construction dictionary

CI 0 likes: Cast iron

Circle Cutter 1 like: An adjustable scribe tool that cuts circular patterns and openings for light fixtures and other devices in gypsum board

Circuit 0 likes: Path of an electric current from the source

Circuit Breaker 1 like: A device similar to a switch usually inside the electrical breaker panel or circuit breaker box that shuts off the power to parts or all of a home, and regulates the amount of power flowing through a circuit; 110 volt household circuits need a fuse or circuit breaker with a rating of 15 to 20 amps; 220 volt circuits deal with higher amperage; a heater designed for a 25 amp load requires a 25 amp fuse or breaker

Circuit Protector 1 like: A device that opens an electrical circuit during an overload to protecting operating equipment and other parts

Circuit Vent 0 likes: Group plumbing vent from the front of the last fixture of the horizontal group to the vent stack; employed when the circuit conveys drainage from urinals, sinks, water closets, or stall showers

Circuit, Parallel 0 likes: See Parallel Circuit

Circuit, Pilot 0 likes: See Pilot Circuit

Circuit, Series 0 likes: See Series Circuit

Circular Mil 0 likes: Unit of length in wire sizes

Circular Saw 1 like: A power saw with a circular cutting blade; a portable hand tool or a stationary table saw

Circulation Path 0 likes: Passageway for pedestrians, including aisles, hallways, corridors, walks, courtyards, and stairways

Circulation Piping System 0 likes: The piping between a pool, spa or hot tub structure and the mechanical equipment; includes suction piping, face piping and return piping

Civil Engineer 0 likes: An engineer who designs public work such as roads, harbors, earthwork, piping, and waterworks

Cladding 0 likes: Metal external building surfacing panels; In welding, see Surfacing

Cladding Panel 0 likes: A panel added to a structure to provide durability, weathering, corrosion and impact resistance

Clamp 1 like: A mechanical tool that holds two or more pieces of material together

Clamp, Beam 0 likes: A device that holds a horizontal structural part to a vertical part

Clamp, Ground Rod 0 likes: Device that connects the main ground wire to a cold water pipe in an electrical system

Clapboard 0 likes: Wood siding made of narrow boards thicker on one side than the other

Clarified Sewage 0 likes: Sewage from where some or all of the suspended matter has been eliminated

Class A 0 likes: Optimum fire rating by Underwriter’s Laboratories on roofing; building codes in some places require this roofing to ensure fire safety

Class C 0 likes: Minimum fire rating provided by the Underwriters’ Laboratories for roofing materials

Classified Product 0 likes: A product labeled and listed by an approved laboratory with a factory follow up and inspection service

Classroom 0 likes: A room housing a class of students; part of a school

Classroom Lock 1 like: A doorknob in a classroom that can be locked from the inside

Classroom Lockset 1 like: A device in a classroom door that has a lockable doorknob and deadbolt

Claw Hammer 1 like: A hammer with one end of the head forked to extract nails

Clay 1 like: A natural mineral aggregate; plastic when sufficiently wet, rigid when dry, and vitrified when fired to a high temperature used in the manufacture of brick; A heavy soil consisting of particles less than 1/256 mm in diameter

Clay Brick 1 like: Brick made from fine-grained materials primarily from hydrated silicates of aluminum

Clay Brick Floor 0 likes: Hard, baked or fired brick employed in flooring applications

Clay Coping 0 likes: The use of clay to produce a cap or finish on top of a wall, pier, or chimney

Clay Court 0 likes: Surface for athletic competition, such as tennis or track

Clay Floor Tile 1 like: Quarry tile that is fired and used for flooring

Clay Pipe 1 like: Pipe used for drainage systems and sanitary sewers

Clay Tile 1 like: Fired earthenware tile used on roofs and floors

Clay Tile Partition 0 likes: A group of hollow clay units to produce interior partitions; the surface is often grooved to accept plaster

Clean 0 likes: No foreign material; No binder in sand or gravel

Clean Out 0 likes: Disposable drainage fitting which provides access to the inside of drainage piping to eliminate debris

Clean Out Door 1 like: Cast iron door at base of chimney to enable access to clean the ash pit

Clean Out Holes 0 likes: Openings in first course of a brick wall or cutouts in block wall to allow cleaning of mortar protrusions and droppings

Clean Room 0 likes: A dust-free room

Clean Surface 0 likes: Surface free of contamination

Cleaner 1 like: Detergent, alkali, acid, or another cleaning substance; Solvent for cleaning paint equipment

Cleaning Masonry 0 likes: The final removal of excessive grout, concrete, and construction soil from an external masonry structure

Cleanout Plug 1 like: A removable plug in a pipe fitting to eliminate blockages from a drainage pipe by cleaning

Cleanout, Storm Drain 0 likes: An opening to a storm drain to enable removal of debris

Clear Ceramic Glaze 1 like: A colorless or colored transparent ceramic glaze, translucent or slightly tinted, with a gloss finish

Clear Dimension 0 likes: The dimension between opposing inside faces or walls of an opening or room; also called Clear Opening

Clear Glaze 1 like: Colorless or colored transparent ceramic glaze; see Clear Ceramic Glaze

Clear Opening 0 likes: See Clear Dimension

Clear Span 0 likes: The horizontal distance between supports of a structural component

Clearance Space 0 likes: See Clearance Pocket

Clearstory 0 likes: Clerestory

Cleat 0 likes: A small strip or block of wood, affixed to a secure surface used for attachment or as a toe hold or stopping device for another supporting part

Cleavage 0 likes: The natural tendency of stones and crystals to break or split in definite directions

Cleavage Membrane 0 likes: Layer of 15 lb. roofing felt, similar construction paper or polyethylene sheeting, that isolates a wire reinforced mortar bed for tile from the concrete substrate

Cleft, Natural 0 likes: See Natural Cleft

Clerestory 0 likes: Upper row of windows in a high ceiling room above a lower adjoining roof; also called Clearstory

Clerk of the Works 0 likes: Architects representative on the jobsite; called Architects Project Representative

Clevis Hanger 1 like: A U-shaped metal hanger with the ends drilled to accept a pin or bolt to attach or suspend parts or piping

Clevis Pin 1 like: The bolt or pin employed to complete the connection in a Clevis Hanger

CLFMI 0 likes: Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute

Clinch 0 likes: To turn over or flatten the projecting point of a nail to stop withdrawal

Clinker 0 likes: A fused or partly fused by-product of the combustion of coal

Clinker Brick 0 likes: Hard-burned distorted or bloated brick as a result of almost complete vitrification

Clinometer 1 like: An instrument that measures sloping or inclined angles

Clip Course 0 likes: Course of bricks resting on a clip joint

Clip Joint 0 likes: A brick masonry thicker than normal joint that brings the course up to a necessary height; the joint is not thicker than ½ inch

Clip Ties 0 likes: Sharp, cut metal wires that jut out of a concrete foundation wall

Clock Receptacle 1 like: An electrical outlet box to connect and support a clock

Clock System 1 like: A clock that controls the mechanical or electrical devices in a building

Cloister 0 likes: A covered passage on the side of a court

Close Nipple 0 likes: The shortest length of a pipe that can be threaded externally from both ends that connects two internally threaded pipe fittings

Close-Coupled Toilet 1 like: A toilet attached to its water tank

Close-Grained Wood 0 likes: Wood with narrow plain annual rings; wood with fine fibers and small close pores

Closed Circuit 0 likes: Electrical circuit; A television or telephone system where the signal is transmitted by wire to a limited number of receivers

Closed Joint 0 likes: Zero root opening in welding

Closet 2 likes: Storage cabinet or room

Closet Bend 0 likes: An elbow drainage fitting linking a water closet to a branch drain

Closet Flange 1 like: Fitting secured to a subfloor on which the toilet bowl is attached

Closet Pole 1 like: A horizontal, round rod mounted in a closet to hang clothes

Closet, Cedar 1 like: See Cedar Closet

Closing Entries 0 likes: Entries created at the end of a financial period to close all temporary accounts and transfer the net profit or loss to the owner’s equity or retained earnings account

Closing the Ledger 0 likes: Closing income and expense accounts at the end of the period and transferring the net profit or loss to the capital or surplus accounts

Closure Strip 0 likes: Resilient strip used to close openings produced by joining metal panels and flashing

Clothing Locker 1 like: Cabinet with a door lock to hold clothes

Cloud 0 likes: A flaw in the title of real estate or property; when a property has a cloud on it, it is hard to sell or complete escrow

Cluster Development 0 likes: Close group of residential units with larger parcels of open land around the group

Clutch, Magnetic 0 likes: See Magnetic Clutch

CM 0 likes: Construction manager; Construction management; Center-Matched

CMAA 0 likes: Crane Manufacturers Association of America

CMACN 0 likes: Concrete Masonry Association of California and Nevada; Concrete Masonry Association of California and Nevada

CMU 0 likes: Concrete Masonry Unit

CMU Grout 1 like: Concrete masonry unit grout

CO 0 likes: Carbon monoxide; Cleanout

CO2 0 likes: Carbon dioxide

CO2 Extinguisher 1 like: A portable fire-fighting instrument that distributes carbon dioxide to extinguish small fires

CO2 Indicator 1 like: Instrument used to indicate the percentage of carbon dioxide in stack gases

CO2 Sprinkler System 0 likes: An overhead sprinkler system with Carbon Dioxide installed and set to start when excess heat or smoke activates built-in sensors

Coagulant 0 likes: A chemical compound, usually alum, used in swimming pools to collect and precipitate suspended materials

Coagulate 0 likes: Change from liquid into a dense mass; solidify; curdle

Coagulation 0 likes: Precipitation of colloids into a single mass; generally caused by excessive heat or catalysts

Coal Hopper Door 0 likes: Steel door to permit addition of coal to burning chamber

Coal Tar 1 like: A dark brown to black cementitious material created by destructive distillation of bituminous coal

Coal Tar Bitumen 0 likes: Coal Tar Pitch

Coal Tar Felt 0 likes: See Tarred Felt

Coal Tar Pitch 0 likes: A roofing pitch employed primarily in dead-level or low-slope roofs; coal-tar pitch comes in a narrow range of softening points from l40° F to l55° F

Coal Tar Solvent 0 likes: Made from distillation of coal tar

Coalesence 0 likes: Growth into one body of the base metal parts in welding

Coarse Aggregate 1 like: Concrete aggregate over ¼ inch diameter; crushed stone, gravel, slag, or other inert materials

Coarse Strainer 1 like: Basket in a pipeline that captures large debris before the pump

Coarse-Grained Wood 0 likes: Wood with noticeable wide annual rings; wood with large pores such as oak, ash, chestnut, and walnut; also called Coarse-Textured and Open-Grained

Coarse-Textured Wood 0 likes: See Coarse-Grained Wood

Coat of Paint 1 like: A layer of dry paint from a single application; single layer of paint provided at a particular time

Coat Rack 1 like: Furniture used to hang coats

Coated Base Sheet 0 likes: A felt impregnated and saturated with asphalt then coated on both sides with harder, more viscous asphalt to reduce its permeability to moisture; a parting agent is included to stop the material from sticking in the roll

Coated Roof 0 likes: A roof with an asphaltic material to seal it against the elements

Coating 0 likes: A layer or covering added to a surface

Coating In 0 likes: Applying a coat of paint

Coatings 0 likes: Surface coverings

Coaxial Cable 1 like: A cable consisting of two concentric conductors separated by an insulating layer used for transmitting low voltage electronic signals

Cobalt Blue 0 likes: Blue pigment produced by heating a mixture of cobalt oxide and aluminum hydrate

Cobalt Drier 0 likes: Powerful drier that is soluble in all drying oils; known as surface dryer

Cobble 1 like: Small round stone used for paving; a Cobblestone

Cobblestone 0 likes: A Cobble

Cobwebbing 0 likes: Premature drying of a liquid surface that produces a spider web effect

Cock 1 like: A device such as a faucet or valve that controls the flow of a liquid

Cockle 0 likes: A wrinkle or small depression in gypsum board face paper generally in the long or machine direction; also called a wrinkle

Code Blue System 0 likes: Electronic warning device in hospital rooms or health care facilities employed to notify caregivers of health emergencies

Code Installation 0 likes: Refrigeration or air conditioning installation that complies with the local and/or national code for safe and efficient installations

Codes 0 likes: Current regulations, ordinances or statutory requirements authorized by governmental agencies involved with building construction and owner occupancy, embraced and administered for the protection of public health, safety and welfare; see Building Code

Coefficient 0 likes: A multiplier that quantifies a property of a substance or operation

Coefficient of Conductivity 0 likes: Relative rate that materials conduct heat; copper is a good conductor of heat and has a high coefficient of conductivity

Coefficient of Cubical Expansion 0 likes: See Coefficient of Volumetric Expansion

Coefficient of Expansion 0 likes: Change in unit length, area or volume for one degree rise in temperature

Coefficient of Friction 0 likes: Mathematical relationship between the weight of an object and the force needed to slide it, taking into account the properties of the two materials, the angle of the surfaces and the force

Coefficient of Heat Expansion 0 likes: The rate of heat loss in BTU per hour through 1 square foot of a wall or another building surface when the difference between the indoor and outdoor air temperatures is 1 degree F; U-Value

Coefficient of Linear Expansion 0 likes: The change in unit length for a rise in temperature of 1°F

Coefficient of Performance (COP) 1 like: Ratio of work performed or achieved to the energy used

Coefficient of Static Friction 0 likes: The ratio of the limiting friction to the normal pressure

Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 0 likes: Change in unit length, area, or volume for each degree change of temperature

Coefficient of Volumetric Expansion 0 likes: The change in unit volume for a rise in temperature of 1°F; also called Coefficient of Cubical Expansion

Coffer 0 likes: Recessed panel in a ceiling or dome

Coffered Ceilings 0 likes: Ornamental ceilings that have depressed or recessed panels

Cog 0 likes: A gear tooth

Cohesion 0 likes: Sticking together tightly; tendency to cohere; soil quality of sticking together

Cohesive Failure 0 likes: Break down of an adhesive joint

Cohesive Soil 0 likes: A soil such as clay where the particles stick to each other by means of cohesive and adhesive forces

Coil 0 likes: A winding arrangement of a conductor around a core to convert voltage from low to high as in a transformer or to create a magnetic field as in a solenoid

Coil Deck 0 likes: Insulated horizontal partition between refrigerated and evaporator space

Coiled Pipe 0 likes: Tubing in rows, layers, or windings in steam and water heating, refrigeration condensers, and evaporators

Coin Washer 1 like: A coin-operated public appliance for laundry of clothing

Cold 0 likes: Without heat; a temperature substantially below normal

Cold Air Return 0 likes: Ductwork and related grills that convey room air back to the furnace for re-heating

Cold Chisel 1 like: A hand tool used for chipping concrete, stone, and similar materials

Cold Color 0 likes: See Cool Color

Cold Formed Steel 0 likes: Shaping steel without heat

Cold Joint 0 likes: A visible lineation produced when pouring of concrete is delayed; the concrete in place hardens before the pouring of adjacent concrete; A paving joint in road construction where one strip of asphalt is installed at a different time from the other and bonding is not enhanced

Cold Joint Lines 0 likes: Visible lines on the surfaces of formed concrete revealing the presence of joints where one layer of concrete had hardened before more concrete was poured

Cold Junction 0 likes: Part of a thermoelectric system that absorbs heat while the system is functioning

Cold Patch 0 likes: A roof repair achieved with cold material

Cold Rolled Steel 1 like: Steel rolled to its final form at a temperature where it is no longer flexible

Cold Wall 0 likes: Inner lining of a refrigerator serving as the cooling surface

Cold Water Paint 0 likes: Paint composed of casein, glue or a similar material dissolved in water; generally used on concrete, masonry or plaster surfaces

Cold-Checking 0 likes: Checking due to low temperature

Cold-Pressed Plywood 0 likes: Internal plywood made in a press without external heat

Cold-Process Roofing 0 likes: A built-up roof made of coated felt layers bonded with cold-applied asphalt roof cement and surfaced with a cutback or emulsified asphalt roof coating

Cold-Setting Resin Glue 0 likes: A resin–base glue powder that is mixed with water

Coliseum 0 likes: Large stadium or building like the Roman Coliseum for public entertainment

Collage 0 likes: Composition of materials such as photographs, fabric, metals, and wood glued to a backing

Collapse 0 likes: To cave, fall in or give way; failure of a structure

Collar 0 likes: Preformed flange positioned over a vent pipe to seal the roofing over the vent pipe opening; also called a Vent Sleeve; A compression ring surrounding a small round opening

Collar Beam 0 likes: Nominal 1 inch or 2 inch thick parts connecting opposite roof rafters that strengthen the roof structure

Collar Joint 0 likes: The vertical mortar joint between masonry wythes

Collar Tie 0 likes: See Collar Beam

Collateral 0 likes: Property promised or possessed by a creditor to guarantee payment of an obligation by a debtor

Collector 1 like: In structural analysis, a force transfer element that collects loads from a diaphragm (horizontal element) and transfers them to the shear walls (vertical element); Devices used to collect solar energy and convert it to heat; a Solar Collector

Collector Efficiency 0 likes: The ratio of heat energy removed from a collector to the quantity of solar energy striking the cover expressed in percent

Collet 1 like: A metal band, flange, or ferrule

Colloid 0 likes: A mixture containing ultramicroscopic particles of a substance scattered evenly throughout another; also known as dispersion

Colloidal Suspension 0 likes: A substance composed of fine particles permanently suspended in a liquid

Collusion 0 likes: Illegal agreement between contractors to submit higher bids so that a chosen contractor’s bid is lower

Colonial Base 1 like: An architectural board or molding used against the bottom of walls to cover the joint with the floor and to protect the walls from damage

Colonial Molding 0 likes: Eighteenth century English Georgian molding style, reproduced and included in buildings

Colonnade 0 likes: A set of columns at regular intervals

Color 0 likes: Visual appearance of objects and light sources in terms of hue, lightness, and saturation for objects and hue, brightness, and saturation for light sources; a hue different from black, white, and gray

Color Retention 0 likes: When paint is exposed to the elements and maintains its color, it has good color retention

Color-Fast 0 likes: Non fading

Color-In-Japan 0 likes: A paste produced by mixing a color pigment with Japan drier; used mainly for tinting

Color-In-Oil 0 likes: A paste produced by mixing a color pigment in linseed or another vegetable oil; used mainly for tinting

Color, Complementary 0 likes: See Complementary Color

Color, Primary 0 likes: See Primary Color

Colored Grout 1 like: Commercially prepared grout made of graded aggregate, portland cement, water dispersing agents, plasticizers, and color fast pigments

Colorimeter 1 like: See Chromometer

Coloring Strength 0 likes: The ability of pigments to color base material that is white or a light color

Colossus 0 likes: A statue of huge size or proportions

Columbarium 0 likes: A structure that has vaults for cinerary urns

Column 1 like: A structural component that supports axial compression loads; an upright structural part used mainly in compression; A square, rectangular, or cylindrical support for roofs and ceilings, made of base, shaft, and capital

Column Base 0 likes: The bottom part of a vertical supporting pillar; The plate below a column that disperses the load

Column Base Plate 0 likes: The part of a structure on which the column base is positioned

Column Cage 0 likes: A group of vertical reinforcing bars and ties for a concrete column

Column Capital 0 likes: The top part of a column covering the shaft and absorbing the weight of the beam or girder

Column Cover 0 likes: The top part of a column

Column Fireproofing 0 likes: Applying fire-retardant materials to a column

Column Footing 0 likes: Concrete support for a column; known as individual footing and usually square or rectangular

Column Formwork 0 likes: The mold or outline of a column in which the concrete is poured

Column Furring 0 likes: Wood or metal strips on a column that create a fastening surface for a finish covering

Column Pier 0 likes: Foundation part of plain or reinforced concrete to support a column

Column Reinforcing 0 likes: Embedded steel bars to reinforce a concrete column

Column Spiral 0 likes: A continuous steel coil reinforcing in a concrete column

Column Strip 0 likes: Two-way concrete floor or roof structure zone centered on a line of columns

Column Tie 0 likes: A steel bar loop that ties the reinforcing cage in a concrete column

Column, Concrete 0 likes: A long thin supporting pillar made from concrete and reinforcing steel

Column, Precast 0 likes: A column cast and cured in another place other than its final position

Column, Sheetrock 0 likes: A column produced from gypsum wallboard

Column, Timber 0 likes: Structural lumber, 5 inchor more in size, employed as a vertical compression component

Column, Wood 0 likes: Vertical wood structural component, generally carrying a beam

Columniation 0 likes: The arrangement of columns in a building

Comb Board 0 likes: See Saddle Board

Combination Switch 1 like: A switch that also has a receptacle

Combined Chlorine 0 likes: Chlorine combined with other substances; less effective than free chlorine

Combined Footing 0 likes: A concrete footing that supports two or more columns

Combined Stress 0 likes: Combination of axial and bending stresses in a structural part

Combustible 0 likes: Able to be burned

Combustion 0 likes: Burning; consumption by fire; production of light and heat by combining a substance with oxygen

Combustion Air 0 likes: Duct work to convey fresh air from the outside to the furnace and/or hot water heater; usually two different supplies of air are brought in

Combustion Chamber 1 like: Part of a boiler, furnace or woodstove where the burn occurs

Comfort Chart 0 likes: Chart employed in air conditioning to display the dry bulb temperature, humidity and air movement for comfortable conditions

Comfort Cooler 0 likes: System employed to reduce the temperature in living spaces in homes; not complete air conditioners as they provide only partial control of heating, humidifying, dehumidification, and air circulation

Commerce 0 likes: Exchange, buying and selling of commodities, particularly on a large scale; Principles, strategies and techniques of business and office systems

Commercial Carpet 1 like: Carpet highly resistant to heavy traffic

Commercial Door 1 like: Strong, durable door used in commercial buildings

Commercial Facilities 0 likes: Facilities that are intended for commercial use including factories, warehouses, office buildings, and other structures where people are employed

Commercial Matching 0 likes: Matching of colors within acceptable parameters or with a variation that is barely discernable

Commercial Standard (CS) 1 like: U.S. Dept. of Commerce, Govt. Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.

Commercially Acceptable Standards 0 likes: Standard of work performed by the average competent worker with a reasonable amount of imperfections; commercially acceptable standards applicable in the construction industry

Commingling of Funds 0 likes: Combining funds from different accounts into one account

Commission 0 likes: Fee paid to a broker or agent for services as an agreed percentage of the sales or lease; Fee paid to an agent or employee for transacting business or performing a service

Commissioning 0 likes: Start-up of a building to insure correct functioning and compliance to design criteria; also includes the instruction of building representatives on how to use the building systems

Commitment 0 likes: A legally enforceable agreement; Agreement from a lending organization to provide a real estate loan under particular conditions

Commode 0 likes: Chest of drawers; Chamber pot hidden in a chair with a hinged cover

Common Bolt 1 like: Usual carbon steel bolt

Common Bond 0 likes: Brickwork done with every five courses of alternating stretchers followed by a course of headers

Common Brick 0 likes: Inexpensive brick used as filler or backing; see Building Brick

Common Enemy Doctrine 0 likes: Legal doctrine that flood water is a common enemy and that property owners may protect their property even if it produces damage to a neighbor’s property

Common Vent 0 likes: A vent that connects two fixtures, performing as a vent for both fixtures

Communication 0 likes: Transmission of information

Communication Cable 1 like: A cable that transmits telephone, television, and computer signals

Communication Circuit 0 likes: A circuit that is part of a central station system such as telephone, telegraph, fire and burglar alarms along with their operating and signaling power supply equipment

Communication Manhole 0 likes: Manhole employed in the installation of communication conduits or cables

Community Kitchen 0 likes: Room for use by the occupants of two or more guest rooms for cooking or preparing food in a hotel or community center

Community Shopping Center 0 likes: An intermediate size shopping center

Commutator 0 likes: Part of rotor in electric motor that carries electric current to rotor windings

Compact Borrow 0 likes: Fill obtained from excavation that has been packed tightly

Compacted Concrete 0 likes: Freshly poured concrete that has been compressed to eliminate voids

Compacted Yards 0 likes: Cubic measurement of soil or rock after it has been positioned and packed tightly in a fill

Compaction 0 likes: The process where the volume of freshly placed material is reduced or flattened by vibration or tamping, or some combination of these

Compaction Tile 0 likes: A hard tile surfacing unit produced from a mixture of chemicals

Compactor 1 like: A mechanical device that compresses objects into smaller units or enables the objects to take up less volume

Companion Flange 0 likes: A pipe connection device that matches another flange on a pipe or fitting

Comparative Negligence 0 likes: The legal doctrine that wrongdoers should pay damages directly proportional to their misdeeds

Compartment Kiln 0 likes: A kiln where the total charge of lumber is dried as a single unit

Compartment, Shower 0 likes: See Shower Compartment

Compass 0 likes: A drafting tool used to drawing circles; A magnetic compass the defines direction

Compatibility 0 likes: Ability to mix with other components, substances, or situations

Compensating Errors 0 likes: Small errors where the pluses and minuses tend to cancel each other

Compensatory Damages 0 likes: A fee to compensate someone for economic loss due to the wrongful act of another person

Competitive Bidding 0 likes: When two or more contractors submit proposals for the same work

Complementary Color 0 likes: A color when combined with its complement produces gray; complementary color pairs include red and green, yellow and violet, and blue and orange

Completion Bond 0 likes: A bond assuring the lender that the project will be finished without liens

Completion Date 0 likes: The date in the construction contract for completion

Completion of Construction 0 likes: When the work stipulated in the construction contract is complete

Component 0 likes: A part or ingredient

Component Depreciation 0 likes: A way of determining depreciation of property by its individual parts instead of as a whole

Composite Beam 0 likes: A beam that made of two different materials in which the two materials perform as one such as a wood and steel beam

Composite Board 0 likes: A board made of compressed materials used for sheathing, wallboard, or as insulation

Composite Decking 0 likes: Decking made up of various materials such as concrete, wood, and steel

Composite Wall 0 likes: A wall that has two or more different types of masonry units, such as clay bricks and concrete blocks

Composition 0 likes: The parts of a substance or material; The constituents of any chemical

Composition Roofing 0 likes: Asphaltic roofing

Composition Shingles 0 likes: Shingles made or produced from composition roofing material

Compound Gauge 1 like: Instrument for measuring pressures above and below atmospheric pressure

Compound Refrigerating Systems 0 likes: System employed to pump low-pressure vapors to condensing pressures

Compreg 0 likes: Wood which has been infused with synthetic resin and compressed reducing swelling and shrinking and increasing density and strength

Comprehensive General Liability 0 likes: Insurance policy for comprehensive general liability

Compression 0 likes: Stress that tends to shorten or reduce the size of a material

Compression Bars 0 likes: Steel that opposes compression forces

Compression Block 1 like: A very short wooden column

Compression Connector 1 like: A connecting device that uses a force to push together and squeeze

Compression Coupling 1 like: A connecting device that produces a force that pushes together and crushes

Compression Elbow 1 like: A connecting device that joins two pipes at 90 degrees and uses a force that pushes together and crushes

Compression Faucet 0 likes: Faucet that prevents the flow of water by a flat washer closing against a seat

Compression Gasket 1 like: A synthetic or rubber strip or washer that seals by being squeezed strongly

Compression Gauge 1 like: Instrument that measures positive pressures above atmospheric pressures usually calibrated from 0 to 300 psig (0-21.1 kg./cm2)

Compression Lug 1 like: A connector that fastens the end of a wire to a terminal using a force that pushes together and crushes

Compression Ratio 0 likes: Ratio of the absolute low-side pressure to the absolute high-side pressure in refrigeration

Compression Reinforcement 0 likes: Steel reinforcing bars in a reinforced beam positioned near the top of the beam to help resisting compressive forces

Compression Splice 1 like: A connection of two similar materials by a force that tends to shorten a component

Compression Strength 0 likes: Ability of a structural material to withstand compression forces as force per unit cross-sectional area or the specific resistance used in design calculations

Compression Valve 1 like: Prevents the flow of water by a flat washer closing against a seat

Compressive Strength 0 likes: The measured resistance of concrete or mortar to axial loading in pounds per square inch of cross-sectional area

Compressor 1 like: A machine that pressurizes a gas and transforms it into a liquid enabling heat to be removed or added; the main part of heat pumps and air conditioners

Compressor, Multiple Stage 0 likes: Compressor with two or more compressive steps

Compressor, Open Type 0 likes: Compressor where the crankshaft reaches through the crankcase and is run by an external motor; also called External Drive Compressor

Compressor, Reciprocating 1 like: See Reciprocating Compressor

Compressor, Rotary 1 like: Compressor which employs rotating devices to provide pumping action

Compressor, Single Stage 0 likes: Compressor that has one compressive step between low-side pressure and high-side pressure

Computer Cable 1 like: Coaxial cable that transmits computer signals

Computer Floor 1 like: Special flooring that stops electrostatic buildup and sparking in a computer room; usually above the floor to enable wires to run between the components in the room

Computer Hardware 1 like: Physical equipment, including the keyboard and mouse, processing unit, and the screen and printer

Computer Language 0 likes: A code used to write a computer program

Computer Software 0 likes: The programs that make a computer function

Computerese 0 likes: Arcane jargon employed by computer technologists

Concave 0 likes: Curved or rounded inward; the opposite of convex

Concave Joint 0 likes: An inexpensive mortar joint formed with a special tool or a bent iron rod that is weather resistant

Concealed Grid 0 likes: A suspended ceiling framework that supports tiles and panels and is completely concealed by them

Concealed Picture Mold 0 likes: A recessed horizontal slot in a plaster wall used to hang pictures and other objects

Concealed Z Bar 0 likes: A hidden z-shaped bar employed as a wall tie, the concealed Z bar is a critical construction resource

Concentrated Load 0 likes: A load at one point or small area of a structure or component

Concentrating Collector 0 likes: A device that employs reflective surfaces to concentrate the sun’s rays onto a smaller area where they are absorbed and transformed into heat energy

Concentration 0 likes: The strength of a solution; a concentrated substance

Concentric 0 likes: A common center or axis

Concrete 0 likes: Mixture of portland cement, gravel, sand, and water used for garage and basement floors, sidewalks, patios, foundation walls, etc.

Concrete Admixture 1 like: A substance combined with concrete to help impart color, regulate workability, assist in waterproofing, control setting, and entrain air

Concrete Beam 0 likes: A horizontal structural component that transversely supports a load and conveys the load to vertical parts, made of a composite material consisting of coarse aggregate, cement, sand and water

Concrete Block 0 likes: A hollow concrete brick usually 8 inches x 8 inches x 16 inches in size

Concrete Block Bar Supports 0 likes: Precast concrete blocks used to support bars above the sub–grade, or to space bars off vertical forms and above horizontal forms

Concrete Block Removal 0 likes: Demolition of a concrete block structure

Concrete Board 1 like: A panel composed of concrete and fiberglass usually employed as a tile backing material

Concrete Brick 0 likes: A solid concrete unit the same size and proportions as a clay brick

Concrete Column 0 likes: A long, thin supporting pillar composed of concrete and reinforcing steel

Concrete Cover 0 likes: Distance from a reinforcing bar to the exterior of a concrete component; also referred to as fireproofing, clearance, or concrete protection

Concrete Cutting 0 likes: Concrete cutting with a saw that has a carborundum blade; usually performed by specialty subcontractors with special equipment

Concrete Dowel 1 like: Reinforcing steel pin entrenched in concrete to reinforce two joining pieces or to provide a region where other pieces can be attached

Concrete Filled Pile 0 likes: A long thin concrete-filled construction element placed in the ground to support a load

Concrete Finish 0 likes: Final compression and finishing of curing concrete

Concrete Finish, Board 0 likes: Wooden board in the concrete formwork to provide a wood–pattern finish to the finished reinforced concrete

Concrete Headwall 0 likes: The end of a culvert or drain made of concrete

Concrete Manhole 0 likes: A vertical concrete access shaft extending from the surface to the underground

Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) 0 likes: See Concrete Block

Concrete Mat 1 like: A metal reinforcement grid for concrete foundations, mats, or slabs

Concrete Mix 1 like: Quantity of portland cement, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate, admixture, and water in concrete

Concrete Nail 1 like: A harden steel nail that can be inserted into concrete or stonework

Concrete Paving 0 likes: Concrete employed for hard surfaces such as walks, ramps, and roads

Concrete Pile 0 likes: A precast thin reinforced concrete part embedded in soil by insertion into a predrilled hole

Concrete Pipe 0 likes: Pipe produced from concrete; the manufacturing is completed in a plant under controlled conditions; generally employed for drainage and sometimes for sanitary sewers

Concrete Placement 0 likes: The pouring of concrete

Concrete Plank 0 likes: A solid or hollow-core, precast and pre-stressed flat-beam used for floor or roof decking

Concrete Pole 0 likes: A vertical concrete component

Concrete Post 0 likes: A vertical concrete structure

Concrete Pump 0 likes: A device that forces concrete to the placing position via a pipeline or hose

Concrete Receptor 1 like: A precast concrete structure that forms the shower drain

Concrete Reinforcement 0 likes: Steel rods embedded in wet concrete to provide added reinforcement

Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute (CRSI) 0 likes: 933 North Plum Grove Road, Schaumburg, Illinois 60173-4758, Tel: (708) 517-1200, URL: http://www.crsi.org/

Concrete Removal 0 likes: Demolishing old concrete into manageable pieces

Concrete Repair 0 likes: Restore concrete by replacing a section or repairing the broken parts

Concrete Saw Cut 0 likes: A cut in hard concrete with diamond or silicone-carbide blades or discs

Concrete Sheet Piling 0 likes: Row of concrete piles to produce a tight wall to oppose the lateral pressure of water, earth or other substances

Concrete Sleeper 0 likes: Wood strips positioned on a rough concrete floor on which finished wood floor is nailed

Concrete Testing 0 likes: Testing to determine the flexibility or strength of concrete

Concrete Topping 0 likes: A fine aggregate concrete mixture used to top concrete floor surfaces for durability, safety and appearance

Concrete Waterproofing 0 likes: Adding a material to concrete to make it watertight

Concrete, Cellular 0 likes: See Cellular Concrete

Concrete, Fibrous 0 likes: See Fibrous Concrete

Concrete, Field 0 likes: See Field Concrete

Concrete, Foamed 0 likes: See Foamed Concrete

Concrete, Green 0 likes: See Green Concrete

Concrete, Lightweight 0 likes: Concrete that is much lighter in weight than that made from gravel or crushed stone

Concrete, Normal Weight 0 likes: See Normal Weight Concrete

Concrete, Plain 0 likes: See Plain Concrete

Concrete, Precast 0 likes: Concrete parts that after curing and hardening are installed in their final useful place

Concrete, Prestressed 0 likes: See Prestressed Concrete

Concrete, Pumped 0 likes: See Pumped Concrete

Concrete, Reinforced 0 likes: See Reinforced Concrete

Concrete, Structural Lightweight 0 likes: Concrete containing lightweight aggregate, weighing no more than 115 pounds per cubic foot

Concrete, Terrazzo 0 likes: See Terrazzo

Concurrent 0 likes: The point where the line of action of various forces meet

Concurrent Heating 0 likes: Application of additional heat during welding or cutting

Condensate 0 likes: A product produced by cooling vapors of a substance that is being distilled

Condensate Pump 1 like: A pump that eliminates water from an air-cooling unit

Condensation 0 likes: Drops of water and frost that accumulate on the inside of the external covering of a building; a vapor barrier beneath the gypsum lath or dry wall on exposed walls decreases condensation

Condensation Drain 1 like: A drain pipe to convey condensed water from the atmosphere

Condense 0 likes: Changing a gas or vapor to a liquid

Condenser 1 like: A heat exchanger in a refrigeration cycle that discharges heat to the exterior ranging from water cooled, air cooled, and evaporative; condenser water is usually circulated through a cooling tower from where heat is dispersed to the surrounding air

Condenser Comb 1 like: Comb-like device that straightens the metal fins on condensers or evaporators

Condenser Fan 1 like: Forced air device that moves air through an air-cooled condenser

Condenser, Air Cooled 1 like: Heat exchanger that transfers heat to the atmosphere

Condenser, Water Cooled 0 likes: Heat exchanger that transfers heat from hot gaseous refrigerant to water

Condensing Pressure 0 likes: Pressure inside a condenser such that refrigerant vapor becomes a liquid; differs with the temperature

Condensing Temperature 0 likes: Temperature inside a condenser such that refrigerant vapor becomes a liquid; differs with the pressure

Condensing Unit 1 like: Exterior component of a cooling system that includes a compressor and condensing coil to give off heat; Part of a refrigerating mechanism that pumps vaporized refrigerant from the evaporator, compresses it, liquefies it in the condenser and conveys it to the refrigerant control

Condensing Unit Service Valves 0 likes: Shutoff valves mounted on condensing unit that service technicians use to install or service a unit

Conditioned Air 0 likes: Air that is heated, cooled, humidified, or dehumidified to produce a comfortable interior area; also called Tempered Air

Conditioned Water 0 likes: Water treated with cyanuric acid or chlorinated isocyanurate to stop chlorine from evaporating in sunlight

Conditions, Convenants, and Restrictions (CC & Rs) 0 likes: The standards that define how a property can be employed and the protections for all owners in a subdivision

Condominium 0 likes: Individual ownership of a unit in a multi-unit development including ownership of an interest in common with other owners of common areas and facilities that support the structure

Conductance 0 likes: The ability of a substance to conduct electric current or heat

Conduction 0 likes: The direct transfer of heat energy through a material

Conductive 0 likes: Able to conduct or transmit heat, electricity, or static electricity

Conductive Floor 0 likes: Flooring material that stops electrostatic buildup and sparking

Conductive Mortar 0 likes: A tile mortar with electrical conductivity

Conductive Terrazzo 0 likes: A tile that stops electrostatic buildup and sparking made from conductive materials

Conductive Tile 0 likes: Tile with specific properties of electrical conductivity

Conductivity 0 likes: Rate of heat transmission through a material

Conductor 1 like: A substance or body capable of transmitting electricity, heat or sound

Conductor, Aluminum 0 likes: An aluminum wire or cable that transmits electrical current

Conductor, Copper 1 like: A copper wire or cable that transmits electrical current

Conductor, Stranded 1 like: Fine wires twisted around a center wire or core employed as an electric conductor

Conduit 0 likes: Protective sleeve or pipe used for individual electrical conductors

Conduit, Aluminum 0 likes: A pipe made of a light alloy material that encloses electric wires to protect them

Conduit, Cap 1 like: A cap on the end of a length of conduit to protect the threads or end the conduit run

Conduit, Electrical 0 likes: A pipe with installed wire

Conduit, EMT 0 likes: See EMT Conduit

Conduit, Flexible 0 likes: See Flexible Conduit

Conduit, Galvanized 0 likes: See Galvanized Conduit

Conduit, Plastic Coated 0 likes: See Plastic Coated Conduit

Conduit, Plug 1 like: A fitting screwed into the ends of conduit or conduit fittings

Conduit, PVC 0 likes: See PVC Conduit

Conduit, Steel 0 likes: See Steel Conduit

Cone 1 like: A solid shape with a circular or curved plane base that tapers up to a point; The conical part of a gas flame next to the orifice of the tip

Cone, Slump 0 likes: See Slump Cone

Conference Room 0 likes: A meeting room

Configuration 0 likes: An arrangement of components in a specific form

Congo Gum 0 likes: A gum resin obtained from the Congo area in Africa

Conifers 0 likes: Conifers produce softwood lumber

Connection 0 likes: The union or joint of two or more different elements

Connection, Bus Duct 0 likes: See Bus Duct Connection

Connector Set Screw 0 likes: A screw on a connector fitting that connects two components

Connector, Compression 1 like: See Compression Connector

Consent of Surety 0 likes: Written guarantee to release the final payment to the contractor or make changes in the contract

Conservation 0 likes: The careful preservation and protection of a building, structure, or the environment

Conservatism 0 likes: A principle of accounting where each asset item on the balance sheet is a conservative figure or at the low end of its price range

Conservatory 0 likes: Greenhouse for tending and displaying plants

Consideration 0 likes: Money or a benefit from a promisee to a promisor in exchange for the promisor’s agreement to perform an action

Consistency 0 likes: Fluidity or viscosity of a liquid or paste; resistance of a substance to flow; Degree of flexibility or plasticity of fresh concrete or mortar; normally slump for concrete, and flow for mortar; Degree of fluidity or plasticity of asphalt cement at any specific temperature; the standard test temperature being 140° F (60° C)

Console 0 likes: An ornamental bracket that support a shelf; A cabinet or panel with controls and switches to operate lighting, sound, television, radio or computerized equipment

Consolidation 0 likes: Organizing fresh concrete to compact the particles and reduce or eliminate the voids

Consortium 0 likes: Combination of companies that invest in an enterprise too large for them as individuals

Constant 0 likes: A component of a relationship between variables that maintains its value

Constant Air Volume System 0 likes: Air handling system that produces a constant air flow while changing the temperature during heating and cooling

Constrictor 0 likes: Tube or orifice that limits the flow of a gas or a liquid

Construct 0 likes: To assemble and combine construction materials, systems and methods to produce a structure

Constructibility 0 likes: Capacity of a design to be developed into construction

Construction 0 likes: The act or process of constructing

Construction Change Directive 0 likes: A document that directs a change in the project specifications prepared by the architect and signed off by the owner and architect; the change directive can adjust the contract sum and contract period and may be employed in the absence of the contractor’s agreement

Construction Contract 0 likes: A legal document which specifies all considerations in a construction project including:; The contractor’s registration number; A statement of work quality such as “Standard Practices of the Trades” or “According to Manufacturers Specifications”; Blue Prints or plans; A construction timetable including start and completion dates; A set of specifications; A fixed price for the work, or a time and materials formula; A payment schedule; Allowances; A clause describing how disputes will be resolved; 1A warrantee

Construction Cost 0 likes: Contractor costs for labor, material, equipment, and services; contractor’s overhead and direct construction costs; construction cost does not include monies paid to the architect, engineer and consultants, the cost of the land, rights-of-way or other costs stated in the contract documents as the owner’s responsibility; see Soft Costs

Construction Document Review 0 likes: Owner’s review of the borrower’s construction plans and specifications, list of materials, and cost breakdowns to confirm that these documents and estimates are achievable and comply with the proposed loan or project appraisal

Construction Documents 0 likes: Term used to represent drawings, specifications, addenda and relevant information associated with the construction of a project

Construction Documents Phase 0 likes: Third phase of the architect‘s basic services where the architect prepares working drawings, specifications and bidding information; the architect may prepare bidding forms, conditions of the contract, and the form of agreement between the owner and contractor

Construction Drywall 0 likes: Construction in which the interior wall finish is installed in a dry condition, usually in the form of sheets or wood paneling rather than plaster

Construction Industry Arbitration Rules 0 likes: Arbitration rules administered by the AAA and referred to in AIAs standard agreements for construction and architectural services

Construction Inspector 0 likes: See Project Representative

Construction Lender 0 likes: An institution or individual that lends money to a borrower to produce improvements on a property

Construction Lime 0 likes: Industrial calcium oxide added to produce adhesion

Construction Loan 0 likes: A short–term interim loan to pay for the construction of a building or structure

Construction Management 0 likes: Organizing and directing people, materials, and equipment to implement the design

Construction Management Contract 0 likes: Written agreement which details the responsibilities for the achievement of project planning, design and construction given to a construction management firm

Construction Manager 0 likes: A person or entity that provides construction management services as an advisor or as a contractor

Construction Phase 0 likes: Fifth and final phase of the architect‘s basic services that includes the architect‘s administration of the construction contract(s)

Construction Schedule 0 likes: A time table for starting and completing each of the operations needed for the construction of a building or project

Construction Terms 0 likes: Construction terms are words or word combinations, employed to mean something very specific, or utilized in a particular area of knowledge or work

Constructive Notice 0 likes: Giving notice by recording it in the office of the county recorder or in a newspaper

Consultant 0 likes: A person hired by the owner or client to provide professional advice

Consumable Insert 0 likes: See Backing Filler Metal

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) 0 likes: 4330 East West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814, Tel: (301) 504-7923, URL: http://www.cpsc.gov/

Contact Ceiling 0 likes: A ceiling secured in direct contact with the construction above without furring

Contact Cement 0 likes: Neoprene rubber-based adhesive that bonds instantly on contact of parts being secured

Contact Fireproofing 0 likes: See Fireproofing

Contact Splice 0 likes: Connecting reinforcing bars by lapping in direct contact

Contaminant 0 likes: A substance that taints, infects, or pollutes; an impurity; Dirt, moisture, or other matter foreign to refrigerant or refrigerant oil in a refrigerant system

Contaminated 0 likes: Impure due to contact with a foreign substance

Contingency Allowance 0 likes: Money in a construction budget to cover unforeseen expenses

Continuity 0 likes: Uninterrupted, intact

Continuity Tester 1 like: A device that states whether a circuit is capable of carrying electricity

Continuous Beam 0 likes: A beam that is held up by more than two supports

Continuous Cycle Absorption System 0 likes: System with a continuous energy input flow

Continuous Duty 0 likes: Service requirement that demands operation at a constant load indefinitely in an electrical system

Continuous Footing 0 likes: A concrete footing that supports a wall or two or more columns; the footing may vary in width and depth, also called a Strip Footing

Continuous Hinge 1 like: A hinge the same length as the moving part where it is applied; also called Piano Hinge

Continuous Load 0 likes: An electrical load where the maximum current is expected to continue at least three hours

Continuous Mix Plant 0 likes: A manufacturing facility for producing asphalt paving mixtures by a continuous volumetric proportioning system without definite batch intervals

Continuous Ridge Vent 1 like: Continuous ridge vent is a screened water-shielded vent that runs continuously along the ridge of a gable roof

Continuous Vent 0 likes: A vertical vent pipe that is a continuation of the waste drain

Continuous Waste 0 likes: Two or more fixtures that utilize one trap

Continuous Waste and Vent 0 likes: A vertical vent pipe in a continuous line with the waste line; below the point where the fixture drains into the pipe is the waste line, while the vent is above the point

Contour Interval 0 likes: The difference vertically between adjacent contour lines on a topographic map

Contour Lines 0 likes: The lines connecting points of equal elevation on a topographic map

Contour Map 0 likes: See Topographic Map

Contract 0 likes: Agreement or covenant between two or more people where each is bound to do or desist from performing an action and each procures a right to what the other promises

Contract Administration 0 likes: Contractual responsibilities of the architect and engineer during the construction of a project

Contract Award 0 likes: Owner’s notice to a contractor that a bid has been accepted

Contract Bond 0 likes: A written form of security from a surety company on behalf of an acceptable prime contractor or subcontractor guaranteeing full execution of the contract and all supplemental agreements, and for the payment of all legal debts due to the construction of the project

Contract Date 0 likes: See Date of Agreement

Contract Documents 0 likes: Documents in a construction contract consisting of the agreement between the owner and contractor, conditions of the contract, drawings, specifications, and addenda delivered before the contract is signed, as well as changes issued after execution of the contract

Contract of Adhesion 0 likes: A contract offered to a person in an inferior position who does not have an adequate way to negotiate more favorable terms

Contract of Sale 0 likes: See Land Contract

Contract Over-run (Under-run) 1 like: Difference between the original contract price and the final cost including all adjustments by approved change order

Contract Payment Bond 0 likes: A written form of security from a surety company to the owner, on behalf of an acceptable prime contractor or subcontractor, guaranteeing payment to all persons providing labor, materials, equipment, or services according to the contract

Contract Performance Bond 0 likes: A written form of security from a surety company to the owner, on behalf of an acceptable prime contractor or subcontractor guaranteeing the completion of the work according to the terms of the contract

Contract Period 0 likes: Number of days from the specified date of starting work to the specified date of completion, as specified in the contract

Contract Sum 0 likes: The total agreed upon amount payable by the owner to the contractor for the performance of the work under the contract documents; See Change Order

Contract Time 0 likes: Amount of time established in the contract documents for completing a specific project; usually stated in working days or calendar days. The contract time can only be changed by valid time extensions through change order

Contracting Officer 0 likes: Official owner’s representative authorized to act on their behalf in a specific project

Contraction 0 likes: Become smaller

Contraction Joint 0 likes: Formed, sawed, or tooled groove in a structure to weaken the plane and control the location of cracking due to the dimensional change of parts of the structure

Contractor 0 likes: Electrical relay to furnish power to electrical equipment; an electrically operated switch containing one or more sets of contacts that control one or more circuits; A person who enters into a contract to construct a building or structure; a builder; a licensed individual of company that agrees to furnish labor, materials, equipment and related services to perform specified work for a specific price, such as:; a) General contractor – responsible for the execution, supervision and overall coordination of a project who may also perform individual construction tasks; most general contractors are not licensed to perform all specialty trades and hire specialty contractors for these tasks; b) Remodeling contractor – a general contractor who specializes in remodeling work; c) Specialty contractor – licensed to perform a specialty task e.g. electrical, side sewer, plumbing; d) Sub–contractor – a general or specialty contractor who works for another general contractor

Contractor, CM 0 likes: Construction manager who performs as a contractor and who may guarantee the construction cost; contractor serving as a business manager

Contractors Level 1 like: Builders’ level

Contractors Option 0 likes: Provision in the contract documents allowing the contractor to choose certain specified materials, methods or systems without changing the contract sum

Contractors Qualification Statement 0 likes: Written statement of the contractor‘s experience and qualifications submitted to the Owner during the contractor selection process; The American Institute of Architects publishes a standard Contractor‘s Qualification Statement form

Contractual Liability 0 likes: The liability assumed by a party under a contract

Control Circuit 0 likes: The circuit which conveys the electric signals directing the performance of the controller but does not carry the main power

Control Joint 0 likes: An intentional linear discontinuity in a structure or component that forms a plane of weakness where cracking or movement could occur in response to various forces, to minimize cracking in the structure; see Control Joint and Relief Joint

Control Panel 1 like: A panel or cabinet with control devices to control electrical circuits, equipment, apparatus or a system

Control System 0 likes: All components needed for automatic control of a process variable

Control Valve 0 likes: A mechanical device that regulates an operation or function; a valve that controls the flow or pressure of a medium that affects a controlled process operated by remote signals from independent devices using control media such as pneumatic, electric, or electrohydraulic

Control, Compressor 0 likes: See Motor Control

Control, Defrosting 0 likes: See Defrosting Control

Control, Low Pressure 0 likes: Low pressure Control

Control, Motor 1 like: See Motor Control

Control, Pressure Motor 0 likes: High or low-pressure control in the electrical circuit to start and stop motor, activated by need for refrigeration or safety

Control, Refrigerant 0 likes: See Refrigerant Control

Control, Temperature 1 like: See Temperature Control

Controller 0 likes: A device that governs the electric power delivered to the apparatus to which it is conducted in a predefined way

Controls 0 likes: Mechanism that regulates the operation of a machine, apparatus, or system; Functional area of management to inform the manager when operations and results differ from those which were planned to help maintain the original budget and plan

Conurbation 0 likes: Combining of previously separate towns creating a large community

Convection 0 likes: Currents created by heating air, which then rises and pulls cooler air behind it; also see Radiation

Convection Oven 1 like: An oven operating by heat transfer through automatic heated air circulation

Convection, Forced 0 likes: See Forced Convection

Convection, Natural 0 likes: See Natural Convection

Convector 1 like: A heat exchange device that employs heat to warm the air in a room; also called a Radiator

Conventional Installation 0 likes: Installing ceramic tile with portland cement mortar

Conventional Light-Frame Construction 0 likes: Construction whose primary structural components are formed by a system of repetitive wood–framing parts

Conventional loan 0 likes: A mortgage loan that is not insured by a government agency such as FHA or VA

Converter 0 likes: Produces change to different state; catalyst; curing agent; promoter

Convertibility 0 likes: The ability to modify a loan from an adjustable rate to a fixed rate schedule

Convex 0 likes: A protruding rounded surface curved or rounded as in the exterior of a sphere or circle

Convex Fillet Weld 0 likes: A fillet weld with a convex face

Convexity 0 likes: Maximum distance from the face of a convex fillet weld at right angles to a line joining the toes

Conveyance 0 likes: Transfer of property between owners, usually by deed

Conveying System 0 likes: A device that moves material including elevators, escalators, moving walks, and conveyors

Cooking Unit, Counter-Mounted 0 likes: Domestic surface heating elements for cooking flush mounted in or supported by a counter; see Oven, Wall-Mounted

Cool Colors 0 likes: Hues or colors in which blue-green predominates; also called Cold Colors

Cooled Loop Run-Around 0 likes: Method of heat recovery from exhaust air that uses finned-tube coils in the incoming and exhaust air supply

Cooler 0 likes: Heat exchanger that removes heat from a substance

Cooler, Bottle 0 likes: See Bottle Cooler

Cooler, Nail 0 likes: A nail with a special size and head employed in gypsum board applications

Cooler, Water 1 like: See Water Cooler

Cooling Coil 0 likes: A heat exchange between a cooling element and the air stream; the cooling vehile may be chilled water or refrigerant gas

Cooling Load 0 likes: The amount of cooling needed to maintain a specific temperature during the summer, usually 78° F regardless of the exterior temperature

Cooling Tower 1 like: A structure where warm water is circulated for cooling by exposure to the air; the water is cooled to the wet bulb air temperature

Cooper 0 likes: A barrel maker

Cooperage 0 likes: Barrels and kegs; A building where barrels are constructed

Coordinates 0 likes: A system of magnitudes that fixes the position of a point, plane, or line

COP 0 likes: Coefficient of Performance

Cope 0 likes: Cut or shape the end of a molded wood component so it encloses and fits the contour of a contiguous piece of molding; see Scribe and Scribing

Coped 0 likes: Taking off the top and bottom flange of the ends of a metal I-beam to enable it to fit in and bolted to the web of another I-beam in a T formation

Coped Joint 0 likes: Cut and fit woodwork to an uneven surface

Coping 0 likes: The material used to form a cap or finish on top of a wall, pier, or chimney; a protective waterproof cap at the top of a masonry wall at a slope to discard water; Edging around the perimeter of a swimming pool

Coping Saw 1 like: A handsaw with a very narrow blade that cuts curves in wood

Coping, Clay 0 likes: See Clay Coping

Coping, Limestone 0 likes: Using limestone to form a cap or finish on top of a wall, pier, or chimney

Coping, Precast 0 likes: A precast concrete part employed to form a cap or finish on top of a wall, pier, or chimney

Copolymer 0 likes: A substance produced when two or more kinds of monomers polymerize

Copper 0 likes: Red ductile, malleable metal that is a great conductor of heat and electricity

Copper Bellows 0 likes: A flexible joint in copper piping that expands and contracts to permit thermal fluctuations

Copper Braid 0 likes: Three or more intertwined strands of copper

Copper Development Association (CDA) 1 like: 260 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10016 Tel: (212) 251-7200, URL: http://copperalliance.org.uk/

Copper Piping 1 like: Pipe and tubing made of copper classified as Type K, L or M; type K is the thickest walled, Type M is the thinnest walled

Copper Plating 0 likes: Abnormal situation in some units where copper is electrolytically deposited on some compressor surfaces

Copper Sulphate 1 like: A chemical compound employed in fungicides, electroplating solutions, textile dyeing, and as a timber preservative; A toxic algaecide that is incompatible with some compounds in swimming pools

Copperas 0 likes: See Ferrous Sulphate

Copyright 0 likes: Exclusive legal right to publish or sell artistic compositions

Corbel 1 like: Triangular, decorative component that secures a mantel or horizontal shelf

Cord 0 likes: A small, highly flexible insulated electrical cable; A flexible thick string or thin rope made of woven thin strands; A volume measure of cut firewood of 128 cubic feet (3.63 cubic meters)

Cord, Electric 1 like: See Electric Cord

Cordierite Porcelain 0 likes: Vitreous ceramic white ware for technical application where cordierite is the necessary crystalline phase

Cordless Tool 1 like: A hand tool that has a rechargeable battery

Cordwood 0 likes: Wood cut in 4 feet or shorter lengths to be employed as fuel; see Cord

Core 0 likes: Center of panel in plywood that may be veneer or lumber; Gypsum structure between the face and back papers of gypsum board; A hollow space within a concrete masonry unit formed by the face shells and webs; The holes in clay masonry units

Core Barrel 1 like: A hollow cylinder with a socket and choker springs to hold a section of drilled rock

Core Bracing 0 likes: Vertical parts of a lateral bracing system such as the walls for stairs or elevators

Core Cock 0 likes: Valve where water flow is regulated by a circular core or plug that fits in a machined seat; the core has a part that serves as a water passageway; also called Plug Valve

Core Drill 1 like: A rotary drill, most often a diamond drill, with a hollow bit and a core lifter

Core Drilling 0 likes: Drilling process which removes a cylindrical sample of concrete, rock or soil; occasionally employed to install pipe or conduit through a concrete or masonry wall

Core Hardness 0 likes: Core resistance to penetration by a steel punch measured by the ASTM C 473 hardness test

Core Separation 0 likes: A split in the gypsum board core often accompanying an over-calcined condition

Core Stock 0 likes: A solid or disjointed center ply employed in panel-type glued structures such as solid or hollow core doors

Core, Air 0 likes: See Air Core

Core, Magenetic 0 likes: See Magnetic Core

Coreboard 0 likes: A gypsum board employed mainly in shaft wall systems, generally 1 inch thick or less, laminated or homogenous and usually made in 24 widths and lengths; may have either square, round, or tongue and groove edges

Cored Block 0 likes: See Gypsum Block

Cored Brick 0 likes: A brick with less than 25 percent of holes

Cored Plug 1 like: A wood plug positioned in a drilled hole where a nail, screw or other fastener has been

Cored Slab 0 likes: Concrete slab that has drilled holes for installing plumbing pipe or conduit

Cored Tile 0 likes: See Gypsum Tile

Coring Concrete 0 likes: Drilling concrete to get samples for testing, or drilling a hole in concrete masonry for conduits or pipe

Corinthian 0 likes: Order of Greek architecture differentiated by ornate decoration and flared capitals with acanthus leaves

Cork Running Track 0 likes: Cork running track is composed of compressed cork particles employed as the base in a running track

Cork Tile 1 like: Floor material made of a thin sheet of cork in a tile shape attached by adhesive

Cork Wall Covering 1 like: Cork particles bound and pressed into sheets to muffle sound and increase insulation value

Corner Bead 0 likes: Formed sheet metal strip positioned on outside corners of drywall before applying drywall mud

Corner Block 1 like: A large triangular piece of wood or metal employed for added reinforcement at the corners of frames or where legs and rails join; see Glue Block

Corner Boards 0 likes: Used as trim for the external corners of a house or framed structure against which the ends of the siding are finished

Corner Braces 1 like: Diagonal braces at the corners of the framed structure designed to stiffen and reinforce the wall

Corner Bullnose 1 like: Ceramic tile bullnose trim with a convex radius on two adjacent edges

Corner Cabinet 1 like: A cabinet wall unit that spans two walls from the inside corner point

Corner Guard 1 like: Molding that is mounted on outside corners in a room for finishing purpose and to protect the corner

Corner Joint 0 likes: A joint between two perpendicular parts in the form of an L or 90 degrees

Corner Lath 0 likes: See Corner Reinforcement

Corner Post 1 like: A vertical post in the corner of a timber structure; A glazing mullion in the corner of a structure that keeps glazing in both walls

Corner Protection 0 likes: Positioning molding to the outer corner of two walls to protect them

Corner Reinforcement 0 likes: Plaster reinforcement to provide continuity between two intersecting plaster planes, most often a diamond mesh metal lath strip bent to form a right angle; also called Cornerite or Corner Lath

Corner Studs 0 likes: The arrangement of studs on a corner of a wood frame building to provide nail backing for the lathing or finishes inside and outside

Corner Tool 1 like: Angular finishing knife for simultaneous joint treatment to both sides of a 90 degree interior angle in gypsum wallboard finishing

Corner Weld 0 likes: Weld in a joint between two components at right angles to each of them

Cornerite 0 likes: See Corner Reinforcement

Cornerstone 0 likes: A stone in a corner of a wall; A ceremonial stone with names of the sponsors, designers, and manufacturers, and the date of construction

Cornice 0 likes: Overhang of a pitched roof, usually made of a fascia board, a soffit and trim moldings; exterior detail at the meeting of a wall and a roof overhang; decorative molding at the intersection of a wall and a ceiling

Cornice Molding 1 like: Molding that forms a projection at the top of a wall; a crowning part at the top course of a wall

Corporation 0 likes: A group of people authorized by law to act as an individual; an artificial member created by a State through a charter to engage in business

Corridor 0 likes: A passage or hallway from which doors lead to rooms

Corrosion 0 likes: Chemical reaction that produces deterioration of a metal

Corrosion-Resistant 0 likes: Ability of a metal to weather the effects of corrosion including nonferrous metals or metals with an unbroken surfacing

Corrugated Fastener 1 like: A type of nail employed to secure butt joints; the small taper of the corrugations pull the joint together

Corrugated Glass 0 likes: Translucent glass that is corrugated in shape

Corrugated Panel 0 likes: Metal or fiberglass sheeting employed as siding on a building or structure

Corrugated Roof 0 likes: Metal or fiberglass with alternating ridges and valleys in parallel that are installed on rafters to serve as sheet roofing

Corrugations 0 likes: Pavement distortion in asphalt paving; a form of plastic movement with ripples across the pavement surface

Corundum 0 likes: Extremely hard crystallized alumina, employed as an abrasive

Cost Approach 0 likes: Real estate appraisal method where the replacement cost is estimated, then lowered by the accumulated depreciation

Cost Breakdown 0 likes: See Schedule of Values

Cost Codes 0 likes: A numbering system given to various work types to manage the cost control process of a project

Cost Estimate 0 likes: A preliminary statement of approximate cost determined by one of the following methods; Area and volume method – cost per square foot or cubic foot of the building; Unit cost method – cost of one unit multiplied by the number of units in the project; In place unit method – cost in-place of a unit, such as doors, or cubic yards of concrete

Cost of Work 0 likes: Costs incurred by the contractor to perform the work defined by the plans and specifications for a project

Cost Plus Contract 0 likes: See Cost Plus Fee Agreement

Cost Plus Fee Agreement (Cost-Plus) 0 likes: A written agreement with the owner where the contractor or the architect and engineer are reimbursed for direct and indirect costs and paid a fee for services; the fee is usually stated as a specific sum or as a percentage of cost

Cottage 0 likes: A small, simple house, often in the country

Cotter Pin 1 like: A longitudinally split pin inserted in a pre-drilled hole at the end of a rod-type fastener; the ends of the pin are then spread apart to oppose removal of the pin

Coulomb 0 likes: An SI unit of electric charge, equal to the amount of electricity transferred in one second by a current of one ampere

Coumarone-Indene Resins 0 likes: Resins produced as by-products in creating coke from coal

Council of American Building Officials (CABO) 1 like: 5303 Leesburg Pike, #798, Falls Church, Virginia 22401 Tel: (703) 931-4533, URL: http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/icc/cabo/a117p1/index.htm

Counter Griddle 1 like: A cooking device that mounted in a kitchen counter

Counter Lavatory 0 likes: A sink mounted in a counter top of a base cabinet

Counter Top Range 1 like: A burner assembly installed on the top of a kitchen counter to provide additional cabinet space beneath it

Counter, Laboratory 0 likes: See Laboratory Counter

Counterbalance 0 likes: A weight or force that balances another weight or force

Counterboring 0 likes: Enlarging a hole so that the head of a screw or bolt inserted in it can be completely covered

Counterbrace 0 likes: Bracing in opposite directions

Counterflashing 1 like: A metal flashing usually employed on chimneys at the roofline to cover shingle flashing and to stop moisture entering; or an inverted L-shaped metal strip built into a wall to overlap base flashing making a roof or wall watertight; also called Cap Flashing

Counterflow 0 likes: Flow in the opposite direction

Counterfort 0 likes: A buttress or part projecting from a wall and upward from the foundation to provide additional resistance to thrusts; a foundation wall section that reinforces a long section of foundation wall

Countersink 0 likes: A funnel-shaped expansion of a drilled hole that permits a screw head to be flush with the surface of the drilled material

Countersunk Plug 0 likes: A wooden peg that fills a drilled hole in a wooden surface

Countertop 1 like: The work surface positioned on base cabinets in a kitchen, lavatory, or laboratory

Couple 0 likes: Where two forces of equal magnitude acting in parallel but opposite directions can produce rotation

Coupling 1 like: A pipe fitting with female threads on both ends used to join two or more pipes in a straight run or to join a pipe and fixture

Coupling Set Screw 1 like: A screw used to secure a fitting in the right place

Coupling, Compression 1 like: A connecting device which employs a force that pushes together and squeezes

Coupling, Split 1 like: A coupling that is split longitudinally and brought together and secured with screws

Coupling, Threaded 1 like: A fitting for joining two pipes that is threaded for connection to another fitting with connecting threads

Coupling, Threadless 1 like: A fitting for joining two pipes that is slid over for connection by soldering, welding or cementing

Course 0 likes: A row of shingles or roll roofing spanning the length of the roof

Coursed 0 likes: Laid in courses with straight bed joints

Courtyard 0 likes: A court or enclosure next to a building

Cove 0 likes: A trim tile which has one edge with a concave radius that forms a junction between the bottom wall course and the floor or to form an inside corner

Cove Base 0 likes: A flexible plastic or synthetic rubber strip used that finishes the junction between a floor and wall

Cove Base, Glazed 0 likes: Cove base tile that has a hard, thin, glossy ceramic coating

Cove Base, Sanitary 0 likes: A trim tile with a concave radius on one edge and a convex radius with a flat landing on the opposite edge; employed as the only course of tile above the floor tile

Cove Base, Tile 0 likes: Tile that is positioned in the bottom course of a tiled wall

Cove molding 1 like: A molding with a concave face used as trim or to finish interior corners

Covenant 0 likes: A promise

Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) 0 likes: The basic rules establishing the rights and obligations of owners of real property within a subdivision in relation to other owners in the same tract, and in relation to an association of owners organized for the operation and maintenance of property owned in common by the individual owners

Cover, Catch Basin 0 likes: A cast iron plate or grate on top of a receptacle or reservoir that catches water runoff, or aids in drainage

Cover, Manhole 0 likes: A heavy round, steel or iron cover employed to access underground work through a manhole

Cover, Pool 1 like: A tarp employed to cover a pool when not in use

Coverage 0 likes: A measure of the quantity of material to cover a given surface

Covered Electrode 0 likes: A filler-metal electrode which protects the molten metal from the atmosphere, improves the properties of the weld metal, and stabilizes the arc

Covering Up 0 likes: Burying, sealing, or otherwise covering work before it is inspected

Coverplate 1 like: Glass or transparent plastic sheet positioned above the absorber in a flat plate solar collector

Benzene

Highly flammable petroleum product used by painters as thinning solvent and diluent; also used in dyeing and as a cleansing agent

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

Our newsletter is packed with huge discounts and construction tips from experts. Be one of the first to have them delivered to your inbox.

Dig Deep Into Construction Resources

AB - AF, AG - AT, B - BA, BE - BI, BL - BM, BO, BR, BS - BY, C - CA, CB - CH, CI - CO, CP - CT, CU - CY, D - DE, DF - DM, DO, DR - DY, E - EL, EM - EQ, ER - EY, FA - FH, FI, FL, FM - FU, GA - GL, GM - GR, GS - GY, HA - HI, HO - HY, I - IM, IN - IR, J - JU, K - KY, LA - LAL, LAM - LAN, LAP - LU, MA, MB - ME, MF - MI, ML - MO, MP - MY, NA, NB - NH, NI - NY, OA - OL, ON - OR, OS - OZ, P - PA, PC - PE, PH - PIN, PIP - PLI, PL, PM - PO, PP - PR, PS - PZ, Q, RA, RB - RE, RF - RI, RM - RO, RP, S - SC, SD - SE, SG - SI, SK - SO, SP - SS, ST - STO, STR - SY, T - TC, TE - TH, TI - TM, TO, TP - TY, U, V - VG, VI - VU, W - WA, WC - WY, X, Y, Z