Construction Dictionary: A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M - N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z Term Definition GA Gypsum Association. GAAP Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Gabion A metal or wire cage filled with ballast or stone, used in large scale retaining walls. Gabion Basket A basket (usually made of wire) for building gabion structures for erosion control. Gable The triangular wall beneath the end of a gable roof; the vertical triangular end of a building from the eaves to the apex of the roof. Gable End An end wall having a gable. Gable End Rafter The last rafter system installed at the gable end of a building. Gable Louver A louver system installed at the gable end of a building. Gable Roof A roof consisting of two opposite sloping planes that intersect at a level ridge. Gable Truss The truss installed at the gable end of a building. Gable Vent A screened of louvered, opening in a gable, used for venting from an attic. Gaffer A lighting electrician on a motion picture or television production unit. Gage A tool used by carpenters to strike a line parallel to the edge of a board. Gain 1. A notch or mortise, as in a beam or a wall, for a joist, girder or similar member. 2. The notch to set a hinge in a door or frame. Gallery 1. A roofed outdoor promenade or balcony. 2. A room or building for displaying art or artifacts. Galvanic Action See Galvanic Corrosion. Galvanic Corrosion Corrosion in a metal caused by a galvanic cell created by dissimilar metals in close proximity accompanied by an electrolyte, often atmospheric moisture; also called Galvanic Action. Galvanized Zinc plated for corrosion protection achieved by hot dipping into molten zinc or by electrolysis. Galvanized Accessory A building product such as a door, window, skylight, handrail, grating, or ventilator, that has been galvanized. Galvanized Iron Zinc coated iron or steel. Galvanized Mesh Mesh screening that has been galvanized; used as wire lath, reinforcing, or fencing. Galvanized Metal Joist Hanger Formed steel component used to support end of load bearing joists and transmit loads to another joist or beam, galvanized. Galvanized Pipe A steel pipe galvanized to prevent rusting. Galvanizing Repair Repair of damaged galvanized surfaces by application of zinc rich paint. Gambrel Roof A type of gable roof where the roof planes on each side of the ridge each have two pitches, the lower being steeper and longer than the upper; also called a Curb Roof. Gang Box Electrical rough-in box constructed of metal or hard plastic, to provide for two or more outlets or switches. Gang Nail A sheet metal plate that has numerous sharp tabs that act as nails to hold the sheet metal plate over a joint in a light wood truss. Gang nail plate A steel plate attached to both sides at each joint of a truss. Sometimes called a fishplate or gussett. Gangway 1. A passageway. 2. A temporary passage over sometimes cleated planks on a construction site. Gap 1. An empty space between two objects. 2. A break in continuity. Gap-Graded Aggregate Aggregate containing particles of both large and small sizes, in which particles of certain intermediate sizes are wholly or substantially absent. Garage A room or building for storage of automobiles. Garage Door Opener An electrically driven mechanical device to raise and lower a garage door, usually activated by a radio control in the car or by a wall switch. Garbage Disposal Unit An electrically powered device, usually located in a kitchen sink, to grind household garbage and discharge it to the sewage system. Garbage Handling The act or process of the transport and discharge of waste materials. Garden Wall Bond A name that is given to any brick bond that is especially suitable for a wall two tiers thick, consisting of one header to three stretchers in every course. Garnet Paper Abrasive which is reddish in color, hard and sharp; comes from same source as semi-precious jewel by that name; more expensive than flint paper but lasts longer. Garret An attic room or attic. Gas 1. Any airlike substance which moves freely to fill the available space regardless of the quantity. 2. A combustible gaseous mixture; fuel gas. 3. Vapor; one of the three states of matter; compare with Liquid and Solid. Gas Checking Fine checking; wrinkling, frosting under certain drying conditions; said to be caused by rapid oxygen absorption or by impurities in the air. Gas Cock A fuel gas valve. Gas Concrete See Cellular Concrete. Gas Furnace A heating system that burns gas to produce heat. Gas lateral The trench or area in the yard where the gas line service is located, or the work of installing the gas service to a home. Gas Log A hollow perforated imitation log used as a gas burner in a fireplace. Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) An arc welding process wherein coalescence is produced by heating with an arc between a continuous filler metal (consumable) electrode and the work. Shielding is obtained entirely from an externally supplied gas, or gas mixture. Some methods of this proce Gas Meter A mechanical device for measuring and recording the volume of gas passing a given point. Gas Pocket A weld cavity caused by entrapped gas. Gas Pump A mechanical device to move gas or gasoline from one location to another. Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) An arc-welding process wherein coalescence is produced by heating with an arc between a single tungsten (nonconsumable) electrode and the work; shielding is obtained from a gas or gas mixture; pressure may or may not be used and filler metal may or may no Gas Valve Device in a pipeline for starting, stopping or regulating flow of gas. Gas Welding A welding process wherein coalescence is produced by heating with a gas flame or flames, with or without the application of pressure, and with or without the use of filler metal. Gas, Noncondensable See Noncondensable Gas. Gas-Tight Manhole Cover and Frame Air tight metal cover and frame over vertical access shaft from grade level down to underground utility or chamber. Gasholder A large cylindrical tank for storing gas under pressure. Gasket Sealing material at a crack; a sheet or ring of rubber, vinyl, or similar material shaped to seal the junction of metal surfaces. Gasket, Foam See Foam Gasket. Gasworks A place where gas is manufactured and processed. Gate Post The vertical member in a fence system upon which the gate hinges are mounted. Gate Valve A valve utilizing a wedge-shaped gate, which allows fluid flow when the gate is lifted from the seat. Gate, Fence See Fence Gate. Gate, Swing See Swing Gate. Gateway 1. A gate. 2. An opening for a gate. gathering tape A decorator tape in which cords are pulled up to create a gathered effect (using narrow, two-cord gathering tape) or pencil pleats (using a wider gathering tape). gaufrage From the French word for embossing or stamping, a pattern is applied to a fabric by means of heated rollers. It is mostly done on velvet for upholstery. Gauge 1. Measurement according to some standard system. 2. The thickness of sheet metal. 3. An instrument for measuring the size or quantity. 4. The distance between tufts across the width of knitted and tufted carpets, expressed in fractions of an inch. Gauge Port Opening or connection provided for a service technician to install a gauge. Gauge Pressure The pressure indicated on a pressure gauge, measured in pounds per square inch, and indicated as PSIG; compare with Absolute Pressure, indicated as PSIA. Gauge, Compound See Compound Gauge. Gauge, High Pressure See High Pressure Gauge. Gauge, Low Pressure See Low Pressure Gauge. Gauge, Manifold See Manifold Gauge. Gauge, Vacuum See Vacuum Gauge. Gauged Brick 1.Brick which have been sorted or otherwise produced to accurate dimensions. 2. A brick that has been rubbed on an abrasive stone to reduce it to a trapezoidal shape for use in an arch. Gauging 1. Another cementitious material (usually calcined gypsum, Keene's cement, or portland cement) added to lime putty to provide and control set. 2. The act of adding gauging material. Gauging Plaster A gypsum plaster formulated for use in combination with finish lime in finish coat plaster. Gauging Trowel The gauging trowel is larger than the pointing trowel but smaller than the buttering trowel. GB Gigabyte. 1,024 megabytes. Gel A semi-solid colloidal suspension or jell; a solid dispersed in a liquid; a jelly-like substance. Gelatin A product of the packing house; a glutinous material obtained from animal tissues by boiling; which can be cast into a semi-rigid mould; on account of its flexibility, it is particularly adaptable to moulds containing undercuts. General and Administrative Expenses Shown in the income statement as all items of expense of a general nature which cannot be specifically attributed to individual construction projects. General Conditions A written document, supplementing the specifications, which indicates and defines areas of the project relating to other than specific building trades. General Contract The agreement covering the work of general construction done by a prime contractor. General Contractor A contractor who enters into a contract with the owner of a project for the construction of the project and who takes full responsibility for its completion, although the contractor may enter into subcontracts with others for the performance of specific p General Drawing 1. A drawing showing elevations, plans and cross sections of the structure and the main dimensions. 2. A drawing showing the borings for substructure. General Journal The record used for recording business transactions not recorded in specific journals. General Ledger The record containing the summarization of all transactions of a business. General Partner A member of a partnership with unlimited management authority and liability. General Partnership Embodies the financial and personal resources of two or more persons who share in the owning and running of the business. General Requirements See Job Requirements. Generator A machine by which mechanical energy is changed into electrical energy. Gentrification The purchase and rehabilitation by the middle-classes of run-down properties. Geodesic The shortest line between two points on a given surface. Geodesic Dome A dome constructed according to the patents of R. Buckminster Fuller, in which the pattern of surface divisions is always a function of an entire sphere; commonly constructed with prefabricated structural triangles linked together in a mosaic to create th Geoid The sphere that defines the earth at the location of mean sea level. Geometry A branch of mathematics that deals with the measurement, properties, and relationships of points, lines, surfaces, and solids. georgette Available in many fibers and a fine fabric with a crepelike texture. It is available in a wide range of colors and drapes well. It can be used for lightweight curtains for beds and windows and for Austrian blinds. Geotechnical Engineer An engineer who specializes in rock and soil mechanics, groundwater, and foundations. Geotechnical Investigation The process of boring, sampling, and testing the soil at various depths to enable the geotechnical engineer to discover and analyze characteristics of the soil; also called Subsurface Investigation, Foundation Investigation, Soil Investigation, or Soil Te Geotextile Synthetic fabrics used to separate backfill materials for proper drainage; used in high retaining walls and landscape design. Geotextile Fabric A man made fabric used in the control of soil erosion. The fabric is available in roles of various widths and lengths, (color standards are usually white, black or gray) and usually vary from one manufacturer to the other. Various specifications are avail Gesso A plaster surface composed of gypsum plaster, whiting, and glue, used as a base for decorative painting. GF C I, or G F I Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter- an ultra sensitive plug designed to shut off all electric current. Used in bathrooms, kitchens, exterior waterproof outlets, garage outlets, and "wet areas". Has a small reset button on the plug. GFI Breaker Ground Fault Interrupter Breaker; supplies power, as any breaker does, but also monitors the amount of incoming and outgoing current; whenever the entering current does not equal the leaving current, indicating current leakage, the GFI instantly opens the GFRC Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Concrete. Ghosting In painting, patches of lighter color showing in dry coat; a coating with a skippy appearance. GI Galvanized Iron. Gild To apply a thin covering of gold. Gilding Process of obtaining a finish by using metal leaf. Gillmore Needle A device used in determining time of setting of hydraulic cement. Gilsonite A black, coal-like substance obtained from mines and used in the manufacture of black asphaltum varnish. gimp Woven braid used to ornament curtains, bed, and chairs. It can be very complex in design. Gin Pole A simple derrick consisting of a pole held nearly vertical by guy cables, a pulley at the top of the pole, and a hoisting rope. gingham A checked cotton fabric which is a perennial favorite cheap and charming furnishing fabric. Gingham comes in a wide range of primary colors and check sizes. The best gingham is made of pure cotton. It is often used in kitchens and childrenís rooms and for Girder A large or principal beam of wood or steel used to support concentrated loads at isolated points along its length. Girt A beam that supports wall cladding between columns. Gland A device for preventing leakage of fluid past a joint in machinery, as at a bearing. Glare Excessive brightness in the field of view. Glass A hard brittle usually transparent, translucent, or shiny substance, made by fusing sand with soda and lime. Glass Bead A narrow strip of plastic, metal, or wood used to hold glass in a sash; removable trim that holds glass in place. Glass Block A hollow masonry unit made of glass. glass curtains Sheer undercurtains hanging behind the main curtains. Glass Cutter A tool for cutting glass. Glass Door A metal or wood framed door manufactured with heat-strengthened or tempered glass. Glass Felt A felt sheet in which glass fibers are bonded into the felt sheet with resin; they are suitable for impregnation and coating; used in the manufacture and coating of bituminous waterproofing materials, roof membranes, and shingles. Glass Fiber Glass in the form of fine fibers used in fabrics. Glass Mat A thin mat of glass fibers with or without a binder. Glass Mosaic Tiles Tiles made of glass, usually in sizes not over two inches square and 1/4 inch thick, mounted on sheets of paper, usually twelve inches square. Glass Mullion System A method of constructing a large glazed area by stiffening the sheets of glass with perpendicular glass ribs. Glass Pipe Glass and glass-lined pipe used in process piping and in laboratories. Glass Tempering Association (GTA) White Lakes Professional Building, 3310 SW Harrison, Topeka, Kansas 66611, (913) 266-7064. Glass Wool Glass in the form of fine fibers used in insulation. Glass, Wire See Wire Glass. Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) Concrete with a strengthening admixture of short alkali-resistant glass fiber. Glassware Washer An apparatus for the cleaning of items made of glass. Glaze A ceramic coating matured to the glassy state on a formed ceramic article; also refers to the material or mixture from which the coating is made. Glaze Coat 1. The top layer of asphalt used on a smooth-surfaced built-up roof assembly. 2. A thin protective layer or coating of bitumen that is applied to the lower plies or the top ply of a built-up membrane when the top pouring and aggregate surfacing are delaye Glaze Fit The stress relationship between the glaze and body of a fired ceramic product. Glazed Block Concrete blocks with a surface produced by fusing it with a glazing material. Glazed Brick Brick or tile with a surface produced by fusing it with a glazing material. Glazed Bullnose A ceramic trim tile with a convex radius on one edge that has been given a glassy or glossy surface. Glazed Ceramic Mosaic Tile A glazed tile with a body that is suitable for interior use and which is usually nonvitreous and is not required to withstand excessive impact or be subject to freezing. Glazed Floor A floor covering that has had an application of a nearly transparent coating that enhances and protects the coat underneath. Glazed Interior Tile A glazed tile with a body that is suitable for interior use and which is usually non-vitreous, and is not required or expected to withstand excessive impact or be subject to freezing and thawing conditions. Glazed Paver Tile See Paver. Glazed Quarry Tile See Quarry Tile. Glazed Structural Unit, GSU A solid or hollow unit with a surface of applied smooth glossy nature, e.g. a tile with a fired glaze finish. Glazed Tile Tile with a fused impervious facial finish composed of ceramic materials, fused into the body of the tile which may be a non-vitreous, semi-vitreous, vitreous, or impervious body; the glazed surface may be clear, white, or colored. Glazed Tile, Extra Duty Glaze Tile with a durable glaze that is suitable for floors and all other surfaces. Glazed Wall Tile A wall tile with an impervious, glossy finish. Glazier One whose trade is setting glass. Glazier's point A small triangular sheetmetal nail to keep glass in place in a wood sash before puttying. Glazing 1. The trade of installing glass; the trade practiced by glaziers. 2. A transparent or translucent color applied to modify the effect of a painted surface. 3. In plastering, a condition created by the fines of a machine-dash texture plaster traveling to t Glazing Accessory Implements or devices needed in the glazing trade. glazing bars The bars of wood or metal which hold panes of glass in place. Glazing Bead A strip of wood or metal for holding a pane of glass in its frame or sash. Glazing Compound Any of a number of types of mastic or putty used to bed small lights of glass in a frame. Glitter A reflective material such as glass, diamond dust, or small pieces of variously colored aluminum foil projected into the surface of wet plaster or paint as a decorative treatment. Globe Valve A spherically shaped valve body which controls the flow of water with a compression disc which is opened and closed by means of a stem and mates with a ground seat to stop water flow. Globular Transfer A mode of metal transfer in gas metal-arc welding in which the consumable electrode is transferred across the arc in large droplets. Gloss A shiny, lustrous finish which reflects light. The term also refers to paint or enamel that dries to a high sheen or luster, usually with a hard, smooth coat. Gloss (paint or enamel) A paint or enamel that contains a relatively low proportion of pigment and dries to a sheen or luster. Gloss Enamel A finishing material made of varnish and pigments; such an enamel forms a hard coating with a smooth surface and high gloss. Gloss Oil A varnish composed primarily of limed rosin and petroleum thinner. Gloss Retention Ability to retain original sheen. Glost Fire The process of kiln-firing bisque ware to which glaze has been applied. Glovebag A polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride bag-like enclosure with integral gloves affixed around an asbestos-containing source so that the material may be removed while minimizing release of airborne fibers to the surrounding atmosphere. Gloves Protective covering for the hands to eliminate injury and improve grip. Gluability The ease or difficulty in bonding a material with adhesive; bondability. Glue Adhesive; commonly used in joining wood parts. Glue Block A small piece of wood used to strengthen and support two pieces of wood joined at an angle; see Corner Block. Glue Built-Up Members Structural elements, the sections of which are composed of built-up lumber, wood structural panels, or wood structural panels in combination with lumber; all parts bonded together with adhesives. Glue Gun A hand tool for the application of bulk or cartridge- type adhesives. Glue Joint A joint held together with glue. Glue Laminated Member Assemblies of wood laminations bonded together with adhesive so that longitudinal grain of laminations are approximately parallel; Architectural Grade commonly has a better degree of external finish and would be exposed in the finished building; Industria Glue Laminated Timber A timber made up of a large number of small strips of wood glued together. Glued Laminated Beam (Glulam) A structural beam composed of wood laminations or lams. The lams are pressure bonded with adhesives to attain a typical thickness of 1 ½" . (It looks like 5 or more 2 X 4's are glued together). Glulam Glue laminated timber. Glycerine Glycerol. Glycerol A sweet viscous liquid alcohol, almost colorless and odorless; used extensively in the production of alkyd resins and ester gum. Glycol Ethylene glycol, a thick chemical alcohol, used as an antifreeze. Glyph 1. A sculptured character or symbol. 2. A vertical groove as on a Doric frieze. GMP Guaranteed Maximum Price. Gneiss A usually coarse grained metamorphic rock foliated by mineral layers, principally of feldspar, quartz, and ferromagnesian minerals. Gnomon 1. The rod, pin, or style on a sundial that casts its shadow indicating the time. 2. The L shaped remainder of a parallelogram after the removal of a smaller similar parallelogram containing one of its corners. goblet pleats Pinch pleats with the top edge pushed out and padded to form a goblet shape. Goggles Protective covering for the eyes. Going Concern Concept The accounting assumption that a business will continue to operate for an indefinite period. Gold A yellow malleable ductile high density precious metallic element resistant to chemical reaction, occurring naturally in quartz veins and gravel. Gold Leaf Gold beaten into a very thin sheet, ordinarily 4 to 5 millionths of an inch in thickness. Gold Paint Mixture of bronze powder and bronzing liquid. Golf Shelter A structure placed on a golf course to be used for the safety of golfers in inclement weather. Gondola 1. A railroad car with a flat bottom, no top, and fixed sides for shipping heavy construction materials and equipment. 2. An island of shelves to display goods in a supermarket. Goodwill The value of a business over the book value or agreed value of its net assets based on its experience and reputation. Goose Neck A blacksmith's tool used to handle hot metals. Gothic An architectural style of Western Europe of the 12-16th centuries featuring pointed arches, vertical piers, buttresses, and vaults. Gothic Arch A pointed arch, with a joint at the apex rather than a keystone. Gouge 1. A chisel with a concave blade. 2. To overcharge. Grab Bar Metal or plastic bar attached to a bathroom wall, above a bathtub, near a toilet, or in a shower, to be used as a hand hold. See Flash Set. Graben A long, narrow trough bounded by one or more parallel normal faults; also called a Rift Valley. Graber Blind and shade fabricator. A division of Springs. Products include Crystal Pleat, Evenpleat, Crescendo, and others. (7549 Graber Rd., Middleton, WI 53562) Grad A metric unit of circular measurement; 400 grads equals a full circle equals 360 degrees. Gradall A hydraulic, wheel-mounted backhoe often used with a wide bucket for dressing earth slopes. Gradation The sizing of granular materials. for concrete materials, usually expressed in terms of cumulative percentages larger or smaller than each of a series of sieve openings or the percentages between certain ranges of sieve openings. Grade 1. The classification of lumber in regard to strength and utility in accordance with the rules of an approved lumber grading agency. 2. A gradient. 3. A predetermined degree of slope that a finished floor or ramped surface should have. 4. The horizontal g Grade beam A foundation wall that is poured @ level with or just below the grade of theearth. An example is the area where the 8' or 16' overhead garage door "block out" is located, or a lower (walk out basement) foundation wall is poured Grade Beam Formwork The system of support for freshly poured or placed concrete in a reinforced grade beam. Grade Beam Reinforcing The placing of metal or steel bars in a concrete grade beam. Grade Mark The stamp on lumber indicating its grade according to the rules of the lumber grading bureau that performed the inspection. Grade MW Brick A grade of brick intended to be used for exterior wall surfaces where water permeability is not expected and only slight frost action; MW means moderate weather. Grade NW Brick A grade of brick intended to be used for back up withes or interior exposure; NW means no weather. Grade Stake A stake indicating the amount of cut or fill required to bring the ground to a specified level. Grade SW Brick A grade of brick intended to be used for exterior wall surfaces and where water permeability and frost action may be expected; SW means severe weather. Graded Sand A mixture of sand in which the granules consist of fine, medium, and coarse sizes. Gradient 1. A stretch of road or railway that slopes from the horizontal. 2. The amount of such a slope. 3. The rate of rise or fall of temperature or pressure in passing from one region to another. Grading See Grade. Grading Aggregate The quantities of the various particle sizes present in a mineral aggregate, expressed as a percentage by mass of the whole. Also referred to as particle size distribution. Gradiometer A geophysical instrument that measures the vertical component of the earth's magnetic field; a very sensitive instrument, it can detect minor variations due to buried features. Graduated Payment Mortgage (GPM) A fixed-rate, fixed-schedule loan. It starts with lower payments than a level payment loan; payments rise annually, with the entire increase being used to reduce the outstanding balance. The increase in payments may enable the borrower to pay off a 30-yea Grain 1. The direction, size, arrangement, appearance, or quality of the fibers in wood or lumber. 2. The weight unit equal to 1/7000 pound; used in measuring atmospheric moisture content. Grain Alcohol Ethyl alcohol made from grain by distillation. Grain Raising Causing short fibers on surface of bare wood to stand up by applying water; liquids that do not raise the grain are known as non-grain-raising. Grain, edge (vertical) Edge-grain lumber has been sawed parallel to the pith of the log and approximately at right angles to the growth rings; i.e., the rings form an angle of 45° or more with the surface of the piece. Grain, flat Flat-grain lumber has been sawed parallel to the pith of the log and approximately tangent to the growth rings, i.e., the rings form an angle of less than 45° with the surface of the piece. Grain, quartersawn Another term for edge grain. Graining Simulating the grain of wood by using paint. Grainness Roughness of a protective film resembling grains of sand. Gram A metric unit of mass and weight equal to 1/1000 of a kilogram and nearly equal to one cubic centimeter of water at its maximum density. Gram Calorie See Calorie, 1. Grand Master Key A key that operates locks in several groups, each of which has its own master key. Grandstand A stand or bleachers for spectators, usually for a sporting event. Grandstand Seat A seat in a stand for spectators at a racecourse or stadium. Granite Igneous rock with visible crystals of quartz and feldspar. Granite Block A masonry unit consisting of a very hard natural igneous rock used for its firmness and endurance. Granite Curb Street curbing that is manufactured from granite blocks. Granite Paver .A type of igneous stone that is harder and more durable than regular bricks, used for driveways and patios for use with or without mortar. Granite Veneer A masonry facing attached to a main structure, made from granite. Granolithic Topping A covering layer consisting of an artificial stone of crushed granite and cement. Grant Deed A deed by which ownership in real property is transferred. Grantee A person receiving an interest in property. Grantor A person selling, granting, or giving up an interest in property. Granular Insulation Insulating material made of granular vermiculite or perlite or beaded styrene, placed in hollow, usually masonry, construction. Granular Pavement Refer Flexible Pavement. Granular Waterproofing Waterproofing material made of granular vermiculite or perlite or beaded styrene. Granules The size-graded mineral particles that are imbedded into the top surface of factory made mineral-surfaced asphalt shingles and cap sheet. Graph A diagram showing the relation between variable quantities, usually two variables, each measured along one of a pair of axes at right angles. Graphic Of or relating to the visual or descriptive arts, like writing, drawing, or photography. Graphite Black pigment consisting mostly of carbon obtained from natural deposits or produced from coke in an electric furnace. Grass Green low growing vegetation widely used as ground cover; see Lawn. Grass Cloth A wall covering manufactured from vegetable fibers, woven and laminated to paper for backing. Grass Cloth Tile Tile made from woven vegetable fibers that are laminated. Grate Cutting The act or process of snipping away a grate with hand tools, or cutting away a grate by acetylene torch or power tools. Grate Painting The act or process of applying paint to seal, prevent rust, or add color to a grating. Grate, Metal See Metal Grating. Grating Open grid of metal bars structurally formed. Grating Frame Frame, usually metal, to contain floor grating and provide means to anchor to floor construction. Grating Tread Horizontal surface of step made of steel grating. Grating, Metal See Metal Grating. Gravel Small rock particles resulting from natural disintegration and weathering such as river gravel; mechanically crushed stone. Gravel Fill Gravel layered at the bottom of an excavation to insure drainage of water. Gravel Mulch A protective covering of rock particles, used on the ground to reduce evaporation, prevent erosion, and control weeds. Gravel Roof A roof composed of layers of roofing felt for waterproofing, then sealed with tar or pitch and covered with a layer of gravel to assist in protection from wear and the sun. Gravel Stop A metal flange or strip with a vertical lip placed around a built-up roof to prevent loose gravel from falling off the roof; it is also used to present a finished edge detail in built-up roofing. Gravity 1. The force that attracts a body to the center of the earth. 2. The quality of having weight. Gravity Furnace An appliance, with a heat exchanger, that supplies hot air that is distributed by gravity. Gravity Ventilator A device installed in an opening in a room or building which is activated by air passing through to remove stale air and replace it with fresh air. Gravity Wall A retaining wall which depends solely on its weight to resist lateral forces of retained earth. Gray Blast Cleaning Commercial blast. Gray Paper The unsized, uncalendered paper used on the back side of regular gypsum board products and as the face and back paper on backing board products. Grayish Lacking in intensity of color. Grease Trap A device to trap and retain the grease content of wastewater and sewage. Great Calorie See Calorie, 2. Green Architecture Design that embraces energy conservation and minimal use of fossil fuels and non-renewable resources. Green Board A gypsum board having a tinted face paper usually light green (or blue) to distinguish special board types. Green Brickwork Brickwork in which the mortar has not yet set. Green Concrete Concrete which has set but which has not appreciably cured or hardened to its design strength. Green Design See Green Architecture. Green Lake A pigment; a mixture of Prussian blue and yellow lake, sold under various trade names. Green Masonry In masonry, a molded clay unit before it has been burned in preparation for building purposes; an uncured concrete masonry unit. Green Plaster Newly applied plaster that has not dried. Green Room A room in a theater for actors who are off-stage. Green Wood Freshly sawed or undried wood; twenty percent moisture or more. Greenbelt Strip of trees and shrubs growing parallel to a stream that prevents overuse of the top bank area by man, animals, and machinery. This strip of vegetation also retards rainfall runoff down the bank slope and provides a root system which binds soil particl Greenfield Site A building site that has never before been built upon; compare with Brownfield Site. Greenhouse A glassed enclosure used for cultivation or protection of tender plants. Greenhouse Effect The trapping of the sun's warmth in the lower atmosphere of the earth caused by an increase in carbon dioxide, which is more transparent to solar radiation from the earth. Gremlin A mischievous creature said to be responsible for malfunctions of machinery and equipment. Grid 1. A network of uniformly spaced horizontal and perpendicular lines, as for locating and referring to points on a drawing. 2. A set of surveyor's closely spaced reference lines laid out at right angles, with elevations taken at line intersections. Griddle, Kitchen A flat surface upon which food is cooked by dry heat. Grillage A framework composed of main runner channels and furring channels to support ceilings. Grille Component of the ventilation system that promotes air circulation in the occupied space by providing a means to return air; a metal screen or grating that allows for the circulation of air. Grin Condition where the backing shows through sparsely spaced pile tufts; carpets may be grinned (bent back) deliberately to reveal the carpet construction. Grind Gauge, Hegeman See Hegeman Grind Gauge. Grinder, Electric See Electric Grinder. Grit An abrasive obtained from slag and other materials. Groin A shore protection structure built (usually perpendicular to the shoreline) to trap littoral drift or retard erosion of the shore. Grommet Plastic, metal or rubber doughnut-shaped protector which lines holes where wires or tubing pass through wiring boxes or panels. Groove 1. The opening provided for a groove weld. 2. See Dado. 3. See Housing. 4. See Tongue and Groove. Groove Weld A weld made in the groove between two members to be joined; the standard types of groove welds are. Square, Single-Vee, Single-Bevel, Single-U, Single-J, Double-Vee, Double-Bevel, Double-U, and Double-J. grosgrain A silk cloth with a pronounced ribbed surface. Gross 1. An overall total exclusive of deductions. 2. A quantity of 12 dozen; 144. Gross Building Area The total building area, without deductions, expressed in square feet. Gross Cross Sectional Area Area measured by overall dimension, including voids as area. Gross Errors Errors that are easily detected as they are large in proportion to the context in which they arise. Gross Income The total income produced by a real estate investment, without deduction for loan repayment or expenses. Gross Leasable Area The total area of a building that is leasable to tenants; the gross building area less the unrentable areas. Gross Multiplier A rule-of-thumb method of appraising the value of income property by multiplying the gross annual income by a multiplier; this is an unreliable method, used primarily on residential property. Gross Profit The excess of net sales over the cost of goods sold. grotesque Ornamental motif based on Roman ornament found in grotto (underground chamber) of Golden House of Nero, featuring coiling foliage with people and animals in arabesques. Ground 1. An electrical connection with the earth. 2. A conducting connection whether intentional or accidental, between an electrical circuit or equipment and earth, or to some conducting body which serves in place of the earth. 3.A strip of wood assisting the Ground Acceleration Acceleration of the ground due to earthquake forces. Ground Bus In the main electrical service panel, where the neutral service wire attaches and is linked to the earth by the ground wire. Ground Coat In painting, the coating material which is applied before the graining colors or glazing coat. Ground Coil Heat exchanger buried in the ground; may be used either as an evaporator or as a condenser. Ground Color The background color against which the top colors create the pattern or figure in the design. Ground Cover Low lying planting materials that cover the ground, such as grass and ivy. 2. See Soil Cover. Ground Displacement The distance which ground moves from its original position during an earthquake. Ground Failure A situation in which the ground does not hold together such as during a landslide, mud flow, or liquefaction. Ground fault Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI, GFI)- an ultra sensitive plug designed to shut off all electric current. Used in bathrooms, kitchens, exterior waterproof outlets, garage outlets, and "wet areas". Has a small reset button on the plug. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Supplies power, as any receptacle does, but also monitors the amount of incoming and outgoing current; whenever the entering current does not equal the leaving current, indicating current leakage, the GFCI instantly opens the circuit. A faster overcurrent Ground Hydrant A water hydrant for the use in fighting fires, installed in the ground. Ground iron The plumbing drain and waste lines that are installed beneath the basement floor. Cast iron was once used, but black plastic pipe (ABS) is now widely used. Ground Lease A lease of the land. Ground Movement A general term; includes all aspects of motion. acceleration, velocity, displacement. Ground Paper Wallpaper coated with an overall background color. Ground Rent Rent consideration under a ground lease. Ground Rod A rod acting as a connecting body between electrical equipment and the ground. Ground Short Circuit Fault in an electrical circuit allowing electricity to flow into the metal parts of a mechanism. Ground Water Water in the subsoil. Ground Wire 1. Electrical wire which will safely conduct electricity from a structure into the ground. 2. A wire attached to dissipate electrostatic charge in airless spraying. Grounded Connected to the electrical circuit grounding conductor where one exists; or in other cases, connected to a grounding electrode meeting the required characteristics of the installation. Grounded Conductor A system or circuit conductor which is intentionally grounded. Grounding 1. The act or process of making an electrical connection with the earth. 2. A large conduction body, as the earth, used as a common return for an electric circuit. Grounding Clip A metal clipping device which is used to fasten a grounding wire to a pipe or fixture. Grounding Conductor A conductor that is used to ground electrical equipment or a grounded circuit to a grounding electrode. Grounding Conductor, Common Main In a grounded system, the conductor that connects both the circuit grounded conductor and the equipment grounding conductor to the grounding electrode. Grounding Conductor, Equipment A conductor used to connect the equipment being grounded to the service equipment enclosure. Grounding Conductor, Main In an ungrounded system, the conductor connecting the equipment grounding conductor at the service to the grounding electrode. Grounding Locknut A locknut serving as a connecting body between electrical equipment and a ground wire. Grounding Plug A type of electrical plug which grounds a device. Grounds Guides used around openings and at the floorline to strike off plaster. They can consist of narrow strips of wood or of wide subjambs at interior doorways. They provide a level plaster line for installation of casing and other trim. Groundscraper A wide spreading building of offices or apartments; compare with Skyscraper. Groundwater Water from an aquifer or subsurface water source. Groundwater flow Water that moves through the subsurface soil and rocks. Groundwater table The depth below the surface where the soil is saturated; that is the open spaces between the individual soil particles are filled with water. Above the groundwater table and below the ground surface the soil either has no water between the particles or is Grout A rich or strong cementitious or chemically setting mix used for filling masonry or tile joints and voids; a mixture of portland cement, aggregates, and water, which can be poured or pumped into cavities in concrete or masonry; also used for filling hollo Grout Bond The adhesion to, and the interlocking of grout with the masonry units and the reinforcement. Grout Lift An increment of height that grout is poured. Grout Mix The amount of each material specified, portland cement, fine aggregate, admixture, and water. Grout Pour The total height of masonry wall to be grouted prior to the erection of additional masonry. A grout pour will consist of one or more grout lifts. Grout Saw A saw-toothed carbide steel blade mounted on a wooden handle, used to remove old tile grout, also used in patching work; care should be used, as adjacent tiles can be easily damage; the carbide steel blade is brittle and will shatter if it is dropped or a Grout Scrubbing Pad A non-scratch nylon pad impregnated with abrasive used for cleaning grout from the surface of tile. Grout, Block See Block Grout. Grout, Epoxy See Epoxy Grout. Grout, Masonry See Masonry Grout. Grout-Aid A proprietary admix to reduce the shrinkage of grout, as placed by the high-lift grouting method. Grouted Hollow-Unit Masonry That form of grouted masonry construction in which certain designated cells of hollow units are continuously filled with grout. Grouted Multi-Wythe Masonry That form of grouted masonry construction in which the space between the wythes is solidly or periodically filled with grout. Grouting Process of filling tile joints, masonry block or cells, or any masonry type product with grout. Growth Ring The layer of wood growth put on a tree during a single growing season; annual growth ring. Grubbing The act or process of clearing and digging up roots and stumps. GSU Glazed Structural Unit. GTA Glass Tempering Association. GTAW Gas Tungsten-Arc Welding. Guarantee 1.Written or implied assurances for a specific part of the project, or for the project as a total. 2. An undertaking or document stating that a thing will or will not happen. Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) An amount stipulated in a construction contract as the maximum sum payable by the owner to the contractor for the work specified. Guarantor One who gives a guarantee. Guarded Covered, shielded, fenced, enclosed, or otherwise protected by suitable means to remove the liability of dangerous contact or approach by persons or objects to a point of danger. Guardrail 1. A safety railing used as a barrier to prevent encroachment or accidental falling from heights. 2. In street or highway construction, a barrier to keep vehicles in their lanes. 3. A device for protecting a machine part or the operator of a machine. Guardrail Removal The act or process of removing a protective or safety device. Guesstimate An estimate based on a mixture of guesswork and calculation. Guest Any person hiring or occupying a room for living or sleeping purposes. Guest Room Any room or rooms occupied, or intended or designed to be occupied by a guest for sleeping purposes. Guide Coat In painting, a coat similar in composition to the finish or color coat, but of a different color to help obtain complete coverage. Gum A nonvolatile viscous plant exudate which either dissolves or swells up in contact with water; many substances referred to as gums, such as pine and spruce gum, are actually oleoresins; used in making varnishes and paints. Gum Arabic The dry gummy exudation of Acacia Senegal, a white powdered resin, is used in adhesives, cold water paint, and in show card colors. Gum Turpentine Oleoresinous material obtained from living pine trees; gum turpentine, when distilled, provides gum rosin and gum spirits of turpentine. Gun Distance Space between tip of spray gun and work. Gunite A concrete material applied by pumping through a hose; also called dry-mix Shotcrete. Gusset A flat wood, plywood, or similar type member used to provide a connection at the intersection of wood members. Most commonly used at joints of wood trusses. They are fastened by nails, screws, bolts, or adhesives. Gusset Plate A flat steel plate to which the chords of a truss are connected at a joint; a stiffener plate. Gutta-Percha A tough plastic substance obtained from the latex of various Malaysian trees, resembles rubber but contains more resin, is used as insulation and other uses. Gutter A channel to collect rainwater and snow melt at the eaves of a roof; a shallow channel constructed of steel, copper, aluminum, or plastic compounded with other materials to increase strength and wearing or rust resistance, positioned just below and along Gutter Nail A long nail used for hanging rainwater gutters on light wood framed residences. Gutter or nave trough A shallow channel or conduit of metal or wood set below and along the eaves of a house to catch and carry off rainwater from the roof. Gutter Removal The act or process of tearing down and carrying away an old gutter system. Gutter Strap Metal band used to support the gutter. Guy Cable A wire used to secure a tall exterior mast, antenna, or other structure in place. Guy Rod A metal rod with a cable or rope attached, leading to an object to support and stabilize it. Gym Gymnasium. Gym Curtain A vertical piece of fabric used to divide a gymnasium into separate areas. Gym Floor A level surface, usually made of a resilient hardwood, used for events and sports that take place in a gymnasium. Gym Locker A lockable compartment used to store personal effects while a person is using gym facilities. Gym Scoreboard A large board found in a gymnasium, which displays the score and often other information of a game or match. Gymnasium A room or building used for indoor sports. Gymnasium Floor Anchor Channel Metal channel used to anchor wood gymnasium flooring. Gymnasium Underfloor Insulation Insulation, usually board insulation, located between sleepers below gymnasium wood flooring to dampen the sound drum effect. Gyp board Drywall. Wall board or gypsum- A panel (normally 4' X 8', 10', 12', or 16')made with a core of Gypsum (chalk-like) rock, which covers interior walls and ceilings. Gypsite An earthy deposit found at or near the surface of the ground, consisting of finely crystalline gypsum mixed with loam, clay, sand, and humus; gypsum content generally ranges from 60% to more than 90%. Gypsum A common naturally occurring mineral composed of hydrous calcium sulfate, CaSO42H2O; the main component of sheetrock or drywall; gypsum, when heated, forms plaster-of-Paris. Gypsum Association (GA) 810 First Street, NE, #510, Washington, DC 20002, (202) 289-5440. Gypsum Backing Board A 1/4 (6.35 mm)to 5/8 inch (15.875 mm) thick gypsum board for use as a backing for gypsum wallboard, acoustical tile or other dry cladding. Gypsum Block A cast gypsum building unit; also called a Gypsum Tile. Gypsum Concrete A calcium gypsum mixed with wood chips, or aggregate, or both, used primarily for poured roof decks. Gypsum Core Board A 3/4 (19.0 mm) to 1 inch (25.4 mm) gypsumboard consisting of a single board or factory laminated multiple boards used as a gypsum stud or core in semisolid or solid gypsum board partitions. Gypsum Fill Troweled on plaster material to make depressions level. Gypsum Formboard A gypsumboard used as the permanent form for poured gypsum roof deck. Gypsum Gauging Plaster A plaster for mixing with lime putty to control the setting time and initial strength of the finish coat; classified either as quickset or slowset. Gypsum High Strength Basecoat Plaster A gypsum cement for use with sand aggregate to achieve high compressive strength plaster. Gypsum Lath A plaster base manufactured in the form of sheets or slabs of various sizes and either 3/8 or 1/2 inch thick, having an incombustible core, essentially gypsum, and surfaced with special paper suitable for receiving gypsum plaster. Gypsum Masonry Molded, lightweight masonry units made from gypsum plaster, water and fiber. Gypsum Molding Plaster A specially formulated plaster used in casting and ornamental plasterwork; may be used neat or with lime. Gypsum Neat Plaster A plaster requiring the addition of aggregate on the job; it may be unfibered or fibered (vegetable, or glass fibers). Gypsum plaster Gypsum formulated to be used with the addition of sand and water for base-coat plaster. Gypsum Ready Mixed Plaster A plaster which is mixed at the mill with a mineral aggregate and may contain other ingredients to control time of set and working properties; only the addition and mixture of water is required on the job; also called Mill-Mixed and Pre-Mixed Gypsum Roof Deck A lightweight roofing substrate made of gypsum in the form of structural boards or poured in place over a structural deck. Gypsum Sheathing Flat sheet material of gypsum board with water repellent paper secured to exterior side of walls, roof or floor framing used to create rigidity in building superstructure, serve as base to receive other construction, and add fire resistive characteristics Gypsum Tile See Gypsum Block. Gypsum Trowel Finish Various proprietary ready-mixed finish coat materials consisting essentially of calcined gypsum. Gypsum Wall Sheathing, Fire-Rated Flat sheet material of fire rated gypsum board. Gypsum Wallboard A gypsum board used primarily as interior surfacing material for building structures. Gypsum Wood-Fibered Plaster A mill-mixed plaster containing a small percentage of wood fiber as an aggregate, used for fireproofing and high strength. Gypsum, Alpha See Alpha Gypsum. Gypsumboard An interior facing panel consisting of a gypsum core sandwiched between paper faces; also called Drywall, Plasterboard, or Sheetrock. Gyrate To go in a circle or spiral; revolve, whirl.