Anchor Bolt
Steel bolts embedded in concrete foundations that secure metal building columns and base plates in place.
Steel bolts embedded in concrete foundations that secure metal building columns and base plates in place.
American Institute of Steel Construction. A technical body that develops standards, codes, and guidance for the design, fabrication, and erection of structural steel in buildings and bridges.
Association of Iron and Steel Engineers. A professional association focused on engineering practices, technologies, and operations in the iron and steel industry. Today its legacy continues through steel industry technical groups and publications.
American Iron and Steel Institute. An association representing North American steel producers that develops design guides and standards, especially for cold formed steel structures.
A structural design method where materials are sized so that the working stresses under service loads stay below a specified allowable limit. Safety is built in by keeping stresses well under the material strength.
Steel that is coated with a layer of aluminum or an aluminum alloy to improve corrosion resistance, especially in harsh or high temperature environments.
A structural or supporting frame made from aluminum sections. It is lightweight, corrosion resistant, and commonly used in façades, windows, and curtain wall systems.
A steel bolt cast into concrete or installed later to fasten structural elements such as columns or equipment bases to a concrete foundation.
A threaded steel rod used to connect structural steel to concrete. Similar to an anchor bolt, but the term often refers to longer or heavier duty rods used in structural applications.
A steel section shaped like the letter L. It is commonly used for bracing, frames, supports, and connections in steel structures.
Any force or weight that acts on a structure or component. This includes people, equipment, wind, snow, and other forces the structure must safely resist.
Technical drawings prepared by architects that show the layout, appearance, and functional design of a building, including plans, elevations, and sections.
The exterior face or outer skin of a building, often designed for both appearance and performance such as weather protection and thermal control.
A written document that describes materials, workmanship, finishes, and installation requirements for architectural elements of a project.
Drawings that show the final constructed condition of a project, including all changes made during construction compared to the original design.
American Society of Civil Engineers. A professional organization that publishes widely used civil engineering standards, including structural loading standards for buildings and infrastructure.
A drawing that shows how multiple parts fit and are connected together to form a complete unit or system.
Describes a shape, structure, or system in which the arrangement and dimensions are not identical on either side of a central axis.
The use of software, scripts, and digital workflows to speed up and improve the accuracy of steel detailing tasks such as modeling, drawing generation, and quantity extraction.
Secondary loads that are not part of the main structural system but still affect it. Examples include loads from pipes, cable trays, platforms, or maintenance equipment attached to the structure.
A window that is hinged at the top and opens outward from the bottom. It allows ventilation while providing some protection from rain.
A force that acts along the length of a structural member, either pulling it in tension or pushing it in compression.
The distance between two main frames of a metal building, measured along the building length.
A steel plate welded to the bottom of a column that distributes loads to the foundation and connects via anchor bolts.
A slight upward curve built into a beam or truss during fabrication so that it becomes level under load.
A projecting roof or cover supported by the building or by its own supports, used to provide shelter over entrances or walkways.
A projecting structural member that is supported at only one end, with the other end extending freely.
Steel plate placed on top of a column, beam, or pile to provide a flat bearing surface or to connect other structural members.
The movement of water through small gaps or pores in materials, which can draw moisture upward or inward against gravity.
A flexible sealing material used to close joints or gaps in building components to prevent air and water leakage.
C-shaped steel section produced through hot rolling. It is commonly used for framing, supports, and secondary structural members.
The process of identifying conflicts between building components in a digital model.
Small steel plate or angle used to connect secondary members such as girts or purlins to main structural members.
A shaped filler, often foam or rubber, used at roof or wall panel ends to close gaps and prevent entry of water, dust, or insects.
A manufacturing process where steel is shaped at room temperature by bending or rolling, commonly used to produce light gauge steel sections.
Refers to steel members shaped at room temperature, typically thin gauge sections used for light framing, decking, and cladding supports.
Permanent loads other than the main structural weight, such as ceilings, lighting, sprinklers, ductwork, and other attached building systems.
A vertical structural member that carries loads from beams, slabs, or roofs down to the foundation.
The assembly at the bottom of a column, including the base plate, anchor rods, and grout, that transfers column loads into the foundation.
The method of joining two or more structural members using bolts, welds, plates, or other fastening systems so they act together.
Methods used to prevent or slow down rust and deterioration of metal, such as painting, galvanizing, or applying protective coatings.
Materials applied over roofs or walls to provide weather protection and sometimes insulation or fire resistance.
Machine used to lift and move heavy materials horizontally and vertically within a construction or industrial facility.
Forces applied to a structure due to crane operation, including lifted weight, crane self weight, impact, and horizontal forces from movement.
Steel rail mounted on top of a runway beam that provides a smooth, durable track for crane wheels.
A horizontal beam that supports and guides the wheels of an overhead bridge crane as it travels along a building.
A raised frame or support, often made of metal or concrete, used on roofs to support equipment like HVAC units or skylights.
A non load bearing exterior wall system, usually made of glass and metal framing, that encloses a building and transfers its own weight and wind loads back to the main structure.
A device installed in a structure to reduce vibrations or control movement caused by wind, machinery, or seismic activity.
The permanent weight of a structure and all fixed components such as beams, slabs, walls, roofing, and built-in equipment.
The amount a structural member bends or moves under load. Excessive deflection can affect performance, appearance, or safety.
The set of requirements, assumptions, and standards used as the basis for designing a structure, including loads, codes, material properties, and performance expectations.
The loads a structure is specifically designed to resist, including dead load, live load, wind, seismic forces, snow, and other applicable forces based on codes and standards.
Structural members placed at an angle between columns or beams to provide stability and resist lateral forces.
The way a floor or roof system acts like a horizontal beam or plate to transfer lateral loads such as wind or seismic forces to vertical resisting elements like walls or frames.
A track or guiding component that keeps a sliding or overhead door aligned and moving in the correct path.
A vertical pipe that carries rainwater from roof gutters down to the ground or drainage system.
The horizontal movement of a building or structure, usually at the top, caused by wind or seismic forces. Building codes limit allowable drift to control damage.
A tapered steel tool or pin used during erection to align holes in steel members so bolts can be inserted more easily.
The lower edge of a roof that extends beyond the exterior wall, helping direct rainwater away from the building.
The vertical distance from the finished floor or grade level up to the eave line where the roof meets the sidewall.
A structural member located at the eave that supports the roof and wall panels and helps tie the roof system to the wall system.
A load applied at a point away from the centerline of a structural member, creating both direct stress and bending effects.
The distance from the center of a bolt hole or fastener to the nearest edge of a connected part. Proper edge distance helps prevent tearing or failure at connections.
The length of a compression member used in buckling calculations, based on its end support conditions and bracing.
A structural design approach that assumes materials remain within their elastic range under design loads, meaning they return to their original shape when the load is removed.
The structural frame located at the end of a building that supports roof and wall loads and transfers them to the foundation.
The exterior wall at the gable end or end of a building, often framed differently from sidewalls.
The process of assembling and installing structural components on site to form the completed framework of a building or structure.
Drawings prepared for use in the field that show how structural components are to be assembled and installed during construction.
A deliberate gap between parts of a structure that allows movement due to temperature changes, shrinkage, or other effects without causing damage.
The process of cutting, shaping, drilling, welding, and assembling materials, usually steel, in a workshop before they are delivered to the site.
A horizontal finishing piece installed along the edge of a roof, covering the ends of rafters or purlins and providing a neat appearance.
A device such as a bolt, screw, rivet, or nail used to join two or more components together.
The arrangement and design of windows, doors, and other openings in a building exterior.
Refers to work performed at the construction site rather than in a factory or fabrication shop.
A bolt installed on site during erection to connect structural members, as opposed to shop bolts installed in the fabrication facility.
A strip of material used to close small gaps between building components, often to improve weather tightness or appearance.
A decorative architectural element placed at the top or end of a roof, gable, or spire.
A column base condition where rotation is restrained, allowing the base to resist bending moments as well as vertical and horizontal forces.
The projecting edge of a structural member, such as the top and bottom parts of an I-beam, that resists bending stresses.
A member used to support and stabilize the flange of a beam or girder, helping prevent lateral movement or twisting.
Thin metal or other waterproof material installed at joints and intersections to prevent water from entering the building.
The widened base of a foundation that spreads structural loads over a larger area of soil to prevent settlement.
Any push or pull acting on a structure or component, such as gravity, wind, or impact.
The lower part of a structure that transfers building loads safely into the ground. It includes footings, piers, piles, and foundation walls.
An opening in a wall or roof that is reinforced with additional framing members to support loads around doors, windows, or equipment.
The structural framework of a building, made up of beams, columns, joists, studs, and other members that support loads.
Construction drawings that show the layout, size, and connection details of structural framing members.
The triangular upper portion of a wall formed at the end of a pitched roof.
A roof with two sloping sides that meet at a ridge, creating gable ends at both sides of the building.
Steel or iron that has been coated with a layer of zinc to protect it from rust and corrosion.
A measure of thickness, often used for sheet metal. In most systems, a higher gauge number means a thinner material.
A large primary beam that supports smaller beams or joists and carries significant structural loads.
A horizontal member attached to columns in a wall system that supports wall panels and helps resist wind loads.
The installation of glass or similar transparent material into windows, doors, or curtain wall frames.
A reinforced concrete beam at ground level that connects foundations or columns and helps distribute loads.
Loads that act downward due to gravity, including the weight of the structure itself and its permanent or temporary contents.
A fluid mixture, often cement based, used to fill gaps, level surfaces, or transfer loads between components such as base plates and foundations.
A flat steel plate used to connect structural members at joints, especially in trusses and bracing systems.
A channel installed along the edge of a roof to collect and direct rainwater toward downspouts.
A supporting device used to suspend pipes, ducts, ceilings, or structural members from a roof or floor structure.
A thickened or reinforced portion of a beam or rafter near its support, designed to increase strength and reduce bending stresses at that location.
A horizontal structural member placed over an opening such as a door or window to carry loads above the opening to the sides.
Special structural bolts made from high strength steel and used in critical connections where greater clamping force and load capacity are required.
A column base condition that allows rotation but resists vertical and horizontal movement, meaning it does not significantly resist bending moment.
A roof where all sides slope downward toward the walls, with no vertical gable ends.
A protective cover or canopy installed above a door opening to shield it from rain and weather.
A lifting device that uses a drum or lift wheel with rope or chain to raise and lower loads vertically.
Bracing members installed in a horizontal plane, often in roofs or floors, to stabilize the structure and transfer lateral loads.
Refers to steel that is formed at high temperatures above its recrystallization point, resulting in standard structural shapes with uniform properties and rounded edges.
International Conference of Building Officials. A former organization that developed model building codes used in parts of the United States before the creation of the International Code Council.
A load applied suddenly, often due to collision, dropped objects, or moving equipment. It produces higher stresses than the same load applied gradually.
A power tool that delivers strong, sudden rotational force to tighten or loosen bolts and nuts, commonly used in steel erection and equipment installation.
Material or construction placed within the frame of a building, such as wall panels, masonry, or partitions, that fills space but may or may not be load bearing.
Materials used in walls, roofs, and floors to reduce heat transfer, improve energy efficiency, and sometimes control sound.
A structural frame located between the end frames of a building, supporting roof and wall loads along the length of the structure.
Air pressure that builds up inside a building due to wind entering through openings, which can increase the load on walls and roof systems.
A structural steel member shaped like the letter I, with top and bottom flanges connected by a vertical web. It is widely used for beams and columns because of its efficient bending resistance.
A secondary beam that supports other framing members such as joists or rafters, often used around openings or where framing layout changes.
A shorter or partial truss that supports roof or floor loads in areas where a full length truss cannot be used, such as near openings or changes in building width.
A type of crane with a horizontal arm called a jib that supports a hoist and can rotate to move loads within a limited area.
A device used in fabrication to hold and position components accurately during cutting, drilling, or welding to ensure consistency and precision.
A horizontal structural member, smaller than a beam, that supports floors or roofs and transfers loads to larger beams or walls.
The location where two or more structural or building components meet and are connected, allowing forces to be transferred between them.
A bracing system where diagonal members form the shape of the letter K between columns and beams. It helps resist lateral loads such as wind and improves frame stability.
A small steel plate used in connections to align, lock, or strengthen the joint between structural members.
A special elbow fitting in a downspout that directs water away from the building foundation at the base of the wall.
A unit of force equal to one thousand pounds. It is commonly used in structural engineering in the United States to express loads.
The region of a rigid frame where a column and rafter meet, typically near the eave, and where bending stresses are often high.
A short diagonal member installed between a column and a beam or rafter near the knee to add stiffness and reduce frame movement.
A force that acts horizontally on a structure, such as wind or seismic forces, which can cause sideways movement or sway.
A simple structure or roof extension that slopes in one direction and is supported by another building or wall on one side.
The overall distance from one end of a structural member or building to the other, measured along its main axis.
A steel plate placed under a base plate to help achieve the correct elevation and provide a level surface before grouting.
An interior metal panel installed on the inside face of walls or roofs to provide a finished surface and sometimes protect insulation.
A horizontal structural member placed over an opening such as a door or window to support the load of the wall or roof above.
Loads that can change over time, such as people, furniture, vehicles, or stored materials, as opposed to permanent structural weight.
A special washer used with high strength bolts that shows when the correct bolt tension has been achieved during installation.
All forces and weights that act on a structure, including dead, live, wind, seismic, snow, and equipment loads.
Bracing installed along the length of a building to provide stability and help resist lateral forces in that direction.
A slatted opening or panel designed to allow air to pass through while blocking rain, sunlight, or debris.
The primary structural frame of a building, typically made up of rigid frames, columns, and rafters that carry the main loads.
The company that fabricates and supplies building components such as structural steel, metal building systems, or cladding materials.
An engineer employed or contracted by the manufacturer who is responsible for the design and engineering of the manufacturer’s products and systems.
Construction made from individual units such as bricks, blocks, or stones, usually bonded together with mortar.
Metal Building Manufacturers Association. An industry association that provides standards, research, and guidance related to the design and performance of metal building systems.
Any individual structural component such as a beam, column, brace, or joist that forms part of a structural system.
Flexible insulation made from fiberglass, commonly supplied in rolls or blankets, used in metal building walls and roofs to reduce heat transfer and condensation.
A document provided by a steel mill that certifies the chemical composition and mechanical properties of a batch of steel, confirming it meets specified standards.
A structural connection designed to transfer bending moments as well as shear and axial forces, creating a rigid joint between members.
A property of a cross section that indicates its resistance to bending. Larger values mean the member will deflect less under the same load.
An overhead track system with a hoist that moves along a single rail, used to lift and transport materials within a limited path.
A building with more than one span between main frames or columns, often including interior columns to support the roof.
A group of connected or adjacent buildings that function together but may have separate frames or structural systems.
The movement of air through a building using openings such as windows, vents, and louvers without mechanical fans, helping control temperature and air quality.
The effective cross sectional area of a structural member after deductions for holes, cuts, or other reductions. It is used in strength calculations, especially for tension members.
The remaining cross section of a member at a critical location after accounting for bolt holes or other openings that reduce its area.
A building configuration where smaller frames are placed inside the spacing of larger frames, often used in metal buildings to reduce material weight and improve efficiency.
A load value specified for design purposes that may be rounded or based on standard assumptions rather than exact measured values.
The stated or designated thickness of a material, which may differ slightly from the actual measured thickness due to manufacturing tolerances.
A structural system where different materials such as steel and concrete act independently rather than being bonded together to share loads.
A cut or indentation made in a structural member, often to allow another component to fit or pass through. Notches must be carefully designed to avoid weakening the member.
A lightweight structural member made of top and bottom chords connected by a web of diagonal or vertical members, used to support floors or roofs while allowing space for services to pass through.
Any intentional gap or space in a wall, roof, or floor for doors, windows, vents, or equipment access.
The load produced by equipment or machinery during normal use, including moving parts and dynamic effects.
A projecting structural member that extends beyond the main support line to provide additional stability or to support overhanging loads.
The portion of a roof or floor that extends beyond the supporting wall or column below.
Large doors that open vertically and are commonly used in industrial or commercial buildings for vehicle or equipment access.
The total vertical dimension of a building or component from the lowest reference point to the highest point.
A flat or formed building component used in walls, roofs, or floors, often made of metal, concrete, or composite materials.
A low wall that extends above the edge of a roof, terrace, or balcony, often used for safety, screening, or architectural appearance.
The highest point of a sloped roof where two roof surfaces meet, also called the ridge.
Standard sized doors designed for people rather than vehicles or large equipment.
A vertical structural element, usually made of concrete or masonry, that supports loads from beams, columns, or walls and transfers them to the ground.
A structural connection that allows rotation but resists translation, meaning it does not transfer significant bending moment between members.
The slope of a roof, typically expressed as the ratio of vertical rise to horizontal run.
A flat steel element used in connections, base plates, stiffeners, or as a structural component in built up members.
A rigid frame with fixed connections between columns and beams that resists both vertical and lateral loads through bending action.
A vertical member that supports loads, similar to a column but often used in smaller scale or non structural applications.
A structural building system in which vertical posts serve as the primary load-bearing elements, supporting roof and wall framing and transferring loads directly to the foundation or ground.
A construction system using vertical posts and horizontal beams as the main structural framework.
A building system where structural components are designed and fabricated in a factory and then assembled on site, commonly used for steel industrial buildings.
Sheet metal that has been coated with paint in coil form at the factory before being formed into panels or components.
The main load carrying structural members of a building, such as rigid frames, beams, and columns.
A building or space designed for gathering large groups of people, such as auditoriums, halls, or stadiums, which are subject to specific safety and code requirements.
A horizontal structural member that supports roof panels and transfers loads to the main frames or rafters.
The set of inspections, tests, and procedures used during fabrication and construction to ensure materials and workmanship meet specified standards and project requirements.
A sloping structural member that supports the roof covering and transfers loads to columns or walls.
The sloping edge of a gable roof that runs from the eave up to the ridge.
An angled structural or trim member located along the rake line of a roof.
A finishing trim piece installed along the sloped edge of a roof to provide weather protection and a clean appearance.
The force developed at a support in response to applied loads on a structure.
The set of support forces and moments that balance the applied loads on a structure.
A raised or formed ridge in a metal panel that increases stiffness and strength.
A metal wall or roof panel with formed ribs to improve structural capacity and water drainage.
The highest horizontal line of a roof where two sloping surfaces meet.
A covering installed over the ridge to seal the joint between roof panels and prevent water entry.
A connection that resists rotation and transfers bending moments as well as shear and axial forces between members.
A structural frame with moment resisting connections between columns and rafters, designed to resist both vertical and lateral loads.
A steel shape such as an I beam, channel, or angle produced by hot rolling at a mill.
A door made of interlocking slats that rolls into a coil above the opening when opened.
Large doors that move along tracks, either rolling upward into a coil or sliding horizontally.
The outermost layer of a roof that provides weather protection, such as metal panels, tiles, or membranes.
Temporary loads on a roof from maintenance workers, equipment, or short term storage.
The portion of the roof that extends beyond the exterior wall line.
The angle or steepness of a roof surface, often expressed as a ratio of rise to run.
The weight of accumulated snow that a roof is designed to support.
A flexible seal installed in panel laps or joints to improve weather tightness and reduce air or water infiltration.
A beam that supports and guides an overhead crane along its travel path.
A bracket attached to a column that supports a runway beam for a crane system.
A secondary structural member installed to reduce deflection and provide additional support to framing members subjected to bending.
A roof system in which panels are fastened directly to the supporting structure using exposed screws, providing a secure and economical roofing solution.
A flexible material applied to joints, seams, or gaps to prevent the passage of water, air, or dust.
Structural members such as purlins, girts, and sag members that support roof and wall panels and transfer loads to the primary framing system.
Doors composed of hinged panels that open vertically and move along overhead tracks, commonly used in industrial and commercial buildings.
Forces imposed on a structure as a result of ground motion during an earthquake.
A mechanical fastener with a drill-point tip that drills its own hole and forms threads during installation.
A fastener designed to cut its own threads into a pre-drilled hole as it is driven into place.
A document listing all materials and components shipped from the fabrication facility to the project site.
A corrosion-resistant coating applied to steel members at the fabrication shop to provide temporary protection before erection.
A fastener used to connect the overlapping edges of adjacent roof or wall panels.
The vertical exterior wall surface of a building between the foundation and the roof.
The portion of a roof that extends beyond the sidewall to provide protection from weather.
A horizontal member located at the base of a wall that supports wall panels or framing.
A structural connection designed to transfer shear forces while allowing rotation and not resisting bending moments.
A structural span supported only at its two ends, with no intermediate supports.
A roof configuration consisting of one continuous sloping surface.
A building or structural member that extends between two supports without intermediate support points.
A roof-mounted opening or panel that allows natural light to enter the building interior.
A door system that opens horizontally by sliding along a track.
The angle or inclination of a roof or surface relative to the horizontal plane.
The weight exerted on a structure by accumulated snow.
A bolt-tightening condition where the connected parts are in firm contact without inducing full bolt tension.
The underside surface of a roof overhang or eave.
A vertical steel member used to support loads or retain soil in structural and foundation applications.
The distance between two structural supports.
A connection used to join two structural members end-to-end.
A specialized tool used during steel erection to align bolt holes and tighten bolts.
A condition in which components or framing are aligned at right angles.
A metal panel system characterized by raised interlocking seams designed to improve weather resistance.
A roofing system using standing seam panels with concealed fasteners for enhanced durability and watertightness.
A plate or structural element added to a member to increase strength and prevent local buckling.
A small fastener used to secure adjacent metal panels or thin components together.
The internal force per unit area within a material resulting from applied loads.
A structural member designed to resist compressive forces.
Describes a shape, structure, or system in which the arrangement and dimensions are identical on either side of a central axis.
Structural steel members that are deeper at one end and shallower at the other, designed to place material where it is most needed to carry loads efficiently.
The highest amount of pulling force a material can handle before it breaks.
A component placed between materials to reduce heat transfer and improve energy efficiency.
A rating that shows how well a material resists heat flow; higher values mean better insulation.
A roofing system where panels are attached directly to the structure using visible screws or fasteners.
A unit of weight used to describe loads, capacities, or lifting requirements in construction.
The acceptable amount of variation allowed from the specified size or dimension during fabrication or installation.
A twisting force that acts on a structural member when loads cause it to rotate.
A guided path or channel that supports and allows movement of doors or other components.
Panels that let natural light pass through while spreading it evenly to reduce glare.
Describes a direction or force that acts across or perpendicular to the length of a member.
Finished pieces used to cover edges, joints, or transitions for protection and appearance.
A framework of connected members arranged in triangles to efficiently carry loads over a span.
A controlled way of tightening bolts by turning the nut a specific amount after it is snug, ensuring correct bolt tension.
An upward force acting on a structure, typically caused by wind pressure.
A measure of the rate of heat transfer through a building component, indicating its insulating performance.
The maximum stress a material can withstand before failure.
A load that is evenly distributed over a structural member or surface.
A gutter installed at the intersection of two roof slopes to collect and direct rainwater.
A material used to prevent moisture vapor from passing through walls or roofs.
The process of supplying and removing air to control temperature, moisture, and air quality inside a building.
A device installed in a building to allow controlled airflow for ventilation.
Structural members installed vertically to resist lateral forces such as wind or seismic loads.
A standard personnel door installed in a building for pedestrian access.
Material applied to the exterior or interior walls of a building for protection and appearance.
A prefabricated panel used to form the exterior or interior walls of a building.
A method of joining metal parts by melting and fusing them together.
A structural frame designed to resist wind loads acting on a building.
A vertical structural member that helps transfer wind loads from the building to the foundation.
The force exerted on a structure by wind pressure and suction.
The horizontal dimension of a building or structural component measured perpendicular to its length.
A structural bracing system where members are arranged in an X pattern to resist lateral loads such as wind and seismic forces.
A structural cross-section shaped like an “X,” used in specialized applications to provide strength and stability in multiple directions.
The stress level at which a material stops returning to its original shape after the load is removed and begins to deform permanently.
The maximum stress a material can withstand before it starts to deform permanently under load.
A cold-formed steel section with a Z-shaped cross-section, commonly used in secondary framing such as purlins and girts due to its strength, light weight, and ease of lapping.
A Z-shaped cold-formed steel member used to support roof decking or wall cladding in metal building systems, allowing efficient load distribution and continuity over multiple spans.