Fundamentals of Building Construction: Materials and Methods, 5th Edition

GLOSSARY

A

AAMA American Architectural Manufacturers Association, a trade organization that develops standards for windows, doors, skylights, storefront, and curtain-wall systems.

Abutment joint A surface divider joint designed to allow free movement between new and existing construction or between differing materials.

AC See Articulation class.

ACC See Autoclaved aerated concrete.

Accelerating admixture An admixture that causes concrete or mortar to cure more rapidly.

Access flooring A raised finish floor surface consisting of small, individually removable panels beneath which wiring, ductwork, and other building services may be installed.

Access standard A set of regulations ensuring that buildings are accessible and usable by physically handicapped members of the population.

Acoustical ceiling A ceiling of fibrous tiles that are highly absorbent of sound energy.

ACQ See Alkaline copper quat.

Acrylic A transparent plastic material widely used in sheet form for glazing windows and skylights.

Active metal A metal relatively high on a galvanic series, tending to act as an anode in galvanic couples.

Actual dimension The true dimension of a material, as distinct from its nominal dimension.

ADA See Airtight drywall approach.

Admixture In a concrete or mortar, a substance other than cementitious material, water, and aggregates included in the mixture for the purpose of altering one or more properties of the mixed material, either in its plastic working state or after it has hardened. ...