316 Appendix 2
Application Block A part of a drawing of a subassembly showing the reference number for the
drawing of the assembly or adjacent subassembly.
Approved Equal Material Equipment or method approved by the architect for use in the work as
being acceptable as an equivalent in essential attributes to the material, equipment or method specified
in the contract documents.
Arc A portion of the circumference of a circle.
Architect’s Scale The scale used when dimensions or measurements are to be expressed in feet
and inches.
Asphalt Shingles They are shingles made of asphalt or tar-impregnated paper with a mineral ma-
terial embedded; very fire resistant.
Assumed Liability It is liability which arises from an agreement between people, as opposed to li-
ability which arises from common or statutory law. See also Contractual Liability.
ASTM International Formerly the American Society for Testing Materials. They develop and pub-
lish testing standards for materials and specifications used by industry. http://www.astm.org.
Auxiliary View An additional plane of an object, drawn as if viewed from a different location. It is
used to show features not visible in the normal projections.
Axial Load A weight that is distributed symmetrically to a supporting member, such as a column.
Axis The center line running lengthwise through a screw.
Axonometric Projection A set of three or more views in which the object appears to be rotated at
an angle, so that more than one side is seen.
Backfill Any deleterious material (sand, gravel, etc.) used to fill an excavation.
Balloon Framing A system in wood framing in which the studs are continuous without an interme-
diate plate for the support of second-floor joists.
Baluster A vertical member that supports handrails or guardrails.
Balustrades A horizontal rail held up by a series of balusters.
Banister That part of the staircase which fits on top of the balusters.
Bar Chart A calendar that graphically illustrates a projected time allotment to achieve a specific function.
Base A trim or molding piece found at the interior intersection of the floor and the wall.
Beam A weight-supporting horizontal member.
Base Building The core (common areas) and shell of the building and its systems that typically are
not subject to improvements to suit tenant requirements.
Base Flashing Consists of flashing that covers the edges of a membrane.
Batten A narrow strip of wood used to cover a joint.
Batt Insulation An insulating material formed into sheets or rolls with a foil or paper backing to be
installed between framing members.
Bearing WallA wall which supports any vertical loads in addition to its own weight.
BenchmarkA point of known elevation from which the surveyors can establish all their grades.
Bend AllowanceAn additional amount of metal used in a bend in metal fabrication.
Bill Of MaterialA list of standard parts or raw materials needed to fabricate an item.
BisectTo divide into two equal parts.
BlisteringThe condition that paint presents when air or moisture is trapped underneath and makes
bubbles that break into flaky particles and ragged edges.
BlockingThe use of internal members to provide rigidity in floor and wall systems. Also used for fire
draft stops.