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bacteria
A one-celled micro organism that is generally parasitic and without
chlorophyll. These cells need an organic substance for carbohydrates
in order to feed and grow. Certain bacterium can cause diseases in
humans and animals.
bactericide
A chemical substance used to destroy (kill) bacteria and spores.
back
fill
To replace an excavated area with fill (dirt, soil, stones, etc.).
back flow
The reversal of the normal flow of a liquid or substance.
bag
house
A permanent structure or movable machine designed to capture
pollutants or media waste under low pressure through a bag, which
acts as a filter.
balanced drying system
The proper ratio of evaporation and dehumidification equipment
within a structure, its principals are used to prevent secondary
damages.
bar joist
An open webbed steel joist used to carry the live and dead loads of
a roof or floor system, and is supported at both ends by a pilaster
or girder.
basicity
The power of an acid to combine with metal, the hydrogen replacement
of a metal.
bastard
A non-standard item of non-normal size or quality.
batt
insulation
A thermal or sound insulation material, generally of fiberglass,
which comes in varying widths and (R-value) thickness to conform to
standard framing of walls and joists.
bearing
A structural member, such as wall, pilaster, etc., used to support a
building floor or roof system.
bearing pile
A column within the ground, used to support vertical loads.
benzene
C6 H6, an organic molecule structure of six carbon atoms and six
hydrogen atoms.
betterment
To increase the value of a component or structure through repairs or
replacement, to exceed the value of like kind and quality.
biodegradable
The decomposition through natural conditions.
Black Water
Category 3, Black Water, contains sewage and other contaminants that
can include pesticides, heavy metals, and toxic organic and
inorganic chemicals. More than 120 different viruses, parasitic
agents, and bacterial organisms can be found in
Category 3 water. Black water originates
from domestic and industrial wastes and
non-point (groundwater, surface water,
sea, river, and atmospheric) sources.
bleeding
The blending of wet fabric colors due to a high pH formula.
blue
board
Interior plasterboard, which accepts plaster, veneers.
board
foot
Basic unit of measure for lumber, and is equal to a board one-foot
square and one inch thick.
board-up
Terminology used to describe the closing in of an opening (hole),
window, door, roof, etc. - within a structure, therefore, securing
and protecting property from vandalism and weather elements.
BOCA
Building Officials & Code Administrators International, Inc.,
Country Club Hills, IL. Provides building construction standards for
the safety, health and welfare of the public.
bottom
plate
A horizontal piece of framing lumber used at the base of wall
framing or partition, sole plate.
box
sill
Common method of framing floor joists, where a header is nailed to
the ends of the floor joists.
brace
A diagonal support, used to hold a wall, scaffold, etc. in
place.
Brady
card
Identification markers consisting of self adhesive letters and
numbers, as used to identify cables, wires, conduits, tubing, etc.
during the assembly or disassembly processes.
British Damage Management Association
BDMA, British based association that promotes and regulates
professional standards in the industry.
British Thermal Unit (BTU)
The measurement of heat energy, the quantity of heat required to
raise the temperature of one pound of water 1º F.
brown
board
Exterior plasterboard which accepts plaster veneer or EFS.
browning
The color change of a fabrics dye due to a high alkaline chemical.
Is generally reversible by using an opposite pH chemical solution.
building envelope
The exterior of a structure (building) that encompasses exterior
walls, roof, etc. and separates the conditioned areas from
non-conditioned areas.
building permit
Written authorization to proceed with the construction of a project,
and is generally based on approved drawings and specifications.
business impact analysis (BIA)
Used to determine the impact resulting from a disruption of normal
business (i.e. power outage, storm, theft, etc.). The BIA should be
part of the organizations contingency plan --- identifying the
time-critical functions the disruption would have on the business,
and prioritizes the functions that would meet the time-objectives of
the recovery process.
business interruption
insurance
A special insurance policy (generally a rider) that protects
business owner against losses due to temporary shutdown because of
fire or other insured peril. Business interruption insurance can
provide reimbursement for loss of income profits and ongoing
expenses.
