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Addenda Statements or drawings that modify the basic
contract documents after the latter have been issued to the
bidders, but prior to the taking of bids.
Alternates Proposals required of bidders reflecting
amounts to be added to or subtracted from the basic proposal
in the event that specific changes in the work are ordered.
Anchor Bolts Bolts used to anchor structural members to
concrete or the foundation.
Approved Equal The term used to indicate that material
or product finally supplied or installed must be equal to that
specified and as approved by the architect (or engineer).
As-Built Drawings Drawings made during the progress of
construction, or subsequent thereto, illustrating how various
elements of the project were actually installed.
Astragal A closure between the two leafs of a double-
swing or double-slide door to close the joint. This can also
be a piece of molding.
Axial Anything situated around, in the direction of, or
along an axis.
Baseplate A plate attached to the base of a column which
rests on a concrete or masonry footing.
Bay The space between column centerlines or primary sup-
porting members, lengthwise in a building. Usually the cross-
wise dimension is considered the span or width module, and
the lengthwise dimension is considered the bay spacing.
Beam A structural member that is normally subjected to
bending loads and is usually a horizontal member carrying
vertical loads. (An exception to this is a purlin.) There are
three types of beams:
a. Continuous Beam: A beam that has more than two
points of support.
b. Cantilevered Beam: A beam that is supported at only
one end and is restrained against excessive rotation.
c.Simple Beam: A beam that is freely supported at both
ends, theoretically with no restraint.Beam and Column A primary structural system consisting
of a series of beams and columns; usually arranged as a con-
tinuous beam supported on several columns with or without
continuity that is subjected to both bending and axial forces.
Beam-Bearing Plate Steel plate with attached anchors that
is set on top of a masonry wall so that a purlin or a beam can
rest on it.
Bearing The condition that exists when one member or
component transmits load or stress to another by direct con-
tact in compression.
Benchmark A fixed point used for construction purposes
as a reference point in determining the various elevations of
floor, grade, etc.
Bid Proposal prepared by prospective contractor specify-
ing the charges to be made for doing the work in accordance
with the contract documents.
Bid Bond A surety bond guaranteeing that a bidder will
sign a contract, if offered, in accordance with their proposal.
Bid Security A bid bond, certified check, or other for-
feitable security guaranteeing that a bidder will sign a con-
tract, if offered, in accordance with the proposal.
Bill of Materials A list of items or components used for
fabrication, shipping, receiving, and accounting purposes.
Bird Screen Wire mesh used to prevent birds from enter-
ing the building through ventilators or louvers.
Bond Masonry units interlocked in the face of a wall by
overlapping the units in such a manner as to break the conti-
nuity of vertical joints.
Bonded Roof A roof that carries a printed or written war-
ranty, usually with respect to weather tightness, including
repair and/or replacement on a prorated cost basis for a stip-
ulated number of years.
Bonus and Penalty Clause A provision in the proposal form
for payment of a bonus for each day the project is completed
prior to the time stated, and for a charge against the contractorCOMMON TERMS USED IN THE
BUILDING INDUSTRY
APPENDIXD