A process used to make bricks when the clay contains moisture in excess of 15 percent.

The incline angle of a roof surface, given as a ratio of the rise (in inches) to the run (in feet). See also pitch.

A test to ascertain the slum of concrete samples.

Continuous membranes used to resist the passage of smoke.

A wall built of a slurry used to hold up the sides of an area to be excavated.

A process in which iron ore is heated, separating the iron from the impurities.

The area below the eaves and overhangs. The underside where the roof overhangs the walls. Usually the underside of an overhanging cornice. Undersurface of a projection or opening; bottom of a cornice between the fascia board and the outside of the building; underside of a stair, floor or lintel.

A relative numerical classification of the fumes developed by a burning material.

The "wetness" of concrete. A 3 inch slump is dryer and stiffer than a 5 inch slump. A measure of the consistency of freshly mixed concrete, mortar, or stucco.

A liquid mixture of water, bentonite clay, or Portland cement.

A solid member placed between adjacent floor joists near the center of the span to prevent joists or rafters from twisting.

That portion of a soil stack above the highest fixture waste connection to it.

A large pipe that carries liquid and solid wastes to a sewer or septic tank.

Metal shafts grouted into holes drilled into the sides of an excavation to stabilize it.

- The bottom, horizontal framing member of a wall that's attached to the floor sheeting and vertical wall studs. See Plate.

Radiant energy originating form the sun.

- A plumbing vent pipe that penetrates the roof. A vertical plumbing pipe into which waste flows through waste pipes from each fixture.

A botanical group of trees that have needles and are evergreen.

A device used to divert solar energy form windows.

A unit whose core does not exceed 15 percent of the gross cross-sectional area of the unit.