Architectural and Engineering Glossary

A

After Flush

The residue of water in a toilet flush tank after it has been flushed;after flushing,the residue gradually drains from the flush tank to seal the trap.

Afterfilter,final Filter

In an air-conditioning system,a high-efficiency filter located near a terminal unit.

Afterflaming

The continued flaming combustion of a material after the exposing flame has been removed.

Afterglow

The glow in a material after the removal of an external source of fire to which it is exposed,or after the cessation (natural or induced) of flames.

Aftertack,residual Tack

The lingering tack or stickiness of a paint film which remains over a long period of time.

AG

1.Abbr.for “above grade.”2.Abbr.for “against the grain.”

AGA

Abbr.for “American Gas Association.”

Agalma

In ancient Greece,any work of art dedicated to a god.

Agba

A large central African tree with rather lightweight wood of a creamy to pinkish brown color.Used for plywood,interior millwork,and carpentry.

AGC

Abbr.for “Associated General Contractors.” 

Age Hardening

An aging process in certain metals,at room temperature,which results in increased strength and hardness.
 

Age Softening

The loss of strength and hardness at room temperature which takes place in certain alloys owing to spontaneous reduction of residual stresses in the strainhardened structure.
 
 

Ageing

British variant of aging.

Agglomerate Stone

See artificial stone.

Agglomeration

The collecting together of tiny suspended particles into a mass of larger size,one which will settle more rapidly.

AGGR

On drawings,abbr.for aggregate.

Aggregate Bin

A structure designed for storing and dispensing dry granular construction materials such as sand,crushed stone,and gravel;usually has a hopper like bottom that funnels the material to a gate under the structure.

Aggregate Blending

The mixing of two or more aggregates so as to obtain different aggregate properties.

Aggregate Strength

The strength of a wire rope determined by summing the individual breaking strength of the strands of which it is fabricated.

Agiasterium

In the early church,that part of a basilica in which the altar was set up.

Agitating Lorry

British term for agitating truck. 

Agitating Speed

The rate of rotation of the drum or blades of a truck mixer or other device used for agitation of mixed concrete.
 

Agitator Body

A truck mounted drum for transporting freshly mixed concrete;rotating internal paddles or rotation of the drum prevents the setting of the mixture prior to its delivery at the site.

AGL

Abbr.for “above ground level.”

Agora

The chief meeting place or marketplace in an ancient Greek city.

Agreement Form

A document setting forth in printed form the general provisions of an agreement with spaces provided for insertion of specific data relating to a particular project.

Agrément Board

See British Board of Agrément.

Agricultural Drain

Same as agricultural pipe drain.

Agricultural Lime

A hydrated lime which is used to condition soil.

Agricultural Pipe Drain.

A system of porous or perforated pipes laid in a trench filled with gravel (or the like);used for draining subsoil.

Aguilla

An obelisk,or the spire of a church tower.

Ah

Abbr.for “ampere-hour.”

Aha

Same as ha-ha.

AHU

Abbr.for air-handling unit.

AIA

Abbr.for “American Institute of Architects.”

AIA Uniform System

See contract documentsand uniform system.
 

AIEE

Abbr.for “American Institute of Electrical Engineers.”

Aiguille

A slender form of drill used for boring or drilling a blasthole in rock.

Aileron

A half gable,such as that which closes the end of a penthouse roof or of the aisle of a church.

AIMA

Abbr.for “Acoustical and Insulating Materials Association.”
 

Aiming Angle

Same as angle of illumination;usually measured in degrees.

Air Balancing.

A procedure used to adjust the flow of air in an HVAC system so as to meet the design goals for airflow throughout the system.

Air Barrier

A membrane that acts as a resistance to air leakage.

Air Blowpipe

A pipe which emits a jet of air;used to clean an area of debris.

Air Break

In a drainage system,a piping arrangement in which a drain from an appliance,device,or fixture discharges into the open air and then into another fixture,receptacle,or interceptor;used to prevent back siphonage or backflow.

Air Brick

A perforated brick or perforated metal unit of brick size which is built into a wall;used for ventilation.

Air Chamber

In a water piping system near a valve or faucet,a vertical pipe stub which is sealed at the top and contains air;the entrapped air provides a cushion when the valve is closed suddenly,thereby eliminating the noise of water hammer.

Air Changes

A measure of the volume of air supplied to or exhausted from a building (or room);usually expressed in terms of the number of complete changes of air per hour in the room or space under consideration.

Air Cleaner

A device (such as an air washer,air filter,electrostatic precipitator,or charcoal fil- ter) which removes airborne impurities such as dust,smoke,or fumes.

Air Cock

Same as pet cock.