Construction Dictionary

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TermDefinition
I1. Represents the moment of inertia of a member. 2. Occupancy Importance Factor. 3. Represents Amperes.
I Beam An American Standard designation for a particular section of hot-rolled steel which in cross section is shaped like a capital "I".
I-beamA steel beam with a cross section resembling the letter I. It is used for long spans as basement beams or over wide wall openings, such as a double garage door, when wall and roof loads bear down on the opening.
I-joistManufactured structural building component resembling the letter "I". Used as floor joists and rafters. I-joists include two key parts: flanges and webs. The flange or from of the I joist may be made of laminated veneer lumber or dimensional lumber, usual
IAQIndoor Air Quality.
IBCInternational Building Code.
ICBOInternational Conference of Building Officials.
ICCInternational Code Council.
ICCInterstate Commerce Commission.
Ice Cream CabinetCommercial refrigerator which operates at approximately 0° F. (-18° C.); used for storage of ice cream.
Ice DamAn ice obstruction along the eaves of a roof caused by the refreezing of water emanating from melting snow on the roof surface above.
Ice MakerAn appliance that freezes water into ice chunks or cubes.
Ice Melting EquivalentThe amount of heat absorbed by melting ice at 32° F. (0° C.) is 144 BTUs per pound of ice or 288,000 BTUs per ton; also called Ice Melting Effect
Ice Storage BinA container which holds ice and maintains its solid properties.
ID1. Inside Diameter. 2. Inside Dimension.
IDInside diameter
Idiot StickSee Layout Stick. See Story Pole, 2.
IdlerPulley used on some belt drives to provide proper belt tension and to eliminate belt vibration.
Ignition TransformerTransformer designed to provide a high- voltage current; used in many heating systems to ignite fuel; it provides a spark gap.
IIARInternational Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration.
IICA new system utilized in the Federal Housing Administration recommended criteria for impact sound insulation.
Ikat Chinese silk or cotton fabric tie-dyed to create softly outlined geometric patterns.
ILIntensity Level.
ILIAIndiana Limestone Institute of America, Inc.
IllegalContrary to or against the law.
IlliquidDeficient in liquid assets.
IlluminateLight up, make bright, usually with electrical lighting.
IlmeniteA mineral having the theoretical composition FO TiO2used principally in the production of titanium oxide.
IMCIntermediate Metal Conduit.
IME1. Ice Melting Equivalent. 2. Ice Melting Effect.
IMIInternational Masonry Institute.
ImmeasurableNot measurable; immense.
ImmiscibilityIncapability of being mixed or made homogeneous.
ImmuneNot subject to legal process.
ImpactThe effect that escalation or delay has on other work in a construction schedule, ripple effect.
Impact BarrierA barrier constructed to resist dynamic loading on a surface.
Impact Insulation Class (IIC)A single figure rating that provides an estimate of the sound insulating performance of a floor or ceiling assembly.
ImpastoThick application of pigment to canvas or other surface which makes the painting stand out in bold relief.
ImpedanceThe opposition to electrical flow in an alternating current electrical circuit.
ImpellerA blade of a pumping device; a propeller type fitting which produces suction when rotated.
Imperial GallonUnit of volume measure used in Great Britain and Canada, containing 277.42 cubic inches and weighing 10 pounds; compared with U.S. gallon of 231 cubic inches and 8.33 pounds in weight.
Imperial UnitsSee United States Customary Systems.
ImpermeabilityThe resistance an asphalt pavement has to the passage of air and water into or through the pavement.
ImpermeableDoes not permit the passage of fluids; impervious.
Impermeable material A soil that has properties which prevent movement of water through the material.
ImperviousNot letting water or moisture pass through or be absorbed; the degree of vitrification evidenced visually by complete resistance to dye penetration; impervious generally signifies zero absorption, except for floor and wall tile which are considered imperv
Impervious TileTile designated by water absorption of 0.5 percent or less.
ImperviousnessThe quality of resisting moisture penetration.
Implied ContractA contract that is not in words.
Implied CovenantA promise that is not expressed in a contract, but that is implied from the surrounding circumstances.
Implied IndemnityAn obligation to indemnify that arises not from the words of a contract, but from the circumstances of the parties.
Implied WarrantyA promise, usually related to a the quality or serviceability of goods, that is not in words but is implied from the circumstances of a sale.
Imported MarbleMarble shipped in from another country or area.
ImpossibilityA doctrine of contract law that excuses performance that becomes physically impossible.
ImpregWood in which the cell walls have been impregnated with synthetic resin so as to reduce greatly its swelling and shrinking; impreg is not compressed; compare with Compreg.
ImpregnateTo saturate, fill, or permeate one substance with another, as wood with chemicals.
Imprest Cash FundA petty cash fund maintained for minor disbursements and from time-to-time restored to its original amount by a transfer from the general cash account of an amount equal to the sum of disbursements.
ImprovementsAny enhancements to value of property including buildings, paving, fencing, and landscaping
In Situ1. In the natural or original place. 2. Concrete poured in place.
In Situ ConcretePoured in place concrete.
In-the-WhiteNatural or unpainted; the natural unfinished surface of the wood.
Inactive DoorIn a pair of doors, the leaf that does not contain a lock, but is bolted when closed, and to which the strike is fastened to receive the latch or bolt of the active door.
Incandescent FixtureAn electric light fixture in which the lamp or bulb has a filament that gives off light when heated to incandescence by an electric current.
Incandescent lampA lamp employing an electrically charged metal filament that glows at white heat. A typical light bulb.
InchA unit of linear measure equal to 1/12 of a foot and equal to 2.54 centimeters.
InchoateOnly partly formed, or just begun, as an idea or the beginnings of an operation.
IncineratorA furnace or apparatus for reducing waste materials to ashes by burning.
Incinerator, LaboratorySee Laboratory Incinerator.
Incinerator, MedicalSee Medical Incinerator.
Incised1. Cut into the surface; engraved. 2. In ceramics, decorated by cutting or indenting the ware surface.
InclineThe slope of a roof expressed either in percent or in the number of vertical units of rise per horizontal unit of run.
IncombustibleIncapable of being burned.
Income & Expense StatementSummarizes the operations of the company over a period of time; also known as a profit and loss statement.
Income ApproachA real estate appraisal method by which the income stream is capitalized.
IncompatibilityThe quality or state of two materials that are not suitable to be used together.
IncompatibleDescribes material which cannot be mixed with another material without damaging original properties.
Incomplete FusionFusion which is less than complete.
IncreaserA fitting in the vent stack before the stack enters the roof; installed to enlarge the stack and reduces the possibility of water vapor condensing and freezing to the point of closing the opening.
Increment Borer1. An augerlike instrument with a hollow bit and an extractor, used to extract thin radial cylinders of wood from trees to determine age and growth rate. 2. Also used in wood preservation to determine the depth of penetration of a preservative.
IncubatorAn apparatus for the maintenance of controlled conditions.
Incubator, LaboratorySee Laboratory Incubator.
Incurable DepreciationDecreases to value of property that cannot be rectified or are too expensive to allay.
IndemnificationA contractual obligation by which a person or entity agrees to reimburse others for loss or damage arising from specified liabilities; also called Hold Harmless.
IndemnityA promise to hold a person harmless from liability or loss.
IndentationIn a spot, seam, or projection weld, the depression on the exterior surface or surfaces of the base metal.
Independent ContractorA person who, in performing services for another, is responsible only for the final result, and is not subject to control as to the methods used to achieve that result.
IndeterminateStatically indeterminate
IndexThe interest rate or adjustment standard that determines the changes in monthly payments for an adjustable rate loan.
Indian RedRed pigment made artificially by calcining copperas; has excellent permanency, is non-bleeding, alkali- and acid-fast.
Indiana Limestone Institute of America, Inc (ILIA)Stone City Bank Building, Suite 400, Bedford, Indiana 47421, (812) 275-4426.
Indicator ButtonA device on a hotel lock to indicate whether or not the room is occupied.
Indicator CompoundsChemical compounds, such as carbon dioxide, whose presence at certain concentrations may be used to estimate certain building conditions, for example, airflow.
Indienne A type of printed cotton first imported towards the end of the 16th century.
Indirect CostsAll of the costs which cannot be directly attributed in their entirety to the individual unit of production or project.
Indirect LuminaireA lighting fixture that distributes most of its light upward.
Indirect OverheadA firm's general office overhead expenses that are not attributable to any specific job and that would continue even when there is no work on hand.
Indirect SystemA solar heating or cooling system in which the solar heat is collected outside the building and transferred inside using ducts or piping and fans or pumps.
Indirect Waste PipeAn indirect waste pipe is a pipe that does not connect directly with the drainage system but conveys liquid wastes by discharging into a plumbing fixture, interceptor, or receptacle which is directly connected to the drainage system.
Individual High ChairsA welded wire bar support used under a support bar, to provide support for top bars in slabs, joists, or beams; also used to support upper mats of bars in slabs without support bars.
Individual VentA pipe which is installed to vent a fixture trap and which connects with the vent system above the fixture served or terminates in the open air.
Indoor Meter CenterA room or area inside a building or structure where the meters for measuring the usage of water, electricity, or gas are located.
Induced DraftIn a boiler, combustion air drawn through the burner or fuel bed by a power driven fan in the flue.
Induced MagnetismAbility of a magnetic field to produce magnetism in a metal.
InductanceA property of an electric circuit by which an electromotive force is induced in it by a variation of current either in the circuit itself or in a neighboring circuit.
Induction BakingUsing heat induced by electrostatic and electromagnetic means for baking of finishes.
Induction BrazingA brazing process wherein coalescence is produced by the heat obtained from resistance of the work to the flow of induced electric current and by using a nonferrous filler metal having a melting point above 800° F. but below that of the base metals; the f
Induction MotorAn a-c motor which operates on principle of rotating magnetic field; rotor has no electrical connection, but receives electrical energy by transformer action from field windings.
Induction WeldingA welding process wherein coalescence is produced by the heat obtained from resistance of the work to the flow of induced electric current with or without the application of pressure.
Inductive ReactanceElectromagnetic induction in a circuit creates a counter or reverse (counter) emf (voltage) as the original current changes; it opposes the flow of alternating current.
Industrial CompactorA machine in an industrial setting that compacts or compresses materials.
Industrial EquipmentMechanical or non-mechanical devices used in an industrial setting.
Industrial FluorescentA large fluorescent light fixture used in an industrial setting.
Industrial HoistA mechanical device used to lift loads in an industrial setting.
Industrial HygienistA professional qualified by education, training, and experience to anticipate, recognize, evaluate, and develop controls for occupational health hazards.
Industrial WastesLiquid wastes which result from the processes employed in industrial establishments and which are free of fecal matter.
Industrial Wood FloorA heavy duty wood floor made of 2 inch thick decking or of wooden blocks laid on end; very resistant to heavy loads and traffic; also called a Factory Floor.
Inelastic AnalysisAn analysis of deformations and internal forces based on equilibrium, nonlinear stress-strain relations for concrete and reinforcement, consideration of cracking and time dependent effects and compatibility of strains; the analysis shall represent to suit
Inelastic BehaviorBehavior of an element beyond its elastic limit.
InertChemically unreactive.
Inert Gas1. A gas that is not reactive, such as helium or neon; see Noble Gas. 2. In welding, a gas which does not normally combine chemically with the base metal or filler metal.
Inert PigmentA nonreactive pigment, filler.
InertiaA property of matter by which it continues in its present state of rest or uniform motion in a straight line, unless that state is changed by an external force.
Inertia BlockA concrete pad on which to mount mechanical equipment on vibration isolators, to prevent machinery vibration from being transmitted into the building structure.
InfiltrationThe passage of air from indoors to outdoors and vice versa; term is usually associated with drafts from cracks, seams or holes in buildings.
InflammableCapable of being easily ignited; flammable; the opposite is nonflammable.
Inflection PointA point on a curve at which the curvature is zero; in the elastic curve it is the point of zero moment; usually, the curvature of the curve lying to one side of the inflection point is positive, while to the other side it is negative.
Information TechnologyThe use of machines to handle, process, and transmit information.
Infra-Red SensorA mechanical device that detects motion using infra-red radiation.
InfrangibleNot capable of being broken or separated into parts.
InfraredLying beyond the visible spectrum at its red end.
Infrared LampElectrical device which emits infrared rays; invisible rays just beyond red in the visible spectrum.
Inglaze DecorationA ceramic decoration applied on the surface of an unfired glaze and matured with the glaze.
IngotAn oblong piece of cast metal.
IngressEntrance; the right to enter.
Inhibitive PigmentOne which retards the corrosion process.
InhibitorA substance which prevents chemical reaction such as corrosion or oxidation.
Initial FlowSee Flow of Mortar.
Initial SetThe start of the setting action in mortar, grout or concrete; see Set,4.
Initial Setting TimeThe time required for a freshly mixed cement paste, mortar or concrete to achieve initial set.
Initial StressIn prestressed concrete, the stresses occurring in the prestressed members before any losses occur.
Injection MoldingA method of manufacturing plastic objects by injecting thermoplastics into molds.
InjunctionA court order that requires a party to do or not to do a certain act.
InlayA decoration in which the design is set into the surface.
InletAn opening for intake.
Inlet FittingA fitting or fixture through which circulated or hydro jetted water enters the pool, spa or hot tub.
Inlet or Pool ReturnFitting through which filtered water flows into pool.
InnovationThe introduction of something new.
InorganicNot organic; usually of mineral origin.
Inorganic CoatingsChemical colors obtained by combining two or more inorganic chemicals.
INR (Impact Noise Rating)A single figure rating which provides an estimate of the impact sound insulating performance of a floor-ceiling assembly.
Insect ScreenA wood or metal frame with fine wire netting to keep out insects, yet permits ventilation.
InsertA device built into the concrete formwork so it is cast integrally into the concrete, usually for attaching something later.
Inside cornerThe point at which two walls form an internal angle, as in the corner of a room.
Inside Corner TrowelA finishing device used by drywallers and plasterers to finish an inside corner with one pass of a trowel.
Inside DrainA roof drain that is not at the perimeter of the roof, requiring piping inside the building to carry roof drainage to the exterior.
InsolationThe total amount of solar radiation -- direct, diffuse and reflected -- striking a surface exposed to the sky.
InsolvencyThe financial situation in which liabilities exceed assets.
InspectionExamination of completed work or work in process to determine its conformance to the contract requirements and the building code.
Inspection HoleA temporary or permanent opening in work to facilitate inspection.
Inspection ListList of defective or incomplete work to be completed after substantial completion; also called Punch List.
InspectorOne who examines completed work or the work under progress, such as a building inspector.
Instructions to BiddersInstructions contained in the bidding documents for preparing and submitting bids for a construction project.
InstrumentUsed broadly to denote a device that has measuring, recording, indicating or controlling abilities.
InsulatedCovered and protected in an approved manner with suitable materials of the type and thickness adopted as standard requirements for the voltage and location of the particular material, conductor or part involved.
Insulated BlockHollow masonry block filled with insulation.
Insulated GlassA type of glass constructed in a manner to protect against sound, heat, heat loss, or moisture; double or triple glazed glass.
insulated linings May rely on the weight and composition of the fibers they contain or may incorporate metal particles on the reverse to reflect heat back into the room. Examples: Milium (which is metal-backed) for insulation without weight, roclon (a heavy rubberized fabr
Insulated RoofThe roof of a building, constructed of materials that protect against heat, heat loss, or moisture.
Insulated SidingWall siding that has been manufactured with insulation installed under the finish.
Insulating glassWindow or door in which two panes of glass are used with a sealed air space between.  Also known as Double glass.
Insulating VarnishA varnish especially designed for the electrical insulation of wires, coils, and electrical appliances.
Insulating WallboardFoil Backed Gypsum products; see Foil Back.
InsulationAny material high in resistance to heat transmission that, when placed in the walls, ceiling, or floors of a structure, and will reduce the rate of heat flow.
InsulationAny material used to reduce the effects of heat, cold or sound transmission and to reduce fire hazard; any material used in the prevention of the transfer of electricity, heat, cold, moisture and sound.
Insulation Board 1Insulation of various types in the form of a rigid board. 2. A low-density board made of wood, sugar cane, cornstalks, or similar material; it is dried and usually pressed to a thickness of 1/2 or 25/32 inch; also called Fiberboard.
Insulation board, rigidA structural building board made of coarse wood or cane fiber in ½- and 25/32-inch thickness It can be obtained in various size sheets, in various densities, and with several treatments.
Insulation EquipmentMechanical devices used to distribute insulated materials in walls, attics or crawlspaces.
Insulation FastenerA device used to fasten different types of insulation to floors, walls, roofs, or ceiling surfaces.
Insulation MaterialMaterial which is a poor conductor of heat; used to retard or slow down flow of heat through wall or partition.
Insulation RemovalThe process of ridding a building or structure of insulation.
Insulation, CalciumSee Calcium Insulation.
Insulation, DuctSee Duct Insulation.
Insulation, ElectricSee Electric Insulation.
Insulation, Gymnasium UnderfloorSee Gymnasium Underfloor Insulation.
Insulation, MasonrySee Masonry Insulation.
Insulation, PipeSee Pipe Insulation.
Insulation, RigidSee Rigid Insulation.
Insulation, Sill SealerSee Sill Sealer Insulation.
Insulation, Sound AttenuatingSee Sound Attenuating Insulation.
Insulation, SprayedSee Sprayed Insulation.
Insulation, thermalAny material high in resistance to heat transmission that, when placed in the walls, ceiling, or floors of a structure, will reduce the rate of heat flow.
Insulative PanelFlat sheet material made of insulative material to improve thermal resistance characteristics of assembly.
Insulative Panel, Foil-FaceFlat sheet material made of insulative material that has aluminum foil on one face to improve thermal resistance characteristics of the assembly.
Insulative Wall Sheathing, Foil-FacedFlat sheet material of foil-faced insulative board material secured to the exterior side of exterior wall studs, used to create a rigid surface on the building superstructure and serve as base to receive siding or veneer construction.
InsulatorA ceramic fitting which insulates electrical wires.
Insulator SpoolA device designed and used to support a conductor and electrically separate it from other conductors or objects.
InsuranceA contract whereby one party undertakes to indemnify or guarantee another against loss from specified perils.
Insurance PremiumThe amount paid to an insurance company for protection against property or business losses and liabilities.
InsuredCovered by insurance.
IntaglioA carving incised in hard material.
IntangibleSomething that cannot be precisely measured or assessed; impalpable; not having physical substance.
Intangible AssetsAssets having no physical nature, but having value derived from the rights conferred upon their owner, such as goodwill.
Integral Cove BaseA coved base produced by running a flooring material up the wall.
Integrated SystemA solar heating or cooling system in which the solar heat is absorbed in the walls or roof of a dwelling and flows to the rooms without the aid of complex piping or ducts.
Intense ColorA strong, vivid color.
IntensityA subjective measure of the force of an earthquake at a particular place as determined by its effects on persons, structures and earth materials; intensity is a measure of effects as contrasted with magnitude which is a measure of energy.
Intensity Level (IL)A measure of the acoustic power passing through a unit area expressed on a decimal scale.
Intercepting DrainA drain that intercepts and diverts ground water before it reaches the area to be protected; also called a Curtain Drain.
InterceptorAny device installed in the drainage system to prevent the passage of grease or other solid materials such as sand.
Intercoat ContaminationIn painting, the presence of foreign matter between successive coats.
IntercomAn Intercommunication System.
Intercommunication SystemA local telephone system within a building or a group of rooms or offices.
InterestA charge for borrowed money; to calculate the amount of interest. Interest = Principal x Rate x Time.
Interest RateThe amount of interest, expressed as a percentage of the principal per period of time, for example, 8 percent per annum.
Interface1. A surface forming a common boundary between two regions. 2. A point where interaction occurs between two systems or processes. 3. An electrical component that connects a computer to another piece of equipment.
Interference Body Steel BoltHigh strength bolt with hardened steel ribs on bolts shank to facilitate driving of bolts in misaligned holes.
Intergrown KnotA knot whose rings of annual growth are completely intergrown with those of the surrounding wood.
Interim FinancingA construction loan, to be paid off from the permanent loan upon completion of construction; also called Interim Loan.
Interim LoanSee Interim Financing.
Interior DecoratorOne who selects, and sometimes purchases, furniture, floor coverings, and fabrics, and designs interior color schemes.
Interior DesignerOne who designs interiors of buildings.
Interior ElevationAn architectural drawing showing the projection on a vertical plane of an interior surface of a building.
Interior FinishMaterial used to cover the interior framed areas or materials for walls and ceilings.
Interior PaintingThe process of painting the inside surfaces and trim of a building or structure.
Interior PlywoodA general term for plywood manufactured for indoor use or in construction subjected to only temporary moisture; the adhesive may be interior, intermediate or exterior.
Interior StuccoFinish plaster for walls and ceilings, finishing, smooth, or textured, consisting of a mechanically blended compound of Keene's cement, lime (Type S), and inert fine aggregate; color pigment may be added to produce integrally colored interior stucco; also
Interior TrimGeneral term for all the molding, casing, baseboard, and other trim items applied within the building by finish carpenters.
Interior VeneerA veneer applied to surfaces other than weather- exposed surfaces.
Interior Wood PanelingWood panel members used to cover and finish interior walls; often prefinished.
Interior Wood TrimFinish components of wood such as moldings applied around openings and intersections of surfaces at interior locations.
interlining A soft layer of cloth placed between the face fabric and lining to provide insulation and also improve the way the curtain or drapery hangs.
InterlockedSo arranged that a sequence of operation or steps are electrically or mechanically assured.
Interlocked-Grained WoodGrain in which the fibers put on for several years may slope in a right-handed direction, and then for a number of years the slope reverses to a left-handed direction, and later changes back to a right-handed pitch, and so on; such wood is exceedingly dif
interlocking A method of linking layers of face fabric, interlining, and lining using long, loose stitches known as lockstitch.
Intermediate CoatMiddle coat; guide coat.
Intermediate Course Any layer between the wearing course and the base.
IntermittentIntermittent duty is a requirement of service that demands operation for alternate intervals of (1) load and no load; or (2) load and rest; or (3) load, no load and rest.
Intermittent CycleCycle which repeats itself at varying time intervals.
Intermittent WeldingWelding wherein the continuity is broken by recurring unwelded spaces.
Internal ControlThe method and procedures adopted within a business to safeguard assets and control its operations.
Internal FrictionResistance to sliding within a mass of wet or dry earth, sand, or gravel.
Internal MixA spray gun in which the fluid and air are combined before they leave the gun.
Internal VibratorMetal vibrating head immersed in fresh concrete during placement to consolidate fresh concrete; used primarily in cast in place construction.
International Building CodeProduced by International Code Council.
International Code Council5203 Leesburg Pike, #708, Falls Church, VA 22041, (703) 931-4533.
International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO)5360 South Workman Mill Road, Whittier, California 90601, (310) 699-0451.
International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR)1200 19th Street, NW, #300, Washington, DC 20036, (202) 223-4579.
International Masonry Institute (IMI)823 15th Street, NW, #1001, Washington, DC 20005, (202) 783-3908
International Symbol of AccessibilityA symbol adopted by Rehabilitation International's 11th World Congress for the purpose of indicating that buildings and facilities are accessible to persons with disabilities.
Interpass TemperatureIn a multiple-pass weld, the lowest temperature of the deposited weld metal before the next pass is started.
InterplyBetween two layers of roofing.
InterpolateEstimate the in between values from known ones in the same range.
InterrogatoriesWritten questions that a person in a lawsuit or litigation must answer in writing, under oath.
Interrupting CapacityThe maximum current at its rated voltage that a device will open without injury to any part other than replaceable fuses. The interrupting capacity shall be determined from the recognized standards for testing equipment.
IntersectTo met and cross at a point.
IntersectionA place where two or more things meet and cross at a point.
Interstate Commerce CommissionGovernment body which controls the design and construction of pressure containers.
IntersticeA space that is between things, like the grout space between ceramic tiles.
IntestateA person not having made a will before death.
IntumesceTo foam, swell, froth, or bubble up as a result of heat, liquid, air or chemical action.
IntumescenceAn enlarging, swelling or bubbling up, as under the action of heat.
InventoryIncludes all material, labor and overhead on jobs which are currently in progress, less any amounts which have been billed to customers.
InvertThe lowest portion of the inside of any horizontal pipe.
Invert of a PipeThe inside bottom elevation; the flow line.
Invert, ManholeThe lowest inside surface of a manhole; a channel in the manhole through which wastewater or stormwater flows.
Inverted ArchesArches that appear to have been built upside down; used to distribute the weight of the wall from pier to pier.
inverted pleat A pleat formed like a box pleat in reverse, so that the edges of the pleat meet in the middle on the right side of the fabric.
Inverted RoofA membrane roof assembly in which the thermal insulation lies above the membrane.
Inverted Roof Membrane Assembly (IRMA)A roofing system where the membrane is applied to the substrate and the insulation boards are on top, weighted down by gravel and rock ballast.
Invisible HingeA hinge so constructed that no parts are exposed when the door is closed.
Invitation to BidA formal written invitation to submit a bid, usually placed in trade papers or newspapers, informing prospective bidders about a project; necessary for public work but not for private work.
Invited BiddersA closed list of bidders decided by owner and architect as the only ones who may bid a job.
InvoiceA list of goods shipped or services rendered, with prices and charges.
Involuntary LienAny legal claim that is placed on a property without the permission of the owner, such as a mechanics lien.
Involute CurveA curve traced by a thread unwound from another curve.
IodineA chemical compound containing iodine; potassium or sodium iodide, when used with a suitable oxidizing agent such as chlorine, will release iodine in pool water.
Iodine NumberA means of identifying and specifying qualities of oils, resins and waxes, based on fact that different qualities of these products will absorb different quantities of iodine.
IonGroup of atoms or an atom electrically charged.
IonicThe order of Greek architecture characterized by a column with scroll shapes on either side of the capital.
IonizationBreaking up of molecules into two or more oppositely charged ions; an ion is one of electrified particles into which molecules are divided by the use of water and other solvents.
Ionization DetectorA mechanical device indicating the presence of certain gaseous compounds and amount of ions produced when subjected to ultraviolet light or hydrogen flame.
IPMIntegrated Pest Management.
IPSIron pipe size
IR DropElectrical term indicating the loss in a circuit expressed in amperes times resistance (1 x R) or voltage drop.
Irish ConfettiA rock or brick used as a missile.
IRMAInverted Roof Membrane Assembly.
IronA heavy malleable ductile magnetic silver-white metallic element that readily rusts in moist air and is the most used of metals.
Iron BlueBlue pigment which depends on iron content to provide blue color.
Iron DriersDriers with high tinting strength which limits use to colored finishes.
Iron OxideFerrous oxide; corrosion of iron by oxidation of the surface; rust; iron oxide is available in three forms; red, brown and yellow; it is known under a variety of names, such as Red Oxide, Jeweler's Rouge, Venetian Red, Ferric Oxide, Indian Red, Red Ochre,
Iron Phosphate CoatingConversion coating; chemical deposit.
Iron-Phosphate TreatedCleaning and treatment of steel deck prior to forming.
Ironstone WareStone china, white granite ware, historic terms for a durable English earthenware.
Irregular StoneStone cut to or quarried in various shapes and sizes.
IrrigationLawn sprinkler system.
Irrigation, LawnTo supply water to grassy areas by artificial means.
IsinglassMica.
IsobarLines on a map connecting points of equal atmospheric pressure at a particular time.
IsochronousOccurring at the same time.
Isocyanate ResinsUrethane resins.
IsogramA line on a map or chart connecting points of equal value, as of temperature, elevation, or precipitation.
Isohyetal LineA line on a map or chart connecting points of equal rainfall in a specified period.
IsolatedNot readily accessible to persons unless special means for access are used.
IsolationAn acoustical term used to describe sound privacy by reducing direct sound paths.
Isolation InterfaceThe boundary between the upper portion of a structure, which is isolated, and the lower portion of the structure, which moves rigidly with the ground.
Isolation JointA separation between adjoining parts of a concrete structure, usually a vertical plane, at a designed location such as to interfere least with performance of the structure, yet such as to allow relative movement and avoid formation of cracks elsewhere in
Isolation SystemThe collection of structural elements which includes all individual isolator units, all structural elements which transfer force between elements of the isolation system, and all connections to other structural elements; the isolation system also includes
Isolator UnitA horizontally flexible and vertically stiff structural element of the isolation system which permits large lateral deformations under design seismic load; an isolator unit may be used either as part of or in addition to the weight-supporting system of th
Isolator, VibrationSee Vibration Isolator.
Isometric DrawingThe representation of an object in isometric projection; an isometric drawing looks like a perspective but all lines parallel to the three major axes are measurable.
Isometric ProjectionAxonometric projection in which all three faces are equally inclined to the drawing surface.
Isosceles TriangleA triangle having two equal sides.
IsoseismalsMap contours drawn to define limits of estimated intensity of shaking for a given earthquake.
IsothermalChanges of volume or pressure under conditions of constant temperature.
Isothermal Expansion and ContractionAction which takes place without a temperature change.
IsotropicExhibiting the same properties in all directions.
Italian stringing A way of drawing curtains in which the curtains are joined in the center and the actual heading remains fixed while the curtains draw backwards and forwards by means of diagonally strung cords placed about one-third of the way down the curtains; also call
IvoryA hard creamy white substance that makes up the tusk of an elephant, walrus, hippopotamus, or narwhal.
Ivory BlackA high grade bone black pigment; formerly made by charring or burning ivory.
Ivory PaperSee Cream Paper.
Ivory Tower1. A state of seclusion or separation from the practicalities and realities of life. 2. Academia.