Steel Buildings - Glossary of Common Terms
B
Bar Joist
The name commonly used when referring to open web steel joists.
The name commonly used when referring to open web steel joists.
Base Angle
An angle secured to a wall or the perimeter of the foundation to support and close the bottom of the wall panels.
An angle secured to a wall or the perimeter of the foundation to support and close the bottom of the wall panels.
Base Plate
A plate that is attched to the base of a column which rests on the foundation or other support. The base plate is usually secured using anchor bolts.
A plate that is attched to the base of a column which rests on the foundation or other support. The base plate is usually secured using anchor bolts.
Bay
The space between the main frames or primary supporting members in the longitudinal direction of a steel building system
The space between the main frames or primary supporting members in the longitudinal direction of a steel building system
BBC
Basic Building Code
Basic Building Code
Beam
A member, usually horizontal, that is subjected to bending loads. Three types of beams are simple, continuous, and cantilever.
A member, usually horizontal, that is subjected to bending loads. Three types of beams are simple, continuous, and cantilever.
Beam and Column
The main structural system made up of a series of rafter beams supported by columns Often used as the end frame of a steel building system.
The main structural system made up of a series of rafter beams supported by columns Often used as the end frame of a steel building system.
Bearing Plate
A steel plate that is set on the top of a masonry support on which a beam or purlin can rest.
A steel plate that is set on the top of a masonry support on which a beam or purlin can rest.
Bent
The primary member of a steel building's structural system
The primary member of a steel building's structural system
Bill of Materials
A list that outlines each component or assembly to be shipped. Also called tally sheet or shipping list.
A list that outlines each component or assembly to be shipped. Also called tally sheet or shipping list.
Bird Screen
Wire mesh used in louvers, ventilators, and other openings to prevent birds from entering the building.
Wire mesh used in louvers, ventilators, and other openings to prevent birds from entering the building.
Blind Rivet
A small headed pin with expandable shank for connecting light gauge metal. Typically it is used to attach flashing, gutters, etc.
A small headed pin with expandable shank for connecting light gauge metal. Typically it is used to attach flashing, gutters, etc.
Block or Board Thermal Insulation
Rigid or semi-rigid thermal insulation that is preformed into rectangular units.
Rigid or semi-rigid thermal insulation that is preformed into rectangular units.
BOCA
Building Officials and Code Administrators International, Inc.
Building Officials and Code Administrators International, Inc.
Bonded Roof
roof that carries a written warranty covering weather-tightness for a specified period of time.
roof that carries a written warranty covering weather-tightness for a specified period of time.
Box Girder
The members of rectangular cross section enclosed on four sides.
The members of rectangular cross section enclosed on four sides.
Bracing
Rods, angles or cables used in the roof and walls of the steel building system in order to transfer loads, such as wind, seismic and crane thrusts to the foundation.
Rods, angles or cables used in the roof and walls of the steel building system in order to transfer loads, such as wind, seismic and crane thrusts to the foundation.
Bracket
structural support projecting from a wall or column that is used to attach another structural member. Examples include crane runway brackets, canopy brackets, and various other types of brackets.
structural support projecting from a wall or column that is used to attach another structural member. Examples include crane runway brackets, canopy brackets, and various other types of brackets.
Bridge Crane
A load lifting system made up of a hoist, which moves laterally on a beam, girder or bridge which in turn moves longitudinally on a runway made of beams and rails.
A load lifting system made up of a hoist, which moves laterally on a beam, girder or bridge which in turn moves longitudinally on a runway made of beams and rails.
Bridging
Bracing or systems of bracing used between structural members.
Bracing or systems of bracing used between structural members.
BTU
British Thermal Unit. The amount of heat necessary to raise the temperature of one pound (2.2 kg) of water by 1 degree F. (0.56 Degree C.).
British Thermal Unit. The amount of heat necessary to raise the temperature of one pound (2.2 kg) of water by 1 degree F. (0.56 Degree C.).
Builder
A general contractor or sub-contractor with the responsibility for providing steel building systems and erection.
A general contractor or sub-contractor with the responsibility for providing steel building systems and erection.
Building Aisle
A space defined by the length of the building and the space between building columns.
A space defined by the length of the building and the space between building columns.
Building Code
Regulations established by a recognized agency describing procedures and construction details, including design loads, for structures that apply to a specific political jurisdiction (city, county, state, etc.).
Regulations established by a recognized agency describing procedures and construction details, including design loads, for structures that apply to a specific political jurisdiction (city, county, state, etc.).
Built-Up Roofing
A roof covering made up of alternating layers of tar and materials made of asphalt.
A roof covering made up of alternating layers of tar and materials made of asphalt.
Built-Up Section
A structural member made from individual flat plates welded together.
A structural member made from individual flat plates welded together.
Butt Plate
The end plate of a structural member that is typically used to rest against a like plate of another member in forming a connection. A butt plate may also be called a splice plate or bolted end plate.
The end plate of a structural member that is typically used to rest against a like plate of another member in forming a connection. A butt plate may also be called a splice plate or bolted end plate.