Architectural and Engineering Glossary
B
A foundation wall which encloses a usable area under a building.
A window in the basement of a residence.
1.A metal plate used to distribute a nonuniform load.2.A metal plate on which a column rests.3.A metal plate used as a foundation for heavy machinery;a bed plate.
A model code that has been widely used in the US,particularly in the northeastern and midwestern states.
In concrete construction,creep occurring without the migration of moisture to (or from) the concrete.
The insulation capability of an item of electrical equipment (e.g.a transformer) to withstand specified voltage surges.
Premium Product & Services
Best products and services from our partners
The services performed by an architect during the following five phases of a project:schematic design;design development;construction documents;bidding or negotiation;and contract administration.
The wind speed that is used in determining wind load on a structure before other factors (such as height above the ground and the effects of shielding) are taken into account.
Same as bezel.
1.A Roman hall of justice,typically with a high central space lit by a clerestory and lower aisles all around it,and with apses or exedrae for the seats of the judges.2.The form of the early Christian church,a central high nave with clerestory,lower aisles along the sides only,with a semicircular apse at the end.Often preceded by a vestibule (narthex) and atrium.In larger basilicas,there are often transepts,and sometimes five aisles.
1.A somewhat shallow vessel for holding water (or the like).2.A shallow tank or natural or artificial depression containing water.
The trim,3 on a water basin that usually includes one or more faucets,a trap,an overflow pipe,and adapters.
A capital having a shape similar to an inverted bell that is ornamented with surface work similar to basket weave.
A newel at one end of a handrail at the bottom of a flight of stairs;has the overall shape of a tall cylindrical basket.
A checkerboard pattern of bricks,flat or on edge.
A flattened arch whose ellipse-like shape is determined by three arcs that are interconnected,each arc being drawn from a different center of curvature;also called a semielliptical arch or an elliptical arch.
A brick bond arrangement having a checkerboard pattern.
See base-court.
A cream colored,fine-textured,moderately low-density wood of North America;used extensively for ply wood, lumber core,and trim.
A nonstandard item;one of irregular or abnormal size or shape or of inferior quality.
Same as header bond.
One of four principal classifications of files which are graded according to coarseness (coarse,bastard,second,smooth).
A quarry term for gneissic granites;not considered a true granite;used in wall construction.
Same as blind joint.
See bastard ashlar.
See bastard tuck pointing.
Same as Douglas fir.
Plaster applied in three coats:a scratch,a brown,and a finish coat.
An imitation tuck pointing in which the external face is parallel to the wall,but projects slightly and casts a shadow.
See plain-sawn.
1.A medieval settlement built for defense purposes and generally laid out with a geometric plan,esp.in France.2.A small rural dwelling in southern France.
A bastel house.
1.A fortification or castle,frequently used as a prison.2.A tower or bulwark in the fortifications of a town.
A bolt barbed or jagged at the butt,or tang,to give it a firmer hold.
Same as batt insulation.
Same as tanguile.
1.A quantity of concrete or mortar mixed at one time.2.A quantity of adhesive mixed at one time.
A container of known volume used to measure and mix the constituents of a batch of concrete,plaster,or mortar,to ensure proper proportions.
A machine that mixes grout,mortar,or concrete in batches in contrast to one that mixes continuously.
An operating installation of equipment including batchers and mixers as required for batching or for batching and mixing concrete materials;also called a mixing plant when mixing equipment is included.
The mixing water added to a concrete or mortar mixture before or during the initial stages of mixing.
A device for measuring ingredients for a batch of concrete.
Weighing or measuring the volume of the ingredients of a batch of concrete or mortar,and then introducing these ingredients into a mixer.
A window with its lower edge cut diagonally rather than horizontally so as to fit an arch or rake below;esp.used in perpendicular tracery.
1.An open tub used as a fixture for bathing.2.The room containing the bathtub. 3.(pl.) The Roman public bathing establishments,consisting of hot,warm,and cool plunges,sweat rooms,athletic and other facilities;balnea,thermae.
The P trap in the waste line of a bathtub.
1.A building equipped with bathing facilities.2.A small structure containing dressing rooms or lockers for bathers,as at the seaside.
A room containing a water closet,a lavatory,and a bathtub and/or shower.
Same as medicine cabinet.
A tub for bathing,usually a fixed plumbing installation designed for one person.
