Dictionary of Interior Designing

Aggregates - Aggregates are those chemically inert materials which when bonded by cement paste form concrete.

Arch - An Arch may be defined as mechanical arangement of wedge shaped blocks of stones or bricks mutually supporting each other and supported at the end by abutments.

Abutments - Abutment is the part of the wall or pier on which the arch resists.

Arch ring - It is a course of stones or bricks having a curve similar to that of the arch.

Acoustics - Acoustics or sound is a form of wave motion created by a vibrating body and is transmitted in all directions in the form of spherical waves consiiting of alternate compressions and rarefactions.

Acoustical plaster - This is gypsum mixture , which is employed as a final coat to serve the purpose of a sound-repellent finish.

Airborne sound - An airborne sound is one which is transmitted through air and travels direct to the ear of the person.

Anchor piles - In foundations , when piles are used to provide anchorage against horizontal pull from sheet piling walls or other pulling forces , they are termed as Anchor piles.

Alteration - A change in usage of building or a structural change , such as some addition or some deletion or change of the fixtures or equipment.

Assembly building - These shall include any building or part of a building where group of people gathers for amusement , recreation , social religious or for some other reason.

Asphalt varnish - This is made by dissolving melted hard asphalt in linseed oil and thinned with turpentine or petroleum spirit. This varnish is chiefly used to give a black shop coat to fabricated iron and steel products.