Construction Terms "A"

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Abatement : The encapsulation or removal of building materials
containing pollutants (such as lead or asbestos) to prevent the release of or
exposure to fibers.

Above Finished Floor : Datum or benchmark for
measuring the height above a floor, abbreviated as AFF.

Abrams’ Law The rule stating that with given
materials, curing, and testing conditions, concrete strength is inversely
related to the ratio of water to cement. Low water-to-cement ratios produce
high strengths.

Accelerating Admixture : An admixture for hydraulic
concrete that shortens setting time and inhibits early strength development.

Access Control System : Computerized building
security equipment, such as badge readers, designed to protect against
unauthorized entry into buildings or building zones.

Access Door / Access Panel : A means of access for
the inspection, repair, or service of concealed systems, such as
air-conditioning equipment.

Access Flooring : A raised flooring system with
removable panels to allow access to the area below.

Acoustical Ceiling : A ceiling system constructed of
sound-control materials. The system may include lighting fixtures and air
diffusers.

Acoustical Metal Deck A metal decking that includes a
sound- absorbing material installed at a small additional cost per square foot.

Acoustical Panel : Modular units composed of a
variety of sound.

Active Leaf : In a double-leaf door, the leaf to
which the latching or locking mechanism is attached.

Activity : In critical path method (CPM) scheduling,
a task or item of work required to complete a project. Also called task.

American Disabilities Act (ADA) : A set of standards
that establish minimum technical requirements for the design and construction
of buildings and facilities. Their intent is to increase the level of
accessibility in the built environment, in existing facilities as well as new
construction and alterations.

Addendum : A document describing an addition, change,
correction, or modification to contract documents. An addendum is issued by the
design professional during the bidding period or prior to the award of
contract, and is the primary method of informing bidders of modifications to
the work during the bidding process. Addenda become part of the contract
documents.

Addition : An expansion to an existing structure,
generally in the form of a room, floor, or wing. An increase in the floor area
or volume of a structure.