the handle. aerate To introduce air into soil or water, for example, by natural or mechanical means.

adjustable square (double square)

adjustable wrench

adjusting nut adz

aeration

A

aeration The process of introducing air into a substance or area by natural or mechanical means.

aeration plant A sewage treatment plant in which air is introduced into the sewage to accelerate the decomposition process.

aerator A mechanical device that introduces air into a material such as soil, water, or sewage.

aerator fi tting A pipe fi tting used to introduce air into a fl ow of water.

aerial Pertaining to, caused by, or present in the air.

aerial ladder An extension ladder capable of reaching high places and often mounted on a vehicle such as a fi re truck.

aerial lift A term commonly applied to mobile working platforms that are elevated hydraulically or mechanically.

aerial survey A survey of the earth ’s surface based on aerial photo- graphs and ground control points. aerodynamic instability A harmonic motion occurring in a structure during high winds and endangering structural integrity. The term was used to define the failure of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. aerofi lter A bed of coarse aggre- gate used for fi ltering sewage. affi davit of noncollusion A sworn statement by the bidders on a project that the prices on their proposals were arrived at independently without consultation between or among them. affi nity A tendency for two substances to unite chemically or physically. A-frame 1. A structural system or hoisting system with three members erected in the shape of an upright capital letter “A.” 2. A building with a steep gable roof that extends to the ground. afterfi lter (fi nal fi lter) In air conditioning, a fi lter located at the outlet end of the system. age hardening A term used to describe a hardening process of metals at room temperature.

agent Under agency law, an agent is authorized by the principal to act on the principal ’s behalf. Generally, an agent ’s acts bind the principal as though the principal had acted directly. aggregate Granular material such as sand, gravel, crushed gravel, crushed stone, slag, and cinders. Aggregate is used in construction for the manufacturing of concrete, mortar, grout, asphaltic con- crete, and roofi ng shingles. It is also used in leaching fi elds, drainage systems, roof ballast, landscaping, and as a base course for pavement and grade slabs. Aggregate is classifi ed by size and gradation. aggregate, abrasive An antiskid aggregate worked into the surface of a concrete fl oor. aggregate bonding capacity The maximum total contract value that a bonding company will cover (in performance bonds) for all of a construction company ’s current contracts. aggregate, coarse Aggregate that is larger than 1 ⁄ 8  and is retained on the No. 8 sieve. aggregate, coarse-graded Aggregate with a continuous grading from coarse to fi ne, with a predominance of coarse particles. aggregrate, concrete The fi ne and course aggregate used in manufac- turing concrete. Both are usually washed and graded. aggregrate, exposed A concrete surface with the aggregate exposed, formed by applying a retarder to the surface before the concrete has set, and subsequently removing the cement paste to the desired depth. aggregrate, fi ne Aggregate smaller than 1 ⁄ 8 . Fine aggregate passes through the No. 8 sieve. aggregrate, heavyweight The aggregate produced from materials with high specifi c gravity, such as limonite, iron ore tailings, and magnetite. aggregate interlock The term applied to a situation in which the aggregate from one side of a concrete joint projects between the aggregate of the other side of the joint, thus resisting shear. aggregate, lightweight One of several materials used to decrease the unit weight of concrete, thereby reducing the structural load and the cost of the building. The materials most commonly used are perlite and vermiculite. The use of lightweight aggregate is costly, but sometimes necessary in construction. aggregate limit The maximum amount an insurance policy will pay for the sum of all personal injury and property damage claims that may arise during the term of the policy as the result of multiple occurrences. Legal defense costs may be excluded from this limit. aggregate, masonry Washed sand used in a mortar mix. aggregate, open-graded An aggregate in which a skip between the sieve gradations has been deliberately achieved so that the voids are not fi lled with intermediate-size particles. aggregate panel A precast concrete panel with exposed aggregate. aggregate, plaster Natural or manufactured washed sand used in a plaster mixture.

aerial lift

aerofilter

A-frame

aggregate

aggregate panel