Glossary 331
Sheet Steel Flat steel weighing less than 5 pounds per square foot.
Shear Distribution The distribution of lateral forces along the height or width of a building.
Shear Wall A wall construction designed to withstand shear pressure caused by wind or earth-
quake.
Shoring Temporary support made of metal or wood used to support other components.
Short-Term Costs Opinions of probable costs to remedy physical deficiencies, such as deferred
maintenance, that may not warrant immediate attention, but require repairs or replacements that should
be undertaken on a priority basis in addition to routine preventive maintenance. Such opinions of proba-
ble costs may include costs for testing, exploratory probing, and further analysis should this be deemed
warranted by the consultant. The performance of such additional services are beyond this guide. Gener-
ally, the time frame for such repairs is within one to two years.
Sill A horizontal structural member supported by its ends.
Single-Line Diagram A diagram using single lines and graphic symbols to simplify a complex cir-
cuit or system.
Single Prime Contract The most common form of construction contracting. In this process, the
bidding documents are prepared by the architect/engineer for the owner and made available to a number
of qualified bidders. The winning contractor then enters into a series of subcontract agreements to com-
plete the work. Increasingly, owners are opting for a “design-build contract” under which a single entity
provides design and construction services.
Site A parcel of land bounded by a property line or a designated portion of a public right-of-way.
Site Improvement Landscaping, paving for pedestrian and vehicular ways, outdoor lighting, recre-
ational facilities, and the like, added to a site.
Slab-on-grade The foundation construction for a structure with no basement or crawl space.
Sole Plate A horizontal structural member used as a base for studs or columns.
Spandrel Beam The beam in an exterior wall of a structure.
Special Conditions A section of the conditions of the contract, other than general conditions and
Supplementary Conditions, which may be prepared to describe conditions unique to a particular project.
Specifications A part of the contract documents contained in the project manual consisting of writ-
ten requirements for material, equipment, construction systems, standards and workmanship. Under the
Uniform Construction Index, the specifications comprise sixteen Divisions.
Split-Level A house that has two levels, one about a half a level above or below the other.
Stack A vertical plumbing pipe.
Standpipe A vertical pipe generally used for the storage and distribution of water for the extinguish-
ing purposes.
Statute of Limitations A stature specifying the period of time with which legal action must be
brought for alleged damage or injury, or other legal relief. The lengths of the periods vary from state to
state and depend upon the types of legal action. Ordinarily, the period commences with the occurrence
of the damage or injury, or discovery of the act resulting in the alleged damage or injury. In construction
industry cases, many jurisdictions define the period as commencing with completion of Work or services
performed in connection therewith.
Steel Plate Flat Steel weighing more than 5 pounds per square foot.
Storm Sewer A sewer used for conveying rain water, surface water condensate, cooling water, or
similar liquid wastes exclusive of sewage.
Stretch-out Line The base or reference line used in making a development.