Vocabulary

Question 1

Abrasion

Answer 1

Wearing away by friction.

Question 2

Absorption bed

Answer 2

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).

Question 3

Absorption Field

Answer 3

An arrangement of absorption trenches through which treated sewage is absorbed into the soil. (Also called a disposal field).

Question 4

Absorption of sound

Answer 4

The ability of a material to absorb rather than reflect sound waves striking it by converting sound energy to heat energy within the material.

Question 5

Absorption of water by clay masonry

Answer 5

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.

Question 6

Absorption of water by concrete masonry units (CMU)

Answer 6

The weight of water a concrete masonry unit absorbs when immersed in water, expressed in pounds of water per cubit foot of concrete.

Question 7

Absorption of water by concrete masonry units (CMU)

Answer 7

The weight of water a concrete masonry unit absorbs when immersed in water, expressed in pounds of water per cubit foot of concrete.

Question 8

Absorption rate

Answer 8

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).

Question 9

Absorption trench

Answer 9

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.

Question 10

Absorption unit

Answer 10

Sabin (sound absorption unit)

Question 11

Accelerator

Answer 11

An admixture used in concrete to hasten its set and increase the rate of strength gain (the opposite of a retarder).

Question 12

Accessible

Answer 12

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.

Question 13

Accessible Route

Answer 13

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.

Question 14

Acid

Answer 14

Corrosive, chemical substance that attacks many common building materials, decorative finished, coatings, paints, and transparent finishes.

Question 15

Acid Resistant Brick

Answer 15

a clay brick suitable for use in contact with chemicals; designed primarily for use in the chemical industry. Usually used with acid-resistant mortars.

Question 16

Acoustical correction

Answer 16

The planning, shaping, and equipping of a space to establish the best possible hearing conditions for faithful reproduction of wanted sound within the space.

Question 17

Acoustics

Answer 17

The science of sound; the production, transmission, and effect of sound.

Question 18

Acrylic

Answer 18

(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.

Question 19

Actual Dimension

Answer 19

The actual measured dimension of a masonry unit, piece of lumber or other construction material or assembly. See also nominal dimension.

Question 20

Actual Size

Answer 20

The actual size of lumber is its measured size after seasoning and dressing

Question 21

Adaptability

Answer 21

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.

Question 22

Adhesion

Answer 22

The property of a paint film that enables it to stick to a surface.

Question 23

Adhesive, drywall

Answer 23

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.

Question 24

Adhesive, Tile

Answer 24

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.

Question 25

Ad Mixture

Answer 25

A material (other than Portland cement, water, or aggregate) used in concrete to alter its properties (such as accelerators, retarders, and air-retraining agents).

Question 26

Adobe Brick

Answer 26

A large clay brick made of varying size, roughly molded and sun dried.

Question 27

Age Hardening

Answer 27

The continuing increase in strength or long periods of time of aluminum alloys after heat treatment.

Question 28

Agglomeration

Answer 28

Process for increasing the particle size of iron ores to make them suitable or iron working and steelmaking.

Question 29

Aggregate

Answer 29

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.

Question 30

Aging

Answer 30

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)

Question 31

Airborne sound transmission

Answer 31

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.

Question 32

Air Chamber

Answer 32

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.

Question 33

Air Drying

Answer 33

(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.

Question 34

Air-Entrained concrete

Answer 34

Concrete containing minute bubbles of air up to about 7% by volume