Candlepower
A term used to express the luminous intensity of a light source. It is the same magnitude as a candela.
Camber
Curvature built into a beam or truss to compensate for loads that will be encountered when in place and load is applied. The crown is placed upward. Insufficient camber results in unwanted deflection when the member is loaded.
Calcareous Clays
Clays containing at least 15 percent calcium carbonate.
CABO
Council of American Building Officials Association, made up of representatives from three model codes. Issues National Research Board (NRB) research reports.
Caisson
A 10" or 12" diameter hole drilled into the earth and embedded into bedrock 3 - 4 feet. The structural support for a type of foundation wall, porch, patio, mono-post, or other structure. Two or more "sticks" of reinforcing bars (rebar) are inserted into and run the full length of the hole and concrete is poured into the caisson hole A watertight structure within which work can be carried out below the surface of water.
Cadmium
The US Department of Health and Human Services and the International Agency for Research on Cancer have determined that cadmium is a known human carcinogen, associated with lung cancer. Additionally, acute and long-term exposures can lead to lung and kidney damage, bone loss, hypertension. In sufficient quantities, cadmium is lethal. Cadmium’s extreme toxicity means that overexposure can occur even when only trace amounts are present, such as during smelting and electroplating activities. https://healthymaterialslab.org/tool-guides/hml-resources
Cable Tray
A ladderlike metal frame, open on the top, used to support insulated electrical cables.
Cant Beam
Beam with edges chamfered or beveled.
Calcined Gypsum
Ground gypsum that has been heated to drive off the water content.
Candela
A metric unit of luminous intensity that closely approximates candlepower.
Capillary Action
The movement of a liquid through small openings of fibrous material by the adhesive force between the liquid and the material.
Cap
The upper member of a column, pilaster, door cornice, molding, or fireplace.
Cantilevered void
Foundation void material used in unusually expansive soils conditions. This void is "trapezoid" shaped and has vertical sides of 6" and 4" respectively.
Cant Strip
Triangular section laid at the intersection of two surfaces to ease or eliminate effect of a sharp angle or projection.
Capital and interest
A repayment loan and the most conventional form of home loan. The borrower pays an amount each month to cover the amount borrowed (or capital or principal) plus the interest charged on capital.
Capped rate
The mortgage interest rate will not exceed a specified value during a certain period of time, but it will fluctuate up and down below that level.
Cantilever
An overhang. Where one floor extends beyond and over a foundation wall. For example at a fireplace location or bay window cantilever. Normally, not extending over 2 feet.
Cap flashing
The portion of the flashing attached to a vertical surface to prevent water from migrating behind the base flashing.
Capital
The principal part of a loan, i.e. the original amount borrowed.
Capillary Break
A groove in a member used to create an opening that is too wide to be bridged by a drop of water, thus eliminating the passage of water by capillary action.