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

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

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

A test to ascertain the slum of concrete samples.

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

Continuous membranes used to resist the passage of smoke.

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

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 device used to divert solar energy form windows.

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

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

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

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

Radiant energy originating form the sun.

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.

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

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