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Accessory
A building product that supplements a basic solid panel building such as a door,
window, skylight, ventilator, etc.
Active
(Metallurgy) A metal that will corrode in the presence of moisture and a “noble” metal
(See Galvanic Action and Galvanic Series Chart in this Glossary).
Agricultural Building
A structure designed and constructed to house farm implements, hay, grain, poultry,
livestock or other horticultural products. Such structure shall not include habitable or
occupiable spaces, spaces in which agricultural products are processed, treated or
packaged; nor shall an agricultural building be a place of occupancy by the general
public.
AISI
American Iron and Steel Institute
AISC
American Institute of Steel Construction
AISE
Association of Iron and Steel Engineers
Aluminum
A corrosion resistant metallic element. Aluminum alloy coated sheet is often used for
metal roofing and wall panels.
Aluminum Coated Steel
Steel coated with aluminum for corrosion resistance.
Anchor Bolts
See Anchor Rods.
Anchor Bolt Plan
A plan view drawing showing the diameter, location and projection of all anchor rods
for the components of the Metal Building System and may show column reactions
(magnitude and direction). The maximum base plate dimensions may also be shown.
Anchor Rods
The term "anchor rod" is used for threaded rods embedded in concrete to anchor
structural steel. The term "rod" is intended to clearly indicate that these are threaded
rods, not structural bolts, and should be designed as threaded parts using the material
specified in the latest edition of AISC. The embedded end of the rod may be secured
in the concrete by means of a head, threading with a nut on the end, a hook or other
deformation, by welding to reinforcing steel or other means.
Anodic
With regard to metal and galvanic response, when two metals are connected in an
electrolyte, they will form a galvanic cell, with the higher metal in the galvanic series
being the anode. The anodic metal, being more “active” oxidizes first, thus protecting
the cathodic metal from corrosion (see cathodic).
ANSI
American National Standards Institute
Approval Drawings
A set of drawings that may include framing plans, elevations and sections through the
building for approval of the buyer.
Apron Flashing
A flashing located at the juncture of the top of the sloped roof and a vertical wall or
steeper-sloped roof.
Architectural Panel
Any panel that has a primary purpose of the aesthetic enhancement of a building or
structure.
ASCE
American Society of Civil Engineers
ASD
Allowable Stress Design.
ASHRAE
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
Assembly
A group of mutually dependent and compatible components or subassemblies of
components.
Asphalt Felt
An asphalt-saturated and/or an asphalt-coated felt. (See Felt).
ASTM
American Society for Testing and Materials.
Astragal
A closure between the two leaves of a double swing or double slide door.
Automatic Crane
A crane which when activated operates through a pre-set cycle or cycles.
Automatic Welding
A welding procedure utilizing a machine to make a weld.
Auxiliary Crane Girder
A girder arranged parallel to the main girder for supporting the platform, motor base,
operator's cab, control panels, etc., to reduce the torsional forces that such load would
otherwise impose on the main crane girder.
Auxiliary Hoist
A supplemental hoisting unit, usually designed to handle lighter loads at a higher speed
than the main crane hoist.
Auxiliary Loads
Dynamic live loads such as those induced by cranes and material handling systems.
Axial Force
A force tending to elongate or shorten a member.