User guide

877-2-MUELLER
H-2
METAL BUILDING TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
Brace Rods: Rods or cables used in roof and
walls to transfer loads such as wind loads, and
seismic and crane thrusts to the foundation. (Also
often used to plumb buildings but not designed to
replace erection cables.)
Bracing: Rods, angles or cables used in the plane
of the roof and walls to transfer loads, such as wind,
seismic and crane thrusts to the foundation.
Bracket: A structural support projecting from a
wall or column on which to fasten another structural
member. Examples are canopy brackets, lean-to
brackets, and crane runway brackets.
Bridge Crane: A load-lifting system consisting of a
hoist that moves laterally on a beam, girder, or bridge
that in turn moves longitudinally on a runway made
of beams and rails. Loads can be moved to any
point within a rectangle formed by the bridge span
and runway length.
Builder/Contractor: A general contractor or
sub-contractor responsible for providing and erecting
metal building systems.
Building Code: Regulations established by
a recognized agency describing design loads,
procedures, and construction details for structures.
Usually applying to designated political jurisdiction
(city, county, state, etc.)
Built-Up Section: A structural member, usually
an “I” section, made from individual flat plates
welded together.
Butt Plate: The end plate of a structural member
usually used to rest against a like plate of another
member in forming a connection. Sometimes called
a split plate or bolted end plate.
“C” Section: A member formed from steel sheet
in the shape of a block “C”, that may be used either
singularly or back to back.
Camber: A predetermined curvature designed
into a structural member to offset the anticipated
deflection when loads are applied.
Canopy: Any overhanging or projecting roof
structure with the extreme end usually unsupported.
Cantilever: A projecting beam that is supported
and restrained at one end only.
Capillary Action: That action which causes
movement of liquids when in contact with two
adjacent surfaces such as panel sidelaps.
Cap Plate: A plate located at the top of a
column or end of a beam for capping the exposed
end of a member.
Caulk: To seal and make weather tight the joints,
seams, or voids by filling with a waterproofing
compound or material.
Channel – Hot Rolled: A member formed while
in a semi-molten state at the steel mill to a shape
having standard dimensions and properties.
Clip: A plate or angle used to fasten two or more
members together.
Closure Strip: A resilient strip, formed to the
contour of ribbed panels used to close openings
created by joining metal panels and flashing.
Cold Forming: The process of using press brakes
or rolling mills to shape steel into desired cross
sections at room temperature.
Collateral Load: All specified additional dead
loads other than the metal building framing, such
as sprinklers, mechanical and electrical systems,
and ceilings.
Column: A primary member used in a vertical
position on a building to transfer loads from main
roof beams, trusses, or rafters to the foundation.
Continuity: The terminology given to a structural
member, as if there were no connections.
Contractor: See “Builder”.
Coverings: The exterior roof and wall covering for
a metal building system.
Crane: A machine designed to move material by
means of a hoist.
Crane Rail: A track supporting and guiding the
wheels of a bridge crane or trolley system.