Glossary terms

medium-span

spans between 14 and 40 feet (4.7 and 13 meters)

mesh

steel wire matrix to increase concrete temperature resistance & structural strength

mid-rise

buildings from 1 to 5 stories high

midspan

half of the span

module

standardized self contained building element (of any size and complexity)

modulus

modulus of elasticity: measure of strain to stress (deformation to applied force)

moment I

moment of inertia: measure of ability to resist stress relative to shape

moment M

measure of ability to resist bending (or at a joint: rotation) relative to stress

monocoque

single integral shell or piece

out-gas

emitting gaseous chemicals

owner-builder

property owner acting as general contractor for his own projects, hires sub-contractors directly, overseeing and being responsible for the work himself; typically hires an architect for schematic design

panelize

to create am-cor panel diagrams from a set of architectural plans

parapet

low protective wall or railing along the edge of a raised structure such as a roof or balcony

partition

interior wall

passive solar

use of the sun's energy through basic geometric design of an entire building shell, not active mechanical systems

perforated

having an array of small holes

perimeter

outside edge

perm

a measurement unit of how quickly water vapor will pass through a membrane or skin

permeable

allowing liquids or gases to pass through

photovoltaic

creating electricity from sunlight