This tool is used to check if a surface is perfectly horizontal or vertical.
What is a level?
The measurement of materials before construction, often done from plans.
What is a takeoff?
The certification system that rates green buildings in the U.S.
What is LEED?
A drawing that shows a building from the outside, straight-on.
What is an elevation?
The force pulling objects toward the ground.
What is gravity?
This machine is commonly used to lift loads on high-rise projects.
What is a tower crane?
The material known for high compressive strength but poor tensile strength.
What is concrete?
Glass extending beyond the façade to reduce solar gain is called this.
What is a brise-soleil?
A 3D view showing depth, often from an angle.
What is an axon or perspective?
A load that moves, such as people or furniture.
What is a live load?
This handheld tool cuts rebar to length on site.
What is a rebar cutter or rebar shear?
This division in the CSI MasterFormat covers concrete.
What is Division 03?
A building designed to use minimal energy, often achieving net-zero, relies on this key principle.
What is passive design?
A cutaway drawing showing vertical relationships between spaces.
What is a section?
A diagonal structural component resisting lateral forces.
What is a brace?
A compactor used primarily for tight trenches and confined areas.
What is a jumping jack or rammer?
The mix design ratio 1:2:3 (cement:sand:aggregate) is typical for this material.
What is concrete?
This natural ventilation method uses warm air rising to pull fresh air through a building.
What is the stack effect?
The line on a floor plan that indicates where the building is cut for a section view.
What is a section cut line?
The structural support that transfers loads to the ground below a building.
What is the foundation?
This equipment uses a boom and bucket for digging, and is often confused with a backhoe.
What is an excavator?
A cost estimate created before full approval and based on limited info.
What is a conceptual or ROM estimate?
The concept that buildings should minimize environmental impact through full life-cycle awareness.
What is sustainable or cradle-to-cradle design?
The drawing type that shows the layout of structural and MEP systems in the ceiling.
What is an RCP (Reflected Ceiling Plan)?
The engineering term for the tendency of a slender column to suddenly bend under compression.
What is buckling?