Technical Dictionary

Zero   The American expression for the English language word “Nought”. Ziggurat         A stepped tower or pyramid of ancient Mesopotamia. Zinc Coated   Steel that is either electrolytic coated with zinc. Zincalume      Steel sheeting protected against corrosion by … [Read more...] about Technical Dictionary: Z – Building and Drafting Terms

R-Value                                                      The thermal resistance (m2.K/W) of a component … [Read more...] about Technical Dictionary: R – Building and Drafting Terms

Quadrangle    A plane figure with four angles (and therefore four sides); an object or space of that form; a court or open space, usually rectangular, enclosed by a building (such as a college); a block of buildings containing a quadrangle. Quality Assurance      Procedures for guarding against defects and deficiencies before … [Read more...] about Technical Dictionary: Q – Building and Drafting Terms

P-TrapCurved, "U" section of drain pipe that holds a water seal to prevent sewer gasses from entering the home through a fixtures water drain. PC Item      See Prime Cost item. PCB    Any of a family of industrial compounds produced by chlorination of bi-phenyl, noted primarily as an environmental pollutant that … [Read more...] about Technical Dictionary: P – Building and Drafting Terms

Obelisk           A tall pillar, square in cross-section, tapering upwards and with a pyramidal top. Occasional Table       A small table that can be moved from room to room and used for different purposes. Occupancy Permit     Issued by building authorities … [Read more...] about Technical Dictionary: O – Building and Drafting Terms

NATANational Association of Testing Authorities. The national body that test laboratories are registered with. To have NATA registration requires a test laboratory to meet and maintain stringent test standards.  NURB surfaceNon-uniform rational B-spline. A mathematical model commonly used in computer graphics for representing and generating curves and … [Read more...] about Technical Dictionary: N – Building and Drafting Terms