An absorptive clay that swells several times its dry volume when saturated with water.

A formal offer by a contractor, in accordance with specifications for a project, to do all or a phase of the work at a certain price in accordance with the terms and conditions stated in the offer.

Bowing of a member that results when a load or loads are applied laterally between supports.

A convex shapeed bank of earth.

A compressive or tensile stress developed by applying non-axial force to structural members.

A relatively permanent point of known location and elevation.

A process of grinding and concentration that removes unwanted elements from iron-ore before the ore is used to produce steel.

- A bond issued by a surety on behalf of a contractor that provides assurance to the recipient of the contractor's bid that, if the bid is accepted, the contractor will execute a contract and provide a performance bond. Under the bond, the surety is obligated to pay the recipient of the bid the difference between the contractor's bid and the bid of the next lowest responsible bidder if the bid is accepted and the contractor fails to execute a contract or to provide a performance bond.

The algebraic sum of the moments of all forces that are on one side of a give cross-section of a beam.

Funds or a bid bond submitted with a bid as a guarantee to the recipient of the bid that the contractor, if awarded the contract, will execute the contract in accordance with the bidding requirements of the contract documents.

A receipt for a deposit to secure the right to purchase a home at an agreed term by a buyer and seller. Film-forming ingredient in paint that binds the suspended pigment particles together. A component of an adhesive composition that is primarily responsible for the adhesive forces that hold two bodies together. Binders in composite wood products are traditionally made from urea formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. https://healthymaterialslab.org/tool-guides/hml-resources

Bioaccumulation is the increasing concentration of a toxic substance in a living organism asit takes in contaminated air, water, or food because the substance is very slowly metabolized orexcreted. https://healthymaterialslab.org/tool-guides/hml-resources

Doors that are hinged in the middle for opening in a smaller area than standard swing doors. Often used for closet doors.

The procedures and conditions for the submission of bids. The requirements are included ion documents, such as the notice to bidders, advertisements for bids, instructions to bidders, invitations to bid, and sample bid forms.

- A practice by which contractors, both before and after their bids are submitted, attempt to obtain prices from potential subcontractors and material suppliers that are lower than the contractors' original estimates on which their bids are based, or after a contract is awarded, seek to induce subcontractors to reduce the subcontract price included in the bid.

Coating formulated by dissolving natural bitumens in an organic solvent.

A generic term describing a material that is a mixture of predominantly hydrocarbons in solid or viscous form. It is derived from coal and petroleum.

Bisphenols are industrial chemicals that have been used to make polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins since the 1960s. Polycarbonate plastics are often used in containers that store food and beverages, such as water bottles. Epoxy resins are used to coat the inside of metal products, such as food cans, bottle tops and water supply lines. Some research has shown that bisphenols can seep into food or beverages from containers that are made with them. Exposure to bisphenols is a concern because of possible health effects to the brain, behavior and prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children. https://healthymaterialslab.org/tool-guides/hml-resources

Bisphenol A (BPA) is used to manufacture polycarbonate (clear, hard) plastics and epoxy resins. The plastics are used in many consumer products, such as drink bottles, DVDs, eyeglass lenses, electronics, car parts, and other products that must not break easily. Epoxy resins are used for lining food cans and water pipes, and for many sales receipts. Most recent testing has shown the largest health-related concern to be potential impacts on the brains, behavior, and prostate glands of fetuses, infants, and small children so most health organizations advise against the use of BPA for baby bottles and related products. BPA has also been found in breast milk. https://healthymaterialslab.org/tool-guides/hml-resources

Doors that slide by each other and commonly used as closet doors.