Block Diagram A diagram in which the major components of a piece of equipment or a system are
represented by squares, rectangles, or other geometric figures, and the normal order of progression of a
signal or current flow is represented by lines.
Blueprints Documents containing all the instructions necessary to manufacture a part. The key sec-
tions of a blueprint are the drawing, dimensions, and notes. Although blueprints used to be blue, modem
reproduction techniques now permit printing of black-on-white as well as colors.
Body Plans An end view of a ship’s hull, composed of superimposed frame lines.
Board foot A unit of lumber of measure equaling 144 cubic inches; the base unit (B.F.) is 1 inch thick
and 12 inches square or 1 x 12 x 12 = 144 cubic inches.
Bond In masonry, the interlocking system of brick or block to be installed.
Border Lines Dark lines defining the inside edge of the margin on a drawing.
Boundary Survey A mathematically closed diagram of the complete peripheral boundary of a site,
reflecting dimensions, compass bearings and angles. It should bear a licensed land surveyor’s signed cer-
tification, and may include a metes and bounds or other written description.
Break Lines They are lines used to define the boundary of an imaginary broken-out section or to
shorten dimensions that are excessively long. There are two types: long, thin ruled line with freehand
zigzag and the short, thick wavy freehand line.
Breezeway A covered walkway with open sides between two different parts of a structure.
Brick Pavers A term used to describe special brick to be used on the floor surface.
Buck A frame found around doors.
Building Codes Rules and regulations adopted by the governmental authority having jurisdiction
over the commercial real estate, which govern the design, construction, alteration and repair of such com-
mercial real estate. In some jurisdictions trade or industry standards may have been incorporated into, and
made a part of, such building codes by the governmental authority. Building codes are interpreted to in-
clude structural, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, life-safety, and vertical transportation codes.
Building Envelope The enclosure of the building that protects the building’s interior from outside el-
ements, namely the exterior walls, roof and soffit areas.
Building Inspector A representative of a governmental authority employed to inspect construction
for compliance codes, regulations and ordinances.
Building Line An imaginary line determined by zoning departments to specify on which area of a lot
a structure may be built (also known as a setback).
Building Paper Also called tar paper, roofing paper, and a number of other terms; paper having a
black coating of asphalt for use in weatherproofing.
Building Permit A permit issued by appropriate governmental authority allowing construction of a
project in accordance with approved drawing and specifications.
Building Systems Interacting or independent components or assemblies, which form single inte-
grated units, that comprise a building and its site work, such as, pavement and flatwork, structural frame,
roofing, exterior walls, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, etc.
Build-Out The interior construction and customization of a space (including services, space and stuff)
to meet the tenant’s requirements; either new construction or renovation (also referred to as fit-out or fit-up).
Buttock Line The outline of a vertical, longitudinal section of a ship’s hull.
Cabinet Drawing A type of oblique drawing in which the angled receding lines are drawn to one-half
scale.
Caisson A below-grade concrete column for the support of beams or columns.
Glossary 317