Site Investigation
An investigation and testing of the surface and subsoil of the site to record information needed to design the foundation and the structure.
Sill plate (mudsill)
Bottom horizontal member of an exterior wall frame which rests on top a foundation, sometimes called mudsill. Also sole plate, bottom member of an interior wall frame.
Skylight
A more or less horizontal window located on the roof of a building. A roof opening that is covered with a watertight transparent cover.
Sill seal
Fiberglass or foam insulation installed between the foundation wall and sill (wood) plate. Designed to seal any cracks or gaps.
Sintering
A process that fuses iron-ore dust with coke and fluxes into a clinker.
Single hung window
A window with one vertically sliding sash or window vent.
Single-Ply Roofing
A roofing membrane composed of a sheet of water-proof material secured to the roof deck.
Site Plan
A drawing of a construction site, showing the location of the building, contours of the land, and other features.
Silt
Fine sand with particles smaller than 0.002 inches (0.05 mm) and larger than 0.00008 inches (0.002 mm).
Site-Cast Concrete
Concrete poured and cured in its final position.
Slab
Flat (although sometimes ribbed on the underside) reinforced concrete element of a building that provides the base for the floor or roofing materials.
Slab, concrete
Concrete pavement, i.e. driveways, garages, and basement floors.
Slag
Concrete cement that sometimes covers the vertical face of the foundation void material. A molten mass composed of fluxes and impurities removed from iron ore in the furnace.
Slake
The process of adding water to quicklime, hydrating it and forming lime putty.
Sleeve(s)
Pipe installed under the concrete driveway or sidewalk, and that will be used later to run sprinkler pipe or low voltage wire.
Slip Form
A form designed to move upward as concrete is poured in it.
Slab-On-Grade
A concrete slab poured and hardened directly on the surface of the earth.
Slab, door
- A rectangular door without hinges or frame.
Slab on grade
A type of foundation with a concrete floor which is placed directly on the soil. The edge of the slab is usually thicker and acts as the footing for the walls.
Sleeper
Usually, a wood member embedded in concrete, as in a floor, that serves to support and to fasten the subfloor or flooring.