Engineering / Construction Definitions

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W

Wall, Load-Bearing – Any wall meeting either of the following classifications:

• Any metal or wood stud wall that supports more than 100 pounds per lineal foot (plf) of vertical load in addition to its own weight.

• Any masonry or concrete wall that supports more than 200 plf of vertical load

           in addition to its own weight.

Wall, Nonload-Bearing – Any wall that is not a load-bearing wall.

Wire Backing – Horizontal strands of tautened wire attached to surfaces of vertical supports which, when covered with the building paper, provide a backing for cement plaster.

Wood Structural Panel – A wood-based panel product bonded with a waterproof adhesive. Included under this designation are plywood, oriented strand board (OSB) and composite panels. These panel products meet the requirements of USDOC PS 1 or PS 2-92 and are intended for structural use in residential, commercial and industrial applications.

Wythe – Each continuous vertical section of a wall, one masonry unit in thickness.