Building Technology & Materials – Comprehensive Vocabulary Review

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers key terms, materials, tools, defects, and notable figures discussed across the Building Technology lecture notes, providing a concise definition for each to aid exam review.

Plastic

A synthetic material that can be molded when soft and retains its shape after hardening.

Thermoplastic

Plastic that softens when heated and hardens when cooled each time the cycle is repeated; recyclable.

Thermosetting plastic

Plastic that permanently hardens after heat and pressure are applied and cannot be remolded.

Rigid plastics

Plastics with high modulus of elasticity that retain shape under normal exterior stresses.

Semi-rigid plastics

Plastics with medium modulus of elasticity whose elongation disappears immediately after pressure removal.

Soft plastics

Low-modulus plastics whose elongation disappears slowly once pressure is removed.

Elastomers

Soft, elastic plastics that can stretch up to 10× their original length and recover completely.

Polyethylene (PE)

Common thermoplastic noted for light weight; often used for packaging films and containers.

Polyurethane (PU)

Versatile plastic that can be produced as foam, elastomer, or rigid form; used in insulation and cushions.

Polycarbonate (PC)

Impact-resistant, transparent thermoplastic that can be remolded and recycled.

Epoxy

Thermosetting resin valued for high strength and chemical resistance; used in adhesives, coatings, and foams.

Phenolic resin

Thermosetting plastic known for heat resistance and good electrical properties.

Silicone (plastic/ sealant)

Flexible, heat-resistant polymer widely used as weather-resistant sealant and medical tubing.

Fluoroplastics (PTFE)

Plastics with exceptional chemical resistance and low friction; used for medical tubes and non-stick coatings.

ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene)

Tough, lightweight thermoplastic used for casings, pipes, and 3-D printing filaments.

Sealant

Material used to fill gaps or joints to prevent passage of air, water, or dust.

Silicone sealant

Highly flexible, durable sealant with excellent weather resistance; suitable for most construction joints.

Acrylic sealant

Paintable, low-movement sealant typically used for interior gaps and cracks.

Polyurethane sealant

Elastic, abrasion-resistant sealant for expansion joints and high-stress areas.

Epoxy sealant

High-performance sealant/adhesive for structural bonding, anchoring, and chemical resistance.

Adhesive

Substance used to join or bond two or more materials together.

Cohesion

Internal strength of a sealant or adhesive—the attraction between like molecules within the material.

Adhesion

Ability of a sealant or adhesive to bond to the surfaces being joined.

Curing time

Duration required for a sealant or adhesive to fully set and reach maximum strength.

Damp proofing

Technique to control and minimize moisture passage through walls, floors, or other surfaces.

Waterproofing

Method that provides complete protection against water penetration.

Liquid-applied waterproofing

Waterproofing membrane formed in place by applying a liquid that cures into a seamless film.

Sheet-membrane waterproofing

Waterproofing using pre-manufactured sheets (e.g., bituminous or PVC) bonded to the substrate.

Integral-additive waterproofing

Waterproofing achieved by adding admixtures (e.g., Sahara Cement Compound) directly into concrete mix.

Chemical barrier (termite)

Soil-applied chemical treatment that repels or kills termites before they reach the structure.

Physical barrier (termite)

Non-chemical material layer that blocks termite entry, such as stainless-steel mesh or sand.

Subterranean termites

Most common termites; live in soil and build mud tubes to reach above-ground wood.

Dampwood termites

Termites inhabiting wood with very high moisture content, such as decaying logs.

Drywood termites

Termites that live within dry, sound wood in structures and need no soil contact.

Termite baiting system

Control method using bait stations with slow-acting toxicants carried back to the colony.

Fiberglass insulation

Thermal insulation made of fine glass fibers; widely used in walls and ceilings.

Mineral wool insulation

Insulation made from molten rock or slag fibers; offers fire resistance and sound absorption.

Cellulose insulation

Recycled-paper insulation blown into walls and attics; treated for fire and insect resistance.

Natural insulation

Eco-friendly insulation derived from renewable materials like cotton, wool, or hemp.

Pigment (paint)

Finely ground particles that provide color, opacity, and UV resistance to paint.

Binder (vehicle)

Paint component that holds pigment together and adheres film to the surface.

Solvent

Liquid that adjusts paint viscosity and evaporates during drying, leaving a solid film.

Additive (paint)

Minor paint ingredient that imparts special properties such as mildew resistance or flow control.

Alkyd paint

Oil-based paint that dries to a hard, glossy, durable finish (e.g., Davies Gloss-it).

Latex paint

Water-based paint using synthetic polymer binder; low odor and quick-drying.

Gloss paint

High-sheen finish offering superior washability and durability.

Semi-gloss paint

Moderate sheen paint ideal for interior walls that need easy cleaning.

Flat paint

Non-reflective paint commonly used on ceilings and low-traffic walls.

Eggshell paint

Low-sheen paint with slight luster; hides imperfections better than gloss.

Paint roller

Tool for applying paint quickly over large surfaces.

Paint tray

Shallow pan with ridges that holds paint and removes excess from roller or brush.

Efflorescence (paint)

White powdery deposits formed by migrating salts on paint surface.

Fading

Loss of paint color due to UV exposure or weathering.

Chalking

Powdery residue caused by binder degradation under sunlight or weather.

Staining (paint)

Discoloration of paint film from substances migrating from substrate.

Blistering (paint)

Bubbles in paint film caused by moisture or heat beneath surface.

Sagging (paint)

Downward flow of paint forming curtains or runs, often from over-application.

Flaking (paint)

Peeling of paint layers due to poor adhesion or substrate movement.

Orange peel (paint)

Uneven paint texture resembling citrus skin due to spray application issues.

Varnish

Clear protective coating that enhances wood grain and resists moisture.

Rust-resistant paint

Coating formulated to protect metal surfaces from oxidation.

Wood stain

Transparent or semi-transparent finish that colorizes wood while showing grain.

Turpentine

Common diluent/solvent for oil-based paints and varnishes.

Rough hardware

Concealed or structural metal fittings such as nails, bolts, and screws.

Finish hardware

Exposed, decorative hardware like hinges, locks, and handles.

Carriage bolt

Round-headed bolt used in wood; classified as rough hardware.

Stopped hinge

Hinge that limits door opening to about 90°.

Threshold

Strip at floor under a door; bridges material changes and helps weatherproofing.

Panic hardware

Door latching device allowing quick egress during emergencies; used on fire exits.

Escutcheon

Protective or decorative plate surrounding a keyhole, knob, or switch.

Carpenter’s square

Tool for measuring or checking right angles in woodworking.

Level

Instrument to determine if a surface is horizontal (level) or vertical (plumb).

Circular saw

Power saw with rotating blade used for straight cuts in wood.

Jigsaw

Hand-held saw for making curved or irregular cuts.

Table saw

Stationary saw with circular blade protruding through a table; makes long rip cuts.

Miter saw

Chop-style saw that makes precise crosscuts and angled cuts (miters).

Impact driver

Power tool for driving screws/fasteners with high rotational torque.

Router

Rotary tool that cuts decorative edges, grooves, and hollows in wood.

Orbital sander

Finishing sander that provides swirl-free surface on wood.

Miter joint

Joint created by cutting two pieces at 45° to form a 90° corner.

Butt joint

Simple joint where two members meet end-to-end or edge-to-edge without shaping.

Dowel joint

Wood joint reinforced with round wooden pins inserted into aligned holes.

Tongue-and-groove joint

Interlocking joint with a protruding tongue on one board fitting into a groove on the other.

Lap joint

Joint where two pieces overlap partially along their length.

Toe nail

Nail driven at an angle to join two pieces of wood.

Mallet

Wooden or rubber-faced hammer used to strike chisels or assemble joinery without damaging surface.

Portland cement

Hydraulic cement invented by Joseph Aspdin; basis of most modern concrete.

ASTM C-150 Type I cement

General-purpose Portland cement for reinforced concrete construction.

Fine aggregate

Sand passing 80–95 % through a No. 4 sieve (4.75 mm openings).

Compression (concrete)

Primary stress concrete resists; steel reinforcement provides tension resistance.

Pre-tensioning

Prestressing method where tendons are stretched before concrete placement.

Post-tensioning

Prestressing method where tendons are tensioned after concrete has hardened.

Class B concrete

Mix ratio 1 : 2.5 : 5 (cement : sand : gravel).

Hand mixing

Concrete mixing method suitable for small or repair projects.

Free-fall distance (concrete)

Limit of 3 ft (≈1 m) drop for unexposed concrete to avoid segregation.

Phenolic board

Resin-impregnated plywood sheet commonly used for smooth reusable formwork.

Concrete curing

Process of maintaining moisture, temperature, and time to allow concrete to gain strength.

Efflorescence (concrete)

White salt deposits on concrete surface caused by water-borne soluble salts.

Retarder (admixture)

Chemical admixture that slows concrete setting time; useful in hot climates.

Slump test

Field test measuring concrete workability by slump (height loss) of a cone-shaped sample.