DF 0 likes

Douglas Fir

Drinking Fountain

DFPA 1 like

Douglas Fir Plywood Association

DG 0 likes

Decomposed Granite

DHI 0 likes

Door & Hardware Institute

Diagnostic Architecture 0 likes

The science and process of analyzing building failures to understand their causes, and their solutions with specific repair strategies

Diagonal 0 likes

Oblique direction in relation to a reference line

Inclined part of a truss or bracing system, utilized for stiffening or wind bracing

Diagonal Bond 0 likes

Raking bond where bricks are laid obliquely in the middle section of a thick wall; bricks may also be similarly laid in paving

Diagonal Bracing 0 likes

Bracing that diagonally attaches joints at differing levels

Diagonal Sheathing 0 likes

Wood sheathing where individual boards run at a 45 degree angle to the studs, joists, or rafters

Diagonal-Grained Wood 0 likes

Wood in which annual rings are angled to the axis of another piece, due to sawing at an angle against the bark of the tree or log

A type of cross grain

Diameter 0 likes

A straight line spanning from one side of a circle or other rounded geometric figure to the other side, or the length of this line

Diamond Mesh1 like

Metal lath with a diamond pattern produced by the slitting and expansion of metal sheets

Diamond Mesh Window Guard 1 like

Guard made from diamond-shaped mesh to provide protection over a window, prevent damage to the glass and stop intrusion

Diaper 0 likes

A pattern with one or more recurrent design units as geometric figures, interacting with one another with continuously flowing or straight lines

Continuous and recurrent pattern in brickwork, normally applied to diamond or other diagonal patterns

Diaphragm 0 likes

Flexible material normally made of thin metal, rubber, or plastic

A thin, usually rectangular or square part of a structure capable of resisting lateral forces on its plane, such as a floor or roof

Diaphragm Action 0 likes

A bracing action derived from the stiffness of a thin plane of material when loaded in a parallel direction; typically floor or roof surfaces of plywood, reinforced masonry, steel decking, or reinforced concrete

Diaphragm Pump 0 likes

Water pump employed to continuously extricate water from excavations containing mud and small stones

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) 0 likes

Sedimentary rock deposits consisting of, or having many diatoms or their siliceous remains; diatomite as employed in water filters

Diatomaceous Earth Filter 0 likes

Pool filter using DE as its medium; one designed to filter water through a thin layer of filtering material like diatomaceous earth or volcanic ash; diatomite filters may be of the Pressure or Vacuum type

Dichlorodifluromethane 0 likes

Refrigerant commonly called R-12

Dichromatic 0 likes

Of two colors

Die 0 likes

To stop living

To stop (general use)

An engraved metal template for stamping coins or medals

A perforated steel block against which a material is pressed to form a shape by extrusion

An internally threaded tool employed to cut threads off of a pipe or rod

Die Casting 0 likes

Process of molding low-melting temperature metals in shaped metal molds

Diecast Set Screw 0 likes

A set screw cast by pouring molten metal into a mold

Dielectric Fluid 0 likes

Fluid having high electrical resistance

Diesel Generator1 like

An electrical generator running on diesel fuel

Different Systems 0 likes

Systems which derive their supply from different sources, individual transformers or their banks which do not have their secondary windings interconnected, or from individual service switches

Differential 0 likes

The difference between two values on a scale, such as the difference in the time taken to lay the same tiles with different grout in the same area

Differential Settlement 0 likes

The irregular sinking of various sections of a building‘s foundation

Diffuse Porous Wood 1 like

Hardwoods where pores are uniform in size and distribution in each annual ring, or decrease in size slowly toward the outer border of the ring

Diffuse Radiation 0 likes

Sun rays that are scattered by air molecules, dust and water vapor; comes from the sky vault

Diffuse Transmission 0 likes

Transmitted light that is evenly scattered in all directions as it moves through a material

Diffuser1 like

A device that circulates air in a forced heating/cooling system; often flush-mounted on a ceiling with slats to evenly direct the processed air into a room or area; parts of the ventilation system that diffuse air to promote circulation in the room or space

Light fixture lens that disperses light

Diffuser, Suction 0 likes

See Suction Diffuser

Diffusion 0 likes

The natural blending of two or more substances to produce a mixture or solution

Digital1 like

A digital instrument displays a measurement as a number, such as the LED display on a digital watch; compared to an analog display

Dike 0 likes

A long wall or embankment, built for flooding prevention

Dilapidation 0 likes

A state of neglect, disrepair, decay, ruin, or deterioration through neglect or misuse

Diluent1 like

A substance that dilutes another substance

Diluents 0 likes

See Thinners

Dimension 0 likes

A measurement of any kind, such as width, length, height, volume or weight

Dimension Lumber, See Dimension Stock

Dimension Lumber 0 likes

Lumber with a trifling thickness of 2 inches up to but not including 5 inches, and a nominal width of 2 inches or more; includes joists, planks, rafters, studs, and small timbers; see also Dimension Stock

Dimension Ratio 0 likes

Diameter of a pipe divided by the wall thickness; each pipe may have two dimension ratios, based on whether the outer or inner diameter is employed; the outer diameter is employed if the standard requirements and manufacturing controls are based on it; the inside diameter is employed when this measurement is the controlling one

Dimension Stock 0 likes

Hardwood stock processed to a point so the user obtains maximum utility; stock of specific thickness, width, and length; may be solid or glued together, rough or surfaced, semi-fabricated or totally fabricated; generally known as Hardwood Dimension Lumber

Dimensional Stability 0 likes

A fabric’s ability to keep its original dimensions despite service and wet cleaning

The ability of any material to maintain its original dimensions in the conditions in which it is employed

Dimensional Stabilization 0 likes

Actions taken to reduce or stop warping, swelling, or shrinking

Dimensions of Concrete Masonry Units 0 likes

The first dimension of a CMU denotes thickness; the second, height; and the third, length

Dimer 0 likes

Product of a chemical combination of two similar molecules

Diminish 0 likes

To lessen or make smaller

Diminishing Return 0 likes

Greater expenditure, investment, or taxes that no longer produce a proportional yield

Diminution in Value 0 likes

The amount a property’s market value is reduced

Dimmer Switch2 likes

A switch controlling the brightness emitted from a light fixture

Dimple 1 like

A depression in gypsum board‘s surface due to a hammer as the nail head is set a little below the surface of the gypsum board to conceal with joint compound

Diode1 like

A semiconductor with two terminals that permits the flow of current in only one direction

Dip Coating 0 likes

Finishing an article by immersing or covering it in finishing material

Dip of a Trap 0 likes

The lowest part of the inside top surface of the channel in a plumbing trap; compare with Weir of a Trap

Dipentene 0 likes

Solvent created by the destructive distillation of pine stumps; also stronger than turpentine

Direct Burial Cable 0 likes

Electrical cable appropriate for burial directly in the earth, without being placed in a conduit

Direct Burial Conduit 0 likes

Electric conduit appropriate for burial in outside applications that have an exterior surface that opposes moisture, fungus, and corrosion

Direct Cost 0 likes

All expenses directly incurred or attributed to a specific project, task, or assignment; synonymous with Direct Costs, Hard Costs, and Construction Costs; See Construction Costs and Hard Costs

Direct Current (DC) 0 likes

An electric current of steady voltage that only flows in one direction

Direct Drive Fan1 like

A fan positively connected in line with a motor, functioning at the same speed

Direct Expansion (DX) 0 likes

Interior air cooled by passing over an evaporator where refrigerant expands from a fixed reference point

Direct Expansion Evaporator 0 likes

Evaporator utilizing an automatic expansion valve (AEV) or a thermostatic expansion valve (TEV) for refrigerant control

Direct Job Overhead 0 likes

A firm’s overhead expense, directly attributed to completing work under way, that would not be incurred if no projects were currently in progress

Direct Labor 0 likes

The actual cost of labor for all tasks undertaken during the period covered by the income statement

Direct Labor Burden 0 likes

Includes all payroll taxes, insurance, and employee benefits related to the labor payroll

Direct Methods 0 likes

Techniques of solar heating where sunlight enters a building through its windows and is absorbed in the interior of the building

Direct Nailing 0 likes

See Face-Nailing

Direct Process 0 likes

See American Process Zinc Oxide

Direct Radiation 0 likes

Solar radiation emanating from the sun, casting shadows on a clear day

Direct Transmission 0 likes

Light traversing a transparent material

Direction of Irrigation 0 likes

Direction of irrigated water flow; normally perpendicular to the supply ditch or pipe

Directional Arrow1 like

Symbol employed to indicate direction

Directional Sign1 like

A publicly displayed notice indicating a recommended direction or route of travel, with words or symbols

Directory Board1 like

A panel that displays information

Disability 0 likes

A physical or mental impairment that considerably limits an important capability of an individual

Considered as having an impairment

Disappearing Stair 0 likes

A folding, hinged stairway that is pulled down from the ceiling and normally hidden behind a trap door

Discharge Valve1 like

Special purpose valve

Discharging Arch 0 likes

An arch built over a lintel or header to reduce pressure from the wall above the arch; also known as a Relieving Arch or Safety Arch

Discoloration 0 likes

Change of color from the norm or the desired color

Disconnect 1 like

Shut of something such as a telephone line, supply of water, gas, or electricity to a building or customer

Disconnecting Means 0 likes

A device, group of devices, or other means by which the conductors of a circuit can be disconnected from their supply source

Discount 0 likes

A reduction in the amount of a bill

To sell an item for less than its original cost; this increases the value of the buyer’s purchase

Discount Rate 0 likes

A mortgage interest rate lower than the current rate for a given period of time, for example 1.75 percent below variable rate for two years

Discovery 0 likes

Process in which parties in a lawsuit must provide information

Dish Drawer1 like

A dishdrawer is a type of dishwashing machine invented, designed and manufactured by Fisher & Paykel. They are available under several brands depending on geographic location.

Dishwasher1 like

An electrical appliance for washing crockery and cutlery

Disinfect Pipe 0 likes

Transmission of an antimicrobial agent through a pipe

Disinfectant1 like

Chemical that eliminates germs and bacteria; also called Bacteriacide

Disintegration 0 likes

Decomposition into fragments or elements

Disk Sander1 like

An electric sanding tool with sandpaper abrasive mounted on a rotating disk

Dismissal 0 likes

The dropping of a lawsuit

Dispensary 0 likes

A location where medicines and medical or dental aid are dispensed

Dispenser, Tissue1 like

See Tissue Dispenser

Dispersed 0 likes

Finely divided or separated in nature

Dispersing Agent 0 likes

A mixture that increases the fluidity of pastes, mortars, or concretes by reducing inter-particle attraction; material employed to keep a finely divided substance in a dispersed state

Dispersion 0 likes

A substance suspended in another substance

A suspension of tiny particles in a liquid medium, like paints

Displacement 0 likes

Motion away from a fixed point

Displacement, Piston 0 likes

See Piston Displacement

Disposal 0 likes

The process of getting rid of something

A garbage disposal unit

Disposal Field 0 likes

See Leaching Field

Disposal Suit 0 likes

A total bodysuit used by workers in areas with hazardous materials

Distemper 0 likes

A water-based paint where pigment is mixed with the white or yolk of an egg; employed for mural decoration

Water-based paints for household, use

Distensibility 0 likes

A material‘s ability to stretch

Distillate 0 likes

A condensed product made by cooling vapors of a given material, heated to eliminate part of the material in vapor form

Distillation 0 likes

Vaporizing a liquid with heat and condensing the vapor to a liquid to purify, fractionate, and produce new substances

Distillery 0 likes

A location where alcohol is distilled

Distilling Apparatus 1 like

Fluid-reclaiming device for used refrigerants; reclaiming is normally done by vaporizing, then re-condensing the refrigerant

Distortion 0 likes

The state of being warped from a natural or original shape or condition

The change of a pavement’s surface from its original shape

A lack of proportion in an image, due to defects in the optical system

Erroneous reproduction of radio sound or a television picture, due to changes in the original signal’s wave form

Distributed Load 0 likes

A load on a structural piece, evenly distributed along its entire length

Distributing Pipes 0 likes

Piping in a building that distributes water from the Service Pipe

Distribution 0 likes

Moving fresh concrete to its placement area

The movement of fluids or currents to their end point

The circulation of heat to living areas from storage or collectors

Distribution Bo 0 likes

The main terminus of an electrical service where branch circuits are connected

Distribution Panel1 like

The main electrical control center; contains switches or circuit breakers, is attached to service wires, and delivers a current to branch circuits

Distribution Rib 0 likes

Transverse thickening of a one-way concrete joist structure; employed to enable the joists to share concentrated loads

Distyle 0 likes

A structure with two columns in front

Ditch 0 likes

A long, narrow trench dug in the earth for foundation walls, sewerage, irrigation systems, electrical cable lines, and utilities

Divider, Hospital1 like

See Hospital Divider

Divider, Terrazzo 1 like

See Terrazzo Divider

Dividers 0 likes

A drafting implement similar to a compass, but with two adjustable sharp points; employed for marking and scribing edges

Diving Board1 like

A narrow platform, often equipped with a spring raised off the pool deck by a ladder, attached to the edge of a pool and extending over the water; employed to give divers altitude and lift

Diving Platform 0 likes

Rigid standing space for diving

DIY 0 likes

Do it yourself

DLH Series 0 likes

Standard Steel Joist Institute designation for long span steel joists