Professional Documents
Culture Documents
ASTM
"A" FRAME A structural system utilizing members which when fastened together
resemble the letter A.
ABUT Joining the ends of construction members.
ABUTMENT Construction intended to resist lateral thrust and vertical load, usually from
an arch or bridge.
ACCEPTABLE PRODUCT An item named and specified by manufacturers reference meets the
specification in all respects and is acceptable to the Engineer. Products
listed in various sections are to be used as guides and do not imply
exclusion of unlisted manufacturers, models or materials.
ACCEPTABLE WORKMANSHIP Satisfactory to and approved by the reviewing authority associated
with the contract.
ACCEPTANCE TESTING Testing to establish whether a batch of products conforms to the
specified requirements.
ACCESS TO THE WORK The right of the contractor to ingress and egress, and to occupy the
work site as required to reasonably perform the work described in
the contract documents.
ACCESSIBILITY Ability of a space to be entered with ease.
ACCESSORY A building product which supplements a basic solid panel building
such window, light transmitting panel, roof vent, etc.
ACCIDENTAL LOAD Load that is not specifically foreseen because its occurrence is
unlikely but for which an allowance is made in design.
ACCURACY Quantitative measure of the degree of conformity with an accepted
reference value.
ACOUSTICS The science of sound. In housing, acoustical materials used to keep
down noise within a room or to prevent it from passing through
walls.
ACTUAL COST The cost actually incurred by the Contractor in the performance of
the 'Work….which includes labour, material, actual ownership cost
of equipment or invoiced rental rates, and administrative overhead.
ACTUAL SIZE Achieved size obtained by measurement.
A-FRAME CONSTRUCTION Framed construction of triangular cross-section, with legs joined at the top
and braced horizontally further down, similar to the letter "A", used for
simple one and two storey buildings.
AGRICULTURAL BUILDING A structure designed and constructed to house farm implements,
hay grain, poultry, livestock or other agricultural products. Such
structures should not include: spaces meant for habitation or to be
occupied, spaces in which agricultural products are processed,
treated, or the possibility of being as a place of occupancy by the
general public.
AIR DUCT A pipe, usually made of sheet metal, that conducts air to rooms from
a central source.
ALTERATION Changing or modifying the character or condition of a building, plant
or civil engineering works.
ALTERNATE A Specified item of construction that is set apart by a separate sum.
An alternated may or may not be incorporated into the contract sum
at the discretion and approval of the owner at the time of contract
award.
ALUMINIUM COATED STEEL Steel coated with aluminium for corrosion resistance.
ANALYSIS An investigation of a domain that results in models describing its
static and dynamic characteristics. It emphasis question of "what",
rather than "how".
ANCHOR BOLTS Bolts used to anchor members to a foundation or other support. Also
known as Foundation Bolts.
ANGLE/ANGLE SECTION Rolled steel section with a cross - section resembling the letter L,
whose legs may be equal or unequal in width. (Also see RSA)
APEX 1) The horizontal line formed by opposing sloping sides of a roof
running parallel with the building length.
2) The high point/peak of a roof (also known as Ridge).
APPROVAL DRAWINGS A Set of drawings that may include framing plans, elevations and
sections through the building for approval of the Main
Client/Checking Engineer.
APPROVED CONTRACTOR A Contractor who has demonstrated that they have the expertise,
resources, ability and desire to tender for a proposed project.
Selection of such contractors in normally a by preselection
procedures.
APPROVED SUBSTITUTION Refers to manufacturers, materials, products, systems, or
equipment approved by the AIE for use in place of those specified.
ARCH Curved structural member designed to carry loads between points of
support.
ARCH Abbreviation for Architect.
ARCHITECT A design professional responsible for developing the aesthetic,
functional, performance and overall form of a construction work to
meet owner or client requirements by preparing detail drawings,
specifications and schedules and ensuring actual construction
conforms with those aspects of design.
ARCHITECTURAL DRAWING Drawing which shows the appearance of general arrangements, assemblies,
component ranges and details of a construction project.
AS-BUILT DRAWING Drawing used to record the details of a structure following its completion.
ASD (Allowable Strength Design). Method of proportioning structural
components such that the allowable strength equals or exceeds the
required strength of the component under the action of the ASD load
combinations.
ASSEMBLY A group of mutually dependent and compatible components or
subassemblies of components.
ASSEMBLY DRAWING A drawing which shows the overall configuration and all details
required for the fabrication of a complete assembly. Assembly
drawings will show all the profile sizes, cutting lengths, drilling of
each of the component parts, and how they are to be incorporated
into the completed assembly.
ASSEMBLY MARK A number given to each separate part of the building for erection
identification.
ATRIUM An open court (usually with glass roof) within a building.
AUTOCAD 2-D detailing software.
AYRSHIRE A manufacturer of cold rolled Purlins and Side Rails.
AXIAL FORCE A force tending to elongate or shorten a member.
AXIS Line around which something rotates or is symmetrically arranged.
B
BCSA Abbreviation for British Constructional Steelwork Association.
B.O. Abbreviation for Bought Out. Bought Out lists are issued for
special/non standard components required for fabrication/erection.
BOB Abbreviation for Bottom of Baseplate
BQ Abbreviation for Bill of Quantities.
BS Abbreviation for British Standard.
BS5950 British Standard (Code of Practice) relating to the design of
structural steelwork in building construction.
B/S Abbreviation for Both Sides.
B.S.T. Abbreviation for British Summer Time. UK time between April and
October. Indian Time - 4.5 hrs.
BZP Abbreviation for Bright Zinc Plated.
BACK DRAFTING The process of updating drawings to incorporate
comments/corrections made by the checker.
BACKMARK Distance from the back (heel) of an angle or channel to a hole
positioned in the angle leg or channel flange.
BALCONY Accessible platform projecting or recessed from the external face of
a building.
BALCONY A deck projecting from the wall of a building above the ground.
BALUSTRADE A series of balusters or post connected by a rail, generally used
adjacent to stairs.
BANISTER A handrailing.
BARGEBOARD Finish board covering the projecting and sloping portion (end rafter)
of a gable roof.
BASE PLATE A plate attached to the bottom of a column, which rests on a
foundation or other support, usually secured by anchor bolts.
BASEMENT The lowest story of a building, partially or entirely below ground.
BATTEN Secondary members (plates, angles or channels) used to link twin
members together.
BAY The space between the main frames measured normal to the frame.
BAY WINDOW A projection formed by three windows that are joined at obtuse
angels.
BEAM 1) A member, usually horizontal, that is subjected to bending loads.
Three types are simple, continuous and cantilever.
2) A horizontal structural member that carries a load.
BEAM AND COLUMN A Structural system consisting of a series of rather beams supported
by columns. Often used as the end fame of a building.
BEAM SPLICE A joint provided at mid span of a beam.
BEARING PLATE A steel plate that is set on the top of a masonry support on which a
beam or purlin can rest.
BEARING STRENGTH The strength of materials subjected to crushing.
BENCH MARK 1) A marked reference point on a permanent object, such as a metal
disk set in concrete, whose elevation is referenced to a datum is
known.
2) A mark made by a surveyor or general contractor to be used as a
reference point when measuring the elevation or location of other
points.
BENDING MOMENT The force generated when a load is applied at an eccentricity (out of
plane).
BEVEL CUT An angled cut to a steel section (also known as Bevel/Splay cut).
BILL OF MATERIALS (BOM) A complete listing with part marks and descriptions of each piece of
material required for the project. Used for the purposes of
ordering/fabricating materials.
BILL OF QUANTITIES (BQ) A complete listing, with descriptions, of each piece of material
required for the project. Used for the purposes of pricing/costing
materials.
BLACK BOLTS
BLAST PRIMER A ptimer which is applied to steel immediately after shotblasting in
order to maintain the blast cleaned surface in a rust free condition
until final painting can be undertaken.
BIRDS MOUTH NOTCH A rectangular slot placed in a fitting to allow it to fit around another
part, forming a cruciform section.
BOX GIRDER Girders, trucks or other members of rectangular cross section
enclosed on four sides.
BRACE Any stiffening member of a framework.
BRACED CORE Essentially a tower braced in all directions so as to provide
stiffeness to a multi-storey structure.
BRACED FRAME An essentially vertical truss system that provides resistance to
lateral loads and provides stability for the structural system.
BRACED PANELS Bracing provided between two adjacent columns. Braced panels
provided at various locations throughout a multi-storey structure in
order to provide stiffenes to the structure as a whole.
BRACED FRAMING Frame construction with posts and braces used for stiffening.
BRACING Rods, angles or cables used in the plane of the roof and walls to
transfer loads, such as wind, seismic and crane thrusts to the
foundation.
BRACKET A Structural support projecting from a structural member. Examples
are canopy brackets, lean - to brackets, and crane runway brackets.
BREACH OF CONTRACT The failure, without, legal justification, to fulfil obligations that are the
whole or part of an agreement, written or oral. The breach of
contract can be intentional, inadvertent, or caused by the negligence
of the party breaching the contract.
BRIDGE CRANE A load lifting system consisting of a hoist, which moves laterally on a
beam, girder or bridge which in turn moves longitudinally on a
runway made of beams and rails.
BUILDABILITY The extent to which the design of a building facilitates ease of
construction subject to the overall requirements for the completed
building.
BUILDING A structure forming an open, partially enclosed space constructed by
a planned process of combining materials, components, and
subsystems to meet specific conditions of use.
BUILDING CODE A collection of legal requirements for buildings designed to protect
the safety, health, and general welfare of people who work and live
them.
BUILDING HEIGHT The distance from finished ground level to the highest point of the
roof or parapet.
CHANGES IN THE WORK - SIGNIFICANT When the character of the work, as altered, (1) differs materially in
kind or nature from that involved or included in the original proposed
construction, or (2) when a major item of work as defined elsewhere
in the Contract is increased in excess of 125 percent or decreased
below 75 percent of the original Contract quantity.
CHANGES TO THE WORK Additions, deletions, or revisions to the work within the general
scope of the contract.
CHANNEL SECTION Rolled steel section with a cross-section resembling the letter "C".
CHANNEL, HOT ROLLED A member formed while in a semi-molten state at the steel mill to
shape having standard dimensions and properties.
CHECK DIMENSIONS A dimension between two given reference points used for the
purposes of checking a multi-part assembly (e.g. crank beams, stair
stringers etc).
CHORD Top or bottom member of a truss.
CIRCULAR SAW A saw having a circular blade which is used to cut steel sections to
length.
CORUS British-Dutch producer of structural steel sections.
CLADDING 1) The exterior metal roof and wall panelling of a Metal Building
System. See also Covering.
2) The non-loadbearing external surfacing of a building designed to
provide a weather-proof enclosure, fixed to framing. Cladding panels
are generally fromed from cold-rolled trapizoidal sheets with
insulation sandwiched between inner and outer sheets.
CLASH CHECK A check performed in 3-D CAD models in order to eliminate
problems in the model such as overlapping members (duplicated
material) unconnected members etc).
CLEAT An angle fitting (usually with holes) used to pick-up connections for
other members/elements of the structure.
CLEADER RAIL A small section, cold formed, angle used to trim edges/projections of
roof purlins/side rails.
CLEAR SPAN Distance between opposite faces of supports.
CLEARANCE HOLE A bolt hole of a slightly bigger diameter (2 to 3mm) than the bolt
diameter to allow easy insertion of the bolt.
CLIENT Person or organization that requires a construction to be provided,
altered or extended, and is responsible for initiating and approving
the brief.
CLOSE TOLLERANCE BOLTS Special bolt type which is manufactured to a higher level of
precision. Used in conjunction with tight fitting holes. Rarely used for
strucutral works due to cost.
COLD FORMED/COLD FORMING The process of using press brakes or rolling mills to shape steel into
desired cross sections at room temperature.
COLD ROLLED "Z" and "C" section Purlins and Side Rails which are cold formed.
COLUMN A main member used in a vertical position on a building to transfer
loads from main roof beams, trusses, or rafters to the foundations.
COLUMN SPLICE A joint provided along the length of a column/to join two column
section sizes together.
COLUMN RESTRAINTS Small section angles which connect diagonally between the inside
flange of a column and the side rails. Used to provide restraint to the
inside flange of the column.
COMMENTS INCORPORATION The process of updating calculations/detail drawings in line with
comments made by the checker.
COMPONENT A part used in a Metal Building System. See also Components and
Cladding.
COMPOSITE Composite items are items made from more than one material
where each material plays a significant role (e.g. windows with
timber frames and aluminium sashes). "Composite" is not used for
items made predominantly of one material but which include minor
items of another material.
COMPOSITE Form of construction in which the concrete slab is linked into the
CONSTRUCTION/COMPOSITE SLAB steel frame via welded shear studs. Resulting design is more
economic as both slab and frame act together to resist loadings.
COMPRESSION A force that tends to make a member fail because of crushing.
CONCRETE COVER Distance between concrete surface and surface of reinforcement or
duct of prestressing tendons.
CONCRETE ENCASED Term used to describe steel members which have concrete cast
around them. Encasement may be done on site after erection (In-
Situ), or Pre-Encased. If Pre-Encased then the requirement may
need to be shown on the fabrication details. Members which are
encased are usually left unpainted so as to form proper bond
between steel and concrete.
CONCRETE SLAB Concrete construction, horizontal or nearly horizontal, of large area
relative to its thickness.
CONDENSATION The formation of frost or drops of water on inside walls when warm
vapour inside a room meets a cold wall or window.
CONDUIT A channel built to convey water or other fluids; a drain or sewer. In
electrical work, a channel that carries wires for protection and for
safety.
CONNECTION Combination of structural elements and joints used to transmit
forces between two or more members.
CONNECTION DESIGN The design of bolts, welds, cleats, plates and fittings required to
provide an adequate load path between the end of a member and
the component it connects to.
CONSTRUCTION DRAWING Drawing which specifies construction information.
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT A process to administrate and manage the actual construction of a
project or parts of a project on behalf of an owner or a project
manager; usually begins with overseeing the bid process (usually
multiple bids), coordinating and monitoring construction activities,
establishing a progressive commissioning process; the process may
involve consultation or direction to the design consultants during the
latter portion of the design development stage where it overlaps the
construction phase.
CONSTRUCTION PROJECT The process of planning, organizing and administering control and
MANAGEMENT result assessment of a construction project.
CONSULTANT A person (or organization) with an area of expertise or professional
training who contracts to perform a service.
CONTINUITY The terminology given to a structural system denoting the transfer of
loads and stresses from member to member allowing the members
to act as a single unit.
CONTINUOUS BEAM Beam that spans three or more supports.
CONTINUOUS BEAM A beam that has no intermediate supports.
CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION The process of directing, administering, and monitoring the progress
of a construction contract.
CONTRACT DOCUMENT Document forming part of a contract.
CONTRACT DRAWINGS The drawings forming part of the contract documents which describe
the work to be executed.
CONTRACT NUMBER A unique number which is assigned to each project done by WHL.
Allows all documents, drawings and assemblies associated with that
project to be easily identified as belonging to that contract.
CONTRACTOR The Contractor is the person or entity identified as such in the
Agreement. The term Contractor means the Contractor or the
Contractor's authorized representative as designated to the Owner
in writing.
CONTRACTOR A person, firm, or corporation contracting with the owner (client),
undertaking the execution of the work and to construct the facility;
usually referred to as a general contractor.
COUNTER FORMED HOLE A hole with a pressed recess in thin material (e.g. cold rolled
sections) to allow the insertion of a countersunk bolt.
COUNTERSUNK BOLT A bolt having a flat head so that it can be installed flush with once
face of the connecting steel.
COUNTERSUNK HOLE A hole having an angled recess so as to enable it to receive a
Countersunk Bolt
COVERING The exterior metal roof and wall panelling of a Metal Building
System.
CRANE A machine designed to move material by means of a hoist.
CRANE GIRDER The principal horizontal beams of the crane operates, defined by the
crane span and the uninterrupted length of Crane Runway.
CRANE RAIL A track supporting and guiding the wheels of a top-running bridge
crane or trolley system.
CRANE RUNWAY BEAM The member that supports a crane rail and is supported by columns
or rafters depending on the type of crane system. On underhung
bridge cranes, the runway beam also acts as the crane rail.
CRANE STOP A device to limit travel of a trolley or crane bridge. This device
normally is attached to a fixed structure and normally does not have
energy - absorbing ability.
CRANE SUPPORT COLUMN A separate column that supports the runway beam of a top - running
crane.
CRITICAL PATH METHOD (CPM) A planning and scheduling system which combines all relevant
information into a single plan defining the sequence and duration's
of operations and depicting the interrelationship of the work
elements required to complete a project. The critical path is defined
as the longest sequence of activities in a network that establishes
the minimum length of time for accomplishment of the end event of
a project.
CROSS BRACING A system of diagonal members used to provide stability to a
structure.
CROSS CENTRES The distance between two holes placed symmetrically about the
centre line in the flange of a beam or column section.
CROSS-SECTION Section which shows a cut that is perpendicular to the longitudinal
direction of the object.
CROPPING Process of cutting plates and angles to length using a cropping
machine. Process is similar to Guilotineing in that members are
sheared by a vertically dropping blade.
CURTAIN WALL Perimeter wall panels that carry only their own weight and wind load.
D
D.F.T. Abbreviation for Dry Film Thickness.
D.O. Abbreviation for Drawing Office.
D.T.I. WASHERS Abbreviation for Direct Tension Indicating Washers
DATUM A reference point of starting elevations used in mapping and
surveying.
DAYWORK Labour and materials which have to be devoted to work on items
which are not a part of the original contract. They are paid at rates
agreed beforehand in the contract documents, which have to cater
for unepxected as well as expected situations.
DAVER STEELS Proprietary system of tension rods.
DAWSON SHACKLE A clamping device which is used for the purposes of lifting columns
into position.
DEAD LOADS The dead load of a building is the weight of all permanent
construction, such as floor, roof framing, and covering members.
DECK LAYOUT A drawing showing the overall layout and construction details of
metal decking, which is used to support the floor slab.
DECK SUPPORT PLATE/DECK SUPPORT A plate or cleat added to a beam or column for the purposes of
CLEAT providing local support to floor decking.
DEFECT ACTION SHEET (DAS) A part of WHL Quality Assurance procedure. All errors notified via
Non Conformance Reports are investigated on Defect Action
Sheets.
DESIGN A process that uses the products of analysis to produce a
specification for implementing a system. A logical description of how
a system will work.
DESIGN CALCULATIONS Calculations prepared by the Engineer showing the design and
analysis of the structure.
DESIGN DRAWINGS Fully dimensioned drawings or electronic equivalent prepared by the
Engineer showing all members with their size and material grades,
the forces to be developed in their connections, any cambers and
eccentricities and other information necessary for the design of the
connections and completion of fabrication and Erection Drawings.
DESIGN PROCESS The Activities entailed by the further conceptual elaboration of the
desired Facility (brief), prior to the Production Process.
DESIGN SPECIFICATION Specifications for the evaluation of engineering or architectural
design.
DETAIL DRAWING Drawing showing parts of a construction or a component, generally
enlarged, and including any specific information about the form and
construction or about the assembly and joints.
DIAGONAL BRACING See Bracing.
DIAGONAL TIES A system of wires (or angles) used in conjunction with Side Rail
Supports/Struts to provide restraint to cold-rolled Side Rails/Purlins.
DIAPHRAGM ACTION The resistance to racking generally offered by the covering system,
fasteners, and secondary framing. Distortion of the overall roof,
floor, or wall shape.
DIMENSION LINE A line with arrowheads at each end to show the distance between
two points.
DIRECT TENSION INDICATING WASHERS Used in conjunction with High Strength Friction Grip (HSFG)
Bolts.
DOOR GUIDE An angel or channel used to stabilize or keep plumb a sliding or
rolling door during its operation.
DORMER Top-floor projection of a room built out from a sloping roof to allow
light and ventilation
DOUBLE SHEAR A two sided bolted connection having two shear planes (e.g. two
sided end plate connection to column web).
DRAFT DRAWING Drawing serving as a basis for the choice of a final solution and/or
discussion between involved parties (synonym = preliminary
drawing).
DRAFTSPERSON A person that prepares drawings under the supervision of an
architect or engineer.
DRAWING Technical information, graphically represented with dimension in
sufficient detail to fabricate/execute the work.
DRAWING EDITING Working with detail drawings created using 3-D CAD software to
refine them so as to ensure that all necessary information is
presented in a clear fashion to the workshops.
DRAWING 001/DRAWING No. 001 A drawing produced by the WHL UK Project Engineer to
summarise/confirm the basic requirements of a project as required
by the detailing team.
DRAWING GENERATION The process of numbering a 3-D CAD model at the completion of
modelling (connection application) and creating the detail drawings,
prior to drawing editing.
DRIFT PIN A tapered pin used during erection to align holes in steel members
to be connected by bolting.
DRY FILM THICKNESS (D.F.T.) A test which is performed as a means of checking the quality of a
finished paint finish to fabricated steel.
DUCTS Sheet metal conductors for warm and cold air distribution.
DURBAR PLATE Hot rolled plate with a patterned surface which is used as flooring in
walkways/platforms/stairs/landings.
DUMMY PARTS Parts which are shown in a 3-D CAD model for reference purposes
only and which do not therefore form part of the main working
model.
E
EOT Abbreviation for Electric Overhead Travelling Crane
EAVES The line along the sidewall formed by the intersection of the planes
of the roof and wall.
EAVES BEAM A beam positioned at the eaves of a building.
EAVES CANOPY A projecting roof system on the sidewall whose overhanging edge is
supported at the building.
EAVES GUTTER See Gutter.
EAVES HEIGHT The vertical dimension from finished floor to the top of the eaves
strut.
EAVES STRUT A structural member located at the eave of a building that supports
roof and wall panelling.
EDGE BEAM A beam positioned at the perimeter edge of a floor slab.
EDGE DISTANCE The distance from the centre point of a hole and the edge of the
plate/flange/leg of the part that it is drilled in.
ELASTIC DESIGN A design concept utilizing the property of materials allowing for non -
permanent shape distortion under a specified range of loading.
ELASTIC LIMIT The limit to which a material can be bent or pulled out of shape and
still return to its former shape and dimensions.
ELECTRONIC DATA Computer data and similar data transferred between parties
providing essentially equivalent information to traditional drawings.
ELEVATION View on a vertical plane outside face of a structure.
ELEVATION DRAWING Drawing which shows a view on a vertical plane on the outside face
of a structure.
END BAY The bays adjacent to the endwalls of a building. Usually the distance
from the endwall to the first interior main frame measured normal to
the endwall.
END FRAME A frame located at the endwall of a building that supports the loads
from a portion of the end bay.
END DISTANCE The distance from the centre point of a hole and the edge of the
plate in in the direction of the load.
END ELEVATION The elevation on the gable end of a building (also known as the
Gable Elevation).
END STOP A device attached to a crane runway or rail to provide a safety stop
at the end of a runway.
ENGINEER The engineer or architect who is responsible for the overall design of
the building project. The manufacturer's engineer is not the Engineer
of Record.
ENGINEER A design professional responsible for developing the structural or
engineering components or systems of a construction work by
preparing detail drawings, specifications and schedules and
ensuring actual construction conforms with those aspects of design.
FASTNERS Nuts and bolts, rivets and other devices which are used to connect
steelwork together.
FAST TRACK The process of dividing the design of a project into phases in such a
manner as to permit construction to start before design is complete.
The overlapping of the construction phase with the design phase.
GABLE The triangular portion of the endwall from the level of the eave to the
ridge of the roof.
GABLE ELEVATION The elevation on the gable end of a building (also known as the End
Elevation).
GABLE OVERHANG The purlin extension at the gable end of a building.
GABLE ROOF A roof consisting of two sloping roof planes that form a ridge and
form a gable at each end.
GALVANISE A lead and zinc bath treatment to prevent rusting.
GALVANISED Steel coated with zinc for corrosion resistance.
GANTRY CRANE A crane similar to an overhead crane except that the bridge for
carrying the trolley or trolleys is rigidly supported on one or more
legs running on fixed rails or other run-way.
GENERAL ARRANGEMENT DRAWINGS Drawings, prepared by the Steelwork Contractor, showing plans,
(GA DRAWINGS) cross sections and elevations, main dimensions and the erection
marks of Components.
GENERAL NOTES Information placed on a drawing which relates to general material
specification for grades, sizes, inspection, testing, etc. This
information may be placed on one drawing and is common to all
drawings within the project for that discipline.
GHOST PARTS Elements shown in faint dotted lines on GA's/Client Drawings for
reference purposes. Can be non steel elements of the structure (e.g.
vessels) or steel belonging to adjacent buildings/models.
GUILLOTINE/GUILLOTINE SHEAR A machine which is used to cut (chop) standard width flats to length.
JOINT Area Where two or more ends, surfaces, or edges are attached.
Categorized by type of fastener or weld used and the method of
force transfer.
JOIST Small section I beam with tapered flanges.
K
K BRACING A form of bracing which is shaped like the letter "K"
KNEE The connecting area of a column and rafter of a structural frame such as a
rigid frame.
KNEE BRACE A diagonal member at a column and rafter intersection designed to resist
horizontal loads.
L
LAP JOINT Joint produced by lapping and joining two similar members.
LBG SHACKLE A clamping device which is used for the purposes of lifting beams
and other members into position.
LAMINATED PACK A pack comprising of multiple plates, usually of varying thicknesses.
Pack thickness adjusted by changing number of plates/combination
of thickness in order to achieve the adjustment required.
LAYOUT DRAWING Drawing showing the location of sites, structure, buildings, spaces,
elements, assemblies or components (synonym = location drawing).
LEAN - TO A structure having only one slope and depending upon another structure for
partial support.
LENGTH The dimension of the building measured perpendicular to the main framing
from outside to outside of endwall girts.
LEVELLING PLATE A steel plate used on top of a foundation or other support on which a
structural column can rest.
LIFT (CRANE LIFT) Maximum safe vertical distance through which the hook, magnet, or bucket
can move.
LIFTING BEAM 1) A beam which is supplied specifically for the purposes of lifting members
into position.
2) A beam which is provided within a strucutre for lifting/hoisting operations.
LIFTING BRACKET A plate or bracket which is supplied specifically for the purposes of lifting
members into position.
LINTEL Horizontal support over a window or door opening
LIVE LOAD Loads that are produced (1) during maintenance by workers, equipment,
and materials, and (2) during the life of the structure by movable objects and
do not include wind, snow, seismic, or dead loads. Also see Roof or Floor
Live Load.
LOAD Force or other action that results from the weight of building
materials, occupants and their possessions, environmental effects,
differential movement, or restrained dimensional changes. See also
LIVE LOAD, DEAD LOAD AND WIND LOAD.
LOAD FACTOR Factor that accounts for deviations of the nominal load from the
actual load, for uncertainties in the analysis that transforms the load
into a load effect, and for the probability that more than one extreme
load will occur simultaneously.
LOAD INDICATING WASHERS A washer with dimples, which flatten when the high strength bolt is
tightened. The bolt tension can then be determined by the use of feeler
gauges to determine the gap between the washer and the bolt head.
LOAD-BEARING WALL Wall designed to support the weight imposed upon it from above.
LOCK NUTS Half sized Nut. Used in bolted connections subjected to dynamic
loads to prevent nuts working loose. Used in bolts subjected to pure
tension to prevent bolt threat stripping.
LONGITUDINAL The direction parallel to the ridge or sidewall.
LOUVER An opening provided with fixed or movable slanted fins to allow flow of air.
LOW RISE BUILDING A description of a class of buildings usually less than 60' eave height.
Commonly, they are single story, but do not exceed 4 stories.
LRFD Load and Resistance Factor Design.
M
MAG Abbreviation for Metal Active Gas Welding. Form of welding in which
the arc and weld pool are shielded by a gas which does not react
with molten steel. More commonly known as MIG (Metal-Intert GAS)
welding, even though inert Argon can not be used with steel.
MIG Abbreviation for Metal Intert Gas Welding - see MAG welding for
more details
M.I.S. Abbreviation for Management Information System.
MINOR AXIS A term used to describe the direction of the section having the weakest
strength (i.e. for a UB beam section the major axis is aligned along the width
of the beam).
MOMENT The tendency of a force to cause rotation about a point or axis.
MOMENT CONNECTION A connection designed to transfer moment as well as axial and shear forces
between connecting members.
MOMENT FRAME Framing system that provides resistance to lateral loads and
provides stability to the structural system primarily by shear and
flexure of the framing members and their connections.
MOMENT OF INERTIA A physical property of a member, which helps define strength and deflection
characteristics.
MONOLITHIC Term used for concrete work poured and cast in one piece without
joints.
MONOLITHIC CONSTRUCTION A method of placing concrete grade beam and floor slab together to form
the building foundation without forming and placing each separately.
MONORAIL CRANE A crane that travels on a single runway beam, usually an "S" or "W" beam.
MULTI - GABLE BUILDING Buildings consisting of more than one gable across the width of the building.
N
NDT Abbreviation for Non Destructive Testing. Tests which are
prerformed on welds to verify that the welds are of the required
standard/quality. Include radiographic, ultrasonic, magnetic particle
or dye-penetrant.
NSSS Abbreviation for National Structural Steelwork Specification -
document which set-out fabrication and erection tolerances for
British steelwork projects. (Also know as N-Triple-S)
N/S Abbreviation for Near Side.
NC DATA Abbreviation for "Numeric Control". Data file produced from CAD
software or from manual input. Used to define cutting and drilling of
main sections and fittings.
N.T.S. Abbreviation for Not To Scale
NEUTRAL AXIS The position within the depth of a member at which bending
stresses will zero (i.e. neither tension or compression exists).
NOMINAL DIMENSION 1) The desired optimal dimension, although some deviation from the
actual value stated is permitted according to the prevailing
conditions.
2) A dimension which should be in the region of the exact figure
shown.
NOMINAL LOAD Magnitude of the load specified by the applicable building code.
NONBEARING WALL A dividing wall that does not support a vertical load.
NON-CONFORMANCE An error or an omission, which, if it is not corrected, will lead to a
decision taken on a wrong basis by the client or will lead to a
situation where the physical object resulting from the engineering
services will not fulfil the expected (by the client and/or the
consultant) needs.
NON COMPOSITE DESIGN Form of construction in which the concrete slab is designed to act
independently of the supporting beams.
NONFERROUS METAL Metal containing no iron, such as copper, brass, or aluminium.
NOSING The rounded edge of a stair tread.
O
ONE PACK PAINT SYSTEM A chemical resistant paint (acrylated rubbers, vinyl's) which is
supplied as a single component. Note this does not refer to the
number of coats required to any given paint system.
OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE An organized compilation of project technical documents,
MANUAL manufacturer's data, and project site records provided to the owner
at the conclusion of the construction project, to assist the owner to
properly operate and maintain the constructed facility.
OPEN MESH FLOORING A system of bars and rods arranged in a rectangular grid and used
as floor panels in walkways/platforms/stairs/landings - also known as
Floor Grating/Grating.
ORDINARY BOLT ASSEMBLIES A bolt used in a non-preloaded bolt assembly which is designed to
carry forces in shear and bearing or tension.
ORIENTATION The positioning of a house on a lot in relation to the sun, wind, view,
and noise.
OTHER TRADES A term which is used to describe the work of other contractors on a
project (e.g. Civils, Cladders, Glaziers etc) . Often used in contract
documents and drawings to define the scope of work of the
steelwork sub-contract.
OUTRIGGER
OVERHANG Projecting area of a roof or upper story beyond the wall of the lower
part.
OVERHANGING BEAM A simply supported beam that extends beyond its support.
OVERHEAD DOORS Doors constructed in horizontally hinged sections. They are equipped with
springs, tracks, counter balancers, and other hardware, which roll the
sections into an overhead position clear of the opening.
OVERSIZED HOLE A bolt hole deliberately made a larger diameter to provide additional
clearance for insertion of the bolt.
P
P.E. Abbreviation for Project Engineer - person responsible for technical
coordination of a project.
PFC Abbreviation for Parallel Flange Channel ("C" Section steel member)
PLATE GIRDER An I section beam which is fabricated from plates welded together.
PLENUM SYSTEM A system of heating or air-conditioning in which the air is forced
through a chamber connected to distributing ducts.
PLOT The land on which a building stands
PLOT FILE An exported drawing file produced for the purpose of printing a hard
copy of the drawing.
PLUMB Term used to describe the vertical alignment of a column or
structure as a whole. A column which is correctly aligned is said to
be "In Plumb", one which is incorrectly aligned is "Out of Plumb".
PORTAL FRAME A rigid frame so designed that it offers rigidity and stability in its
plane. It is generally used to resist longitudinal loads where other
bracing methods are not permitted.
POST A perpendicular supporting member.
POST & BEAM CONSTRUCTION Wall construction consisting of large, widely spaced posts to support
horizontal beams.
POST AND BEAM A structural system consisting of a series of rafter beams supported
by columns. Often used as the end frame of a building.
PRECAMBER A preset radius/arc applied to a member so to counteract deflection
of the member under loading.
PREFABRICATED BUILDINGS Buildings that are built in sections or component parts in a factory,
and then assembled at the site.
PRELIMINARY DRAWING Drawing of a designer's concept of a project and which is expected
to be modified.
PRELIM MARK/PRELIM NUMBER A reference number assigned to each member which is ordered via
a Preliminary Material List. Is used to track materials through
ordering, supply to the workshop and fabrication.
PRESET An increase to the height of roof members applied at the apex so as
to counteract the effects of deflection when load is applied.
PRIMARY FRAMING Main Frame: An assemblage of rafters and columns that support
the secondary framing members and transfer loads directly to the
foundation
PRIMER The first coat/base coat/undercoat of a paint system.
PROGRAMME The programme of dates given in the Project Specification, or
agreed with the Steelwork Contractor, for the release of all
PROJECT necessary
The Projectinformation
means thefor theconstruction
total progress of contemplated
the works; theofpreparation,
which the
submission and acceptance
Work may be the whole or a part. of fabrication drawings, calculations
and information; the intended starting and completion for steelwork
PROJECT DOCUMENTATION Documentation
erection. applying to a particular project.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT The utilization of skills and knowledge in coordinating the organizing,
planning, scheduling, directing, controlling, monitoring and
evaluating of prescribed activities to ensure that the stated
objectives of a project, manufactured product, or service, are
achieved.
PROJECT MANAGER Person responsible for day to day management of a project within
an organisation.
PROJECT SPECIFICATION A specifications prepared for a specific building project The Works
which includes the National Structural Steel Work Specification a nd
qualifies it where necessary.
PROPRIETARY SYSTEM A specific product unique to a particular manufacturer.
PUNCH/PUNCHING A machine which is used to form holes or slots in plate or angle
fittings.
PURLIN Horizontal structural member that supports roof deck and is primarily
subjected to bending under vertical loads such as snow, wind or
dead loads.
PURLIN EXTENSION The projection of the roof beyond the plane of the endwall
Q
Q.A. Abbreviation for Quality Assurance
Q.S. Abbreviation for Quantity Surveyor.
OUTSTAND LEG The projecting leg of an angle or cleat (e.g. in the case of a shelf
angle the outstand leg is the horizontal leg which supports the slab).
QUALITY ASSURANCE Activities concerned with the provision of systems, equipment and
personnel necessary to achieve the required level of quality.
QUANTITY SURVEYOR Person responsible for measurement of materials, labour and other
costs in a completed project. Is responsible for making applications
for payment to the Main Client.
R
RSA Abbreviation for Rolled Steel Angle (L section steel member).
RSC Abbreviation for Rolled Steel Channel (C section steel member).
RSJ Abbreviation for Rolled Steel Joist (Small size I beam with tapered
flanges).
RHS Abbreviation for Rectangular Hollow Section (Box section steel
member).
RQSC
RAFTER Inclined structural members used to frame a roof.
RAFTER RESTRAINTS Small section angles which connect diagonally between the bottom
flange of a rafter and the roof purlins. Used to provide restraint to
the bottom flange of a rafter.
RAIL (CRANE) Crane Rail: A track supporting and guiding the wheels of a top-
running bridge crane or trolley system.
RAILS (DOOR) The horizontal stiffening members of framed and panelled doors.
RAKE The intersection of the plane of the roof and the plane of the
endwall.
REACTIONS The resisting forces at the column bases provided by foundations
that hold a structure in equilibrium under a given loading condition.
SHOT BLASTER Machine which is used to clean off mill scale and surface oxidisation
(rust) off of structral steel members prior to fabrication.
SHOULDER BOLT Special bolt type used in slotted connections. Bolt shank has one
portion at a large diameter and one portion at a smaller diameter.
SIDE ELEVATION This
1) Theconfiguration
elevation onallows oneface
the long ply in
of the connectionframe
a shed/portal to freely move in
building.
a
2)lateral direction.along the eaves of a shed/portal frame building.
The elevation
SIDE CLADDING Cladding on the elevation of a building.
SIDE RAIL A secondary horizontal member - usually a cold formed "Z" or "C"
section -positioned of the elevations of a building and used to
support the cladding.
SIDE RAIL SUPPORT A vertical strut used to provide mid span restraint to a side rail.
SIGN OFF A meeting held with the Main Client to review WHL GA's for a "Pre
Engineered" model. Comments/changes made as necessary. Mark-
up set of drawings kept as a record of any changes implemented.
SKEW CUT An angled cut to a steel section (also known as Bevel/Splay cut).
SLAG Deposit left over a weld following MMA welding. Must be cleaned off
before surface treatment is applied.
SLEEVE A short length of member used to strengthen the connection
between two adjacent purlins or side rails.
SLIMDECK BEAM See ASB.
SLIMFLOOR BEAM A normal rolled UB or UC section which has a wide plate welded to
the bottom flange. Plate used to support floor decking. Beam is built
into the depth of the floor slab, therefore reducing the overall height
of the floor construction.
SLOPE Roof Slope: The tangent of the angle that a roof surface makes
with the horizontal, usually expressed in units of vertical rise to 12
units of horizontal run.
SLOTTED HOLE Holes which is elongated in one direction. Used in Expansion Joints
in which movement is required and other connections in which
tolerance is required (e.g. connections to concrete).
SNOW LOAD Roof Snow Load: The load induced by the weight of snow on the
roof of the structure
SNUG TIGHT The tightness of a bolt in a connection that exists when all plies in a
joint are in firm contact.
SOFFIT Underside of an overhang such as the eaves, a second floor, or
stairs.
SPAN The distance between two supports.
SPECIFICATION A written document with technical directions and conditions
describing the quality of materials and standard of workmanship of
the project or parts of a project. It deals with items that cannot be
shown on drawings or in the schedules and is normally presented in
a sequence of Trades. The Specification forms part of the Tender
Documents and, with agreed modifications (if any), of the Contract
Documents.
SPLAY CUT An angled cut to a steel section (also known as Bevel/Skew cut).
SPLICE Joining of two similar members in a straight line.
SPLICE PLATES Plates which are used for the purpose of connecting two main
assemblies together along their length (e.g. Beam Splice, Column
Splice).
STAINLESS STEEL An alloy of steel, which contains a high percentage of chromium to
increase corrosion resistance. Also may contain nickel or copper.
STAGGERED WELD A two sided weld which stops alternates at set intervals between
welded and unwelded portions (I.e. welded portion on one side of
the welded part coincides with the unwelded portion on the other
side).
STALK PLATE The outstand (web) portion of a welded tee section.
STEEL FRAMING Skeleton framing with structural steel members.
STEELWORK CONTRACTOR The Company appointed to fabricate and / or erect the structural
steelwork. Where required by the Project Specification, the
Steelwork Contractor may also be responsible for design.
STEEL STOCKIST Company which specialises in selling plain lengths of steel to
fabricators.
STEM The outstand (web) portion of a rolled or cut tee section.
STIFFENER A member used to strengthen a plate of main section against lateral
or local buckling.
STOCK ORDER Steel materials which are to be purchased from a steel stockist.
STOCKIST See Steel Stockist.
STOREY HEIGHT Height measured from floor finish to floor finish. For single-storey
buildings and the top floor of multi-storey buildings, the height shall
be measured from floor finish to notional floor finish (level at which
the next floor would be likely if there was one).
STOREY Space between two floors of a building.
STRAIN The deformation per unit length measured in the direction of the
stress caused by forces acting on a member. Not the same as
deflection.
STRESS A measure of the load on a structural member in terms of force per
unit area.
STRESS Any force acting upon a part or member.
STRINGER One of the sides of a flight of stairs. The supporting member cut to
receive the treads and risers.
TENDER Written offer to execute at a stated price or rate an order for the
supply of goods or services or the execution of works in given
conditions.
TENDER DOCUMENTS Documents submitted for the compiling of tenders such as Bills of
Quantities, Drawings, Specifications and Contract Conditions.
TENSILE STRENGTH The greatest longitudinal stress a structural member can resist
without adverse affects (breaking or cracking).
TENSION FORCE Forces acting on a member tending to elongate it.
THERMAL CUTTING The use of a gas fueled flame torch or plasma cutter to cut steel
members to the correct length/shape. (Note, conventional gas
fueled flame torch cutting also widely known as Flame Cutting).
THRESHOLD Wood, metal, or stone member placed directly below a door.
TIE Forces acting on a member tending to elongate it.
TIMBER HOLES Holes drilled in steel members for the purposes of attaching timber
members (usually at roof level).
TIRFORS Tie wires used to stabilise/tie members in during erection.
TOLERANCE The acceptable variance of dimensions from s standard size.
TOP COAT The final coat in a paint system applied to strucutral steel.
VARIATION Work that is neither expressly included in nor implied by the original
contract and therefore is not in the contract price, whether it
represents a change or alteration to the original work or simply an
addition to or omission from it.
VESSEL A tank or cylinder used for the storage of liquids or gases.
VENT A screened opening for ventilation.
VIERENDEEL GIRDER A rigid jointed rectangular frame or member.
VIEW Orthogonal projection showing the visible part of an object and also,
if necessary, its hidden outlines.
W
W/C Abbreviation for Week Commencing.
W/E Abbreviation for Week Ending.
W.P. Abbreviation for Working Point.
WHL CLIENT WHL-UK or WHL-UAE as appropriate.
WASHER PLATES Used in conjunction with H.D. Bolts/Anchor Bolts - cast into concrete
to lock the bolts into place.
WALLS Vertical assemblies which are load-bearing.
WEATHER STRIPPING Strips of fabric or metal fastened around the edges of windows and
doors to prevent air infiltration.
WEATHERING STEELS High strength, low allow structural steel which possess good
weather resistance to atmospheric conditions without the need for
protective coatings. Often used in bridge construction.
WEB That portion of a rolled steel section between the flanges.
WEB PLATE A plate welded to the web of a rolled section between root fillets,
primarily for the purpose of increasing the shear capacity of the web
(also can contribute to the bearing and buckling strength of the
section).
WEB STIFFENER Stiffener: A member used to strengthen a plate against lateral or
local buckling.
WEDGES A triangular piece of steel used to adjust the line and level of
columns.
WHEEL BASE Distance from centre-to centre of the outermost crane wheels.
WHEEL LOAD The vertical forces without impact produced on a crane ok wheel
bearing on a runway rail or suspended from a runway beam.
Maximum wheel load occurs with the crane loaded at rated capacity
and the trolley positioned to provide maximum vertical force at one
set of wheels.
WIND COLUMN A vertical member designed to withstand horizontal wind loads,
usually in the endwall.
WINDOWS Glazed openings in partitions, walls and cladding.
WORKING DRAWINGS A set of drawings issued for construction, showing the detailed
architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, hydraulic,
landscaping or other design solutions and details for a project.
WORKING LINE (W.L.) The line formed between Working Points to which a member is set-
out
WORKING MODEL A 3-D CAD model produced for the purposes of generating
fabrication details and other related project activities.
WORKING POINTS (W.P.) The primary points between which a member is set-out (also see
Set-Out Points).
X
XOX Abbreviation for an Ordinary Bolt assembly, comprising of a
Hexagonal (X) head bolt, a Round (O) shank, and Hexagonal (X)
head nut.
XOX-SS Designation used in X-Steel to define Set Screws/Fully Threaded
Bolts.
X-BRACING Bracing system with members arranged diagonally in both directions
to form an "X". See Bracing.
X-STEEL 3-D CAD modelling and detailing software for structures.
Z
"Z" SECTION A member cold formed from steel sheet in the approximate shape of
a "Z".
ZINC PLATED Most common type of surface finish applied to bolts. Treatment is
electrostatically deposited. Abbreviated to BZP (Bright Zinc Plated).
ZINC - ALUMINIUM COATED Steel coated with an alloy of zinc and aluminium to provide corrosion
resistance.